Dead by Daylight’s newest addition, the Doomed Course Chapter, has just hit the shelves for $7.99, bringing fresh characters and gameplay elements to this long-standing favorite. A major highlight is the introduction of The Houndmaster, the first Killer in the game to come with an AI-controlled companion. This new chapter also features Taurie Cain, a Survivor with abilities rooted in the concept of sacrifice.
Since its debut in 2016, Dead by Daylight has maintained an impressive player base, boasting over 60 million lifetime participants by late 2023 and continuing to entertain millions monthly. This enduring popularity is largely thanks to regular content updates, typically rolled out quarterly, keeping fans engaged.
Dropping on November 28 as part of the Thanksgiving update, Doomed Course adds layers of complexity to the game with its new characters. The Houndmaster, also known as Portia Maye, commands a fierce hound that can track and pin down Survivors, making her a formidable opponent on the field. Her canine companion is more than just a pet—it’s a tactical advantage, capable of applying continuous pressure on the opposing team.
The hound is controlled through simple commands; its Chase ability directs it to charge or change direction mid-charge. On the other hand, the Search ability helps detect Survivors within an expanding radius and gives The Houndmaster a speed boost if she follows her hound’s path, making her a distinctive addition that spices up the traditional gameplay mechanics.
On the flip side, Taurie Cain stands out as one of the game’s more complex characters, described by Behaviour Interactive as the “morally darkest Survivor.” Her narrative is steeped in refusal after being entangled with a sinister sect called the Black Talon, refusing to harm an innocent and facing subsequent consequences. Her perks—Shoulder The Burden, Clean Break, and Invocation: Treacherous Crows—are crafted around sacrifice, offering support to fellow Survivors at a personal cost, such as impairments like the Injured and Broken statuses.
The Doomed Course Chapter, available for $7.99, offers more than just new gameplay. It includes exclusive cosmetic items such as the Killer’s Titanium Skull and the Survivor’s Gold Tier outfit. If Behaviour Interactive’s past release patterns hold, fans can expect the next chapter to drop around late February or early March 2025.
For those unfamiliar, Dead by Daylight offers a unique 1v4 multiplayer experience. Players choose between being an unrelenting Killer or joining a team of Survivors striving to escape a grisly fate. With evolving character progression systems and expansive customizable options, the game offers a tailor-fit experience for horror enthusiasts.
In this edition, players can dive into the roles of seven distinct Killers and nine Survivors, each offering unique gameplay experiences. The game, powered by Unreal Engine 4, continues to be a staple on multiple platforms, allowing for cross-platform play and ensuring everyone can join in the suspense, no matter their preferred console.
