March 6th, 2024

Welcome to the World of Unknown 9: Awakening

Let the countdown to the game’s release begin.

3 min read
Unknown 9: Awakening video game heroine, Haroona, set against a mountanous backdrop.

The Summer 2024 release of Unknown 9: Awakening was announced today alongside a new trailer that unveils the action-adventure game’s lead actress and a tease of the gameplay. This reveal marks the first major update since Awakening’s teaser trailer won Best Announcement at gamescom’s Opening Night Live event in 2020.

Now that the video game world has caught a glimpse of what the third-person action-adventure title is about, we’re ready to unravel some of the major threads of this epic adventure shrouded in myth, mystery, and action.

Unknown 9: Awakening video game heroine, Haroona, set against a mountanous backdrop.

The Unknown 9: Awakening Story

You play as Haroona, a fierce truth-seeker (what we call a “Quaestor”) with a unique connection to another dimension known as the Fold. This other plane of existence contains powerful energy and long-lost knowledge that, if brought to light, could usher us into a wondrous era of advancement. However, if this forgotten wisdom falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to our inevitable demise.

Determined to avenge the wrongs of her past, Haroona’s imminent journey will turn out to involve far more than just retribution. Humanity’s fate is at risk, and her ties to the Fold may be the key to securing our continued existence.

This quest will have you uncover the long-lost secrets of our collective past. You’ll also learn to tap into the Fold’s energy, gifting you incredible skills, known as Umbric abilities, that allow you to take down anyone who stands in your way.

But beware of the Ascendants, a dangerous offshoot of a secret society known as the Leap Year Society. This faction claims to want to use the Fold for the betterment of humankind, but don’t be fooled. Even the best of intentions can lead to catastrophe.

Your First Look at the Gameplay

The Announcement Trailer showcases some of Awakening’s vivid landscapes all while underscoring just how powerful a Quaestor Haroona is.

The gameplay shows her Crushing, Pushing, and Pulling people and objects from a distance, and mysteriously Shielding herself from enemy fire. She also Steps into her opponents to take control of their minds, bodies, and weapons. These are just a few of the Umbric abilities you’ll use when you play the game. The closer we get to its release, the more of these skills we’ll reveal.

Players looking to switch up their playstyle will be able to play in stealth, combat, and Umbric abilities mode. Each style has its advantages, but it’s the combination of the three that will provide you with the versatility needed to overcome whatever enemies cross your path.

Anya Chalotra, the actress who portrays Unknown 9: Awakening's Haroona.

Anya Chalotra makes her gaming debut

Today’s announcement officially reveals Anya Chalotra as the actress who breathes life into Awakening’s audacious protagonist. Best known for her role as Yennefer of Vengerberg in The Witcher, Chalotra is no stranger to portraying powerful female characters. Playing Haroona marks the actress’ first major endeavor in the world of gaming.

A Summer 2024 Release

The video game comes out on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC this summer! As you count down to its release, stay tuned for the latest Unknown 9: Awakening trailers, key dates, character profiles, gameplay deep dives, and more.

We’ll also prime you on the video game’s rich lore, which forms the bedrock of the larger universe of Unknown 9. You can also use this intel to perfect your combat skills and craft a playstyle unique to you.

Are you ready to venture into the shadows to uncover humanity’s best-kept secrets? Your journey into the Unknown has only just begun.

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