How to Beat Dracula in Original Castlevania

For Dracula’s final fight in the original Castlevania, prioritize safe openings over constant attacks. In phase one, target his head after he appears, then move to avoid his projectile spread. In phase two, stay mobile, avoid standing beneath him, and attack when you have room to retreat.

Phase one: attack after Dracula appears

Dracula teleports, appears in a position, and fires three projectiles. The draft identifies his head as the vulnerable target.

Watch for Dracula to appear and pause before firing.
Use that brief opening to whip his head or attack with a sub-weapon.
Move away before the projectiles reach you. Don’t stay to force extra hits.

The draft suggests standing midway between the room’s center and edge, but it doesn’t establish that this position guarantees a specific spawn or attack. Treat it as a positioning option, not a sure way to control the fight.

Phase two: stay mobile and attack his head

In phase two, Dracula becomes a large beast that lunges and jumps. The draft recommends jumping over lunges, avoiding the space directly beneath him, and striking his head when an opening appears. Keep enough distance to react rather than circling so closely that you get trapped under him.

If you have the Cross, the draft says it can pass through Dracula’s hitbox multiple times. It also names Holy Water as a possible sub-weapon, but provides no specific second-phase tactic for it.

Preserve health and sub-weapon uses

The draft recommends entering the fight with a sub-weapon and saving hearts for its use. It suggests carrying 10–20 hearts, but does not establish that number as a requirement. If your supply is low, don’t spend hearts on minor enemies when you can avoid it.

Knockback can leave Simon in a dangerous position, especially near an edge. When your health is low, wait for an opening that gives you room to attack and retreat. If a phase-two jump or projectile pattern leaves you without a safe route, focus on dodging until you can reposition.