I was keeping an eye on this title—or rather, it was on my wishlist—but I kind of lost track of it, and today it debuted on PC. Toward Dawn is a retro-inspired RPG crafted by indie developer Devi Serene, blending classic JRPG elements with a modern take on storytelling. The game draws heavily from Welsh mythology, weaving themes of trauma, resilience, and redemption into its narrative.
Set in a pixelated world, Toward Daw follows Carys, an Incanter whose life is shattered after her temple is destroyed. She finds unexpected companionship in Bleddyn, a formidable Gwyllgi (a mythical wolf-like being), as they unravel a dark mystery tied to their pasts. Alongside them is Idwal Thornfield, a shy nobleman with secrets of his own. The story tackles heavy topics like abuse and the struggle to break harmful cycles, presenting them through a nuanced, mythological lens.
The game’s combat system, influenced by Grandia and Octopath Traveler, revolves around the concept of breaking enemies’ poise to render them vulnerable. Players can enhance abilities via skill trees and craft unique equipment.
Outside combat, the game encourages exploration, offering sidequests, skits to deepen character connections, and even a card game called Dragon’s Guard. The game also supports multiple difficulty levels (Story, Classic, and Hard) and features optional romance, adding depth and replayability.
The world of Toward Dawn is brought to life through detailed pixel art, animated story scenes, and a dynamic cast of characters. The game’s soundtrack complements its mythic atmosphere, emphasizing both the tension of battle and the quiet moments of reflection between companions. The game is now available through Steam, and there is also a playable demo. Below is an overview, screens and trailer.
About The Game
Features:
- A world and story inspired by Welsh Mythology.
- A demo containing the first 3 chapters – around 3 hours of gameplay!
- Break your enemies in a unique Turn-Based battle system.
- Customise abilities with the Ability Tree and Loadouts.
- 3 Difficulty modes – Story, Classic and Hard.
- Optional romance.
- Pet the wolf!
A New Retro-JRPG Inspired by Welsh Mythology
After her temple is raided, Carys finds herself at the mercy of Bleddyn, a Gwyllgi feared by society. But Carys finds that their differences only bring them closer – inspiring them both to seek answers to the events that led both their lives down a dark path. Toward Dawn features mythical beasts and themes inspired by Celtic legends – exploring the delicate subject of trauma and cycles of abuse that appear in such tales.
Explore a vibrant pixel world, matched by a charming and memorable cast of characters while you experience the story in animated scenes. Upgrade your abilities with individual skill trees, while you craft equipment that bestow unique actions and traits, tailoring the characters to your preferred playstyle.
With a combat system partially inspired by the Grandia and Octopath Traveler, BREAK your enemies’ poise, removing their action and making them vulnerable to high damage. There are no random encounters or forced grinding, the focus is instead on your tactics and how you have chosen to develop the characters.
Get to know the characters more by viewing optional Skits, be distracted with the Dragon’s Guard cardgame, and meet a variety of colourful characters in sidequests!
Characters
Carys
An Incanter of the Two Dragons, one of the few survivors after Bleddyn rescues her from the destruction of her temple. Finding strength in her new companion, she swears vengeance upon those that destroyed her former life.Bleddyn
A Gwyllgi of the Coedwig, an imposing werewolf who wields an even larger sword. Shrouded in mystery, he begrudgingly takes Carys into his forest home, where he finally begins to open up to another person.
Idwal Thornfield
The first-born son and heir to the Thornfield demesne. Quiet, meek, and hiding behind his long hair, Idwal is rescued by Carys and Bleddyn and sets in motion a plot that will test friendships, question motivations and bring the truth to light.
