Invoke Studios is bringing the Dungeons & Dragons universe to life in a new way with Warlock, an upcoming open-world action-RPG. A recent preview of the game, which follows its gameplay reveal at Gamescom Opening Night Live, showcased a single-player adventure set in Darkon, a Domain of Dread from Ravenloft known for its gothic cities and undead-populated wilderness. The developer describes Darkon as an "exploration-driven" open world.
Warlock moves away from traditional D&D mechanics such as dice rolling, focusing instead on magic invocation for its protagonist, Kaatri. Voiced by Tricia Helfer, Kaatri is guided by a patron named Tasha, portrayed by Maggie Robertson. Through Tasha's tutelage, Kaatri learns to perceive and gather ambient magic, enhancing her abilities and unlocking a variety of spells. Familiar D&D spells like Witch Bolt, Gust of Wind, Black Tentacles, and Eldritch Blast are present, though the full extent of Kaatri's magical repertoire remains undisclosed. Some spells are designed for both combat and traversal, with ritualistic magic also featuring, requiring collected ingredients to cast. One demonstrated ritual created a downpour, amplifying Witch Bolt's effects.
Despite its departure from D&D's rule system, Warlock emphasizes player choice. Kaatri wields a sword, but players can approach various situations, including combat and accessing locked areas, through different means. Options include direct confrontation or utilizing magic to discover alternative paths. The developers confirmed that powerful magic comes at a cost to Kaatri, though the specifics of these consequences were not elaborated upon, hinting at a storyline that explores the repercussions of her dark magic use.
The game features a world map, but its intentionally limited information encourages player exploration. Players will discover populated settlements where they can upgrade weapons, interact with NPCs, and uncover quests. Any visible location on the map is intended to be explorable, provided players find the means to reach it. An example showed Kaatri transforming into a raven using a spell to access a previously unreachable lower area of the map via a small gate.
The developer's approach suggests Warlock may serve as an introduction to D&D's lore and characters rather than a strict adaptation, similar to how Baldur's Gate 3 faithfully represents the tabletop game. While it may not satisfy fans seeking a traditional D&D experience, Warlock promises a magic-filled adventure that encourages player creativity in overcoming obstacles. The game incorporates numerous monsters and D&D lore, potentially serving as an accessible entry point for newcomers to the franchise.
Warlock is slated for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.