Rebel Wolves has unveiled a new gameplay demo for The Blood of Dawnwalker, showcasing significant adjustments made in response to player feedback from its previous presentation. The studio, comprised of former CD Projekt Red developers with experience on titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher series, has generated considerable excitement about the potential of this RPG. Writer Ariana Siarkiewicz provides insights into the latest gameplay features and modifications.
Gameplay Insights
Our resident vampire game enthusiast, Lauren, recently explored The Blood of Dawnwalker at Gamescom, likening it to “an undead chimera” that draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including Bloodborne, Vampire: The Masquerade, and Plague Tale. This demo continues the quest titled ‘A Monk and a Saint,’ where the protagonist, Coen, embarks on a journey to locate a legendary sword. Siarkiewicz emphasizes, “Today we’re going to get to the end of that quest.”
This demonstration serves a dual purpose: not only does it highlight the changes made, but it also illustrates how the game’s events can unfold differently depending on whether players experience them in human form during the day or as a vampire at night. In the daytime scenario, Coen investigates an asylum, where he bribes a resident to uncover the secrets of a hidden wing, home to plague-stricken patients abandoned to their fate.
In this dark setting, Coen confronts a Murohn, a creature born from a failed vampire transformation, capable of employing unstable abilities like Shadowstep. After vanquishing this foe, Coen utilizes the Compel Soul hex, a magical ability exclusive to his human form, to communicate with the deceased. With new information in hand, Siarkiewicz notes that a quest objective is marked with an hourglass symbol, indicating a shift in time.
However, instead of advancing time, we rewind to the beginning of the sequence, this time witnessing Coen’s stealthy approach to a cathedral under the cloak of night. Evading the powerful vampire Xanthe, who is engaged in a ritual below, Coen examines frescoes from the scaffolding before using Shadowstep to infiltrate a nearby library through an unlocked balcony door.
As Coen exits, guards swiftly draw their weapons, revealing the new gameplay enhancements implemented by Rebel Wolves. “We’ve listened to your feedback and we’ve worked on the flow of using active abilities,” Siarkiewicz explains, as Coen engages in combat with both fangs and sword. “We are no longer pausing the choice menu – it’s real time, in gameplay.” This change mirrors the dynamic decision-making found in The Witcher 3, compelling players to make quick choices and adapt accordingly.
Another notable update involves the camera perspective, which Siarkiewicz acknowledges was a significant point of discussion following the initial gameplay reveal. In response to player feedback, a second camera option has been added for those who prefer a slightly wider view. While the original distance offered a more immersive experience, the new adjustable camera settings for combat and exploration provide flexibility, allowing players to choose their preferred angle during battles.
The Blood of Dawnwalker is slated for release in 2026. For those eager to stay informed about the game’s release date and latest updates, a comprehensive guide is available. Additionally, the concluding moments of the demo video offer a tantalizing glimpse into the narrative direction of this quest, leaving fans excited yet cautious about delving too deeply into the intricate world crafted by Rebel Wolves.
