Understanding Dead by Daylight DLC {#understanding-dead-by-daylight-dlc}
Dead by Daylight offers a wide array of downloadable content (DLC) that expands the game’s universe with new characters, maps, and cosmetic items. These additions are primarily released as “Chapters,” which typically introduce a new Killer and one or more Survivors. While Killers and Survivors are purchased, new maps introduced with Chapters are made available to all players for free. This approach ensures that the player base remains unified regardless of which DLC content individuals own.
DLC can be acquired through various means, including individual chapter purchases, character packs, and cosmetic bundles. Pricing for single-character DLCs is often around $5.75, with full chapters typically priced around $8.85. Special crossover content may occasionally have premium pricing, reaching up to $13.30. Additionally, Auric Cells, an in-game currency, can be purchased in various denominations, ranging from small packs ($5.75 for 500 cells) to larger bundles ($111.50 for 12,500 cells), which can be used to acquire cosmetics and sometimes characters.
For new players, choosing a first DLC can be daunting due to the extensive options. A recommended strategy involves considering your preferred playstyle (Killer or Survivor), prioritizing DLCs with game-changing perks, and potentially starting with stand-alone characters before committing to full chapters if budget is a concern. Watching gameplay videos of specific DLCs before purchasing can also provide valuable insight.
Notable DLC Chapters and Packs {#notable-dlc-chapters-and-packs}
The Dead by Daylight DLC library includes numerous chapters and value packs that cater to different player preferences. Recent additions like “Sinister Grace,” released in 2025, introduced The Krasue as a Killer and Vee Boonyasak as a Survivor, offering a take on Thai folklore. Other chapters, such as “Steady Pulse” and the “Tokyo Ghoul” crossover, also released recently in 2025, have been noted for their distinctive Killers that encourage strategic adaptation.
Several value-oriented packs are available for players looking to expand their collection efficiently. The “Endless Hunt Pack,” priced at $23.00, combines multiple chapters for those focused on hunting. The “Macabre Tales Pack,” also $23.00, is designed for players interested in supernatural elements and includes 7 playable characters from 4 chapters: Descend Beyond, A Binding of Kin, All-Kill, and Hour of The Witch. For those seeking a Killer-focused collection, the “Terror Expansion Pack” at $26.95 offers a selection of characters. Other packs like the “Maddening Darkness Pack,” “Old Wounds Pack,” and “Macabre Tales Pack,” all released on January 8, 2024, group characters from specific chapter sets, often at a discounted price. For instance, the “Maddening Darkness Pack” includes 8 characters from Of Flesh And Mud, Spark Of Madness, Curtain Call, and Shattered Bloodline.
Beyond character-focused content, cosmetic items are also available. The “Charity Case,” priced at $4.99, offers 26 cosmetic items for original Survivors and Killers, with 100% of Behaviour’s proceeds going to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
Iconic Crossovers {#iconic-crossovers}
Dead by Daylight is renowned for its impressive array of crossover content, integrating iconic horror franchises into its universe. Some of the most notable licensed chapters include:
- Halloween: Features the original slasher, Michael Myers.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street: Introduces Freddy Krueger, allowing players to stalk dreams.
- Resident Evil + PROJECT W: Expands the Resident Evil universe with multiple characters, including Nemesis, Leon S. Kennedy, and Jill Valentine, and a new map.
- Alien: Brings the Xenomorph as a new Killer and Ellen Ripley as a new Survivor, along with the Nostromo Wreckage map.
- Chucky: Features the “small but mighty” killer.
- Nicolas Cage Chapter Pack: Unexpectedly adds the legendary actor Nicolas Cage as a Survivor, complete with an exclusive Teal Jacket cosmetic and a Very Rare Gorgon Drip outfit.
Other crossovers mentioned as part of the game’s extensive lineup include characters and themes from The Walking Dead, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Castlevania, Tomb Raider, and Dungeons & Dragons. The Stranger Things crossover, which previously left the store, made a comeback and is available again, featuring Vecna, The First as a Killer, and Dustin Henderson and Eleven as Survivors. This chapter also unlocks the Mind Flayer Badge and Bloody Rainbow Room Banner.
Upcoming DLC Releases {#upcoming-dlc-releases}
The Dead by Daylight universe continues to expand with future planned content. One anticipated release is “Dead by Daylight: Jason,” scheduled for June 16, 2026, priced at $4.99. This DLC is described as introducing “THE SLASHER,” emphasizing Jason’s relentless and vicious nature. Another upcoming release is “Dead by Daylight: Stranger Things Chapter 2,” set for January 27, 2026, priced at $11.99. This chapter will include a new Killer, Vecna, The First, and new Survivors, Dustin Henderson and Eleven, along with the Mind Flayer Badge and Bloody Rainbow Room Banner. “Dead by Daylight: Sinister Grace,” featuring The Krasue and Vee Boonyasak, is slated for release on September 23, 2025, at $5.59.
FAQ {#faq}
What is included in a Dead by Daylight Chapter? A Dead by Daylight Chapter typically includes a new Killer and one or more Survivors. Any new maps introduced with a Chapter are made available for free to all players.
Do I need to buy DLC to play all maps? No, all maps in Dead by Daylight are free for all players, regardless of whether they own specific DLCs.
How much do Dead by Daylight DLCs usually cost? Single-character DLCs are often around $5.75, while full chapters are typically priced around $8.85. Special crossover content can sometimes reach up to $13.30.
Can I get cosmetic items through DLC? Yes, many DLCs include exclusive cosmetic items. Additionally, the “Charity Case” DLC offers 26 cosmetic items for original Survivors and Killers, with proceeds supporting the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
Are there any free DLCs for Dead by Daylight? Yes, “Left Behind” is a free add-on that includes Bill Overbeck from Left 4 Dead as a new playable survivor and four new Survivor outfits inspired by other characters from the Left 4 Dead series.
What is the Dead by Daylight: Original Soundtracks DLC? This DLC, released on June 14, 2016, contains 18 MP3 tracks composed by Michel F. April, featuring memorable music from the game.