When is the FNaF update coming to DBD? Behaviour Interactive has officially confirmed a major collaboration with the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, introducing Springtrap as the next killer in Dead by Daylight’s upcoming Chapter 36.
The long-rumored crossover between Dead by Daylight and Five Nights at Freddy’s is now official. Springtrap, one of the most iconic and horrifying characters from the FNAF series, will join the Entity’s realm as a playable killer in Chapter 36, set to release on June 17, 2025 across all platforms. (Official Announcement – Behaviour Interactive)
This update follows weeks of speculation, leaks, and teaser content from Behaviour Interactive on their Twitter and YouTube channels. The chapter is currently available on the Public Test Build (PTB) for PC users, giving players early access to the new killer, perks, and map content.
Springtrap: The Animatronic Enters the Fog
In Dead by Daylight, Springtrap appears under the name “The Animatronic.” He is a rotting, humanoid animatronic suit possessed by serial killer William Afton — a central antagonist in FNAF lore. His design and animations closely resemble his original form, with Behaviour Interactive incorporating key horror elements from the franchise.
Springtrap’s power emphasizes psychological pressure and map control. He can interfere with survivors’ actions through auditory hallucinations, sudden scream triggers, and generator regression. His abilities encourage stealthy playstyles and force survivors into high-stress situations, mirroring the anxiety-driven mechanics of the original FNAF games.
New Killer Perks
Springtrap comes with three new perks that complement his theme:
- Haywire: Increases the likelihood of survivors failing skill checks when nearby generators.
- Phantom Fear: Triggers survivor screams when they visually detect the killer within a certain range.
- Help Wanted: Applies a temporary slowdown to generator progress after a survivor is hooked.
Each perk contributes to a high-pressure gameplay loop designed to disrupt coordination and generate fear through indirect presence.
New Map Inspired by Fazbear’s Pizza
The FNAF chapter also introduces a new map inspired by Fazbear’s Pizza, featuring dim lighting, narrow hallways, and environmental audio cues reminiscent of the original games. The map layout is claustrophobic and maze-like, staying true to the survival horror roots of FNAF.
Visual assets include arcade cabinets, old security monitors, party tables, and discarded animatronic parts, creating an unsettling atmosphere throughout the match.
No Survivor Announced for This Chapter
Unlike previous licensed chapters, this update does not include a new survivor. Although earlier leaks hinted at the potential addition of Michael Afton or another FNAF-related character, Behaviour has not announced any survivor tied to this chapter.
However, the developers have confirmed that two licensed survivors are expected to release in a future update coming in July 2025. Early rumors suggest characters from The Walking Dead may appear next.
Voice Acting and Cosmetic Additions
Springtrap is voiced by Matthew Lillard, who portrayed William Afton in the 2023 Five Nights at Freddy’s film adaptation. This casting adds authenticity to the character and ties the chapter into the wider FNAF multimedia universe.
A Legendary Cosmetic skin titled “Yellow Rabbit” will also be available at launch, reflecting a version of the character seen in the movie. This cosmetic features altered animations and a unique model.
Community Reception and Early Impressions
Initial reactions from the community have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans of both franchises have praised the visual design, soundscapes, and gameplay mechanics of the new killer. Discussions on Reddit and Twitter suggest that the chapter successfully translates the fear-driven design of FNAF into the competitive horror format of Dead by Daylight.
Content creators, including popular horror streamer Dawko and others, have already begun showcasing gameplay from the PTB, generating high engagement across YouTube and Twitch.
Pricing and Availability
The Dead by Daylight: Five Nights at Freddy’s chapter will be available on:
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Nintendo Switch
| Full release date: | June 17, 2025 |
| PTB availability: | Now live on Steam for PC users |
| Expected DLC pricing: | Between $6.99 and $9.99 USD, consistent with past licensed chapters (Official Store – Dead by Daylight) |
Final Notes
This crossover marks a significant milestone for Dead by Daylight, combining one of the most successful multiplayer horror games with one of the most influential indie horror franchises of the past decade. With Springtrap now in the Fog and more content on the way, fans can expect a summer of high tension and new gameplay dynamics.
While you’re here, check out more from the FNaF series:
