The Blood of Dawnwalker's Hard Mode Turned Me Into a Vampire Vigilante

The Blood of Dawnwalker's Duelist mode is a blast, but its hardest difficulty has one writer embracing vampire vigilantism. Here's why the challenge is worth it.

Ever booted up a new RPG expecting to be the hero, only to end up as something way messier? That's exactly where The Blood of Dawnwalker has taken me. RPG Club, report in – is your first week going better than mine?

The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy RPG, and one of its standout features is Duelist mode. It's a combat-focused mode that adds a whole new layer of tension to every fight. As someone who loves a challenge, I jumped straight in, and I have to say: I love it. It makes every encounter feel dangerous, deliberate, and rewarding when you finally come out on top.

But here's the catch. Playing on the hardest difficulty doesn't just make combat tougher – it changes how you approach the entire game. Suddenly, you're not charging into every fight like a typical hero. You're picking your battles, avoiding unnecessary risks, and doing whatever it takes to survive. For me, that meant leaning into a role I didn't expect: vampire vigilantism.

Instead of playing the noble protagonist, I found myself stalking enemies, striking from the shadows, and dealing with threats in ways that felt less like heroics and more like vigilante justice. The hardest difficulty forced me to be ruthless, opportunistic, and honestly? A little terrifying. But that's also what makes it so compelling. The game doesn't let you coast – it makes you earn every victory.

What's interesting is how Duelist mode amplifies this. It's not just about raw difficulty; it's about how you engage with combat. Every decision matters, and the line between predator and prey gets blurry fast. If you're the kind of player who enjoys being pushed out of your comfort zone, this mode is absolutely worth trying. Just be prepared to embrace a darker side of your character than you might have planned.

So far, my first week in The Blood of Dawnwalker has been a wild ride – equal parts frustrating and exhilarating. The hardest difficulty isn't for everyone, but if you stick with it, it rewards you with a totally different way to experience the game. You might not be the hero you thought you'd be, but you'll definitely have a story to tell.

What do you think? Have you tried Duelist mode yet, or are you sticking to a more forgiving difficulty? Will you be picking this up and embracing your inner vampire vigilante?