Dead By Daylight Expands Stranger Things Crossover With Vecna And New Survivors

Stranger Things is returning to Dead by Daylight with a second crossover chapter that expands the long-running partnership between Behaviour Interactive and Netflix’s hit series. The update introduces Vecna as a playable Killer alongside new Survivors and cosmetic additions, deepening the presence of Stranger Things in the asymmetrical horror game. The chapter arrives on January 27 and marks the franchise’s second collaboration with Dead by Daylight, a distinction shared by only one other property in the game’s history.

The timing follows the end of Stranger Things itself. Netflix released the series finale for season five on December 31, closing a show that began in 2016 and became the platform’s most-watched original production. While the television series has concluded, its gaming crossovers continue to expand. Dead by Daylight players will soon be able to confront Vecna directly, either by surviving his abilities or controlling him as the newest Killer to enter The Fog.

Dead by Daylight’s second Stranger Things crossover was first announced in November, but the initial reveal offered little beyond confirmation that the partnership was returning. Behaviour Interactive has now released a full breakdown of the content included in the chapter, supported by a one-minute trailer showcasing Vecna’s role in gameplay. In Dead by Daylight, the character appears under the name The First, reflecting Henry Creel’s origins before his transformation into Vecna.

Vecna’s design centers on control and disruption. His abilities draw directly from the Upside Down, translating the show’s visual language into mechanical pressure on Survivors (according to the official source). Behaviour Interactive describes his movement options as aggressive and unpredictable, allowing him to emerge from the ground to ambush players and reposition rapidly across the map. His signature vines also feature prominently, restraining Survivors and limiting their escape routes during chases.

“He will be able to use the power of the Upside Down to gain ‘terrifying mobility,’ which includes the ability to rise out of the ground to launch an attack on Survivors,” according to the official details shared by Behaviour Interactive. — Matthew Schomer

In addition to physical threats, Vecna introduces curses that alter how Survivors perceive the match. These effects distort visual cues and objectives, making progress harder to track and coordination more difficult. The goal is to replicate Vecna’s role in the series as a manipulator who destabilizes reality rather than relying on brute force alone.

The chapter also adds two new Survivors: Eleven and Dustin Henderson. Both characters have been central to Stranger Things since its first season, though Eleven’s inclusion raises questions given her supernatural abilities in the show. Dead by Daylight traditionally frames Survivors as vulnerable and underpowered, but Behaviour Interactive has confirmed that each new character will feature unique skills aligned with their personalities. Dustin’s perks emphasize cleverness and adaptability, while Eleven’s kit draws inspiration from her psychic powers, adjusted to fit the game’s balance constraints.

Cosmetic content rounds out the update. New skins introduce Robin Buckley and Eddie Munson, allowing players to expand their roster of recognizable faces from the series. Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington, who returned to the game when the original Stranger Things chapter was restored, receive additional cosmetic options that transform them into Robin and Eddie. This enables full Survivor teams composed entirely of Stranger Things characters, whether facing Vecna or other Killers already in Dead by Daylight’s lineup.

The original Stranger Things crossover, which included the Demogorgon as a Killer, remains one of Dead by Daylight’s most popular licensed chapters. Its temporary removal and later restoration reinforced its importance to the game’s community. Chapter 2 builds on that foundation by introducing a more complex antagonist and expanding the Survivor cast, reflecting how much the series itself evolved over five seasons.

With the January 27 release date approaching, Behaviour Interactive appears focused on integrating Stranger Things in a way that feels mechanically distinct rather than purely cosmetic. Vecna’s abilities emphasize environmental control and psychological pressure, aligning with Dead by Daylight’s core design while preserving the identity of the source material.

Read also, Mojang has released a Stranger Things-themed DLC for Minecraft, bringing locations such as Hawkins and the Upside Down into the game. The pack recreates key moments from the first four seasons and is now available on the Minecraft Marketplace across most modern platforms, with Nintendo Switch excluded due to its 6GB RAM limitation.