Blood of Dawnwalker Q&A: How Embracing Your Vampiric Nature Affects Coen

The Blood of Dawnwalker Revealed at Gamescom 2025

At Gamescom 2025, Rebel Wolves showcased their highly anticipated narrative sandbox RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker, in a private presentation that highlighted several advancements made from community feedback. Among these changes is a revamped camera perspective that offers a wider view of the protagonist, Coen, and an optional non-directional combat system designed to enhance player experience. The team also illustrated the gameplay dynamics influenced by the game’s day/night cycle, which not only alters the environment and NPC behavior but also restricts Coen’s vampiric powers to nighttime.

Insight from Creative Director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz

Following the presentation, I had the opportunity to sit down with Creative Director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, a former Lead Quest Designer on The Witcher III: Wild Hunt and Quest Director for Cyberpunk 2077. Mateusz shared insights into the game, which is set to launch in 2026 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.

Creative Decisions Behind the Setting

“We wanted to tell a story about vampires that took over a part of human society, exploring how these interactions could work if vampires stepped out of the shadows.”

The choice of the 14th century as a backdrop was significant, as this period was marked by the Black Plague, when Europe faced widespread devastation. According to Tomaszkiewicz, this era allowed the game developers to create a believable scenario where vampires seize power, proposing themselves as saviors to a desperate populace. They take refuge in the secluded Vale Sangora, a fictional valley reminiscent of the Carpathians, leveraging the chaos of the plague to gain control and form a twisted cult around their vampiric blood, which they claim aids in healing.

Religious Context and Conflict

“It’s more like heresy, twisting the existing dogmas.”

While the vampires assimilate some elements of Christianity, the game does not depict them as outright replacing the faith. Instead, they manipulate religious beliefs to solidify their hold on the local population, with a military presence ensuring compliance amongst dissenters. This struggle against traditional beliefs introduces deeper layers of conflict within the narrative.

Folklore Influences

“We looked at different parts of European folklore from the time, especially from the Carpathians.”

The narrative extends beyond vampires, touching upon various folklore elements, including magic and witchcraft. The developers conducted extensive worldbuilding, implying that The Blood of Dawnwalker is but the first installment of a larger saga that promises to uncover many facets of the unseen world.

Complex Characters and Moral Ambiguity

“We absolutely explore the ambiguity around the other creatures.”

Reflecting on narrative depth, Tomaszkiewicz emphasized that characters’ motivations, including those of the vampires, will be nuanced rather than strictly evil. This complexity mirrors the themes found in The Witcher series, where monsters are often viewed through a lens of empathy.

Dynamic Day/Night Cycle

“This is partially what makes it fun, because it gives you these different stories to exchange.”

The day/night mechanic in the game introduces a strategic dimension to gameplay, where players might encounter different quest outcomes and experiences, enticing them to replay various scenarios. Even within a single playthrough, players can expect to discover approximately 80% of the game’s content, offering rich opportunities for discussion and sharing among players.

Gameplay Mechanics

Coen’s unique ability to utilize magic solely in human form sets him apart from most vampires, who commonly do not wield such powers. The gameplay incorporates a blood system where players must manage their health and hunger by consuming either humans or animals, impacting dialogue and quest outcomes significantly.

“If you’re very hungry, Coen might just decide to drain them completely on his own.”

This mechanic dynamically influences not just gameplay but also narrative arcs within the story. Decisions players make regarding Coen’s vampiric tendencies can yield varied character interactions and significantly alter the direction of the story.

Combat and Customization

Combat in The Blood of Dawnwalker blends strategic choices, such as directional blocking and attacks, with an omnidirectional option that caters to different playstyles. Moreover, players will encounter an engaging system of combat abilities, including hexes that can affect opponents directly. The emphasis on loot and character customization allows players to tailor Coen’s appearance and kit while progressing through nonlinear quests that carry equal weight.

Conclusion and Expectations

Though The Blood of Dawnwalker may draw inspiration from The Witcher III, it holds distinct narratives and gameplay mechanics that set it apart. The narrative twist of vampires taking an active role in human affairs and the exploration of duality within the game’s environment adds layers of excitement. As one of the most anticipated titles for 2026, gamers eagerly await how Rebel Wolves will redefine the RPG experience amidst a competitive year filled with major releases.

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