In a thrilling announcement at the PAX East convention on May 9, 2025, Behaviour Interactive unveiled exciting details about the upcoming collaboration between the horror video game franchise Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) and the popular asymmetrical multiplayer game Dead by Daylight (DBD). This collaboration, which has long been anticipated by fans, marks a significant milestone as Five Nights at Freddy’s was revealed to be the most requested license in Dead by Daylight’s history.
During the Dead by Daylight Ninth Anniversary Celebration panel, Behaviour Interactive shared that Springtrap, a central character from the FNAF series, will serve as the game’s latest killer, referred to as The Animatronic. This will be the first time Springtrap is playable in any video game, a fact that has fans buzzing with excitement. “It was a no-brainer,” said Mathieu Côté, Head of Partnerships at Behaviour. “Springtrap is such an integral part of horror culture nowadays.”
Springtrap is a grotesque fusion of the character William Afton’s mutilated flesh and a bunny-shaped animatronic suit, a design that encapsulates the chilling essence of the FNAF franchise. This character kicked off the events of the FNAF storyline, and Behaviour Interactive aimed to create a faithful adaptation for players. “We did our best to be as authentic to the character as possible for both his powers and his perks,” stated Killer Designer Jason Guzzo, who conducted extensive research on Springtrap, including watching numerous gameplay videos.
In addition to introducing Springtrap, the new chapter will feature a map set in Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, the iconic location from the first FNAF game. This map promises to be filled with easter eggs and surprises that fans of the franchise will appreciate. Guzzo expressed his enthusiasm for the map, saying, “I genuinely think this is becoming my favorite map. It’s just such a cool space to run around in and see all the little details.”
To enhance the player experience, Behaviour Interactive is introducing a separate queue that will exclusively spawn the pizzeria level, allowing players to dive right into the new content. This feature will be a standard for future map releases, ensuring that fans can easily access new environments.
Moreover, the chapter will include a special Springtrap Legendary Outfit, allowing players to embody the “Yellow Rabbit” version of the character, as portrayed by actor Matthew Lillard in the recent Blumhouse adaptation of FNAF. Lillard has not only lent his likeness to the character but has also recorded original voice lines for the outfit, further enriching the gameplay experience.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Behaviour Interactive also teased another upcoming project: The Witcher Collection, which is set to launch on June 3, 2025. This collection will feature outfits inspired by characters from the beloved Witcher series, including Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer, Ciri, Triss, and Eredin.
Additionally, the Boulet Brothers will be receiving their own collection in Dead by Daylight, featuring outfits inspired by the duo, including the Winter Warrior Outfit for The Huntress and the Boulet Brothers Artist Outfit for The Artist. This collection is set to be available on July 8, 2025.
In a nod to community engagement, Behaviour Interactive announced plans for an original chapter set to be released in 2026, where players will have a unique opportunity to influence the game’s development. This chapter will feature both a killer and a survivor whose looks, lore, and gameplay will be decided by player votes, embodying a “Choose Your Own Adventure” format. This innovative approach aims to foster a deeper connection between the developers and the community.
Behaviour Interactive has also committed to improving the overall player experience through Quality of Life updates. Earlier in 2025, the team announced that several content releases would be postponed to focus on bug fixes and community feedback. These updates will include new gamma settings, exploit prevention measures, and a complete revamp of The Archives.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of the Five Nights at Freddy’s chapter in Dead by Daylight, it’s clear that the collaboration will not only celebrate the horror genre but also strengthen the ties between two fan-favorite franchises. With the unique combination of FNAF’s chilling characters and DBD’s intense gameplay, players can expect a thrilling experience that pays homage to the legacy of both titles. The chapter is anticipated to launch soon on the Epic Games Store, and fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates from Behaviour Interactive.
