The Blood of Dawnwalker Review

September 1, 2026 - 01:23

Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by veterans of The Witcher 3, is about to release its first game. The Blood of Dawnwalker puts players in the shoes of Coen, a man turned into a half-vampire against his will. The question is whether this dark fantasy adventure lives up to the pedigree of its creators, and the answer is mostly yes, with some caveats.

The story is the strongest part. Coen is not a typical hero. He is a young man trying to save his family from a curse, and the game gives you a hard time limit to do it. This creates a constant sense of pressure that most RPGs lack. You are never sure if a side quest is worth the hours it will cost you, and that tension makes every choice feel heavy. The writing is sharp, and the world feels lived in, full of peasants who are just as dangerous as the nobles.

Combat is where the game stumbles a bit. The swordplay is solid but not revolutionary. You have light and heavy attacks, a dodge, and a parry. The vampire powers, like mist form and blood drain, add some spice, but the enemy AI is predictable. Boss fights are more interesting, especially the ones that force you to use your environment.

Visually, the game is stunning. The forests are dense, the castles are imposing, and the lighting creates a moody atmosphere that fits the vampire theme perfectly. The sound design is also top notch, with a soundtrack that knows when to be quiet and when to swell.

The main issue is pacing. The time limit, while a great idea, can feel punishing. If you want to see everything, you will likely miss some story beats. On a second playthrough, you will know where to go, but the first run can be stressful. Still, for those who want a narrative-driven RPG with real consequences, The Blood of Dawnwalker is worth your time. It is a confident debut that shows Rebel Wolves have a bright future.