Warlock Reveals Open World Setting Of Darkon And Evolving Magic System

What the report says

News Written by Andrew StretchPublished: August 25, 2026 2:48 PMToday at Gamescom Opening Night first gameplay was shown off for Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons. This gameplay let us see Kaatri exploring the world and showing off how the magic that you learn as you progress through the game can be used to slip through grates or navigate precarious platforming, or create storms and devastating lightning attacks to fell massive beasts.We get to see more of the relationship between Kaatri, played by Tricia Helfer, and her patron Tasha, voiced by Maggie Robertson. It's Kaatri's charge by Tasha to sense out Raw Magic, that will be used to 'expand and transform her magical ability.'Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons takes place in DarkonA new elements of the story that was revealed in the trailer was that the setting of Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons will be the Domain of Dread, Darkon.

This domain, most recently reference in the TTRPG in Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, is a realm of Dark Fantasy and Disaster Horror formerly ruled over by the Lich-King Azalin Rex. It's unclear at this time when in Darkon's history Warlock will be set, whether it be before or after the Hour of Ascension or even if the greater lore of the Domain will be referenced in this adventure.Ahead of the gameplay reveal, TechRaptor got to hear from Dominic Guay, Studio Head at Invoke Studios, and Jeff Hattem, VP of Creative at Invoke Studios, about how Kaatri will grow during her journey, what their guiding principles during development have been, and why a Warlock felt like the perfect class to focus this game on.To begin it was vaguely highlighted that Kaatri is a seasoned weapons master who is "on a personal quest to find someone dear to her." It's in that pursuit that Kaatri ends up meeting Tasha, an incredibly powerful witch from Dungeons & Dragons lore, and taking part in a dangerous bargain with her in exchange for Warlock powers.

Unlike a spellcaster who gains their power through rigorous study like a Wizard, or through their devotion to their faith like a Cleric, the Warlock gets to shortcut this by having a patron, but it normally comes at a cost.We get to see Kaatri use a few staple spells through the gameplay including Eldritch Blast and a Leap spell, there are also new spells for Warlock including Tasha's Leash which lets Kaatri summon tentacles to grab and throw enemies and objects.As you explore the world as Kaatri and find sources of Raw Magic, you'll be able to upgrade your spells or unlock new ones.

Key details

This was important to the team creating the spell system as it will let players really specialize in the type of play style the best fits them. Gear that you find along your adventure will also have different traits that will "allow you to tailor your playstyle to your favorites, or to the enemies you're facing.""One person might find or unlock a spell that another player will not at all." As spells don't just function in combat, but also have other uses like traversal, as you gain access to new spells and power up existing ones you might be able to find a variety of interesting synergies.

It was teased that already a variety of cool combination uses had been found in house but we were encouraged to experiment as much as possible. "If you break the game, we'll be really happy" they joked.For those wondering, this D&D game will lean into the world and lore of the TTRPG but away from a lot of the mechanics. Kaatri will be going on her adventure mostly alone, save for her Imp companion, but that doesn't mean she won't be gathering up a group of allies that don't go out adventuring with her.

The team also highlighted that they're not trying to simulate the TTRPG directly at all and even stated that there will be no dice rolls.Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S with an anticipated release in 2027. Andrew Stretch | Senior Content Manager Andrew has written Video Game and Entertainment news, reviews, and guides for 10+ years. As Senior Content Manager, he assists in creating and editing… More about Andrew