Why Dead By Daylight's New 2v8 Mode is (Hopefully) The Future
Dead by Daylight just wrapped up a three-week trial of its new 2v8 mode and it is a game changer. Literally.
If you’ve ever felt like the original mode was getting a bit too sweaty, competitive, or just plain confusing, you aren't alone. At first, adding perks and killers that change the gameplay was refreshing and created a great meta narrative. But at some point, it just became too much. So much so, that it threatens to collapse the original game mode with a steep and financially costly price to learn and keep up.
So, what’s the deal with 2v8? Well, instead of the classic 1v4 setup, this mode throws two killers into the mix with eight survivors running around like headless chickens. And yes, it’s as chaotic and fun as it sounds. Imagine being chased by one killer, thinking you’ve made a slick escape through a window, only to find another killer waiting on the other side licking their chops. It’s brutal, it’s fun, and it’s a game changer.
The chaos doesn’t stop there. Starting a match in 2v8 is like a wild party where everyone’s trying to get their bearings. Survivors scatter across the map, jump on generators, and create a total mess of strategy. One minute you’re all huddled together, and the next, you’re sprinting across the map to save your friend, or just trying to avoid getting turned into killer chow. It’s a blast, but it also adds a new layer of fun and challenge.
In 2v8, working together is just as crucial as in the main game, but the simplified class system makes it a lot easier to grasp. With only four classes, each with their own roles—healing, generating, running, and directing—the game takes on a more party-like atmosphere. It’s like Dead by Daylight went from a complex board game to a fun, social gathering.
The simplified perks and classes in 2v8 are a godsend for newcomers. Gone are the days of juggling a million perks and counters; here, it’s straightforward, which makes the game more accessible and fun. While hardcore players might miss the depth of the original mode, 2v8 provides a fresh and less daunting experience for those just looking to unwind.
The 2v8 mode has the potential to lure back players who might have bounced from the original due to its overwhelming complexity. It’s also a golden opportunity to attract a new crowd—those who want a horror themed party game rather than a high-stakes strategy fest. If Behavior Interactive decides to keep this mode around, it could reshape Dead by Daylight's community and playstyle.
Looking ahead, if 2v8 becomes a permanent feature, it will likely complement the original mode rather than replace it. For example, Fortnite "No Build" completely added to the fun on Fortnite and the old mode is still thriving. This new mode could do the same for DBD. There’s still room for improvement, like adding more maps and killers, and figuring out a better sense of progression. Bloodpoints don't mean much when you aren't using the perks they unlock. But as a casual mode, 2v8 could be exactly the stab in the arm Dead by Daylight needs to stay relevant and engaging for a wider audience.
