The Blood of Dawnwalker is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most intriguing action RPGs, especially for fans of dark fantasy with a gothic twist.
In a freshly released gameplay overview, developer Rebel Wolves – a studio founded by former CD Projekt veterans – showcases a bold new world that draws on familiar inspirations but forges its own bloody path.
Players take control of Coen, a Dawnwalker – a hybrid of man and vampire – navigating a world that changes dramatically between day and night. By day, the streets of Svartrau bustle with medieval life, while by night, sinister secrets stir in the shadows. It’s a setting that evokes memories of Novigrad from The Witcher 3, but with its own bite – quite literally.
Coen’s dual nature defines gameplay. During the day, he wields a sword and taps into rune-based magic that drains his health with each use. Come nightfall, his vampiric instincts awaken: razor-sharp claws, rapid rooftop traversal via Shadowstep, and a hunger that must be constantly fed. Let that hunger grow too long, and Coen may lose control – with deadly consequences for friend or foe alike.
The combat uses a directional system similar to For Honor, demanding careful timing, precision blocks, and reactive counters. It’s less about button-mashing and more about cinematic duels that reward patience and skill. The gameplay preview closes with a brutal loss to vampire boss Xanthe, a taste of just how unforgiving Dawnwalker’s world can be.
Players won’t be shackled by linear storytelling. Instead, Rebel Wolves promises a “narrative sandbox” where actions ripple through the world, reshaping quests and story arcs. With only 30 in-game days to save his family, time becomes both a ticking clock and a resource to manage.
Launching in 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X, The Blood of Dawnwalker isn’t trying to reinvent the RPG wheel – but it’s definitely carving its own myth in blood.