Redfall - What We Know So Far

Xbox and Bethesda Softworks surprised viewers during their June 2021 Showcase with the announcement of "Redfall," an open-world co-op vampire flavored FPS created by Arkane Austin of "Dishonored" and "Prey" fame. The action unfolds in the titular Redfall, Massachusetts, a "quaint island town" occupied by an incursion of bloodsuckers. Cut off from the outside world and trapped in endless night thanks to a perpetual eclipse, the survivors of Redfall band together to take on their superpowered foes in a classic case of kill or be killed.

As detailed on the official website, the baddies in "Redfall" aren't your typical vampire fare. More Frankenstein's monster than Dracula, the town's would-be conquerors resulted from a failed scientific experiment. In the wake of the mishap, many subjects developed potent abilities, leading to the emergence of specialized vampire subtypes that offer unique challenges to even the most well-prepared slayers. The team has more than just vampires to contend with: their cult of human worshippers also haunts the streets of Redfall, hoping to prove themselves worthy of joining the vampiric upper crust.

Can't wait to immerse yourself in Arkane's take on the oh-so-popular vampire niche? Here's what we know about "Redfall" so far.

In addition to revealing "Redfall" to the world during its E3 press conference, Microsoft shared the official launch window for the title: Summer 2022. The co-op FPS will launch exclusively for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and, like many recent releases, Xbox Game Pass members can play it on day one. Though Arkane's previous works also came to PlayStation, the console exclusivity of its latest project is likely the result of Microsoft's 2020 acquisition of Bethesda parent company Zenimax Media.

Xbox and Bethesda have yet to share any information regarding pre-orders or special editions; however, those interested in staying up-to-date about "Redfall" and other developments from the studio behind it can join Arkane Outsiders. Signing up nets you a free digital artbook dedicated to the concept art that spawned Arkane created worlds like Karnaca ("Dishonored 2") and Blackreef, the "retro-future island" that serves as the setting for upcoming action adventure "Deathloop." Prefer more active community engagement? You should also check out the Arkane Outsiders Discord.

Microsoft revealed "Redfall" at E3 via an Official Announce Trailer. At just under five minutes in length, the clip establishes the title's core premise and team of vampire hunters through a succession of cinematic encounters.

The trailer's opening scene unfolds in the aftermath of a rather messy battle that reached its conclusion in a convenience store. You meet the game's four main characters — Devinder Crousely, Layla Ellison, Jacob Boyer, and Remi de la Rosa — as Devinder examines the remains of a recently slain vampire. After a brief exchange between Ellison and Boyer, the timeline jumps to earlier in the day to establish how the group ended up in their present situation.

While attempting to record a gathering of Redfall's local cult of vampire adherents, the team accidentally gives away their presence and winds up in a firefight with the cult's muscle. Eventually, multiple vampires show up, forcing the quartet to work together and combine their unique skillsets to defeat their treacherous attackers. The trailer culminates with some comedic moments as the slayers stroll down the street, before switching to a shot of a rather grisly-looking vampire creating the eclipse that bathes Redfall in unending night.

Gameplay specifics remain scarce, though a post on the Bethesda blog that accompanied the "Redfall" reveal shed some more light on what to expect from the core mechanics.

Despite being billed as a co-op title, "Redfall" players have the option to battle vampires and cultists solo or with up to three friends. Each of the selectable characters come with unique abilities, background details, and personality traits, and you can customize gear and upgrade your chosen slayer's abilities to better suit your style of play. Here's a quick rundown of each hero's specialties:

• Devinder Crousley: an "internet-famous paranormal investigator, amateur cryptozoologist and aspiring inventor" who creates and uses his own weapons
• Layla Ellison: a former biomedical engineering student who developed "wild telekinetic powers" during her internship at the Aevum Therapeutics research facility
• Remi de la Rosa: a brilliant combat engineer with a robot companion who saved dozens of lives as a member of an "elite Navy rescue unit"
• Jacob Boyer: an ex-military sharpshooter "with a mysterious vampiric eye and a spectral raven" he uses to hunt the local bloodsuckers

Like previous Arkane games, "Redfall" includes immersive story elements and brings fresh elements to the table. "Every game we make is a little different [from] the last," commented co-creative director Ricardo Bare. " ... in every case our focus remains on deep world building and inventive game mechanics. The same will be true of Redfall."