Human-by-Day, Vampire-by-Night: Dive into 'Blood of Dawnwalker's' Protagonist

Rebel Wolves, the studio founded by the former Witcher 3 director, unveils a groundbreaking game mechanic for their upcoming title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. The protagonist, Coen, lives a dual existence, experiencing significant power shifts based on the time of day. This unique gameplay element is explored in detail below.

The Blood of Dawnwalker: A Day-Night Gameplay Dynamic

A Protagonist Defined by Day and Night

Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, former Witcher 3 director and Rebel Wolves founder, explains the studio's departure from typical superhero archetypes. He sought to create a grounded protagonist with relatable limitations, yet still provide players with a sense of extraordinary power. This led to the conception of Coen, a character whose abilities are intrinsically linked to the cycle of day and night.

Coen's vulnerability as a human during daylight hours is starkly contrasted by his amplified strength and supernatural capabilities at night. This duality, inspired by classic literature like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, presents a novel gameplay experience, previously unexplored in video games. Tomaszkiewicz highlights the potential for strategic gameplay, forcing players to adapt their approach based on the time of day. Nighttime combat may favor Coen's vampiric abilities, while daytime challenges might demand more cunning and resourcefulness.

This mechanic introduces both opportunities and constraints. Confrontations with enemies will be significantly altered depending on the time of day, and problem-solving will require a flexible approach, adapting to Coen's fluctuating powers.

Time as a Strategic Resource

Daniel Sadowski, former design director of The Witcher 3, adds another layer of complexity with the introduction of a "time-as-a-resource" mechanic. This system, revealed in a January 2025 interview with PC Gamer, introduces a crucial element of strategic decision-making. Players will be forced to prioritize quests, considering the potential impact of their choices on future missions and relationships.

This time constraint necessitates careful consideration of each action. The limited time available forces players to make difficult choices, potentially leaving some quests incomplete. However, as Sadowski explains, this limitation enhances the narrative experience by focusing the player's attention on the core choices and their consequences. The urgency of time adds weight to every decision, shaping the player's unique narrative within the game's world.

The combination of these mechanics creates a dynamic and engaging experience. Every choice, whether it's engaging in combat at night or prioritizing a specific quest during the day, significantly impacts the narrative, making The Blood of Dawnwalker a truly unique and compelling adventure.