Jason Voorhees comes to Dead by Daylight for its tenth anniversary

Dead by Daylight, the popular asymmetrical horror game developed by Behaviour Interactive, is finally welcoming one of the most iconic slasher figures of all time: Jason Voorhees. The hockey mask-wearing killer from the Friday the 13th franchise will be added to the game on June 16, 2026, just ahead of Dead by Daylight’s tenth anniversary. This milestone is not only about introducing a new killer, but also about celebrating a decade of horror crossover experiences.

The long road to the reveal

Since Dead by Daylight launched in 2016, players have speculated about Jason Voorhees joining the roster. He has long sat at the top of the most-requested killers list, and his absence from the game has been felt for years despite his undisputed status as a horror icon. Jason’s reveal took place during a 13-hour livestream that steadily built tension across the fanbase. During the stream, the familiar cabin setting from Friday the 13th was shown, sparking plenty of speculation and even frustration among viewers.

Specific details about the introduction

The official reveal happened on May 23, 2026, when Behaviour Interactive confirmed that Jason will be available on June 16. The announcement comes just before Dead by Daylight’s tenth anniversary celebration, making it especially significant. Over the years, the game has welcomed several horror icons, including Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Leatherface, but Jason had remained on the sidelines for years due to complex copyright issues.

New possibilities in the game

Detailed information about Jason’s abilities in Dead by Daylight is still unknown. However, it is reasonable to expect that his gameplay elements will stay true to the raw, terrifying atmosphere that defines his franchise. As Jason makes his way into Dead by Daylight, he joins the ranks of killers based on other iconic horror-film characters. This reinforces Dead by Daylight’s status as a unique crossover where different horror universes collide.

There is also speculation that Jason may not be the only addition. The possibility of extra content, such as maps or survivors tied to the Friday the 13th franchise, could further expand the game. That said, this depends on the outcome of the legal disputes that have cast a shadow over the character’s inclusion for years.

The impact of Jason Voorhees

Jason Voorhees’ arrival in Dead by Daylight not only adds a familiar and beloved killer to the game, but also strengthens the developers’ rights and opportunities to continue pursuing crossovers with other icons. Jason is a character who has had a powerful impact on horror culture, and his addition to Dead by Daylight could reignite interest in the game, especially among Friday the 13th fans. On social media, the announcement was met with enthusiasm, with fans sharing their excitement and expectations for the in-game experience. It remains to be seen what specific twist Behaviour Interactive will bring to Jason’s arrival, but it is clear that Dead by Daylight continues to expand toward an even more immersive horror experience.

With Jason revealed as the new killer, players can already start rethinking their strategies and prepare for the thrilling challenges ahead when this slasher arrives on June 16.