Stranger Things fans, get ready to flip the lights back on. Dead by Daylight’s highly anticipated Stranger Things Chapter 2 drops survivors Dustin Henderson and Eleven into the Fog alongside the terrifying Vecna. This Chapter 38 DLC marks the perfect send-off for the Netflix series finale, blending Upside Down horrors with DbD’s asymmetrical multiplayer chaos. With the PTB live now on Steam, players already test Vecna’s vines and clocks. Full launch hits January 27, 2026.
Quick Recap: Stranger Things in Dead by Daylight
The original 2019 crossover introduced Demogorgon as killer, with Steve Harrington and Nancy Wheeler as survivors, plus the iconic Hawkins National Laboratory map. Licensing issues yanked it temporarily, but it returned. Now, Chapter 2 expands Hawkins crew—think full Stranger Things squad versus Vecna—tying into Season 5’s epic close.
Release Date and How to Play Early
- Full Release: January 27, 2026, across PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch.
- PTB (Public Test Build): Live on Steam from January 6-13, 2026. Download via Steam tools—own DbD base game to access. Test Vecna, Dustin, Eleven, and perks now.
Expect the usual DLC price around $12, with premium cosmetics separate. Original chapter owners get seamless integration.
The Story: Vecna’s Fog Invasion
As Stranger Things wraps, Vecna (Henry Creel, “The First”) drags Hawkins heroes into the Entity’s realm. He bends reality, weaponizing Upside Down vines and curses to reshape humanity. Survivors Dustin and Eleven reunite with Steve and Nancy (plus legendaries like Eddie and Robin) for one last stand. Grandfather clocks chime as salvation—or doom—amid Vecna’s terror. Perfect finale nod, with original voice lines for newbies.
New Killer: Vecna, The First
Vecna debuts distinct from the D&D version—pure Stranger Things menace. Power focuses on Worldbreaker curse via tokens.
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Vine Attack | Charge Power button, Attack to spawn AoE vines. Hits grant 1 Worldbreaker token. During Worldbreaker: deals damage. |
| Upside Down / Undergate | Tap Ability to enter Upside Down for fast travel. Emerge with AoE Undergate: 2 tokens (damage in Worldbreaker). |
| Worldbreaker | 4+ tokens trigger: attacks damage, 4 Grandfather Clocks spawn. Survivors interact to hasten end (duration scales by alive survivors). |
Killer Perks (Teachable):
- Turn Back the Clock: Post-hook (40/50/60s), explode nearest gen (-10% progress, regress).
- Secret Project: Totem bless/cleanse blocks random gen (20/25/30s), grants Undetectable.
- Hex: Hive Mind: First hook lights gens by progress. 1 gen left: all explode (-6/8/10%), Hex dulls.
Mori showcases Vecna’s psychic flair—brutal.
New Survivors: Dustin & Eleven
Dustin brings gadgeteer vibes; Eleven channels psychic might. Both get Teamwork perks for gen-rushing crews.
Dustin Henderson:
| Perk/Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Bada Bada Boom | 20/20/20% gen repair: trap window (40/50/60s). Killer vault: 50% Hindered (6s). |
| Change of Plan | 2/2/2 tokens start. Locker + Toolbox: convert to Med-Kit (80/90/100% charges, random add-on). |
| Teamwork: Full Circuit | Per teammate on gen: +15/20/25% skill check zone. +1 teammate: +5% speed. |
Eleven (Jane Hopper):
| Perk/Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Extrasensory Perception | Crouch 4/4/4s: expanding aura vision (44m), Elusive/Oblivious (11s max). 60/50/40s CD. |
| We See You | Aura reveal: +1 token (x4). Spend: team sees Killer aura 10/12.5/15s (10s CD). |
| Teamwork: Soft-Spoken | Per teammate: -15/20/25% gen noise. +1: +5% speed. |
Map & Cosmetics
Hawkins National Laboratory returns—expect Upside Down twists, clocks during Worldbreaker.
Legendaries (store):
- Eddie Munson (Dustin)
- Robin Buckley (Nancy)
- Jonathan Byers (Steve, from Chapter 1)
Voice lines hype interactions.
Trailer & PTB Buzz
Official trailer teases vines, clocks, Vecna’s emergence. PTB players rave (and complain) about Vecna’s mobility, survivor reveals—balance tweaks likely incoming.