DBD x Walking Dead Chapter Guide 2026: Release Date, Survivors, Perks
The Entity’s realm is about to get a whole lot more dangerous! After years of fan requests and speculation, I’m thrilled to share that Dead by Daylight’s highly anticipated The Walking Dead Chapter officially launches on July 29, 2026, bringing Rick Grimes and Michonne as playable survivors along with game-changing perks that’ll revolutionize your survival strategies.
Dead by Daylight x The Walking Dead Release Guide
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 29, 2026 (All Platforms) |
| PTB Status | Available Now (PC Only) |
| New Survivors | Rick Grimes, Michonne |
| Legendary Skin | Daryl Dixon (for Rick) |
| Total New Perks | 6 Unique Perks |
| Rick Price | 500 Auric Cells (~$5) |
| Michonne Price | 500 Auric Cells (~$5) |
| Daryl Skin Price | 1,485 Auric Cells (~$15) |
| Special Map | Garden of Joy TWD Tile |
As someone who’s been playing Dead by Daylight since 2016 and binge-watching The Walking Dead from day one, this crossover feels like a dream come true. The collaboration brings together two iconic horror franchises in a way that honors both properties while introducing fresh gameplay mechanics that’ll shake up the current meta.
DBD x The Walking Dead Chapter Release Date and Availability
Mark your calendars, survivors! The Walking Dead Chapter drops on July 29, 2026 across all platforms including PC (Steam/Epic Games), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. If you’re playing on PC through Steam, you can jump into the Public Test Build (PTB) right now to experience Rick and Michonne before everyone else!
I’ve been testing the PTB since it launched, and let me tell you – the wait has been worth it. PC players get early access to experiment with all the new perks and see how these survivors change the game’s dynamics. Console players, unfortunately, need to wait until the official release date, but trust me when I say it’ll be worth the anticipation.
The timing couldn’t be better either. With summer in full swing and the latest DBD codes offering tons of free Bloodpoints, you’ll have plenty of resources to level up your new survivors immediately.
Meet the New Survivors: Rick Grimes and Michonne
Rick Grimes: The Natural Leader
Rick Grimes arrives in The Fog as the sheriff’s deputy we all know and love – complete with his signature determination and willingness to do whatever it takes for his team. What makes Rick special isn’t just his iconic status; it’s how Behaviour Interactive has translated his character into gameplay mechanics.
Playing as Rick feels authentic to his character. His perks focus on leadership, sacrifice, and resourcefulness – exactly what you’d expect from someone who survived the walker apocalypse. He’s fully voiced too, which adds an extra layer of immersion when you hear Andrew Lincoln’s gruff commands during intense chases.
Michonne: The Fierce Protector
Michonne brings her katana-wielding badassery to Dead by Daylight (minus the actual katana, sadly). Her character design captures everything fans love about her – from her fierce independence to her protective nature. She’s the survivor who won’t hesitate to put herself in danger to save her team.
What I love most about Michonne is how her perks encourage aggressive plays against killers. In a game where survivors typically run and hide, Michonne’s abilities let you turn the tables and fight back in creative ways. She’s also fully voiced by Danai Gurira, making every match feel like an episode of The Walking Dead.
Daryl Dixon: The Legendary Outfit
While Daryl isn’t a separate survivor, he comes as a legendary outfit for Rick Grimes priced at 1,485 Auric Cells. This skin completely transforms Rick into the crossbow-wielding fan favorite, complete with Norman Reedus’s likeness and voice lines. It’s essentially getting a third character, though you’ll need Rick first to unlock this option.
All New Survivor Perks Breakdown
Let me break down each perk in detail, including their max-tier effects and strategic uses:
Rick Grimes Perks
1. Apocalyptic Ingenuity
- Effect: After unlocking or rummaging through 2 chests, press Ability Button 1 for 8 seconds next to a broken pallet to build a fragile pallet
- Bonus: See auras of broken pallets within 32 meters
- Note: Fragile pallets break when dropped
This perk is absolutely game-changing! I’ve been using it to create new loops in dead zones where killers usually get easy downs. The ability to rebuild pallets fundamentally alters map pressure and gives survivors new defensive options.
2. Come and Get Me!
- Effect: After unhooking, while crouched and idle, make injured/dying survivors within 24 meters silent with no blood trails for 15 seconds
- Activation: You scream and reveal your aura to the killer for 5 seconds
This perk embodies Rick’s self-sacrificing nature perfectly. I’ve pulled off some incredible saves by drawing killers away while my injured teammates escape silently. It’s high-risk, high-reward gameplay at its finest.
3. Teamwork: Toughen Up
- Effect: When another survivor stuns/blinds the killer while you’re injured within 24 meters, lose all grunts, scratch marks, and blood for 30 seconds
The synergy potential here is insane, especially when paired with Michonne’s perks. Coordinated teams can create devastating combos that leave killers completely confused.
Michonne Perks
1. Conviction
- Effect: After healing 1 survivor, while downed with 25% recovery, instantly recover but gain Broken status
- Duration: Return to dying state after 30 seconds
This perk has clutch potential written all over it. I’ve turned certain deaths into thrilling escapes by timing this perfectly. The Broken status adds risk, but those 30 seconds can mean the difference between sacrifice and survival.
2. Last Stand
- Effect: After 60 seconds in terror radius (not in chase), stun killer for 3 seconds with fast vault if within 2.5 meters
- Limitation: Disabled after use
Talk about turning the tables! This perk rewards patience and positioning. I love baiting killers into tight spaces where I can trigger this for a guaranteed escape.
3. Teamwork: Throw Down
- Effect: When you stun/blind the killer, injured survivors within 24 meters gain Endurance and see killer’s aura for 10 seconds
The ultimate support perk! Combined with Rick’s Teamwork: Toughen Up, you can create scenarios where your entire team becomes temporarily unstoppable.
Dead by Daylight x The Walking Dead Map Additions
One of the coolest additions is the special Walking Dead-themed map tile that appears in Garden of Joy whenever Rick or Michonne loads in. This tile features iconic locations from the show:
- The Prison: Complete with watchtowers and cell blocks
- Hospital Corridor: Featuring the infamous “Don’t Open Dead Inside” doors
- Alexandria Safe Zone: Walls and structures from the survivor community
These aren’t just cosmetic additions – they create new loop opportunities and hiding spots that can dramatically change how matches play out. The attention to detail is incredible, with walker hands reaching through doors and authentic set pieces from the show.
Pricing and Purchase Options
Here’s the complete breakdown of costs:
| Item | Auric Cells | USD Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Grimes | 500 | ~$5 |
| Michonne | 500 | ~$5 |
| Daryl Dixon Skin | 1,485 | ~$15 |
| Complete Bundle | 2,485 | ~$25 |
Pro tip: If you’re planning to get everything, wait for the complete bundle which usually offers a small discount. Also, check for DBD promo codes to stock up on Bloodpoints for leveling your new survivors!
Gameplay Strategy and Perk Synergies
After extensive PTB testing, I’ve discovered some killer combinations:
The Altruistic Build (Rick Focus)
- Apocalyptic Ingenuity
- Borrowed Time
- We’ll Make It
- Kindred
This build maximizes your ability to save teammates while creating new resources for the team. You become the ultimate support player.
The Aggressive Build (Michonne Focus)
- Last Stand
- Head On
- Quick & Quiet
- Dance With Me
Turn yourself into the killer’s worst nightmare by stunning them repeatedly and vanishing into thin air.
The Teamwork Combo (Both Survivors)
- Teamwork: Toughen Up (Rick)
- Teamwork: Throw Down (Michonne)
- Prove Thyself
- Leader
When coordinated with friends, this build creates unstoppable survivor squads that can bully even the strongest killers.
Platform Availability and Cross-Play
The Walking Dead Chapter supports full cross-platform play, meaning you can team up with friends regardless of their gaming platform. Here’s the availability breakdown:
- PC (Steam/Epic): PTB available now, full release July 29
- PlayStation 4/5: July 29 release
- Xbox One/Series X|S: July 29 release
- Nintendo Switch: July 29 release
- Mobile: Not included in this chapter
Cross-progression also works seamlessly, so your Rick and Michonne progress carries over between platforms (except Switch, which has some limitations).
Community Reception and Impact
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, longtime fans who’ve been requesting The Walking Dead content for years are celebrating. The “Rick Grimes for DbD” Twitter account, which campaigned for this crossover, has been vindicated after years of dedication.
What impresses me most is how these perks encourage teamwork without being overpowered. They reward coordination and communication, addressing a common complaint that solo queue gameplay lacks team synergy.
Tips for New Walking Dead Survivors
Based on my PTB experience, here are essential tips:
- Master Pallet Economy: With Apocalyptic Ingenuity, don’t waste pallets early. Save broken ones for strategic rebuilds
- Coordinate Perks: Use voice chat to maximize Teamwork perk synergies
- Bait Killers: Both survivors excel at drawing aggro – use this to protect vulnerable teammates
- Learn Map Tiles: The new Walking Dead tiles have unique properties worth memorizing
- Practice Timing: Conviction and Last Stand require precise timing to maximize effectiveness
Future Content and Updates
While no additional Walking Dead content has been confirmed, the door is definitely open. The show’s rich cast of characters (Glenn, Carol, Negan as a killer?) provides endless possibilities for future chapters.
Behaviour Interactive has also hinted at more cosmetic options coming for both survivors, potentially including outfits from different seasons of the show.
Comparison to Other Licensed Chapters
The Walking Dead Chapter stands out for several reasons:
- No New Killer: Unlike most licensed chapters, this is survivor-only
- Perk Innovation: These perks introduce entirely new mechanics (pallet rebuilding)
- Voice Acting: Full voice acting from original actors elevates immersion
- Map Integration: The special tiles are more elaborate than typical licensed content
Common Issues and Solutions
During PTB testing, I’ve encountered some issues:
Michonne Not Playable in PTB
- This is a known issue that will be fixed at launch
- Her perks are still testable on other survivors
Perk Activation Confusion
- Remember to bind ability buttons in settings
- Some perks require specific conditions (crouched, not moving)
Cross-Platform Friend Issues
- Use the in-game ID system (name#numbers)
- Check our crossplay guide for detailed instructions
Is The Walking Dead Chapter Worth It?
Absolutely! At $5 per survivor, you’re getting incredible value:
- Unique perks that change gameplay dynamics
- Fully voiced iconic characters
- Special map features
- Potential meta-shifting strategies
Even if you’re not a Walking Dead fan, the gameplay additions alone justify the purchase. These aren’t just cosmetic additions – they fundamentally expand what’s possible in Dead by Daylight.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does The Walking Dead Chapter release in Dead by Daylight?
The Walking Dead Chapter releases on July 29, 2026 for all platforms. PC players can access the PTB (Public Test Build) now through Steam to try the new content early.
Which Walking Dead characters are coming to DBD?
Rick Grimes and Michonne are the two new playable survivors. Daryl Dixon is also available as a legendary outfit skin for Rick Grimes that transforms him completely with Norman Reedus’s likeness and voice.
How much do the new Walking Dead survivors cost?
Rick Grimes costs 500 Auric Cells (~$5), Michonne costs 500 Auric Cells (~$5), and the Daryl Dixon legendary skin costs 1,485 Auric Cells (~$15). A complete bundle with all content typically offers a small discount.
Is there a new killer in The Walking Dead Chapter?
No, The Walking Dead Chapter is survivor-only with no new killer. This makes it unique among licensed chapters, focusing entirely on Rick and Michonne as playable survivors with six new perks total.
Can I play The Walking Dead content on all platforms?
Yes, The Walking Dead Chapter is available on PC (Steam/Epic), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch with full crossplay support. Dead by Daylight Mobile does not include this content.
What are the best perks from The Walking Dead survivors?
Rick’s Apocalyptic Ingenuity (rebuilds pallets) and Michonne’s Last Stand (stuns killers when fast vaulting) are standout perks. The Teamwork perks from both survivors create powerful synergies when coordinated with other players.
Do I need to own Rick to get the Daryl skin?
Yes, Daryl Dixon is a legendary outfit for Rick Grimes, so you must purchase Rick first before you can buy the Daryl skin. The skin completely transforms Rick into Daryl with unique voice lines.
Are the original voice actors in the game?
Yes! Rick is voiced by Andrew Lincoln, Michonne by Danai Gurira, and the Daryl skin features Norman Reedus’s voice. This authentic voice acting adds significant immersion to the gameplay experience.
Final Thoughts
The Walking Dead Chapter represents everything I love about Dead by Daylight’s evolution. It respects source material while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics that keep the game fresh after nine years. Whether you’re a die-hard Walking Dead fan or just looking for new ways to survive in The Fog, this chapter delivers on all fronts.
The July 29 release can’t come soon enough for console players, but PC players should definitely jump into the PTB now. With summer events running and plenty of Bloodpoint codes available, it’s the perfect time to prepare for these game-changing survivors.
See you in The Fog, where the dead don’t just walk – they hunt!