The new studio, founded by former CD Projekt veterans, delivers a narratively compelling action RPG with Blood of Dawnwalker, packed with fresh ideas – even if the gameplay isn’t without its flaws.
One thing is already clear to me: In what has been an outstanding year for games, Blood of Dawnwalker is one of my highlights of 2026. When it comes to storytelling, Rebel Wolves’ debut is among the best the RPG genre has produced in years. The emotional prologue immediately pulls me in, while the many side stories are consistently rewarding – sometimes dark and brutal, sometimes surprisingly funny. Rarely have I been this eager to discover the next encounter and the next little story waiting for me in a dark fantasy world.
In terms of gameplay, Blood of Dawnwalker bridges the gap between familiar genre conventions and fresh ideas. You take on the role of a young man named Coen, who becomes a half-vampire through a twist of fate and has 30 days to rescue his kidnapped family from the clutches of the tyrannical vampire lord Brencis. This countdown is more than just a narrative gimmick – it gives every decision real weight. But there’s no need to worry about being under constant time pressure. The clock only advances during specific activities, which are clearly marked, allowing you to plan accordingly. Instead of following a linear quest chain, the story unfolds organically: Chance encounters at inns, sabotaged blood deliveries, and carefully forged alliances shape an individual journey that can feel different with every playthrough.
Coen’s dual nature as a human by day and a vampire by night affects not only which places and people he can access, but also conversations. If his blood meter drops too low, he loses control and may even attack his allies – with permanent consequences. The world of Sangora noticeably responds to the shift between light and darkness, even if it can’t quite match the liveliness of the genre’s best open worlds.
The combat system, however, is something of a double-edged sword. Rebel Wolves uses a directional system that combines attacks, parries, and dodges with directional inputs. In one-on-one duels, this can lead to genuinely exciting fights punctuated by powerful special attacks. As soon as several enemies attack at once, though, the whole system starts to feel somewhat stiff. The skill system could also have used more depth: As you level up, the differences between vampire and witcher abilities become increasingly blurred. At least the extensive options allow you to customize the difficulty to your liking.
Score
- 3 out of 3 points – unreserved recommendation
Verdict: Outstanding storytelling, bold quest design, and a dense atmosphere make Blood of Dawnwalker an impressive debut despite its combat system taking some getting used to. Hopefully, this won’t be the last we see of the series.
Pros
- Emotionally gripping main story with a strong prologue
- Excellent writing and voice acting for the characters
- Innovative quest structure with plenty of individual paths
- 30-day time limit gives decisions real weight without feeling restrictive
- Compelling day-night cycle affects quests, the world, and conversations
- Consistently excellent side stories with well-developed characters
- Extensive difficulty customization options
- Runs flawlessly on PC
Cons
- Combat feels clunky and stiff against multiple enemies
- Skill tree is too simplistic, with the differences between human and vampire abilities becoming blurred
- Open world falls short of the genre’s best in terms of visuals and liveliness
- Graphics and presentation don’t quite match the standard of current AAA productions
Recommended for
- Fans of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077
- RPG enthusiasts who value narrative depth and freedom of choice
- Anyone looking for fresh ideas in the open-world genre
Not recommended for
- Fans of fluid, fast-paced combat systems like Crimson Desert
- Anyone expecting the most vibrant and richly detailed open world possible
- Casual players without the patience for lengthy conversations
Facts & Trailer
| Game: | The Blood of Dawnwalker |
| Publisher: | Bandai Namco |
| Developer: | Rebel Wolves |
| Genre: | Action RPG |
| Reviewed on: | PC via Steam |
| Available on: | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (via Steam, GOG, Epic Games) |
| USK: | 18+ |
| Release: | September 3, 2026 |
| Price: | $70 – find all the details on the different editions of The Blood of Dawnwalker |
