Dead by Daylight continues to evolve with regular updates that introduce fresh content, including new Killers, Survivors, maps, and special events. Each year, the game follows a roadmap that spans from June to May, maintaining a steady flow of chapters and character additions since its launch in June 2016. While the structure typically pairs a Killer with a Survivor per chapter, variations such as character packs or half chapters sometimes add extra Survivors or focus solely on a Killer. This dynamic keeps gameplay exciting and unpredictable for fans.
What’s Coming In Year 10?
The upcoming Year 10, starting June 2025, promises an intriguing mix of original and licensed content. The roadmap reveals five new chapters, with two featuring original characters and three spotlighting licensed properties. Notably, the next chapter scheduled for June will be a crossover with the iconic horror franchise Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF). This update will introduce a new Killer and a themed map inspired by the FNAF universe.
Following that, July will bring two new Survivors, whose identities remain under wraps but have sparked speculation among the community. By September, players can expect additional original content, including one Killer and one Survivor. November rounds out the year with another Killer and two licensed Survivors.
The Five Nights at Freddy’s Chapter: A Closer Look
The June update, known as Chapter 36, will immerse players in the eerie world of Five Nights at Freddy’s. The new map, dubbed the Security Room, evokes the unsettling atmosphere of the FNAF pizza party setting, complete with dim lighting and a foreboding ambiance. The featured Killer, Springtrap—referred to as The Animatronic within Dead by Daylight’s lore—will bring a fresh threat to the fog.
Springtrap’s design draws heavily from the FNAF movie, donning the Yellow Rabbit costume and wielding a throwable axe reminiscent of Huntress’s weapon but with its own unique limitations. Voiced by Matthew Lillard, this Killer’s skillset includes perks that heighten tension and disrupt Survivors’ strategies. For example, Haywire makes Springtrap a formidable opponent during endgame scenarios by negating the usual relief of hearing the exit door siren. Phantom Fear causes Survivors to scream upon spotting him, while Help Wanted interferes with generator repairs, increasing pressure on the team.
Anticipated Survivors And The Walking Dead Tease
July’s update will introduce two new Survivors, though their identities have not been officially revealed. However, clues hidden in the Year 10 roadmap have fueled fan theories suggesting these characters might be Rick and Michonne from The Walking Dead franchise. The phrase “The Ones Who Live,” associated with The Walking Dead and its spin-offs, appeared subtly in the roadmap’s text, hinting at this crossover.
This potential addition aligns with Behaviour Interactive’s history of integrating popular horror and thriller licenses, enriching the Dead by Daylight universe with familiar faces and narratives.
Original Content And Asian Horror Influences
Besides licensed chapters, Year 10 will also deliver original content. The September update, in particular, promises a new Killer and Survivor inspired by Asian horror folklore. According to Behaviour Interactive’s product director, Justin Brown, this chapter is expected to be one of the most gruesome releases to date, offering players a chilling and immersive experience.
Staying Updated With Dead by Daylight
With content scattered across livestreams, blog posts, and community forums, keeping track of Dead by Daylight’s updates can be challenging. The Year 10 roadmap provides a clear overview of what players can expect throughout 2025, from licensed crossovers to original storytelling. This steady stream of fresh content ensures the game remains engaging and unpredictable, maintaining its status as a staple in the asymmetrical horror genre.