A thrilling rivalry is emerging in the Polish gaming scene with the debut of **The Witcher IV** and the unveiling of **The Blood of Dawnwalker** by **Rebel Wolves**. This dark fantasy Action-RPG, led by former **Witcher 3** director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, features a rich narrative and unique gameplay mechanics. Set in a folklore-inspired world, it promises an immersive experience with moral complexities and player-driven choices, all while steering clear of microtransactions. Excitement builds as fans await further details and gameplay reveals.
Exciting Developments in Polish Video Game Franchises
Are we witnessing the dawn of a thrilling rivalry between two prominent Polish video games? On one side, we have **The Witcher IV**, which made a grand debut at the **Game Awards**, while on the other, **The Blood of Dawnwalker** has just showcased its potential during a presentation on **Twitch** coinciding with the first full moon of 2025. The inaugural project from **Rebel Wolves** is already making waves, and there’s plenty to discuss regarding this comparison.
Founded in 2022 in Warsaw, **Rebel Wolves** is spearheaded by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director behind the acclaimed **The Witcher 3**. The studio has ambitious plans to develop an AAA dark fantasy Action-RPG utilizing Unreal Engine 5, targeting platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With high aspirations, **The Blood of Dawnwalker** is intended to be the first installment in a larger saga, a hint dropped before its official announcement last year. Bandai Namco will oversee its publishing, having previously brought **Geralt of Rivia**’s adventures to Europe and seemingly uncovering a promising new project.
A Glimpse into the Dark Fantasy World
The presentation provided a captivating look at the game, particularly a CGI cinematic serving as a prologue set two years prior to the game’s events in 1347 within the Carpathian mountains. As we enjoy the new adaptation of **Nosferatu** in theaters, we find ourselves immersed in these lands rich in folklore, which will form the backdrop of **The Blood of Dawnwalker**.
The trailer features a young **Coen**, our future hero, as he escapes from local knights threatening his sick sister, **Lunka**, who they wish to eliminate to prevent the spread of the plague. This scenario may evoke memories of **A Plague Tale**, yet the tone diverges sharply as we witness soldiers being dispatched by sharp-toothed creatures! After a fierce encounter with **Brencis** and his intricately designed vampiric allies, Coen is compelled to make a life-altering decision—he injects his sister with his blood to save her, establishing himself as the new master of **Vale Sangora**.
The closing moments of the presentation offered a tantalizing teaser for the gameplay, set to be unveiled in the summer of 2025. Rendered from the game’s alpha build, we see **Coen**, now a transformed Dawnwalker, standing atop a building under the full moon. No longer the innocent boy, he is caught between the realms of humanity and vampirism, wielding the powers of darkness while relying on swordsmanship to confront daytime threats. These fleeting glimpses certainly pique our curiosity for what lies ahead.
Coen’s journey is unique and time-sensitive, as he has just 30 days and nights to rescue his family, with time acting as a fundamental game mechanic. Players will experience a “narrative sandbox,” where the distinction between main and side quests blurs, ensuring each playthrough remains fresh and engaging. This approach aims to provide players with freedom and variety, reminiscent of early **Fallout** experiences.
As for the vampires that populate this medieval 14th-century world, nothing is as straightforward as it seems. **Brencis** and his allies may appear as protectors of humanity, but their motives are complex. He has fashioned himself as a messianic figure, winning the trust of the people while employing **Kobolds** as part of his troop. The creative team has taken inspiration from Eastern European folklore, steering clear of conventional vampire tropes. In this universe, vampires grow their fangs throughout their lives and can create new members of their kind through unique methods, such as **Lunka’s** transformation.
The developers are also integrating a magic system that leans towards the paranormal, reminiscent of the eerie elements found in **X-Files**, rather than traditional spellcasting. Interestingly, locations will exhibit different aesthetics depending on the time of day, further enhancing the immersive experience. Gameplay choices will affect whether Coen has allies or faces challenges alone, with a bloodthirst mechanic that could lead to dire consequences if not managed properly. Furthermore, **Brencis** will respond to player actions, such as implementing security measures based on choices made.
Fans of the **The Witcher** series will appreciate the musical composition featured in the presentation, as **Ballad of Night and Day** is crafted by Mikolai Stroinski, a co-composer for **The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt**, while **Desperate Measures** is the work of Piotr Musiał, known for his score in the **Blood and Wine** DLC.
While a release date for **The Blood of Dawnwalker** has yet to be announced, the information shared so far is enough to generate excitement. This Action-RPG will focus on a solo experience with a third-person perspective, steering clear of microtransactions, NFTs, or live-service elements. The message is crystal clear.
In the meantime, fans can find **The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition** available for €39.99 at **Fnac** for PS5 or **Amazon** for Xbox Series X, and €49.99 on PC via **GOG**.