Ethan Crossfield 
Players interested in Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls have only a short window to access the mobile spin-off. Konami will remove it from the Apple Arcade storefront on August 20, 2026, before ending the game’s service entirely on September 3. After that date, Grimoire of Souls will no longer be playable through an official version, including for players who already have access to it.
What is changing for Grimoire of Souls?
Konami announced the delisting and shutdown on August 16, but did not provide a reason for the decision. The first deadline is August 20, when Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will disappear from Apple Arcade. The second is September 3, when its online service will terminate completely. This means downloading or having previously accessed the game will not preserve the ability to play it after the shutdown. Konami did thank players for supporting the game over the years, but its announcement did not outline any replacement service or offline option.
Who is affected by the shutdown?
The closure affects Apple Arcade users who currently play the game or hoped to try it later. Grimoire of Souls first launched for iOS and Android in September 2019, initially only in Canada, but that release was removed about a year later. It returned in September 2021 as an Apple Arcade exclusive with updated graphics and character models, while also removing the microtransactions associated with its earlier version. Because the title is now tied to a service that is ending, interested players have until the August 20 storefront removal to begin exploring it and until September 3 to keep playing.
What should Castlevania fans watch next?
Grimoire of Souls tells a new side story centered on Genya Arikado, an identity connected to Alucard, after a mysterious letter warns that the titular Grimoire has awakened and is spreading darkness. The adventure brings together familiar characters including Simon Belmont, Richter Belmont, Trevor Belmont, Charlotte Aulin, and Maria Renard. Its shutdown removes one modern way to experience those characters, although the broader franchise has another release ahead. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled for October 15 and is described in the source material as the first full-fledged mainline entry since 2014’s Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. Early hands-on coverage has been positive, but the game has not launched yet.
What players should know
- Apple Arcade delisting date: August 20, 2026.
- Complete service shutdown: September 3, 2026.
- Existing access will not allow the game to remain playable after the shutdown.
- The game features RPG elements, action-adventure platforming, and characters from across the Castlevania series.
- Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled to arrive on October 15.
Expert View
The shutdown is a clear loss for players who value preserving mobile games, especially because Grimoire of Souls has no announced offline mode or successor service. Its Apple Arcade availability also limited the number of people who could access it. Still, the upcoming Belmont’s Curse gives Castlevania fans a reason to keep watching the franchise, even though it cannot replace the now-disappearing spin-off for players who wanted to revisit its specific story and character lineup.
