How to Reach the Top of the Prison Tower in Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse

Perched atop the Prison Tower in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse lies the Warrior, a formidable initial boss you must defeat to unlock the passage to the catacombs. While navigating the lower subterranean levels requires manipulating adjacent architecture to lower functional gates and create swinging momentum, standard acrobatics alone won’t suffice when attempting to scale the Upper Tower and reach the perilous Roof of the Tower.

Below, we outline how to ascend the Prison Tower in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse and pinpoint the exact location of the elusive carpenter’s crane.

How to reach the apex of the Prison Tower in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

You can locate the Prison Tower within the Paris Streets district by traveling due north from the Catacombs Gate and then shifting west. Although the majority of the structure is open for exploration, the primary route leading to the Roof of the Tower remains firmly sealed. Overcoming this barrier demands locating and operating a concealed crane.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Konami, Evil Empire/Konami via Polygon

You will first discover information regarding the crane from a lingering spirit stationed in the western sector of the Upper Tower. Swing across the pair of yellow anchor points toward the west until you reach the lever-operated platform. The entity rests just above this location; however, gaining access requires navigating a traitorous leftward path littered with hazards. Execute rapid wall-jumps to scale the shaft, then swing expertly toward the compact ledge tucked into the chamber’s western corner (smashing the adjacent right-hand wall uncovers a hidden defense-boosting collectible). From this vantage point, drop down and carefully time your whip strikes to propel yourself successively toward a purple anchor on the left, followed immediately by another on the right.

Completing your conversation with the spirit grants you access to a blueprint sketch detailing the carpenter’s crane, highlighting a specific anchor that must be pulled to unlock the mechanism’s enclosure. However, interpreting the nuances of this map can prove somewhat challenging.

Where to find the carpenter’s crane in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Konami, Evil Empire/Konami via Polygon

Should you possess the knowledge of the crane yet struggle to locate it, there is no need for concern. The carpenter’s crane is situated in the northeastern section of the Prison Tower map. Begin by descending back into the lower reaches of the structure and making your way to the elevation housing the Mirror of Life chamber. Head west and, prior to stepping inside the tower proper, engage the purple anchor to launch yourself off the wall toward a yellow anchor point. Swing back in the direction of the tower to catch a higher purple anchor, which will subsequently allow you to vault onto a secure platform.

To your right, you’ll spot another yellow anchor. Use your whip to gain momentum and swing eastward until you reach a final yellow anchor capped with a distinct wooden hexagon. Swing from this fixture three consecutive times to unlatch the doorway providing access to the crane. Ride the machinery upward to reach the portal leading to the Roof of the Tower, where your showdown with the Warrior awaits.

Source: Polygon