The Blood of Dawnwalker: A New RPG Experience
Earlier this year, we were introduced to The Blood of Dawnwalker, an upcoming RPG from Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by former CD Projekt RED developers, including Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the game director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Joining him are other CD Projekt RED veterans such as Tomasz Tinc and Jakub Szamałek. A recent 20-minute gameplay overview video has been unveiled, showcasing various gameplay mechanics.
The gameplay footage kicks off with Coen embarking on a quest to find a powerful weapon within a cathedral. Along the way, he encounters a group of bandits, providing a glimpse into the combat system of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players will wield a sword to engage in combat, strategically attacking in different directions to outmaneuver opponents. Defensive tactics, such as parrying enemy strikes, are crucial for survival. Coen possesses unique abilities like Acrid Dust and Burning Blood, each serving a distinct purpose in battle. The successful skirmish rewards Coen with loot, including a better weapon, and allows him to level up, granting a skill point for advancement in one of three skill trees: human, vampire, and shared.
Throughout The Blood of Dawnwalker, player choices impact Coen’s interactions with the game world. Approaching the city housing the cathedral showcases the consequences of player actions, as guards either welcome or hinder Coen based on his reputation with vampire lords and the populace. Storming the castle Greisberg to confront the vampire lord presents a challenging but flexible gameplay experience, allowing players to tackle it at any point in the game. The narrative unfolds dynamically, influenced by character relationships and quest decisions, offering multiple paths to explore and quests to undertake.
Exploration in The Blood of Dawnwalker varies with the time of day, with Coen adopting different abilities as a human during the day and a vampire at night. Transitioning between forms unlocks unique traversal skills and combat mechanics, adding depth to gameplay. As a vampire, Coen’s health is tied to blood consumption, presenting ethical dilemmas regarding feeding on humans. The choice between draining victims partially or completely impacts the narrative, reflecting Coen’s moral compass.
Additionally, Coen possesses the Planeshift ability, enabling unconventional movement across surfaces, enhancing exploration and combat versatility. The game’s release is slated for 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series XS, promising an immersive RPG experience for players seeking a blend of narrative depth and strategic gameplay.
Source: YouTube
