Rebel Wolves, in collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment, has unveiled a new gameplay deep dive for The Blood of Dawnwalker, offering players an early look at the world, systems, and mechanics behind its upcoming dark fantasy RPG. Premiered to coincide with the summer solstice (or the winter solstice for those of us in the southern hemisphere), the showcase features fresh footage of exploration, directional combat, and the complex vampiric powers that define the game’s protagonist, Coen.
Planned for release in 2026, The Blood of Dawnwalker is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The gameplay footage, captured directly from a recent pre-beta build on PC, offers an unpolished yet authentic view of the game’s current state. Rebel Wolves has emphasised that no post-capture enhancements have been made, reinforcing its commitment to transparency throughout the development process.
Set within the grim and mysterious land of Vale Sangora, the game places heavy emphasis on player agency and consequences. Players will guide Coen across diverse terrain – from eerie swamps and desolate ruins to towering mountain ranges and darkened city streets. Svartrau, the region’s largest settlement, serves as a focal point of the narrative. Its daytime facade of bustling medieval life is shattered by night, revealing a society ruled in the shadows by a vampire regime. The city’s inhabitants respond dynamically to the player’s actions, with choices shaping both personal interactions and the broader storyline.
Coen, a hybrid known as a Dawnwalker, straddles the boundary between human and vampire. His abilities evolve with the passage of time: during daylight, he relies on swordplay and runic magic channelled through scars etched into his skin; by night, he unleashes vampiric powers such as razor-sharp claws and the stealthy traversal ability Shadowstep, which enables quick movement across rooftops.
Combat in The Blood of Dawnwalker employs a directional system that prioritises timing and strategy. Players must read enemy patterns, execute precise blocks, and counter at the right moments to succeed in battle. Meanwhile, Coen’s bloodlust adds another layer of complexity. If not managed carefully – through draining enemies, animals, or using blood vials – his powers will weaken, and in extreme cases, he may lose control, with potentially fatal consequences for key story characters.
