Springtrap Stalks the Fog: Five Nights at Freddy’s Joins Dead by Daylight with a Terrifying New Killer

Dead by Daylight just got a whole lot creepier with the arrival of Springtrap, the terrifying animatronic from Five Nights at Freddy’s. Known before as William Afton, this new Killer—called The Animatronic—brings a fresh kind of horror to the game, mixing unique gameplay with the type of jump scares fans love to hate.

So, how did Springtrap end up in The Fog? The Entity has a knack for pulling in killers who thrive on Fear and chaos, and Springtrap fits that bill perfectly. Once trapped in an abandoned Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, he was drawn in by eerie laughter—something that only fueled his dark instincts—before being swallowed by the mysterious black mist.

What makes Springtrap stand out is his creepy ability to use Security Doors scattered around the map. Survivors and the Killer can enter these doors, but Springtrap can teleport between them instantly—even if a Survivor is inside—setting up some seriously tense moments and surprise attacks. On the other hand, Survivors can peek through security cameras from these rooms to keep an eye on the map, but they had better be quick because Springtrap could show up at any time.

His weapon? A fire axe can be thrown and stuck into Survivors, forcing them to stop and pull it out before they can heal—adding an extra layer of pressure during the chase. Plus, Springtrap’s three new Perks bring some clever twists:

• Help Wanted lets him mess with generators, making his attacks quicker once a generator is repaired.
• Phantom Fear causes Survivors to scream when they spot him, revealing their location for a short time.
• Haywire makes exit gates regress if Survivors are forced to leave during the final moments, making escape even more challenging.

On top of all that, there’s a brand-new Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza map filled with hidden Easter Eggs and spooky surprises, perfect for fans of the series to explore.

Adding to the excitement, Matthew Lillard—who played William Afton in the 2023 Five Nights at Freddy’s movie—has lent his voice and likeness to Springtrap, making the character feel even more authentic.

This collaboration is a big deal for Dead by Daylight as it nears its ninth birthday, blending the chilling world of Five Nights at Freddy’s with the intense, heart-pounding gameplay it is known for. The chapter will launch on June 17, 2025, but PC players can already get a taste of it through the Public Test Build.

If you’re a fan of scares, suspense, and a good old-fashioned chase, this crossover is definitely one to watch. Just remember: in this game, the nightmare never really ends.