Wizards of the Coast has unveiled Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons, an open-world action RPG developed by Invoke, a studio comprised of former Far Cry, Watch Dogs, and Splinter Cell developers. The game centers on Kaatri, a weapon master searching a lawless pocket dimension for a lost loved one, but the developers emphasize the importance of spell collection and experimentation.
The game is set in Darkon, a Domain of Dread. Early in the narrative, Kaatri partners with the ancient witch queen Tasha, voiced by Lady Dimitrescu, who bestows magical abilities upon her. Warlock features a variety of D&D spells, including Eldritch Blast, Gust of Wind, Levitate, and Black Tentacles. The development team has modified these spells for the solo, real-time action format. Fae Switch, for instance, is a reimagined 4th Edition spell that allows players to swap positions with enemies. Pact of the Blade Warlock enables the summoning of physical weapons like swords and hammers.
Invoke studio founder Jeffrey Hattem explained that new spells are being introduced, some based on Tasha and others entirely new for the game. Tasha's Leash allows Kaatri to summon ethereal tendrils that can grab and pull objects or monsters toward her, and she can then throw them. "The spells are intended to be versatile tools that you can use like a tool in your toolbox, and that's how we want players to play the game," Hattem stated. Spells can be used for combat, such as using Black Tentacles to disarm an ogre, or for environmental interaction, like using them to hold up a box for platforming. Spell combinations are also possible, such as summoning a conjuring table to create a rainstorm that enhances Witch Bolts.
Invoke aims for a dense open world rather than a vast, empty one. "From an open world perspective, we want to create one with a lot of density," said Dominic Guay, Invoke's general manager. "So yeah, you'll have to travel, but we don't want you to have daunting distances to travel where it takes 15 minutes to get somewhere. So you should always have interesting things around you that catch your attention, and different opportunities that draw you in." The developers are minimizing wayfinding tools like in-game maps to encourage organic exploration. The game's world size is designed to feel substantial, offering long-term exploration opportunities for driven players.
The developers are mindful of players unfamiliar with Dungeons & Dragons. "What we don't want is for D&D to be a barrier to entry," Hattem commented. "Like any good action adventure game, you don't need to come with a background of knowledge of D&D. Kaatri is a stranger in a strange land as she enters this world, and players are at par with that as she goes on this adventure. So anything that you need to learn about the game, you'll pick up as you go in and explore the world."
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is slated for release in 2027. The developers aim to deliver a gameplay experience that is both engaging and accessible, even for those new to the D&D universe.