Dead by Daylight Shatters Records with FNAF Crossover – Is Horror at Its Peak?
Discover how Dead by Daylight's Five Nights at Freddy’s crossover broke player count records, explore popular collaborations, and find out what this milestone means for the future of the game.
Picture this: you boot up Dead by Daylight and see the player count soaring over 100,000. Feels wild, right? That’s exactly what happened after the Five Nights at Freddy’s crossover dropped. This surge marks a fresh peak for the game in June 2025—and today, we’re talking all about what’s fueling the excitement, why crossovers work so well, and what could come next.
From 2016 Launch to Ongoing Legacy
Launched by Behaviour Interactive back in 2016, Dead by Daylight quickly became known for its tense PvP gameplay: one Killer hunts four Survivors trying to escape. Over the years, the devs have been generous with updates—adding maps, balancing gameplay, and dropping in crossover collaborations with other horror icons. All the while, the community grew—patch by patch, killing by killing.
Crossover Magic: Stranger Things, Silent Hill, and Now FNAF
Let’s rewind the highlight reel:
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In 2019, the Stranger Things crossover turned heads with Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington as Survivors, and the Demogorgon as Killer.
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A few years later, Silent Hill made its chilling entrance, introducing Cheryl Mason and Pyramid Head.
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These collabs aren’t just showpieces—they bring new perks, cosmetics, achievements, and expand the lore for longtime players.
Enter the freshest crossover: Five Nights at Freddy’s.
New Record: 106,029 Players Online at Once
On June 17, SteamDB recorded Dead by Daylight’s largest-ever player count—106,029 concurrent players. That topped its previous record from June 2021, set during the Resident Evil crossover (Leon, Jill, Nemesis, Ada, Rebecca, and Wesker all made appearances). It proves one thing: horror fans just can’t resist these iconic mashups.
Why FNAF Worked So Well (and How Crossovers Drive Traffic)
Each crossover in Dead by Daylight offers more than just a new character:
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Shared Fandom
Horror fans gather—now you have FNAF fans joining DBD fans in one game. -
Fresh Content & Cosmetics
Think about it—Springtrap skins, in-game banners, player badges, and three themed achievements all came with the FNAF release. -
Free Update Without Downtime
Behaviour Interactive released the patch live—no server shutdowns. Players logged in, saw Springtrap, and just stayed.
Springtrap, FNAF’s star from the 2015 sequel, became the new killer. His macabre design resonated with both streaming audiences and long-time fans—leading many to jump back in just to use or face him on the foggy maps.
The Power of Nostalgia—and Smart Game Design
Dead by Daylight knows its audience. When Stranger Things hit, it tapped into 80s nostalgia. Silent Hill targets psychological horror fans. And FNAF? It connects with teenage gamers and horror-lore junkies. Combining iconic audio cues (like Freddy’s laughter or animatronic whirs) with killer perks and maps brings immersive crossover energy.
Plus, everything’s unlocked in-game—no paywalls. Want Springtrap perks and cosmetics? Just hop in, earn them, or grab them from the Shrine of Secrets. This approach keeps players—and money—flowing smoothly.
Community Buzz: What Players Are Saying
The reaction? Electric.
A recent post by Bruna Telles summed up the hype:
“A great addition. Five Nights at Freddy’s is one of my favorite horror game series, and finally seeing this collaboration with Dead by Daylight was a delightful surprise.”
Players are praising the crossover for:
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The nostalgic thrill of FNAF in DBD
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The new killer’s gameplay dynamics
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Couch parties and Twitch streams going nuts with hidden jump scares
But not everyone’s bubble-free. Some players worry the game’s extra content might release too fast, risking balance issues. Still, few argue with record player counts.
Could More Resident Evil or Other IPs Be Coming?
Word on the street says a second wave of Resident Evil content might drop in the coming months. That could mean new killers or survivors—maybe even fresh maps like the Raccoon City police station.
If that happens, expect another wave of player interest. Crossovers keep things hot—they’re like risers at a party. Drop another big name, and vampires (or streamers) will swarm.
Why This Matters for the Industry
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Proven Revenue Model
Crossovers boost player counts and in-game revenue—without needing a full expansion. -
Community Growth
Noticeable spikes keep old players returning and attract new ones. -
Longevity Over Years
A game from 2016 still climbing charts in 2025? That’s testament to smart devs and engaged fans. -
Expectation Setting
Fans now expect crossovers to be done right. If developers mess up, there’s backlash fast.
Pro Tips for Players: How to Maximize Your Crossover Experience
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Jump in early to claim event rewards, cosmetics, and achievements.
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Watch the balance changes—Springtrap may reshape how you play Killer or Survivor.
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Try streaming or themed gameplay—mix FNAF sounds with DBD to entice viewers.
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Mark your calendar—if Resident Evil is next, expect another wave soon.
FAQs – Dead by Daylight’s Horror Crossovers
Q: What’s the new player record?
106,029 concurrent players on June 17—an all-time high.
Q: Which Killer dropped with the FNAF collab?
Enter Springtrap, straight from Five Nights at Freddy’s 3.
Q: How does the crossover compare to Resident Evil or Stranger Things?
It beat its previous record and hit peak interest. This has been the most successful update of 2025 so far.
Q: Are these crossovers free?
Yes—all characters and cosmetics can be earned through gameplay or purchased with in-game currency.
Q: Should I get back into DBD?
If you enjoy horror PvP or missed past crossovers—yes, now is a great time.
Q: Will this spike last?
Hard to say. Sustained interest depends on future updates—but spikes tend to follow big collabs.
TL;DR – What You Need to Know
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Dead by Daylight broke records after FNAF crossover—106k concurrent players.
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Springtrap arrives with themed perks and cosmetics.
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Other major IP crossovers—like Stranger Things and Resident Evil—also drove interest.
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Game longevity shows crossovers = smart long-term strategy.
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New fans and returning players? All on the rise.
Final Thoughts: Horror Crossovers Keep DBD Alive
Dead by Daylight isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. Crossovers spotlight iconic characters and breathe fresh life into the game. The FNAF collab, in particular, carried nostalgic weight and streaming buzz that exploded the player count.
If you’ve been on the fence or sat out the past few years, this is your sign to jump in. Whether you’re Survivor or Killer, there’s no better time to revisit the foggy maps—especially with Freddy’s undead buddy in tow.
Call to Adventure
Log back in, unlock Springtrap, and test your skills in a horror mash-up like no other. Prefer Survivor? Stream with friends and face the animatronic nightmare. If you want help with builds, perks, or hilarious streamer tactics—just say the word. Welcome back to the fog.