As Behaviour Interactive’s Dead by Daylight celebrates its ninth year, the studio has unveiled a major slate of content updates and collaborations, emphasizing fan-favorite franchises, quality-of-life improvements, and greater community involvement. The announcements were made during a presentation at PAX East, where developers outlined their vision for the game’s future and revealed several notable projects tied to the anniversary milestone.
The highlight of the presentation was the confirmation of a highly anticipated crossover with the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. In response to what developers claim is the most requested licensed addition in the game’s history, Springtrap will be introduced as the next Killer in Dead by Daylight. This will mark the first time the character is officially playable in a game. Springtrap’s debut will include a Legendary Outfit modeled after the Yellow Rabbit version of the character, as portrayed by Matthew Lillard in the recent film adaptation. Lillard has also contributed his voice and likeness to the project. Alongside the new Killer, a Map based on Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza will be added, featuring numerous hidden references for long-time fans. A dedicated Five Nights at Freddy’s livestream is planned to reveal more details ahead of release.
Expanding further into crossover content, Dead by Daylight announced a new Witcher Collection, set to release on June 3. The collection includes several high-quality cosmetic additions based on characters from The Witcher video game series. Chief among them is a Legendary Outfit that allows players to assume the appearance of Geralt of Rivia through the character of Vittorio Toscano. This Outfit includes unique lobby animations and original voice lines recorded by Doug Cockle, the acclaimed voice actor behind Geralt. Additional outfits include Very Rare cosmetics for Yennefer, Ciri, Triss, and Eredin.
In another unexpected reveal, the Boulet Brothers are receiving their own dedicated Collection. Following the success of the Dead by Daylight-themed episode of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, this collaboration brings themed outfits for both The Huntress and The Artist, reflecting the Boulet Brothers’ signature aesthetic. This collection will be made available starting July 8.
Beyond cosmetics and content, the developers emphasized their continuing focus on enhancing the game’s Quality of Life. After initiating a set of system improvements earlier this year, the team confirmed its decision to delay certain 2025 content drops by three weeks to better address persistent bugs and player feedback. Key changes include new Gamma settings, anti-exploit updates, and a complete overhaul of The Archives. Additional enhancements scheduled for later in the year include expanded spectator options in Custom Matches, background matchmaking during event queues, significant MMR and item balancing, new anti-cheat systems, and measures to counteract problematic in-game behaviors such as slugging, tunneling, and excessive camping.
Perhaps the most unique reveal of the anniversary showcase was the announcement of a Choose Your Own Chapter initiative. Creative Director Dave Richard shared that an entirely new Chapter will be developed based on direct community input. Set for release in 2026, the project will feature both a Killer and a Survivor whose lore, abilities, and designs will be shaped by player votes. The team plans to present a sequence of branching narrative choices, with a special “Change Your Fate” mechanic allowing the community to revise prior decisions. This interactive process will continue throughout the Chapter’s development cycle.
With a robust year ahead, Dead by Daylight continues to expand both its universe and its connection with players, bringing horror legends, fantasy icons, and collaborative creativity into the Fog as it embarks on its tenth year of evolution.
