Siti Muinah
Dead by Daylight has evolved from a niche asymmetrical survival horror game into the definitive "Hall of Fame" for the horror genre. By acting as a digital intersection for legendary slashers, supernatural entities, and iconic monsters, Behaviour Interactive has created a unique ecosystem where horror fans can finally see their favorite villains clash. However, as the game’s roster expands, the community’s wishlist grows even faster. While the current lineup is impressive, there remain several gaping holes in the game’s pantheon of killers.
From licensing nightmares to untapped indie gems, here are 10 iconic horror characters that fans are dying to see added to Dead by Daylight.
1. Classic Universal Monsters: The Werewolf and The Mummy
Despite Dead by Daylight’s love for the macabre, the game has curiously avoided the "Classic Monsters" that laid the foundation for the entire genre. Figures like the Werewolf, the Mummy, or even a faithful interpretation of Frankenstein’s Monster are staples of horror lore that remain absent.
Why They Are Essential
These monsters represent the "Golden Age" of cinema. Because they are largely in the public domain, they offer developers incredible creative freedom. A Werewolf, for instance, could introduce a dynamic transformation mechanic, shifting from a human-like tracker to a feral beast during a chase. Frankenstein’s Monster would serve as the ultimate "brute" archetype, focusing on raw power and durability. Incorporating these classic tropes would not only pay homage to the roots of horror but also provide a refreshing change of pace from the licensed slasher archetypes currently dominating the meta.
2. Pennywise: The Dancing Clown
When the red balloon floats into the trial, the game changes. Pennywise, the extraterrestrial shapeshifter from Stephen King’s IT, is arguably the most requested killer in the game’s history.
The Gameplay Potential
Pennywise isn’t just a slasher; he is a cosmic entity of fear. His ability to induce hallucinations, shapeshift, and utilize "Deadlights" would translate perfectly into a high-complexity killer kit. Imagine a map set in the sewers of Derry, where Survivors must manage a "Fear" meter that causes them to hallucinate the killer’s presence. Given the recent success of IT: Welcome to Derry, the timing for a collaboration has never been more relevant.
3. Kayako Saeki: The Onryō from Ju-On
While Sadako (The Ring) is already a prominent figure in the fog, the Japanese horror genre remains deep with terrifying icons. Kayako Saeki from Ju-On: The Grudge is a distinct, visceral horror icon who deserves her own spotlight.
Distinctive Terror
The primary challenge for developers would be differentiating her from Sadako. However, Kayako’s lore—centered on her vengeful, unnatural movements and the presence of her son, Toshio—offers unique mechanical possibilities. A "cursed house" mechanic, where survivors must avoid specific locations to prevent being marked by Kayako, would provide a terrifying new layer of gameplay.
4. The Scissorman: Clock Tower
Before Resident Evil or Silent Hill defined survival horror, Clock Tower introduced players to the sheer panic of being hunted by the Scissorman. This cult classic villain, armed with oversized hedge trimmers, is a masterpiece of psychological pressure.
Reviving a Cult Classic
The Scissorman is the ultimate "stalker" killer. His inclusion would be a love letter to the early days of point-and-click horror. His ability to ambush survivors from hiding spots or use his massive shears to create unique map hazards would be a thrill for veteran fans. Furthermore, a Clock Tower map—a gothic, multi-story manor—would be an aesthetic triumph for Dead by Daylight.
5. Clickers: The Last of Us
While The Last of Us is known for its human drama, the Cordyceps-infected "Clickers" are some of the most terrifying creatures in gaming history. Their reliance on echolocation for movement creates an immediate, audible tension.
Echolocation as a Game Mechanic
For a Clicker killer, the traditional "vision" could be replaced by an audio-visual overlay. Players would see in pulses of sound, rewarding those who listen closely to the environment. This would create a high-skill ceiling for the killer, turning the match into a tense game of cat-and-mouse where sound is the deadliest weapon.
6. Carrie White: The Tragic Telekinetic
Stephen King’s Carrie is a seminal work of horror that explores the intersection of trauma and supernatural power. As a killer, Carrie White would be a fascinating addition, representing the "tragic villain" archetype.
Book-Accurate Representation
If added, fans are hoping for a faithful, book-accurate design. Carrie’s telekinetic powers would offer a "ranged" killer kit that feels distinct from the guns or axes currently in the game. Being able to manipulate objects, barricade generators, or lift survivors off the ground would make her an incredibly potent and lore-friendly threat.
7. The Predator: The Ultimate Hunter
It is genuinely shocking that the Predator has not yet joined the ranks of the Entity. With the Xenomorph already terrorizing survivors, the addition of the Predator would finally allow players to recreate the legendary Alien vs. Predator dynamic.
Technological Prowess
The Predator’s kit practically writes itself. Cloaking technology, thermal vision, and a variety of shoulder-mounted energy weapons would make him a dominant force in the trial. His gameplay would revolve around "The Hunt"—tracking survivors by their footprints or heat signatures, turning the map into a tactical battleground.
8. Jason Voorhees: The Licensing Nightmare
Jason Voorhees is the elephant in the room. He is the most requested killer by a landslide, yet he remains trapped in a legal quagmire. The history of Friday the 13th is a cautionary tale of how copyright laws can stifle creative projects and frustrate an entire fanbase.
The Hope for Resolution
The legal battles surrounding the Friday the 13th franchise have been as gruesome as the movies themselves. However, as the legal landscape slowly shifts, fans remain hopeful. Jason’s inclusion would be the "final piece of the puzzle" for the slasher genre in Dead by Daylight. Should Behaviour Interactive ever clear the licensing hurdles, it would be the biggest event in the game’s history.
9. Frank Stone: The Internal Crossover
The Casting of Frank Stone, developed by Supermassive Games, is deeply tied to the Dead by Daylight universe. Because he is an internal IP, there are no licensing issues to navigate.
Expanding the Lore
Adding Frank Stone would allow the developers to lean into the deeper, cosmic horror of the Entity. As a character who is already established within the DbD canon, his inclusion would bridge the gap between the standalone narrative games and the main multiplayer experience, proving that the Dead by Daylight universe is far more expansive than just a collection of licensed collaborations.
10. Slenderman: The Internet’s Boogeyman
In the early 2010s, Slenderman was the face of the internet’s horror obsession. From creepypasta forums to indie game prototypes, he became a global phenomenon.
The Static Effect
Slenderman represents the modern era of horror. His inclusion would be a perfect nod to the rise of digital-native urban legends. His abilities could focus on "static interference," disrupting the UI of survivors or causing generators to malfunction when he is nearby. He is the most essential "modern" horror icon left to be immortalized in the game.
Implications and Future Outlook
The strength of Dead by Daylight lies in its ability to adapt. As the game continues to grow, the inclusion of these characters would do more than just sell DLC; it would solidify the game as the ultimate repository for the history of horror.
While licensing, development, and community balance remain complex factors, the trajectory is clear: players want more, and the horror genre has plenty more to offer. Whether it is through the inclusion of public domain classics or the resolution of long-standing copyright disputes, the fog will always be hungry for new icons to torment the survivors. For now, we wait—and we watch the shadows.
Raul Delapena Setiawan
Pevita Pearce
