The 2022 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase brought fresh footage of Redfall, the upcoming first-person shooter from Arkane Studios. After a year of silence since the initial announcement, fans finally got another look at the vampire-hunting action the game promises. The new trailer offered the most detailed gameplay preview yet, showcasing the hero-shooter mechanics and the supernatural threats that await players.
This is our independent look at what the footage revealed and what it means for players waiting to dive into Redfall's open world when it arrives in 2023.
Quick take
- Redfall features four playable vampire hunters with unique abilities
- The game runs on Arkane's open-world engine and supports single-player and co-op
- Enemies include vampire variants that evolve throughout the campaign
- Release is planned for 2023 on Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud via Xbox Game Pass
- The game was first shown in 2021 and delayed from its original window
Meet the vampire hunters
The footage showcased Arkane's approach to character-driven shooter gameplay. Each of the four playable hunters brings distinct supernatural abilities designed for different playstyles.
Jacob Boyer, the "undead dead eye," can turn invisible and strike from range with precision shots. Remi De La Rosa fights alongside a robotic dog companion that assists in combat and exploration. Devinder Crousley wields exotic hunter tools that feel mysterious even to the team. Layla Ellison rounds out the roster with telekinetic powers, letting her manipulate the environment and attack enemies with mind-based force.
The hero-shooter comparison makes sense here. The abilities feel purpose-built for co-op scenarios where teams combine different powers to handle varied threats.
Why the vampire enemies matter
The vampires in Redfall did not appear by accident. According to the trailer, they resulted from a failed scientific experiment that turned the population of the fictional town into blood-drinking creatures. These enemies avoid sunlight and evolve into different variants as players progress through the campaign.
This evolution mechanic draws direct comparisons to the zombie hordes in Left 4 Dead. Adaptive enemy behavior keeps pressure on players throughout a mission and rewards experimentation with different hunter combinations.
Our analysis
The trailer confirms Arkane is pushing in a new direction. The studio's previous work focused on tight, linear level design built around systemic player abilities. Redfall's "ever-changing open world that reacts to your choices" suggests a fundamental shift in how those systems will be experienced.
The delay from 2021 to 2023 gave the team more time to build out this open structure. Co-creative director Ricardo Bare emphasized that world-building and inventive mechanics remain the focus, which aligns with the gameplay footage showing environmental interaction and character-driven exploration.
On the business side, first-day Game Pass availability signals Microsoft's strategy of using exclusive titles to grow subscription numbers. The cloud release expands reach beyond console owners, potentially attracting curious players who might not purchase an Xbox outright.
The character roster and co-op focus indicate Arkane learned from criticisms of its earlier titles feeling isolating. By giving each hunter a distinct visual identity and ability set, the studio makes the multiplayer experience feel more like a shared adventure rather than four solo players in the same space.
What it means for you
Say you are considering picking up Redfall when it launches. The four-character system gives you options whether you plan to play alone or with friends. Solo players can pick whichever hunter matches their preferred approach to combat. Groups can coordinate around complementary abilities, combining sniper precision with telekinetic crowd control and robot-assisted scouting.
The evolving vampire enemies mean your strategy cannot stay static. What works in early missions may falter against later variants, pushing you to adapt your loadout or switch hunters entirely.
Bottom line
Redfall looks like Arkane stepping outside its comfort zone in a deliberate way. The open-world structure, hero-shooter mechanics, and Game Pass launch all point to a game built for accessibility rather than hardcore challenge. Whether that approach works will depend on execution, but the trailer makes a clear case that the team is committed to the vision.
Watch for concrete details on co-op functionality, enemy count, and mission structure as release approaches.
Frequently asked questions
When will Redfall be released?
The game is scheduled for 2023 on Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud platforms. No specific release date has been announced.
How many characters can players choose from in Redfall?
Four playable hunters are available, each with unique abilities suited for different combat and exploration scenarios.
Does Redfall support multiplayer co-op?
Yes, the game supports co-op play where teams of hunters can combine their abilities against vampire threats.
What type of enemies appear in Redfall?
The main enemies are vampires created through a failed experiment. These enemies evolve into different variants throughout the game, similar to enemy scaling in Left 4 Dead.
Will Redfall be available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, giving subscribers access without an additional purchase.