Blood of Dawnwalker: Not Just Another Witcher 3 Clone

After 26 hours with The Blood of Dawnwalker, our writer finds the Witcher 3 comparisons fading fast. Here's why Coen stands on his own.

Ever fired up a new RPG and thought, "This is just like The Witcher 3"? That's exactly what happened when The Blood of Dawnwalker was first revealed. But after spending 26 hours in the game, one writer says those comparisons are getting less and less accurate. And honestly, that's a good thing.

The Blood of Dawnwalker introduces us to Coen, a protagonist who's been unfairly lumped in with Geralt of Rivia. But here's the thing: Coen doesn't need to stand in Geralt's shadow, because they're very different action heroes. While Geralt is a seasoned monster hunter with decades of experience, Coen brings a fresh, distinct vibe to the table. The more time you spend with him, the more you realize this isn't a Witcher clone—it's its own beast.

So why did everyone jump to The Witcher 3 comparisons in the first place? Probably because both games share a dark fantasy setting, morally gray choices, and a brooding male lead. But after 26 hours, it's clear that The Blood of Dawnwalker is carving its own path. The combat, the story, and even the way Coen interacts with the world feel different. It's not about being better or worse—it's about being unique.

If you're worried that The Blood of Dawnwalker is just another Witcher wannabe, don't be. The game has its own identity, and Coen is a big part of that. He's not trying to be Geralt; he's his own kind of action hero. And that's something to celebrate. After all, who wants every RPG protagonist to be a copy-paste of the same gruff monster slayer?

The 26-hour mark is often when a game's true colors start to show. You've gotten past the tutorial, you've settled into the rhythm, and you start noticing the little details that make it special. For this writer, that's exactly when The Blood of Dawnwalker started to shine as its own thing. The comparisons to The Witcher 3 didn't disappear entirely, but they became less relevant. Instead of asking, "Is this as good as The Witcher 3?" you start asking, "What makes this game unique?"

That shift in perspective is important. It means The Blood of Dawnwalker is doing something right. It's not just riding the coattails of a beloved franchise; it's building its own world, its own hero, and its own legacy. And if you're a fan of action RPGs, that's something to get excited about. Whether you loved The Witcher 3 or never played it, there's plenty here to sink your teeth into.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to give Coen a chance, or are you still stuck on the Witcher comparisons? Will you be picking up The Blood of Dawnwalker when it drops? Let us know in the comments!