Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by several developers formerly associated with The Witcher series, has released a 20-minute gameplay video showcasing early footage of their debut title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. The action-adventure RPG is currently in development using Unreal Engine 5 and is scheduled to launch on PC and current-generation consoles in 2026.
The Blood of Dawnwalker is set in a dark fantasy open world and centers around a character named Coen, a young man who becomes a “Dawnwalker.” According to the developers, Dawnwalkers exist between two realms—those of daylight and darkness. The game blends narrative-driven exploration with a focus on time-sensitive objectives, as players will only have 30 in-game days to complete the main storyline.
The recently published gameplay footage offers a first look at the game’s direction, structure, and presentation. The camera angle and visual design are reminiscent of The Witcher 3, particularly in terms of environmental design and HUD layout. The similarity is further emphasized by Coen’s character model, which bears a strong resemblance to Geralt of Rivia, including similar hair styling.
In terms of gameplay, the video highlights several core mechanics, including third-person melee combat, exploration sequences, and interactions within a city environment. The footage also provides a brief showcase of Coen’s vampiric abilities, suggesting that supernatural powers will play a key role in both combat and traversal.
One notable design element is the game’s time progression system. The developers have confirmed that every major action or quest progression will advance the in-game clock, reinforcing the importance of planning and prioritizing tasks. This mechanic introduces a level of urgency uncommon in traditional open-world RPGs.
While the video serves as a promising introduction to the game’s concept, some aspects of the combat system appear to be in early stages of development. Animation quality, particularly during attacks and dodging, appears rough and unrefined. The developers have clarified that this is pre-beta footage, and improvements are expected before launch.
Rebel Wolves has not yet provided a specific release window beyond the year 2026, giving the studio a significant timeframe to refine mechanics, visuals, and overall gameplay feel. With its dark fantasy setting, time-based progression, and single-player focus, The Blood of Dawnwalker is positioned to appeal to fans of narrative-heavy RPGs.
Further updates are expected in the coming months as development continues.
