Dead by Daylight is finally adding Jason from Friday the 13th

At a glance:

• Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th is joining Dead by Daylight as a playable killer.
• This addition marks Behaviour Interactive's 10th anniversary celebrations for the game.
• The Jason DLC will be released on June 16, two days after the anniversary stream on June 14.

Jason Voorhees finally enters the Dead by Daylight roster

Dead by Daylight, the asymmetric survival horror game developed by Behaviour Interactive, is set to welcome one of cinema's most notorious slashers. Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th series will become a playable killer in the game, coinciding with the title's 10th anniversary. This long-anticipated addition comes as part of Behaviour's efforts to celebrate a decade of Dead by Daylight with new content and surprises for its dedicated player base.

The inclusion of Jason Voorhees is particularly significant given his status as a glaring omission from the game's extensive roster of horror icons. Over the past ten years, Behaviour has introduced a slew of high-profile horror characters, enhancing the game's appeal to fans of the genre. These additions have included Vecna and the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, Chucky, Pyramid Head from Silent Hill, Ghostface, Freddy Krueger, and Leatherface. Jason's arrival fills a notable gap in the lineup of licensed killers.

A history of horror icons in Behaviour's hit game

Since its release in 2016, Dead by Daylight has become a cornerstone of horror gaming, largely due to its collaborations with various horror franchises. Behaviour Interactive has strategically partnered with rights holders to bring beloved villains and survivors into the game, creating a diverse and terrifying experience. The process often involves navigating complex licensing agreements, but the results have resonated deeply with the community. Characters like Pyramid Head from Silent Hill and Ghostface from Scream have not only added variety but also deepened the game's connection to horror lore.

The game's approach to integrating these characters goes beyond mere skins; each killer comes with unique abilities and thematic elements that reflect their origins. For instance, Freddy Krueger's power set is inspired by his dream-manipulating antics from the Nightmare on Elm Street series. This attention to detail has set a high bar for future additions, making Jason Voorhees' eventual inclusion a highly anticipated event. Fans have speculated for years about how his iconic machete and relentless pursuit would translate into Dead by Daylight's mechanics.

Legal hurdles and the path to inclusion

Bringing Jason Voorhees into Dead by Daylight was not a straightforward process. For years, Behaviour developers expressed interest in adding the character but were hindered by legal and licensing complexities. A protracted lawsuit over the rights to the Friday the 13th franchise also impacted other games, such as Friday the 13th: The Game, creating uncertainty around Jason's availability in video games. These issues prevented any concrete progress until recently.

A turning point came with the emergence of Jason Universe in 2024, an initiative aimed at expanding the Friday the 13th franchise across entertainment, games, immersive experiences, merchandise, and more. As reported by IGN at the time, this initiative signaled a new phase for the character's licensing. Around the same period, Jason made appearances in other games like MultiVersus (before its shutdown), Call of Duty, and Fortnite, indicating that the legal barriers were easing. This paved the way for his debut in Dead by Daylight, much to the delight of fans who had long awaited his arrival.

Jason's recent appearances in other gaming titles

Before joining Dead by Daylight, Jason Voorhees appeared in several other high-profile games, showcasing his versatility as a crossover character. He was added to the platform fighter MultiVersus, although that game has since been discontinued. More recently, he featured in Call of Duty as part of a limited-time event and in Fortnite as a cosmetic outfit. These appearances helped gauge player interest and demonstrated the character's enduring popularity across different gaming genres.

The fact that Jason has been integrated into such a variety of games—from battle royale to first-person shooters—suggests that his mechanics can be adapted to fit diverse gameplay styles. In Dead by Daylight, players can expect his killer power to revolve around his signature machete and perhaps abilities that reflect his near-indestructibility and relentless nature. The developers at Behaviour have a history of creatively interpreting horror icons, so Jason's implementation is likely to be both faithful and innovative.

What to expect from the 10th anniversary celebration

Behaviour Interactive has scheduled a special 10th anniversary stream for Dead by Daylight on June 14, where the studio will share more details about the future of the game. This event is expected to highlight not only Jason Voorhees' addition but also other upcoming features, maps, or collaborations. The stream will serve as a key moment for the community to learn about the direction of the game as it enters its second decade.

Following the stream, the Jason DLC will be released on June 16, allowing players to immediately experience the new killer. While specific details about his power kit and cosmetics remain under wraps, the anticipation is high. The anniversary celebrations may also include in-game events, cosmetic bundles, or even a look back at the game's evolution. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, this milestone represents a significant moment for Dead by Daylight, reinforcing its position as a leading horror title in the gaming industry.