Dead by Daylight reigns supreme in the world of asymmetrical horror games. Consistently updated with new content, it remains a top choice for online gamers seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences. For those eager to explore similar terrain, games like Dead by Daylight offer compelling alternatives.
In this article, you’ll find a curated list of top-notch games that provide thrills and chills akin to Dead by Daylight. Each promises a unique take on the genre, ensuring you’ll discover something that captivates your interest.
Related: Is Dead by Daylight Cross-Play or Cross-Platform?
1. Project Winter
Project Winter creates its niche in the genre while sharing core elements that make it one of the best games like Dead by Daylight. Unlike the typical one-against-many formula, Project Winter throws eight players into a frozen wilderness and adds a layer of deception.
While most are survivors tasked with escape, a couple are traitors set on sabotage. Much like Dead by Daylight, communication and strategy are vital, but Project Winter adds a unique social deduction element that heightens the suspense.
The game mixes teamwork and betrayal, providing a gripping and dynamic experience. Survivors collaborate to complete tasks, gather resources, and call for rescue. In contrast, traitors employ various methods to bring about their downfall.
This combination of cooperation and deception makes Project Winter a must-play for fans of asymmetrical survival games. If you search for games like Dead by Daylight — this is your first choice.
Release Date: May 23, 2019
Developer: Other Ocean Interactive
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2. Friday the 13th: The Game
Friday the 13th: The Game is a top contender for fans seeking games like Dead by Daylight. It leverages the same asymmetrical formula, pitting a group of survivors against a lone killer — in this case, the iconic Jason Voorhees.
The game captures the essence of the classic horror film series, complete with the terrifying setting of Camp Crystal Lake. Survivors must collaborate on completing objectives, repairing vehicles, or calling the police to escape, much like Dead by Daylight.
However, Friday the 13th uniquely allows players to use the environment creatively, such as setting traps or barricading themselves inside cabins.
One distinct difference is the power dynamic. While killers in Dead by Daylight have unique abilities, Jason is entirely on another level. He has access to a range of superhuman abilities like teleportation and heightened senses, making the gameplay more challenging for survivors.
Yet, this also gives survivors more defensive options, like using flare guns or pocket knives to stun or escape from Jason momentarily. As one of the best games like Dead by Daylight, you must try Friday the 13th: The Game.
Release Date: May 26, 2017
Developer: IllFonic
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3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre brings the terror of the iconic 1974 film into the gaming, offering a fresh take on the asymmetrical horror genre. Developed by Sumo Nottingham, it lines up four victims against a twisted family of cannibals.
While the core objective remains similar to Dead by Daylight, the game introduces a unique four versus three-gameplay dynamic. This separates from the usual one-killer format, adding layers of complexity and strategy.
Plus, including Kane Hodder as Leatherface and Edwin Neal as the voice of The Hitchhiker lends authenticity, making it a solid pick for games like Dead by Daylight.
It was released across multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has been well-received for its faithfulness to the original film. It’s also available on Xbox Game Pass, providing easy access for subscribers.
If you’re in the market for games like Dead by Daylight that offer a similar yet distinct experience. In that case, this newly released title should be on your radar.
Release Date: August 18, 2023
Developer: Sumo Digital
Related: Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Cross-Platform?
4. Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia deviates from the asymmetrical model but still shares key elements aligning with games like Dead by Daylight. Instead of pitting players against each other, everyone works together as part of a paranormal investigation team.
The goal is to identify the type of ghost-hunting location using various tools. Though it lacks the survivor-versus-killer setup found in Dead by Daylight, the game creates its own form of tension through unpredictable ghost behaviour and evidence gathering.
Where Phasmophobia connects with games like Dead by Daylight is in its demand for strategy and teamwork. Players are armed with tools rather than weapons, like cameras and spirit boxes, which require cooperation for practical use.
You’re not running away from a physical enemy. Still, the psychological tension that builds while waiting for a ghostly sign is equally intense. This cooperative focus and attention to detail offer a unique yet parallel experience for fans of the horror genre.
Release Date: September 18, 2020 (Early Access)
Developer: Kinetic Games
Related: 5 Best Horror Games for Halloween 2023
5. Among Us
Among Us might seem like an odd inclusion at first glance, but dig a little deeper, and it reveals itself as one of the intriguing games like Dead by Daylight. This game swaps the dark and gritty horror setting for a colourful spaceship. Still, it retains the core essence of trust and betrayal.
In Among Us, you are either a Crewmate working to complete tasks or an Impostor trying to sabotage the mission. Much like in Dead by Daylight, where survivors have to repair generators and escape, Crewmates must finish their tasks to win while trying to check out who the Impostor is among them.
The mechanics are simple, but the social dynamics are complex, making it one of the gripping games like Dead by Daylight. The tension doesn’t come from physical chase but from social interaction and mind games.
Players gather to discuss and vote out suspected Impostors, and making a wrong move can cost the game. The Impostor, meanwhile, tries to blend in, just like killers in Dead by Daylight often use stealth and deceit to capture their prey.
Release Date: June 15, 2018
Developer: Innersloth
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Free?
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre by Gun Interactive isn’t free but did launch on Xbox Game Pass. For subscribers, it’s essentially a free download. This game focuses solely on online multiplayer, setting it alongside games like Dead by Daylight regarding online engagement.
Is Friday the 13th Game Still Playable?
Gun Interactive disclosed that their Friday the 13th license expires at the end of 2023. This means the game will no longer be available for purchase after December 31, 2023. However, existing owners can still play for at least another year, offering a time-sensitive alternative to games like Dead by Daylight.
What Is Defector in Project Winter?
The character known as The Defector has a unique ability: Unlocking Secure Crates and Care Packages. Each use of this special skill allows for the opening of just one such item, and there’s a 5-minute and 30-second cooldown period for the ability.
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