The much-anticipated Doomed Course Chapter for Dead by Daylight has finally made its debut, available now for $7.99. This exciting new DLC brings fresh additions to the game, including The Houndmaster, a groundbreaking Killer character equipped with an AI-controlled companion, and a new Survivor named Taurie Cain, who brings unique sacrifice-themed abilities to the table.
Since its release in 2016, Behaviour Interactive’s asymmetric survival horror game has maintained its popularity, boasting over 60 million lifetime players by late 2023. The game’s success largely stems from regular updates, typically every three months, which keep players engaged and excited.
Released on November 28, the Thanksgiving update rolls out The Houndmaster and Taurie Cain. The Houndmaster, known as Portia Maye in the game, comes with a fierce, obedient black hound. This makes her the first Killer in the game to wield an AI-controlled minion. The hound excels at tracking, chasing, and pinning down Survivors, providing a constant threat and adding layers to the gameplay dynamic.
Commanding the hound is a relatively simple affair. Players can use the Chase ability to guide it in charging at Survivors, with options to redirect if needed. Its Search ability has a gradually widening radius that can uncover Survivors, simultaneously granting The Houndmaster a speed boost when she follows her dog. Portia Maye’s introduction shakes up the traditional cat-and-mouse gameplay with her unique mechanics, offering something fresh for players to enjoy.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have Taurie Cain, described by Behaviour Interactive as their most “morally complex” Survivor. Her story ties back to a failed mission with a group called the Black Talon, where she defied orders to spare an innocent. She comes with three perks: Shoulder The Burden, Clean Break, and Invocation: Treacherous Crows. These abilities focus heavily on sacrifice, allowing her to aid other players while accepting penalties like Injured and Broken status effects.
The Doomed Course expansion also offers an exclusive Killer item, the Titanium Skull, and a unique Survivor cosmetic, the Gold Tier. If Behaviour Interactive sticks to its usual schedule, fans can likely expect the next addition to Dead by Daylight around late February or early March 2025.
Dead by Daylight continues to bring the thrill of horror right to the fingertips of players with its ever-expanding roster of Killers and Survivors. It’s a game of survival, evasion, and strategy, where players have the choice to play as a relentless Killer or one of four Survivors doing their best to escape a gruesome fate. With deep progression systems and plenty of customizable options, each character provides a unique gameplay experience tailored to personal strategies.
Since its launch in June 2016, Dead by Daylight has allowed players to embody the terror of horror movie legends. Choose your path: work together to escape or hunt down every Survivor to ensure none make it out alive.
