- Journey Crossover: Update 1.40 introduces “The Tunnels,” a massive new area inspired by thatgamecompany’s Journey, featuring unique environmental puzzles and a dedicated guardian boss.
- Unlocking Requirements: Players must defeat Gebel and gain access to the Den of Behemoths before the entrance to The Tunnels appears as a highlighted icon on the castle map.
- Completionist Reward: Defeating the area’s boss yields the Mystical Scarf, a unique accessory that provides defensive boosts and a signature visual scarf-trail effect.
Miriam’s odyssey through the demon-infested corridors of Hellhold remains a masterclass in the Metroidvania genre. Even as we move through 2026, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Update 1.40 stands as one of the game’s most artistic milestones. Originally released on August 23, 2022, this update bridged the gap between Koji Igarashi’s gothic horror and the ethereal desert landscapes of Journey, proving that the Army of the Night’s support for this title is as enduring as the castle itself.
The Tunnels: A Crossover of Light and Shadow
The centerpiece of Update 1.40 is “The Tunnels.” Unlike previous expansions that focused on combat intensity, this area emphasizes atmosphere and exploration, mirroring the visual language of Journey. While the level design feels cavernous and distinct, it maintains the core Bloodstained loop, requiring high-tier Shard abilities to navigate its hidden verticality.
Pro-Tip: The Tunnels do not contribute to your total map completion percentage. This allows completionists to secure the rewards without worrying about breaking a 100% “clean” run of the base castle layout.
How to Access the Journey Boss Area
To enter this hidden realm, you must have progressed deep into the endgame. The entrance will not trigger until you have reached the following milestones:
- Defeat Gebel: Ensure you have reached the “Good” or “True” ending path prerequisites.
- Unlock Den of Behemoths: The area becomes available only after this late-game zone is accessible.
- Map Location: Despite the prerequisite, the entrance is actually located in the Entrance zone of the castle. Once the requirements are met, a new room icon will appear on your map, distinct from the standard corridors.
During the same late-summer window in 2022, other major titles were refining their experiences, such as the Tekken 7 Update 5.00 and the Cuphead Update 1.05, but few offered a transformation as visually striking as Bloodstained’s Tunnels.
New Equipment: The Mystical Scarf
Overcoming the level’s guardian grants Miriam the Mystical Scarf. In the current 2026 meta for completionists, this item is favored more for its aesthetic value than raw power, though its stats remain respectable for mid-to-high level play.
| Stat/Attribute | Value / Effect |
|---|---|
| Defense (DEF) | +5 |
| Mind (MND) | +5 |
| Visual Effect | Extended glowing trail behind Miriam |
While later patches like the 1.5 update introduced more complex multiplayer modes, the Mystical Scarf remains a “badge of honor” for those who conquered the 1.40 content. Note that this item is purely functional in single-player and does not grant additional flight capabilities in the Chaos or Versus modes.
Full Patch Notes: Update 1.40 Technical Fixes
Beyond the crossover content, 505 Games and ArtPlay addressed several long-standing community concerns regarding game stability and the Randomizer mode. According to the official Bloodstained development blog, the following fixes were implemented:
Core Game Updates
- Randomizer Stability: Fixed a critical bug where Save and Warp rooms would randomize even if the player selected the “Unchanged” option in the setup menu.
- Nintendo Switch Optimization: Resolved a persistent timestamp error that affected save file sorting and cloud synchronization on the Switch hardware.
- Controller Configuration: Fixed an interface bug where custom controller remapping was not reflected in the on-screen command prompts.
- General Performance: Minor bug fixes and memory leak optimizations across all platforms (PC, PS4, Xbox).
“The castle is built on a foundation of magic and mystery. Just when you think you’ve explored it all, there’s always another discovery to be made.”
For those revisiting Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night in 2026, Update 1.40 remains a essential download. It represents the height of the game’s post-launch support, blending technical refinement with the creative spirit that made the Kickstarter campaign a legend in gaming history.
