Dead By Daylight's FNAF Crossover is a Lore Lover's Paradise

At this point, it's safe to say that Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) is almost as famous for its complex lore as it is for its gameplay. Since the first game’s release in 2014, YouTube has been flooded with videos dissecting and analyzing its intricate storylines, amassing millions of views. What began as a straightforward, eerie tale of a haunted pizzeria has evolved into a labyrinthine narrative that can take hours to unpack. And despite its complexity, fans remain captivated. It seems the Dead By Daylight team has taken notice of this fascination.

With the recent announcement that these two iconic horror franchises will finally collide, fans are abuzz with speculation about what this crossover means for both series. While many are curious about which characters will represent FNAF in Dead by Daylight, the more lore-focused fans are eager to explore how this crossover will impact the storylines of two of the biggest horror games in the industry.

The Killer and Survivor: How Their Entry into the Fog Could Shift the FNAF Timeline

When it comes to guessing which FNAF character will serve as the killer in Dead By Daylight, Springtrap—also known as William Afton, The Purple Guy, or The Man Behind the Slaughter—is the safest bet. Given the fluid nature of the FNAF timeline, it’s not hard to imagine Afton finding a way to slip into the Entity’s Realm during his 30-year hiatus after being trapped in the springlock suit. However, Afton’s inclusion in Dead By Daylight raises several intriguing lore questions that fans will be debating until the chapter's release.

One of the biggest mysteries is who the survivor from the FNAF universe will be. Unlike Afton, who is well-developed as the main antagonist, FNAF protagonists are often more enigmatic. Most player characters in the series are barely given names, let alone detailed backgrounds or personalities.

Currently, Gregory from Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach stands out as the most fleshed-out protagonist in the FNAF games. However, since the Dead By Daylight developers have stated that no minors will ever be survivors in the game, Gregory is likely off the table. That said, the developers previously aged up Yoichi from Ringu to fit within the game’s parameters, giving fans a glimpse of his life after the events of the film. This precedent opens up the possibility of introducing an older Gregory, potentially offering fans a look further into the FNAF timeline than ever before.

Expect Teasers to Fuel Fan Theories in the Coming Months

Fans might not have to wait long to start piecing together the lore implications of this crossover. The FNAF series is known for its cryptic hints and teasers leading up to major releases. Each new game in the franchise, especially the third installment, has followed this pattern. Even though the FNAF Dead By Daylight chapter is still months away, it wouldn’t be surprising if players start receiving breadcrumbs of information, either from FNAF or Dead By Daylight, that will inevitably spark a wave of fan theories and YouTube speculation.

With two franchises as rich in lore as these, the narrative possibilities are endless. Afton is a notorious mastermind, and his actions within the Entity’s Realm could have far-reaching consequences for the FNAF universe. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: fans of both series are in for a wild ride when this chapter releases next summer.