Engine Version
The Blood of Dawnwalker runs on Unreal Engine 5, but an older version rather than UE 5.6 (which offers 30% or better CPU-bound performance improvements). Rebel Wolves cannot upgrade because they have built extensive custom code on top of the engine, and transitioning to a newer version would break these custom solutions.
Nanite
The game uses UE5's Nanite technology, which allows rendering of geometries with nearly unlimited polygon counts. Nanite dynamically streams and processes mesh detail, enabling high-fidelity environments without overloading hardware. For a game set in the Carpathian Mountains with dense forests, rocky terrain, and detailed medieval architecture, Nanite provides a clear benefit: environments can be built with natural geometric complexity rather than relying on normal maps and low-poly tricks.
Lumen
The game also uses Lumen, UE5's real-time global illumination and reflection system. Lumen makes lighting behave in a physically correct manner: a torch illuminating a cave casts dynamic shadows that respond naturally to the environment. For The Blood of Dawnwalker, this is especially relevant because the day-night cycle is central to the game's design. The dramatic contrast between light and shadow that Lumen creates echoes Coen's own duality as a Dawnwalker.
Performance
Rebel Wolves has acknowledged awareness of stuttering issues that are common to older UE5 versions. The studio is using "out-of-the-box solutions" to ensure smooth performance across platforms. Given that the game targets PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, optimization across different hardware configurations is a priority.
Custom Code
The studio's custom engine modifications are extensive enough that upgrading UE5 versions would break their tooling. This suggests deep changes to rendering, world streaming, or gameplay systems rather than surface-level adjustments. The custom code likely supports features specific to the game's design, such as the fluid day-night transitions, the directional combat system, and the open-world streaming needed for Vale Sangora's varied biomes.