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This guide covers the three skill trees in The Blood of Dawnwalker (Amazon) —Swordmastery, Witchcraft, and Vampirism—as well as the character progression systems available to Coen.
Details on individual skill effects, unlock requirements, skill priorities, and builds will be added and updated after release based on hands-on play and testing.
Skill Tree and Character Progression Overview
Coen’s abilities are divided into three skill trees: Swordmastery, Witchcraft, and Vampirism.
| Skill Tree | Currently Confirmed Features | Main Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Swordmastery | Directional sword combat, Perfect Block, Artery Strike, and an Ultimate Perk | Melee combat and defense |
| Witchcraft | Burning Blood, Compel Soul, and an Ultimate Perk | Hexes, special effects, exploration, and dialogue |
| Vampirism | Traversal using Vampiric Abilities, feeding, and an Ultimate Perk | Nighttime combat, traversal, exploration, and Blood Hunger management |
The unlock requirements of the officially revealed achievements confirm the following progression elements:
- Active Abilities and Passive Abilities are available.
- At least three Passive Abilities can be equipped simultaneously.
- Individual Abilities can be upgraded.
- Each skill tree has an Ultimate Perk.
- Coen can reach at least Level 50.
- Combos involving abilities from multiple skill trees exist.
Further details are also available in the Steam Achievements list.
Swordmastery
Swordmastery Skill Tree and Abilities
Swordmastery is the skill tree that improves Coen’s swordsmanship and melee combat capabilities.
The game offers two approaches to melee combat. The standard control scheme allows players to select the direction of their attacks and blocks, responding to enemy movements with attacks, dodges, Perfect Blocks, and other actions. A simplified control option without directional input is also available.
The following Swordmastery-related elements have currently been confirmed:
- Artery Strike
- Perfect Block
- Attacks using Active Abilities
- Enhancements provided by Passive Abilities
One achievement confirms a cross-tree combination in which Artery Strike can be used to behead an enemy while they are hexed with the Witchcraft Ability Burning Blood.
For an overview of melee combat, see the Combat System and Controls guide.
Witchcraft
Witchcraft Skill Tree and Abilities
Witchcraft is a magic-based skill tree that can be used to hex enemies and perform special actions such as speaking with the dead.
The following Witchcraft Abilities have currently been confirmed:
| Ability | Currently Confirmed Effect |
|---|---|
| Burning Blood | A Hex applied to an enemy. It can be combined with Artery Strike. |
| Compel Soul | A Witchcraft Ability that allows Coen to speak with the dead. |
I’ve also written about the role of magic in the game’s world, if you’re interested.
Vampirism
Vampirism Skill Tree and Abilities
Vampirism is the skill tree that enhances the vampiric powers available to Coen at night.
The following Vampirism-related elements have currently been confirmed:
- Traversal using Vampiric Abilities
- Feeding on humans, animals, and monsters
- Stealing another vampire’s power by drinking their blood
- Managing Blood Hunger
- Losing control to hunger and draining a conversation partner dry
An achievement requiring players to travel a total of 1,000 metres using Vampiric Abilities confirms that the Vampirism tree includes abilities designed for traversal and exploration as well as combat.
For more information, see the Blood Hunger and Feeding guide and the Day and Night System guide.
Build Ideas
To be added after release.
Game System Guides
The Blood of Dawnwalker Gameplay System Guides
Sources
Choices and consequences in The Blood of Dawnwalker, out September 3 – PlayStation.Blog
Community Bulletin Board #10 – Swordmastery | Bandai Namco Europe
THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER – Gameplay Reveal Recap | Bandai Namco Europe
