Overview
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy open-world action RPG set in Gothic, 14th-century Europe. Developed by Rebel Wolves (founded by former CD Projekt vets) and published by Bandai Namco, the game puts players in the shoes of Coen, a human by day and vampire by night, navigating a collapsing kingdom ruled by vampires.
Key Details
- Developer / Publisher: Rebel Wolves / Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Genre: Open-world action RPG with narrative sandbox elements
- Perspective: Third-person
- Engine: Unreal Engine 5
- Mode: Single-player
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
Release Info
- Announcement: Premiered during the Xbox Games Showcase (Summer Game Fest 2025, June 8)
- Release Window: 2026
- Availability: Day-one release across platforms; wishlist and pre-order live on Steam and storefronts
Gameplay & Features
- Day-night transformation: Coen shifts between human and vampire forms, each offering distinct combat, traversal, and narrative options
- Narrative Sandbox: Player choices influence missions, allegiances, and story outcomes—balancing humanity, vampiric urges, and world-altering consequences
- Combat & Movement: Realistic medieval swordplay mixed with visceral vampire abilities (claws, enhanced strength, climbing, dark magic)
- Time as a resource: Players are given 30 days to save their family, encouraging strategic decision-making and narrative paths
- Vampire lore & drama: Grounded yet inventive twist on vampirism—including mechanics like silver poisoning and blood-based social progression
- Polished world-building: A rich, interconnected realm steeped in Black Death-era strife, vampire politics, and Eastern European folklore
Developer Commentary
Rebel Wolves emphasizes a goal of merging grounded combat with mythic vampire fantasy. Creative Director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz reflects on Coen’s unique arc and the world of Vale Sangora as an emotionally lived-in space shaped by player choices.
Community & Press Reaction
- Trailers received attention for their Witcher-era authenticity and “Blade meets Witcher” aesthetic
- The narrative sandbox and day-night shift system sparked enthusiastic comparisons to both Witcher and Persona
- Reddit discussion centered on the title flow—debate over adding ‘The’ to the name (“Blood of the Dawnwalker”)
- Hands-on impressions praised its layered mechanics, moral themes, and atmospheric visuals
Final Thoughts
The Blood of Dawnwalker blends vampire mythos with nuanced storytelling and survival realism. With its strategic playtime mechanic (30 days), moral complexity, and detailed-day/night gameplay loop, it’s shaping up to be a major narrative-driven RPG of 2026—especially for fans of Witcher-style world-building and deep character growth.