In July 2025, Behaviour Interactive officially unveiled their highly anticipated crossover DLC for Dead by Daylight, themed around AMC's The Walking Dead TV show. Fans had been buzzing with excitement since hints dropped at PAX East 2025, and finally seeing Rick Grimes and Michonne join the game as playable Survivors felt like a long-overdue dream come true. 😊 However, the announcement also sparked mixed feelings, as the DLC was labeled a 'half-chapter' expansion, omitting key elements like a Killer character or dedicated maps that many had hoped for. Despite the thrill of battling the Entity in the apocalypse, the community quickly noted that this collaboration could have been so much more—especially when compared to past full-chapter crossovers like Dungeons and Dragons.

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Survivor Additions and Skills

The DLC introduces two iconic protagonists from The Walking Dead as playable Survivors: Rick Grimes and Michonne. Each comes with a set of three unique skills designed to enhance teamwork and evasion against Killers. For instance, Rick's abilities focus on resilience and distraction, while Michonne's emphasize stealth and quick escapes. Here's a breakdown of their complementary perks:

  • Rick Grimes' Skills:

  • Leader's Resolve: Boosts repair speed for nearby allies when injured. 😅

  • Tactical Retreat: Grants a temporary speed burst after escaping a chase.

  • Last Stand: Reduces recovery time when downed, allowing faster revives.

  • Michonne's Skills:

  • Silent Stalker: Makes footsteps quieter when crouching. 👣

  • Blade Mastery: Increases stun duration when using pallets against Killers.

  • Shadow Step: Briefly cloaks the Survivor after vaulting obstacles.

These synergies encourage players to coordinate, such as combining Rick's distraction with Michonne's stealth for smoother escapes. Daryl Dixon also makes an appearance—but only as a Legendary Skin for Rick Grimes, not a standalone character. This cosmetic addition allows fans to role-play as the fan-favorite archer, yet it's a missed opportunity for deeper gameplay variety. People Also Ask: Why didn't Behaviour include Daryl as a full Survivor?

The Killer Conundrum: What's Missing?

One of the biggest letdowns in this DLC is the absence of a new Killer character. Traditionally, DbD crossovers like Resident Evil or Silent Hill have balanced Survivors and Killers, but this half-chapter breaks the pattern. The Walking Dead franchise boasts a roster of terrifying antagonists that would have been perfect fits:

  • Alpha: A stealth-based Killer using Whisperers' tactics. 😈

  • Beta: A brute-force Killer with high damage output.

  • The Governor: A manipulative Killer with trap-setting abilities.

  • Negan Smith: A charismatic but brutal Killer wielding Lucille.

A table comparison shows how this omission stacks up against other DbD crossovers:

Crossover DLC Survivors Added Killers Added Map Included
The Walking Dead (2025) Rick Grimes, Michonne None Partial tile only
Dungeons and Dragons (2024) 1 Survivor Vecna Full map
Resident Evil (2023) Leon, Jill Nemesis Full Raccoon City

This lack not only limits gameplay diversity but also feels like a wasted chance to explore horror icons. People Also Ask: Could Negan have been too similar to existing Killers like The Trapper?

Map Disappointments and Setting Potential

Behaviour Interactive skipped adding a full map for this crossover, instead opting for a minor map tile that appears on the existing Garden of Joy map when playing as Rick or Michonne. This tile features recognizable locations like a rundown camp or supply depot, but it's far from immersive. Ideal settings from The Walking Dead that could have elevated the experience include:

  • The Sanctuary: A fortified base with tight corridors for intense chases. 🏚️

  • West Georgia Correctional Facility: A prison layout perfect for hiding spots and ambushes.

  • The Commonwealth: A sprawling community with open areas and urban hazards.

Fans argue that these omissions make the DLC feel incomplete, especially since the franchise is rich in atmospheric locales. People Also Ask: Why weren't any full maps developed for this collaboration?

Half-Chapter Critique and Comparisons

Labelled a half-chapter, this expansion is notably smaller in scope than previous DbD DLCs. For example, last year's Dungeons and Dragons chapter included a full Killer (Vecna), a Survivor, and a themed map—despite not being a horror property. This disparity raises eyebrows: why did a fantasy IP get preferential treatment over a horror staple like The Walking Dead? 😕 Behaviour's decision might stem from resource constraints, but it undermines the potential for a truly epic crossover. The fact that Resident Evil received two DLCs over a few years suggests room for future updates, perhaps adding Killers or maps in another installment.

Future Hopes and Community Reactions

Many players hope Behaviour revisits The Walking Dead in a future DLC to address gaps like adding a Killer or expanding maps. Given Resident Evil's multiple expansions, this isn't unprecedented. The collaboration has untapped potential—imagine facing Walkers as environmental hazards or incorporating story elements from the show. Community forums are abuzz with suggestions, and Behaviour's track record of updates could make this a reality. Until then, this half-chapter serves as a fun but flawed entry into DbD's ever-growing universe. People Also Ask: Will there be a sequel DLC for The Walking Dead in Dead by Daylight?

FAQ Section

To wrap up, here are answers to common questions about the DLC:

  • Why was Daryl Dixon only a skin?

Behaviour opted for cosmetics over new characters to keep the DLC lean, focusing resources on Rick and Michonne's core mechanics. 😊

  • Could a Killer be added later?

It's possible through updates or a new chapter, similar to how Resident Evil expanded over time.

  • Is the map tile worth it?

While nostalgic, it's a small addition; fans recommend modding or custom maps for fuller experiences.

  • How does this compare to other crossovers?

It falls short in content depth but excels in fan service for Walking Dead enthusiasts. 🤝

Overall, the Walking Dead DLC brings beloved Survivors to life but misses key opportunities, leaving room for improvement in Behaviour's future roadmap. The excitement is real, but the execution feels like a half-step rather than a full sprint into the apocalypse.