Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, like many entries in the long-running series, offers multiple endings based on player actions and preparation. The game features three distinct conclusions, ranging from a story-driven 'false' ending to a more challenging 'good' ending.
The False Ending
The first ending, technically a false ending, is encountered naturally as part of the story progression. Players will reach a point in Dracula's Castle where Death sets a trap. Proceeding through this trap, rather than avoiding it, triggers this ending. While it might seem like a setback, this path is necessary for story advancement and also unlocks a unique skin for the character Rose, which cannot be obtained elsewhere. To trigger it, players should continue through the castle towards the Clock Tower, pursuing Isaac and Dracula. As the environment begins to warp, enter the warping screen. This will lead to a loop that ultimately deposits the player before Dracula's Chamber, resulting in the bad ending.
The Normal Ending
To achieve the normal ending, players must continue from the point where the false ending was triggered. A key requirement is acquiring the Shadow Arcana from Notre Dame Cathedral, which prevents the player from falling into Death's trap should they revisit that area. This path also necessitates obtaining the Builder, Occultist, and Artist Arcana to access Notre Dame. Players may need to consult guides for specific areas like the Clock Tower for the Builder Arcana, the Library for constellations needed for the Star Chart guide, and the Alucard Paintings guide for the Artist Arcana. After gathering these, the player will face Isaac at the top of the Clock Tower and subsequently Dracula in the Master's Quarters. Following a two-phase battle with Dracula, he will begin to spread his curse. If the player takes no further action at this point, the game concludes with the normal ending.
The Good Ending
Attaining the good ending requires more extensive preparation before the final confrontation with Dracula. The initial step involves completing the four Virtues Trials within Notre Dame Cathedral. These trials are located in the Room of the Four Virtues and are presented as stained glass windows. Each trial necessitates equipping specific Arcana: Warrior (Joan of Arc Arcana, leading to a tougher rematch), Whisperer (requiring the Miser's three eyes and coins to be given to the Ferryman), Judge (completing the Judge's Test), and Sage (defeating Succubus in the Hall of Mirrors after breaking Sage's Seals, then meeting Eleanor of Acquitane in the Tomb of the Noble Queen). The latter location is situated in the Holy Innocents' Cemetery. Following these trials, the player must enter the central stained glass window for a battle against their own doppelganger. Once victorious, the Curse Arcana will transform into The Self Arcana. To unlock the best ending, this newly acquired The Self Arcana must be fully maximized by completing its 'Works of Mercy' challenges. These include specific combat feats, exploring a significant portion of the map (85%), and healing using the spell a set number of times. Upon maximization, The Self Arcana becomes potent enough to dispel Dracula's curse after the second phase of his final battle, thus triggering the game's best ending.