Works of Mercy & Upgrade Points
The upgrade economy in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse: usage challenges per Arcana that convert play into skill upgrades.
Published October 15, 2026 · Last updated October 15, 2026
Quick Answer: Where Do Upgrade Points Come From?
Works of Mercy are the game's upgrade economy: challenges tied to each Arcana that require using that ability a set number of times under specific conditions. Completing them grants points you allocate toward upgrading the Arcana's associated skills — the closest thing Belmont's Curse has to a crafting or trading system, and it pays out purely from play.
| Investment | Mechanic | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Arcana usage | Works of Mercy conditions (per ability) | Upgrade points for that Arcana's skills |
| Boss defeats | Soul sealed into Rose's tarot card | New Arcana (spells + special actions) |
| Exploration | Map gaps, secrets, doorways | Weapon classes, Relics, flasks, mirrors |
The Upgrade Priority Rule
Invest points in the Arcana whose spells your build actually casts, and let exploration cover the rest. The rarest completion achievements confirm the ceiling: all arcana blessings unlocked (Pick a card, any card, 0.1%) and 100% game completion (Perfectionist Hunter, 0.1%) sit at the very top of the investment curve.