Castlevania 2 Walkthrough: Part One, toward Berkeley Mansion
Castlevania 2 world map

Day 0, noon, the adventure begins for Simon Belmont. If you are not comfortable with the game, dates, times, menu, etc. take a look at the tutorial.

You are in the village of Jova, the first village in the game (obviously). Before leaving the village, you will need to buy Holy Water and the White Crystal. The two vendors are close to each other, on the far right of the village, on the intermediate floor. Just go right and down to meet them, but you don't have enough money. The game thus begins with a short phase of pseudo-leveling. You can buy the Holy Water by taking the door on the right, and then you will have to leave the village and spend your first night outside to obtain 50 hearts. Since the night is long and the villagers are unavailable during this period, kill as many enemies as possible; this will give you a little money in advance. Finally, the sun reappears. Go talk to the person selling the White Crystal and buy it.

Here are 3 passwords for day 1 at noon with:

1. the Thorn Whip, the White Crystal, and Holy Water. Level 0
2. the Chain Whip, the Dagger, the White Crystal, and Holy Water. Level 1
3. the Morning Star, the White Crystal, and Holy Water. Level 2 (I struggled a bit to get this one :)).

With your essential equipment complete, you now need to reach Berkeley Mansion by leaving the village to the right. You will cross a forest (Jova Woods), a large bridge over water, and a small marsh. Do not go down the large stairs that follow and continue your way to the right. Shortly after this half-swampy forest (Veros Forest) is the entrance to the first dungeon of the game: Berkeley Mansion.

Head to Berkeley Mansion for the rest of the walkthrough.