The Fog is thicker, the generators are sparking, and the screams? Well, they’re about to get a whole lot louder. Dead by Daylight just dropped a bombshell at PAX East with its Year 9 Anniversary Broadcast, and trust us, this isn’t just a new coat of paint – it’s a full-blown, heart-stopping renovation of terror!
Nine Years of Slashes, Scares, and Strategy
Nine years. Let that sink in. Nine years of Dead by Daylight. Feels a bit surreal, doesn’t it? It’s fair to say Behaviour Interactive’s game has evolved massively throughout the years. We’ve seen countless new characters, a dizzying slew of Perks, and some of the most ambitious Killer Powers yet. Oh, and let’s not forget… a dog. Yes, a very good boy indeed.
This past year alone gifted us with the dark fantasy of Dungeons & Dragons, the adventurous spirit of Tomb Raider, the gothic horror of Castlevania, the sheer terror of Chucky, and even the unique anime vibes of Tokyo Ghoul. Alongside these thrilling content drops, Behaviour kicked off a lengthy quality of life initiative, laser-focused on addressing those longstanding pain points, boosting performance, and generally buffing the game’s health. They’ve also been incredibly open, continuously improving communication and vocalizing design intentions more than ever before. So, before we dive headfirst into the electrifying new stuff, a massive shout-out to the DBD community – you guys are truly the lifeblood, the fuel that keeps this nightmare machine running.
But enough reminiscing. Behaviour isn’t just kicking off Year 9 with a bang; they’re doing it with a full-on, pant-wetting jump scare. Get ready, folks, because things are about to get… animatronic.
The Main Event: Five Nights At Freddy’s FINALLY Arrives!
You asked. You pleaded. You filled out countless “most-desired license” surveys. And now, it’s happening. After what felt like an eternity of speculation, rumors, and fan theories that could fill a library, Five Nights at Freddy’s is officially shambling its way into Dead by Daylight! The hype is real, and Behaviour knows it. This isn’t just another chapter; for many, this is *the* chapter.
Springtrap is Coming to The Fog!
The star of this terrifying show? None other than the decayed, menacing form of Springtrap, known in the twisted lore of Dead by Daylight as “The Animatronic.” Ever since the initial FNAF x DBD tease dropped – that simple, yet mind-blowing graphic – the community has been buzzing. Now, we finally have confirmation. Springtrap, the purple guy himself, William Afton, trapped in his spring-lock prison, is ready to hunt Survivors.
As Jason Guzzo, Killer Designer at Behaviour Interactive, put it when discussing adapting FNAF’s unique horror: “I think what resonates is that, despite being games with linear elements…both Dead by Daylight and FNAF give players tools to tell their own stories.” He emphasized the challenge of transposing FNAF’s jump-scare brand of horror, teasing, “I guess I can tell you that yes, there are jump scares. It’s part of the gameplay. That’s all I can say for now.” Goosebumps, anyone?
The Matthew Lillard Factor: A Cinematic Scream King Joins the Cast
Hold onto your security hats, because this is huge. The upcoming FNAF chapter isn’t just bringing Springtrap; it’s bringing an incredible Legendary Outfit for him featuring the likeness and, yes, the voice of Matthew Lillard! Lillard, who delivered a chillingly memorable performance as William Afton in the 2023 FNAF film, is reprising his role, lending his distinct vocal talents to The Animatronic. This is arguably one of the most exciting aspects for fans, adding an unparalleled layer of authenticity and star power. Can you imagine hearing Lillard’s taunts as Springtrap stalks you through the Fog? It’s the stuff of nightmares and dreams combined!
His involvement with dead by daylight fnaf is more than just a cameo; it’s a deep dive into the character, promising to make Springtrap one of the most immersive and terrifying Killers yet. Head of Partnership at Behaviour Interactive, Matthieu Cote, mentioned Lillard was “just a consummate professional… great to work with… very generous with his time.” The end result? “This really, really cool character in the game, which is awesome.” We couldn’t agree more!
Welcome to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza: The New Map
What’s a Five Nights at Freddy’s chapter without its iconic, claustrophobic setting? Prepare to navigate the eerie halls of a brand-new map based on Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The devs promise it will be “filled with Easter Eggs that are bound to put a smile on the faces of every type of fan.” Will we need to dodge other lurking animatronics while trying to repair generators and escape Springtrap? The possibilities are both thrilling and terrifying. One thing’s for sure, the atmosphere is going to be off the charts.
An upcoming live stream will detail all of The Animatronic’s powers, skills, and how he’ll play. Jumpscares are practically guaranteed, given the source material. The anticipation is almost unbearable! Many players are already joking about retiring their current Killer mains. As one ecstatic fan put it, “I think it’s time that I take off my Clown makeup and get ready to don the Yellow Rabbit suit. “
Winds Howling: The Witcher Slashes into the Entity’s Realm
Just when you thought the anniversary couldn’t get any bigger, Behaviour drops another bombshell: The Witcher is coming to Dead by Daylight! That’s right, the gritty, monster-slaying world of CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece is crossing over. Appearing as a new Collection, this isn’t about new characters in the canon, but incredible Outfits for existing Survivors and Killers.
The highlight? A Legendary Outfit for Vittorio Toscano, transforming him into none other than Geralt of Rivia. And here’s the kicker: he’ll be voiced by the original Geralt voice actor, Doug Cockle! Rose Li, Dead by Daylight’s Product Director, stated, “Geralt will have unique lobby animations, and best of all, brand-new voice lines recorded for our game by the original voice actor, Doug Cockle.” Talk about dedication to authenticity! Thirsty fans can also snag a “Geralt in a Bathtub” player card. You know you want it.
Here’s a quick look at who’s getting the Witcher treatment:
| Witcher Character / Creature | Dead by Daylight Character | Outfit Type |
|---|---|---|
| Geralt of Rivia | Vittorio Toscano | Legendary Outfit |
| Yennefer of Vengerberg | Kate Denson | Very Rare Outfit |
| Ciri | Sable Ward | Very Rare Outfit |
| Triss Merigold | Mikaela Reid | Very Rare Outfit |
| Eredin Bréacc Glas | The Knight | Very Rare Outfit |
| Leshen | The Artist | Very Rare Outfit |
This incredible Witcher Collection, along with the return of the chaotic game mode Chaos Shuffle (likely Witcher-themed!), is set to drop on June 3, 2025. So, start saving those Auric Cells, because this is one collection you won’t want to miss. While The Witcher isn’t inherently horror, its world is filled with terrifying creatures and dark themes that will feel right at home in The Fog.
More Horrors and High Fashion: Boulet Brothers, Frank Stone, and Tomb Raider Redux
The anniversary stream was truly the gift that kept on giving. Beyond the headline-grabbing FNAF and Witcher news, there’s a treasure trove of other content coming our way.
The Boulet Brothers Drag You to Hell (Figuratively)
Remember that awesome design competition held by the Boulet Brothers in collaboration with Dead by Daylight? The winning “Winter Warrior” outfit for The Huntress is finally making its grand entrance! But in a deliciously unexpected twist, the Boulet Brothers themselves are inspiring a new skin for The Artist. Can you imagine The Artist cawing, “Hello, Uglies!” as she sends Dire Crows after Survivors? We certainly can. This fabulous Boulet Brothers Collection will be available on July 8, 2025.
The Casting of Frank Stone Steps into The Fog
The narrative game, The Casting of Frank Stone, expanded the DBD universe last year, introducing new lore and a particularly nasty antagonist known as The Champion, aka Frank Stone. Fans have been clamoring for his arrival in the main game, and Behaviour has listened. Frank Stone will be making his debut as a Legendary Outfit for The Trapper. It’s a perfect fit, letting Frank Stone finally fulfill his gruesome purpose within The Fog.
Lara Croft’s Wardrobe Expands
Our favorite relic-hunting Survivor, Lara Croft, is also getting some love with two more iconic Outfits. One of these is inspired by her original, classic look, which is sure to send longtime Tomb Raider fans into a frenzy. She already has a great selection, but more Lara is always a good thing!
You Call the Shots: The “Choose Your Own Chapter” Initiative
This is, without a doubt, one of the most innovative announcements. Ever wished you had a direct say in creating a Dead by Daylight Chapter? Well, Creative Director Dave Richard dropped some incredible news: the team is launching a new activation that will deeply involve the community in the creation of an entirely new Chapter, slated for release sometime in 2026!
That’s right, YOU, the players, will get to decide the look, lore, and gameplay for both a new Killer and a new Survivor. It’s being presented in a narrative, “Choose Your Own Adventure” style, where each choice spawns new options. There’s even a “Change Your Fate” mechanic if the community wants to course-correct. This activation will run throughout the entire pre-production and production cycle. It’s an unprecedented level of community engagement, and we’re absolutely here for it!
Keeping the Game Healthy: Quality of Life Initiative Phase 2 Continues
Amidst all the new content excitement, Behaviour remains committed to improving the core Dead by Daylight experience. They’ve already delayed some upcoming releases by approximately three weeks to specifically address QoL issues. Now, they’re gearing up for an ambitious second phase of the Quality of Life Initiative.
While specifics will be detailed in upcoming blogs, we got a glimpse of what’s in store throughout the rest of 2025. Expect updates to The Archives, adjusted Gamma Settings, more spectator slots in Custom Matches, map and key item rebalancing, an MMR rework, and further balance tweaks. It’s this dedication to refining the existing game that keeps players coming back year after year.
The Hunt for Clues: What’s Next?
As is tradition, the Anniversary broadcast often ends with a tease for an upcoming licensed Chapter. This year, Behaviour did things a little differently. Mat Côté, Game Director on Dead by Daylight, revealed that clues pointing to the *next* big Chapter were actually scattered throughout the broadcast itself! So, if you’re a super-sleuth, it’s time to rewatch the stream with a fine-tooth comb. What could it be? The speculation is already running wild!
Developer Insights: Crafting the Terror
The team’s passion for horror and game design shines through. Jason Guzzo described his design philosophy as top-down: “I try to figure out the aesthetic experience I want people to feel, and then I build the gameplay mechanics around that.” This player-centric approach is evident in the diversity of Killer designs.
Matthieu Cote offered a fantastic analogy for Dead by Daylight’s unique position in the horror landscape, moving beyond the “Hall of Fame of horror” to something more vibrant: “I think the New York City of horror is an even better way to describe it… It’s a bit of a dirty place where you jump in and get assaulted by all the different ways that horror can be represented.” This captures the game’s eclectic and ever-expanding nature perfectly.
A Killer Year Ahead for Dead by Daylight
Phew! That was a LOT to unpack. From the monumental arrival of Five Nights at Freddy’s, complete with the incredible Matthew Lillard as Springtrap, to the unexpected but thrilling Witcher collaboration, and the groundbreaking “Choose Your Own Chapter” initiative, Dead by Daylight’s Year 9 is shaping up to be its most ambitious yet. It’s honestly hard to think of many other games that, nine years in, continue to innovate and excite their player base on this scale.
The dedication of Behaviour Interactive to not only deliver fresh, terrifying content but also to listen to their community and continuously improve the game is commendable. With so much on the horizon, including full FNAF gameplay reveals and the Twisted Masquerade event, the future of Dead by Daylight looks brighter—or should we say, darker—than ever.
What are you most excited about from the Year 9 Anniversary Broadcast? Will you be maining Springtrap, perhaps with the Matthew Lillard skin? Or are you sharpening your silver sword for The Witcher collection? Let the screams commence!
See you in The Fog!
Can’t Wait for Springtrap & Geralt? Horror Games to Tide You Over!
The Dead by Daylight Year 9 Anniversary broadcast has undoubtedly left us all buzzing with anticipation. With Matthew Lillard’s Springtrap set to terrify us and Geralt of Rivia bringing his monster-slaying prowess to The Fog, the wait for all this new content can feel as agonizing as a Mori. But fear not, fellow horror aficionados! If you’re looking for some thrilling experiences to dive into while those new chapters are brewing, we’ve got a few recommendations that will keep your heart racing and your survival instincts sharp.
Consider these titles your personal training grounds, preparing you for the fresh horrors and exciting crossovers Dead by Daylight is unleashing:
1. Alan Wake 2
Remedy Entertainment’s sequel to the cult classic is a masterclass in survival horror and narrative storytelling. Stepping into the shoes of FBI agent Saga Anderson and the titular tormented writer Alan Wake, you’ll unravel a chilling mystery that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The atmosphere is thick, the scares are psychological, and the visual fidelity is stunning.
Why you’ll be gripping your controller: Its dual-protagonist narrative offers unique gameplay perspectives, the ‘Mind Place’ and ‘Writer’s Room’ mechanics are innovative, and the game perfectly blends intense combat encounters with deeply unsettling horror. If you appreciate the lore and environmental storytelling in DBD, you’ll love getting lost in Bright Falls and the Dark Place.
2. Phasmophobia
If the thrill of the unknown and working with (or screaming alongside) friends is your jam, then Phasmophobia is a must-play. This 4-player co-op psychological horror game sees you and your team of paranormal investigators enter haunted locations to gather evidence of supernatural activity. With a variety of ghost types, each with unique behaviors, and a plethora of tools at your disposal, no two investigations are ever quite the same.
Why you’ll be checking over your shoulder: The voice recognition system (ghosts can hear you!), the sheer unpredictability of a hunt, and the genuine terror of trying to identify a malevolent spirit before it identifies *you*. It’s a fantastic way to practice teamwork and communication under pressure – essential skills for any Survivor main!
3. Alien: Isolation
Want to experience what it’s like to be hunted by one of cinema’s most iconic killing machines? Alien: Isolation puts you in the boots of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, as she navigates the terrifying Sevastopol station, stalked by a single, relentless Xenomorph. This isn’t about gunning down hordes of aliens; it’s about stealth, strategy, and sheer survival.
Why you’ll be holding your breath: The AI of the Xenomorph is legendary – it learns, adapts, and is genuinely terrifying. The sound design is impeccable, creating an oppressive atmosphere of dread. If you love the tension of a DBD Killer with a small terror radius, you’ll appreciate the constant threat in Alien: Isolation. Plus, it’s a masterclass in adapting a beloved horror license, much like DBD aims to do with FNAF.
4. Lethal Company
Looking for co-op horror that blends resource management with chaotic hilarity and genuine scares? Lethal Company has taken the indie scene by storm. You and your crew work for “The Company,” scavenging scrap from abandoned, industrialized moons. The catch? These moons are filled with horrifying creatures and environmental hazards. Meet your quota, or face the consequences.
Why you’ll be laughing through your screams: The proximity chat leads to unforgettable (and often hilarious) moments of panic, the variety of monsters keeps you on your toes, and the core gameplay loop is incredibly addictive. It perfectly captures the feeling of high-stakes teamwork where one wrong move can lead to disaster for everyone – sound familiar, DBD players?
These are just a few suggestions to keep the adrenaline pumping while we eagerly await the new horrors in Dead by Daylight’s Year 9. Each offers a unique flavor of fear and excitement that can make the wait a little more… manageable. What other horror games are you playing to get your fix? Let us know in the comments below!
Dead by Daylight Year 9: Your Burning Questions Answered
What’s the main highlight of Dead by Daylight’s Year 9?
The main highlight is the introduction of the Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) chapter, featuring Springtrap (The Animatronic) as the new Killer and a new map, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
Who is voicing Springtrap in the new FNAF chapter?
Matthew Lillard, who played William Afton in the FNAF film, will voice Springtrap, specifically for a Legendary Outfit associated with The Animatronic.
What other major crossover is coming to Dead by Daylight?
The Witcher is crossing over with Dead by Daylight, offering new cosmetic Outfits for existing characters. This includes a Geralt of Rivia Legendary Outfit for Vittorio Toscano, voiced by Doug Cockle, releasing June 3, 2025.
What is the “Choose Your Own Chapter” initiative?
This is a new community engagement project where players will make decisions to shape the look, lore, and gameplay of an entirely new Killer and Survivor, set for release in 2026.
Are there any other significant content updates announced?
Yes, including a Boulet Brothers Collection featuring a winner design for The Huntress and a new skin for The Artist (available July 8, 2025), a Frank Stone Legendary Outfit for The Trapper, new Lara Croft Outfits, and continued Quality of Life improvements.
A Monumental Year 9 for Dead by Daylight
Phew! That was a LOT to unpack. From the monumental arrival of Five Nights at Freddy’s, complete with the incredible Matthew Lillard as Springtrap, to the unexpected but thrilling Witcher collaboration, and the groundbreaking “Choose Your Own Chapter” initiative, Dead by Daylight’s Year 9 is shaping up to be its most ambitious yet. It’s honestly hard to think of many other games that, nine years in, continue to innovate and excite their player base on this scale.
The dedication of Behaviour Interactive to not only deliver fresh, terrifying content but also to listen to their community and continuously improve the game is commendable. With so much on the horizon, including full FNAF gameplay reveals and the Twisted Masquerade event, the future of Dead by Daylight looks brighter—or should we say, darker—than ever.
