Ethan Crossfield 
If you’ve been meaning to try Dead by Daylight, this is a rare window: Steam users can download and play the asymmetrical horror game free until June 22. Here’s what’s actually changing, who can take part, and what happens when the promotion ends.
What changed on Steam (and when it starts/ends)
Dead by Daylight is currently available as a limited-time free-to-play download on Steam for PC users. The promotion begins on June 16, 2026 and runs through June 22, 2026. To access the free version, you’ll need a Steam account.
It’s important to understand the terms: this is not a “free to keep” offer. Once the event ends on June 22, you’ll need to purchase the game if you want to keep playing. During the promotional period, there’s also a separate limited-time discount that reduces the game’s price by 60%, bringing it down to $7.99 USD, with that discount scheduled to run until June 25—giving players a few extra days to decide whether the free trial experience is worth buying.
Who’s affected—and how the anniversary tie-in helps
The free weekend-style access is timed alongside major game momentum. On June 14, 2026, Dead by Daylight marked its 10th anniversary with a special event and announcements. Developer Behaviour Interactive Inc. also provided a promo code granting 10 million Bloodpoints, an in-game currency.
The key practical benefit for new and returning players is that the source indicates the promo code can be used during the current free-to-play promotion as well. That means anyone who jumps in during the Steam event can potentially start with a meaningful boost rather than coming in completely empty-handed.
What to expect from gameplay—and what’s coming next
Dead by Daylight is built around a tense asymmetrical match: Survivors work together to complete objectives while trying to avoid a killer controlled by another player. The killer’s job is to sabotage escape attempts and eliminate Survivors, while the Survivors aim to survive the hunt long enough to finish tasks that ultimately set them free.
If you’re deciding whether it holds up after years of updates, the game’s longevity is part of the story. The source notes that Dead by Daylight has continued to receive updates and refinements throughout its decade on the market, and it has maintained strong visibility on Steam, including over 900,000 user reviews and a positive rating over that time.
Looking ahead, the game’s 2026 plans include additional content and crossovers. A new chapter inspired by Jason Voorhees is referenced as releasing on June 16, and the roadmap also mentions anticipated collaborations with major IPs such as Scooby-Doo and Silent Hill. On June 25, Dead by Daylight will also add a new Survivor character named Shane Wiigwaas.
What players should know
- Free-to-play access on Steam is available from June 16 to June 22, 2026.
- You need a Steam account to download and play during the promotion.
- This is not a free-to-keep offer—after June 22, you’ll need to purchase the game to continue.
- A 60% discount is currently listed at $7.99 USD and is scheduled to last until June 25.
- The 10th-anniversary promo code for 10 million Bloodpoints can be used during the free-to-play window, giving a faster start.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Free-to-play window | June 16, 2026 to June 22, 2026 (Steam, PC) |
| Requirement | Steam account |
| After the event | Purchase required to keep playing |
| Discount | 60% off, $7.99 USD, until June 25 |
| Anniversary promo code | 10 million Bloodpoints; usable during the promotion |
Expert View
This is a strong opportunity for anyone curious about asymmetrical horror to sample Dead by Daylight without committing upfront—especially with the Bloodpoints promo tied to the anniversary. Just be mindful of the key catch: the free period ends on June 22 and doesn’t carry over as free ownership, so treat it as a timed trial and use the extra discount days through June 25 to decide if you want to stay.
