The first wave of previews for The Blood of Dawnwalker has finally hit the web, and the consensus is looking remarkably positive. Developed by Rebel Wolves—a studio founded by former CD Projekt Red developers—this dark fantasy RPG is already drawing eyes as one of the most anticipated titles for the remainder of 2026.

Players take on the role of Coen, a hybrid character who navigates a world as a human by day and a vampire by night. The core gameplay loop revolves around managing time, which acts as a limited currency used to push forward main and side quests while navigating a world defined by vampire rule, blood, and taxes. Unlike many traditional RPGs, the game notably moves away from a standard main quest structure, opting instead for a system that emphasizes player variance.

What the Previews Are Saying

Early impressions from a four-hour demo suggest that the game’s ambitious mechanics are landing well. Critics have praised the title for its idiosyncratic ideas rather than relying on gimmicks.

  • IGN remains confident that the title is worth paying close attention to, noting that the experience is already shaping up to be a standout RPG.
  • GamesRadar highlighted that the game feels like an "ambitious love letter to role-playing itself," praising how well the systems work together despite the game’s aggressive boundaries.
  • Eurogamer pointed to the quest design as a highlight, noting that missions feature multiple stages and engaging, thoughtful writing.
  • VGC remarked that the game has instantly moved to the top of their most anticipated list, despite the crowded September release window.
  • Kotaku, while acknowledging the game carries DNA reminiscent of The Witcher 3, noted that there are still questions regarding how the combat will hold up over time and how the game manages narrative weight amidst its branching paths.

While comparisons to The Witcher are inevitable given the studio's pedigree, the early word is that The Blood of Dawnwalker is carving out its own identity with a unique approach to RPG mechanics. With the release date set for September 3 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, we won't have to wait much longer to see if the full experience lives up to the promise of these first four hours.