Blood of Dawnwalker Human-by-Day and Vampire-by-Night Mechanic Detailed by Director

The former Witcher 3 director unveils a captivating new mechanic in The Blood of Dawnwalker: a protagonist leading a double life, empowered by his vampiric blood only under the cloak of night. Discover how this unique gameplay element shapes the experience!

The Blood of Dawnwalker: A Unique Gameplay Mechanic

Dual Lives, Dual Abilities: Day and Night in The Blood of Dawnwalker

Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, former Witcher 3 director and founder of Rebel Wolves, reveals a groundbreaking mechanic for their upcoming title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. Drawing from the expertise of a team including members of the Witcher 3 development crew, Rebel Wolves is pushing boundaries with this fresh approach.

In a PC Gamer interview, Tomaszkiewicz explains the desire to avoid typical superhero tropes. "It’s hard to do those stories because you are just stronger and stronger and stronger," he states. "So I searched for an idea for the hero, which would be grounded, and needed to solve things differently. But, also, I wanted to give some kind of superhero element to the players."

This led to the creation of Coen, a protagonist embodying the duality of a half-human, half-vampire. By day, he's vulnerable, possessing the limitations of a human. But as night falls, he transforms, gaining supernatural abilities and powers.

"It’s interesting, this duality, reminiscent of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Tomaszkiewicz shares. "It's a well-known pop culture concept unexplored in games. It adds a new layer to the non-reality, and we'll see how players respond."

This mechanic introduces both opportunities and limitations. Night battles against non-vampires might prove significantly advantageous, while daylight scenarios demand strategic thinking and problem-solving, relying on wit rather than supernatural strength.

Time as a Resource: A New Dimension to Gameplay

Daniel Sadowski, former design director of The Witcher 3, adds another layer of depth. In a January 16, 2025 PC Gamer interview, he unveils "time as a resource" mechanic.

This mechanic introduces strategic limitations, tying quests to a time-sensitive system. "It forces choices," Sadowski explains, "what to do, what to ignore. You must choose which content to pursue to maximize chances of defeating the main enemy. But you’ll have different approaches, all tying into the narrative sandbox."

Players must carefully evaluate quest choices, considering potential impacts on future missions and relationships. While restrictive, Sadowski believes the limited time element "helps crystallize what you’re doing, and why Coen is doing it."

These interwoven mechanics—day/night duality and time as a resource—ensure that every decision, and inaction, significantly impacts the narrative, elevating the importance of player choices.