Some bosses want your blood. In Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, one wants a mirror. The Self is a hidden encounter and a requirement for the game’s true ending. Here’s how to reach it and what to do next.
Table of Contents
Castlevania: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Boss | The Self (Doppelganger, a shadow version of Rose) |
| Location | Gallery of the Four Virtues, Notre-Dame |
| Unlock | Complete the Four Virtues stained-glass trials |
| Reward | The Self Arcana and the Absolution spell |
| Why it matters | Needed for the true ending |
New to the series? Read the Castlevania overview on Wikipedia.
What You Need First
Before the encounter becomes available, you must:
- Defeat Dracula once to get the normal ending.
- Collect four Arcana cards: The Warrior, The Judge, The Whisperer and The Sage.
How to Trigger The Self
1. Head to Notre-Dame. Once you arrive, examine the Gallery to find a note about the curse on Rose’s arm.
2. Use the stained glass windows. The Gallery has four stained glass windows, and interacting with them starts their individual trials. Equip each matching Arcana card to open its window.
3. Ring the four virtue bells. Completing all four trials earns you the Virtues and triggers the final encounter.
4. Face The Self. You’ll fight a shadowy copy of Rose. Defeat her to earn her blessing.
For more gaming guides like this, explore our walkthrough coverage on Technosports.
Fighting Your Doppelganger
Since this boss mirrors you, a few general principles apply:
- Know your own toolkit: Your opponent is shaped like you, so think about what you’d do in her place.
- Keep healing items ready: A long fight is easier with a safety net.
- Stay patient: Dodging and counterattacking beats trading blows recklessly.
The Reward: Absolution
Defeating The Self replaces the Cursed Arcana with The Self Arcana, unlocking the Absolution spell. It deals massive damage to nearby enemies and heals Rose, but it uses all of your mana.
The Final Step: Return to Dracula
For the true ending, go back to Dracula with The Self Arcana equipped. Use Absolution at the end of the fight to finish the job.
Want help with other bosses? Browse our latest Castlevania and action-game guides.
FAQs
Is The Self required for the true ending?
Yes. Defeating it is part of unlocking the true ending in Belmont’s Curse.
What does the Absolution spell do?
It deals big damage to nearby enemies and heals Rose, but costs all your mana.
