When a debut studio founded by former CD Projekt Red developers launches its first game, expectations run high. But even the most optimistic observers couldn’t have predicted what happened on September 3, 2026. The Blood of Dawnwalker, an ultra-violent open-world RPG from Rebel Wolves, shot straight to the No. 1 best-selling spot on Steam within its first week, dethroning Counter-Strike 2 and selling over 1 million copies in just three days.
From The Witcher 3 to a New Dark Fantasy Saga
Rebel Wolves is led by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, alongside several other former CD Projekt veterans. Their pedigree is unmistakable, and The Blood of Dawnwalker carries that DNA forward—but with a darker, more urgent twist.
Set in 14th-century Europe during the Black Death, the game unfolds in Vale Sangora, a land where vampires have seized control while humanity is weakened by plague and war. It’s a “narrative sandbox” that blends open-world exploration with a time limit—players can’t simply wander endlessly; every decision carries weight, and the clock is always ticking.
What Makes It Stand Out
The game’s defining mechanic is its day/night cycle, which fundamentally changes how you play. By day, you’re human, navigating a world ravaged by plague and war. By night, your vampiric nature emerges, granting new abilities and opening paths that remain closed to mortals. This duality, combined with branching paths and high replay value, has earned the game strong reviews—83/100 on Metacritic and 85/100 on OpenCritic, with a 92% critic recommendation rate.
The Numbers That Demand Attention
The Blood of Dawnwalker isn’t just a critical success—it’s a commercial phenomenon:
- 1 million copies sold in 3 days
- #1 best-selling Steam game for the week of Sept. 1–8, ahead of Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and Wardogs
- Metacritic: 83/100, OpenCritic: 85/100 (92% critics recommend)
For a debut studio’s first release, these numbers are extraordinary. The game has already prompted Rebel Wolves to begin hiring for a sequel, with narrative director Jakub Szamalek confirming that “the next chapter in the Dawnwalker saga” is already in motion.
What’s Next for the Dawnwalker Saga
The game’s launch success has positioned Rebel Wolves as a studio to watch. With Bandai Namco as publisher and Unreal Engine 5 powering its dark, atmospheric world, The Blood of Dawnwalker has laid the groundwork for what could become a major new franchise.
For players who love morally complex choices, time pressure, and the freedom to shape their own story, this is a game that demands attention. And with a sequel already in early development, the Dawnwalker saga is only just beginning.