Choosing the right version of a high-stakes dark fantasy RPG can be as difficult as surviving a night in 14th-century Europe. With The Blood of Dawnwalker now available, many players are weighing whether the digital extras in the Eclipse Edition justify the price jump over the Standard version. If you are a fan of deep lore and world-building, understanding exactly what is in this package is essential before you hit the buy button.
Table of Contents
What is Included in the Eclipse Edition?
The Eclipse Edition is primarily designed for digital collectors and players who want to immerse themselves in the backstory of Coen and the Sangoran continent. Unlike the Standard Edition, which only provides the base game, the Eclipse Edition functions as a "lore starter pack."
According to the official Bandai Namco product page, the Eclipse Edition includes:
- The Blood of Dawnwalker Base Game: The full open-world experience powered by Unreal Engine 5.
- Digital World Compendium: A deep dive into the history, creatures, and secrets of the game's dark fantasy setting.
- Digital Comic Book: A prequel story that provides context for Coen’s journey and the political landscape of the valley.
- Digital Soundtrack: The complete haunting score to listen to outside of the game.
- Pre-Order Bonus (Sangoran Wayfarer’s Armor Set): A cosmetic set featuring an emblem of a nameless smith. Note that this is an "early unlock" and can be obtained through gameplay later.
Comparison of Game Editions
To help you decide which version fits your budget and interests, here is how the Eclipse Edition stacks up against the other available tiers.
| Feature | Standard Edition | Eclipse Edition | Day 1 Edition (Physical) | Collector's Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Game | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Comic & OST | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Digital Compendium | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Steelbook & Map | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coen Figurine | No | No | No | Yes |
| Approx. Price | £59.99 / $69.99 | £69.99 / $79.99 | £69.99 / $56.85* | £149.99 - £174.99 |
*Community reports indicate that some UK retailers like Hit.co.uk have offered the physical Day 1 Edition at a lower price point than the digital Standard Edition.
Is the Eclipse Edition Worth the Extra Cost?
For most players, the decision comes down to a £10 / $10 price difference. The Eclipse Edition does not include any exclusive gameplay mechanics, additional quests, or powerful weapons that you can't get elsewhere. Instead, the value lies entirely in the "Digital Upgrade" content.
Buy the Eclipse Edition if:
- You enjoy reading prequel comics to understand character motivations.
- You are a "lore hunter" who wants the Digital Compendium for easy reference to the game's complex history.
- You want to support the developers at Rebel Wolves for their debut title.
Skip the Eclipse Edition if:
- You only care about the gameplay and combat mechanics.
- You prefer physical collectibles (in which case, the Day 1 or Collector's Edition is a better fit).
- You are on a tight budget; the pre-order armor set is available in all editions anyway.
Community Insights and Player Tips
Based on early player experiences and community discussions, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing:
- The Upgrade Path: You don't have to commit today. Players have confirmed that the "Eclipse Edition Digital Upgrade" can be purchased separately at a later date if you start with the Standard Edition and decide you want the lore extras later.
- Subscription Status: According to community reports, The Blood of Dawnwalker is currently not planned for Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. It is a traditional "buy-to-play" title.
- Armor Availability: Don't let the Sangoran Wayfarer’s Armor Set be your only reason to pre-order or upgrade. As noted by many veteran RPG players, "early unlock" bonuses are usually replaced by better gear within the first few hours of gameplay.
System Requirements for PC Players
If you are picking up the Eclipse Edition on PC, ensure your rig can handle the Unreal Engine 5 visuals. The game requires a 60 GB SSD and at least 16 GB of RAM. For the best experience, developers recommend an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or Radeon RX 7600 XT to maintain stable frame rates during the intensive day/night transitions.
FAQ
Can I upgrade to the Eclipse Edition later?
Yes. If you purchase the Standard Edition or the physical Day 1 Edition, you can buy the Eclipse Edition Digital Upgrade as a separate DLC on Steam, the PlayStation Store, or the Xbox Marketplace.
Does the Eclipse Edition include any extra missions?
No. All editions of the game contain the exact same playable content and story quests. The Eclipse Edition only adds digital media like the soundtrack and comic book.
Is the Digital Comic a sequel or a prequel?
The digital comic included in the Eclipse Edition serves as a prequel. It is designed to be read before or during the early stages of the game to provide a better understanding of the world's state in the 14th century.
Sources and known gaps
- THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER | Official Website (EN)
- Don't Buy The Wrong The Blood of Dawnwalker Edition - Standard vs Eclipse vs Collectors Edition
