JASON VOORHEES TAKES OVER DEAD BY DAYLIGHT ON THEIR 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

It’s hard to believe that Dead by Daylight has reached its tenth year. They never let an anniversary pass without a surprise, and what better way to celebrate a decade than with a new villain from a killer franchise? 

After years of fan requests, Jason Voorhees has heard his mother’s call (and that of Senior Creative Director Dave Richard and his team) and is finally slashing his way into the DBD Universe. As someone who grew up watching all the Friday the 13th movies — and has the Jason masks and props to prove it — I’m ecstatic.

Let’s hack away at the details: Jason will be sporting his 45th-anniversary design, created by makeup effects legend Greg Nicotero, as well as the classic 13-holed hockey mask, and his OG look. For those who may be concerned, Jason's gameplay will be gruesome and violent; I mean, it's Jason fucking Voorhees. Additionally, there’ll be jump-scare tactics, which he is known for in his movies. So far, we’re off to a good start.

Two major abilities of this classic killer will be ‘Omnipresent Evil’ and ‘Improvised Carnage’. Props to whoever came up with these names, because they sound hardcore and befitting of a machete-wielding, hockey-mask-wearing slasher icon.

‘Omnipresent Evil’ is exactly as you’d imagine it might be. This clever ability mirrors Jason's capacity to appear in any corner where his victims are cowering, hoping they make it out alive. There are rules to this ability, however, just as one would expect. Jason needs to lock in on key environmental points, such as pallets, vault points, and breakable walls. Once he does, he appears in all his dramatic glory like the Kool-Aid Man bursting through a wall, shocking unsuspecting youths (or, in his case, unsuspecting prey). As a player, I can already tell this will enhance the already intense gameplay.

Next up is ‘Improvised Carnage’. Imagine wielding the environment as a weapon, transforming it into more than just a trap. Well, you don’t need to imagine too much, as this is completely possible. In the environment, there are containers filled with ‘treats’: locker fragments, broken generator parts, shattered pallets, and hooks. So far, so standard, but what makes this so special? They can be used as projectiles, meaning a victim can be pinned against a wall if Jason's aim is precise, which, unfortunately for his victims, it usually is. Shish kabob, anyone? 

I don’t care what anyone says, Mr. Voorhees has style. And I am not talking about his literal slaying style. His iconic mask, machete accessory, and torn and dirty garments are so camp to me (no pun intended). However, sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. This icon comes with a closet of different outfits for every occasion. 

We will start with his ‘Backwoods Terror’ outfit, featuring a red flannel shirt, suspenders, bloodstained jeans, and an axe adorned with a rusty chain. Okay, it’s giving lumberjack realness. ‘Death Forsaken’, meanwhile, transforms him into a walking corpse fresh from the grave. This look comes complete with decayed flesh, unknown green ooze seeping from his body, visible bones, white gardening gloves, and a shovel wrapped in barbed wire to top off the aesthetic. I guess Jason loves gardening when he’s not being a menace? Lastly, we have the ‘Jason’s Depths of Despair’ skin, for which he sports a gnarly underwater appearance, covered in barnacles, seaweed, and other things found only in the crystal waters. The blues and greens allow the red coral adorning his body to take center stage. I could see him making waves at the Met Gala in this get-up.

Get ready, because Jason will rise from the depths of Crystal Lake on June 16th! However, you can experience this horror icon early via the Steam public test build launching on May 26th. 

If you’ve always wanted to play the game, or if you’ve stopped and needed a reason to return, this is your chance. You can access it with just one click on Steam, and it is also available on PlayStation,XBOX, and Nintendo Switch. Check out the official Dead by Daylight website and immerse yourself in all the horror content your heart desires.

Are you ready to step into the shoes of one of the greatest killers of cinema? Tell us how you plan on taking out those pesky campers in the comments.