Crouch

Crouching is a basic action in most 2D platforming Castlevania games and performed by simply pressing the down button while standing on a platform. It causes the character to lower its height, making it a smaller target or allowing it to attack from a lower height. Most basic attacks can be performed while crouching. However, sub-weapon attacks cannot be performed in most games when they are accomplished by attacking while holding the up button.

A couple games allow you to Crawl on the ground while crouching (Super Castlevania IV, Castlevania: Legends). More modern games allow you to Slide by pressing the Jump button while crouching. Special items sometimes appear from the ground when crouching (or "kneeling") in a particular spot for several seconds.