The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as some of the masterminds who brought us The Witcher 3 | Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 have embarked on a fresh adventure under a new banner. Rebel Wolves, a studio established by a cadre of former CD Projekt RED developers, is channeling their seasoned expertise into an ambitious project titled The Blood of Dawnwalker.
This dark fantasy action RPG promises to deliver an expansive experience brimming with player freedom, and the studio recently pulled back the curtain on their debut title during a highly anticipated livestream, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into what lies ahead.
Founded in 2022 by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz—previously the game director for The Witcher 3 and a key figure in Cyberpunk 2077’s production—Rebel Wolves brings together a talented roster of CD Projekt RED alumni. This includes creative director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, narrative director Jakub Szamalek, design director Daniel Sadowski, and art director Bartłomiej Gaweł, all of whom contributed to the rich worlds of The Witcher and Cyberpunk. Their collective track record speaks volumes, having crafted some of the most immersive and story-driven RPGs of the past decade. Now, with The Blood of Dawnwalker, they aim to push the boundaries even further, blending their storytelling prowess with a newfound focus on player agency.
What sets The Blood of Dawnwalker apart is its emphasis on freedom of action, a hallmark Rebel Wolves is branding as a “narrative sandbox.” Unlike traditional RPGs with rigid questlines, this game promises a non-linear experience where time is a precious resource. Every decision Coen makes—whether to embrace his vampiric powers or cling to his humanity—shapes the story and the world around him. The stream highlighted this dynamic, with developers explaining how quests lack a clear distinction between “main” and “side” objectives. Instead, players decide how to spend their limited days and nights, choosing which stories to pursue and which to let fade as the clock ticks down. This approach ensures that no two playthroughs are identical, offering a level of replayability that could redefine the genre.
Visually, the game leverages Unreal Engine 5 to bring its dark fantasy setting to life. The snippets of gameplay teased during the stream showcased a moody, atmospheric world filled with towering gothic architecture, misty forests, and blood-soaked battlegrounds. Combat appears to blend human resilience with vampiric flair—think swordplay infused with supernatural agility and strength. The developers hinted at a robust melee system, with Coen facing off against a variety of foes, from mortal soldiers to monstrous creatures of the night. Traversal mechanics, like scaling walls or leaping across rooftops, also suggest a verticality that could add depth to exploration and encounters.
The stream wasn’t just a showcase of visuals and mechanics; it was a declaration of intent. Rebel Wolves emphasized their desire to craft a game that echoes the emotional weight and narrative richness of their past works while breaking free from the constraints of larger studio dynamics. Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, now serving as both CEO and game director, has spoken about wanting to create something “unique” with a smaller, tight-knit team—currently around 90 members—free from the pressures that plagued projects like Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch. This focus on team cohesion and creative liberty shines through in their promise to avoid crunch and prioritize quality over rushed deadlines.
For fans of The Witcher and Cyberpunk, The Blood of Dawnwalker carries the DNA of its predecessors—think intricate world-building, morally gray choices, and a protagonist caught in a web of fate—while forging a distinct identity. The vampire theme, possibly inspired by The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine expansion, adds a fresh twist, drawing from Eastern European folklore to populate its universe with eerie legends turned reality. Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, though no specific date has been set. A full gameplay reveal is promised for the summer of 2025, keeping anticipation simmering as development progresses.
Set in an alternate XIV-century Europe, The Blood of Dawnwalker’s narrative unfolds amid devastating disasters, frequent wars, deadly diseases, and the rise of cruel vampires who have overthrown the previous rulers. The game’s protagonist, Cohen, is introduced in the trailer. After acquiring supernatural abilities, Cohen must save his loved ones from bloodsuckers within a 30-day timeframe.
Time in the game will advance only at specific moments, requiring players to manage it wisely. Cohen will face a choice between preserving his true identity or embracing a dark essence, impacting both gameplay and the plot. A central mechanic is “Hunger,” where the protagonist risks losing control and killing key characters if he goes too long without consuming blood, leading to unexpected outcomes.
Players will have the freedom to explore intricate locations, with many elements influenced by the time of day. The open world is described as a “narrative sandbox” with extensive opportunities for action. Every decision made will have future consequences, ensuring that each playthrough is unique. Rebel Wolves emphasizes that their action RPG is a single-player adventure focused on storytelling.
During the online presentation, the team also shared a teaser featuring alpha build footage and previewed several tracks from the game’s soundtrack. The Blood of Dawnwalker has been in development for two years on the Unreal Engine 5. Key contributors to the project include Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, head of development for The Witcher 3, screenwriter Jakub Szamalek, artist Bartłomiej Havel, and Martin Tomaszkiewicz, quest director for Cyberpunk 2077.
The Blood of Dawnwalker will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, although an exact release date has not yet been announced. More detailed gameplay information is expected to be shared in the future.
Trailer on YouTube
Screenshots
