In a long-awaited reveal, Radical Wolves, the studio founded by former The Witcher III: Wild Hunt director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, has introduced its debut game, The Blood of Dawnwalker. The single-player open-world RPG was showcased during a livestream, giving fans a first look at a breathtaking cinematic trailer and a short gameplay teaser that offers a glimpse of what’s to come.
Founded just three years ago, Radical Wolves has already made a significant mark, attracting investment from NetEase and securing a publishing deal with Bandai Namco for their first title. The game draws inspiration from The Witcher III, but sets itself apart with unique twists and a darker tone.
Set in the 14th century, in the fictional region of Vale Lenora, the game explores a world where supernatural forces rise amid the ravages of the Black Plague. A group of vampires led by the ancient and powerful Brencis overthrows the medieval rulers, taking control of the Vale. In exchange for protection from the plague, the locals are forced to offer regular blood sacrifices.
The protagonist, Coen, finds himself entwined in this dark world. His sister, infected with the Black Plague, is saved by the vampires during a brutal confrontation. However, Coen’s fate takes an unexpected turn when he is transformed into a unique type of vampire, weakened by silver poisoning but still able to walk among humans during the day.
The game offers a dual gameplay loop: by day, Coen fights as a human, relying on basic combat skills and limited magic. By night, he can tap into his vampire powers, facing increasingly dangerous enemies like undead, kobolds, and terrifying creatures called uriashes.
As an open-world RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker promises rich character interactions, allowing players to form alliances or clash with others. But there’s a catch: players only have 30 days and nights to succeed in their mission to take down Brencis and free Coen’s family. Players will have to manage not only the relationships they build but also Coen’s blood hunger—fail to feed him, and he may grow weak or even turn against his friends.
The game’s captivating mechanics, including the challenge of managing Coen’s transformations and time-sensitive quests, are bound to provide a fresh and engaging experience. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, The Blood of Dawnwalker will be revealed in full later this summer. While there’s no confirmed release date, we do know the game will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 14th January 2025