Dead by Daylight’s 10th Anniversary: Top Iconic Killers Fans Hope to See Next

Dead by Daylight’s 10th anniversary is just over a month away, marking a decade since the asymmetrical horror game launched on June 14, 2016. Since then, the title has grown exponentially, collaborating with nearly every major horror intellectual property (IP) in the industry.

As the celebration approaches, fans are speculating: which iconic killer should join the roster to commemorate this milestone? This anniversary holds special significance, as many live-service games fail to reach even their first anniversary. So far, the only two slasher horror mascots absent from Dead by Daylight are Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th and the Predator, both highly requested by the community.

Why Jason Voorhees Likely Won’t Appear Soon

While the idea of Jason emerging from the ground with a machete in hand is thrilling, licensing issues make this collaboration highly unlikely in the near future. The Friday the 13th license is notoriously complex, with past attempts to create a parallel asymmetrical horror game based on the IP proving successful but ultimately short-lived. The game, which sold millions of copies, was shut down once the license expired, and ongoing lawsuits further complicate securing the rights. Unless Behaviour Interactive finds a way to obtain the license—even temporarily—Jason will remain an elusive dream for fans.

Could the Predator Be the Next Big Collaboration?

The Predator presents a more feasible opportunity. Unlike Friday the 13th, the Predator IP does not face the same licensing hurdles, and its existing asymmetrical game has not achieved the same level of popularity or success to deter collaboration. This opens the door for Dead by Daylight to introduce the Xenomorph, which already resides in the game. Given that Alien and Predator share a universe across films, comics, and games, a broader collaboration could be on the horizon.

Other Iconic Non-Slasher Options

Beyond slashers, several non-slasher horror icons could make a significant impact:

• Pennywise from IT: Stephen King’s IT has never been adapted into a popular game, and Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise remains one of the most iconic horror figures of all time. Introducing this version of the character—alongside survivors from the films, both as adults and teens—would be a monumental addition.
• Big Daddy from BioShock: While not a traditional horror franchise, the original BioShock games contain enough horror elements to fit seamlessly into Dead by Daylight. The hulking diving suit would provide a compelling counterbalance to the game’s existing killers.