"The Witcher with a parkour mod" – dark fantasy RPG reveals new gameplay trailer
With a 21-minute trailer, Blood of Dawnwalker offers the first in-depth look at its gameplay, and it didn’t take long for comparisons to The Witcher 3 to emerge. Insider Gaming even called it “The Witcher with a parkour mod” – no surprise, given that Rebel Wolves, the studio behind the game, was founded by former CD Projekt Red developers, including veterans of the Witcher series.
The story unfolds in the fictional Sangora Valley during the 14th century – a grim, plague-stricken world torn apart by war. As chaos spreads, vampires emerge from the shadows to dominate the weakened human population. Players take on the role of Coen, a young man transformed into a Dawnwalker – part human, part vampire. At the heart of the game lies a central moral dilemma: will Coen cling to his humanity or embrace dark powers to protect his family?
Choices in Blood of Dawnwalker shape not only the story but also how NPCs respond to the player. The developers have designed a flexible quest system with multiple paths influenced by location, time of day and player reputation. For example, the cathedral may be accessible during the day, while at night, entry might require the use of vampire powers. Bosses like Xanthe, the valley’s oldest vampire, can be defeated either through clever quest strategies or direct combat, giving players the freedom to tackle challenges their own way.
The game's combat system is built around directional input, allowing players to aim attacks and blocks in four directions. Special abilities add tactical depth and are unlocked by building up energy through successful moves. In his vampire form, Coen can unleash claw attacks, teleport with shadow step and even run along walls and ceilings. The contrast between his cautious, human side during the day and his powerful, bloodthirsty nature at night creates a unique rhythm. While the influence of The Witcher 3 is evident in both visuals and gameplay, Blood of Dawnwalker sets itself apart with one major twist – vertical mobility. The game emphasizes parkour, dynamic level transitions and a greater sense of freedom, bringing a fresh dimension to the classic RPG formula.
Currently in pre-beta, release planned for 2026
According to the developers, the trailer showcases real pre-beta gameplay. Blood of Dawnwalker is set to launch on Steam in 2026, with regular updates planned along the way. Early reactions on Reddit have been cautiously optimistic – fans are excited about the game’s clear connection to The Witcher and welcome the fresh parkour mechanics. However, some criticism remains, particularly regarding the camera work and visual effects, which many hope will be polished in future builds.
