Announced during Dead by Daylight‘s 10th Anniversary livestream, one of the new chapters coming to the asymmetrical horror game developed by Behaviour Interactive is Dead by Daylight: The Life Road. This Survivor-focused chapter marks a surprising first in the game’s ten-year history – the introduction of the first canonically Indigenous character into the fog. His name? Shane Wiigwaas.
For fans itching for this latest chapter, it won’t be long until Dead by Daylight: The Life Road is available. Following hot on the heels of Jason Voorhees’ introduction into the Entity’s realm, the latest chapter will be available on June 25, 2026.
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Who is Shane Wiigwaas in Dead by Daylight: The Life Road?
As described by Dave Richard, Senior Creative Director of Dead by Daylight, Shane Wiigwaas is a lawyer protecting his community. Prior to the events of The Life Road, the mysterious disappearance of a family member left Shane feeling like he had failed to protect them. As a result, he quits being a lawyer to travel across the country to help others. This is where we find Shane in the trailer for Dead by Daylight: The Life Road.
Working with the Anishinaabe early in the development process, Richard explained in a previous press conference that the initial concept of Shane changed quite a bit as a result of collaborating with a community member.
“It was super useful and interesting for us as well to get that deep dive on the community, the themes, the language, the passion, the symbols, and the artwork that we were making [for the chapter],” he explained.
Voiced by acclaimed Dakota/Diné actor and activist Dallas Goldtooth, Shane Wiigwaas is another step towards broadening the representation seen within the game. “It was extremely fun [to create him], and we are confident that Shane is a good representation,” shared Richard.
What does the trailer for Dead by Daylight: The Life Road reveal?
The trailer opens with an ominous skyline before focusing on a lone motorcyclist on the highway. Shane Wiigwaas then starts to narrate: “Some truths are better left alone, buried for a reason or hiding in plain sight.” The camera scans Shane’s solitary figure, highlighting his intent and purpose. Quick clips flit through, highlighting elements both in the Entity’s universe that fans will immediately find familiar and remnants from Shane’s life.
The sun soon sets, and darkness descends. Following behind Shane is a lone crow, an animal known for bridging between this world and the next. “But sometimes, all the truth needs is someone to come looking for it,” he continues before a figure standing in the middle of the road catches him by surprise. His motorcycle comes to a screeching halt.
Upon waking, the slow dawning realization that something is amiss emerges. The crow lands on the branch above him. A familiar glow shines in the distance as he stands: “I thought I was hunting answers in the dark…” As he emerges from the shadows, sans his helmet, viewers get a good look at Shane’s face before the final line drops. “And the dark was hunting me.”
As trailer introductions go, the Dead by Daylight: The Life Road trailer gives just enough to get an idea of Shane Wiigwaas’s inner thoughts while further stoking the mystery of his chapter ahead of release.
Is Dead by Daylight Available To Play Now?
For those new to this behemoth of horror gaming, Dead by Daylight, developed by Behaviour Interactive, is an asymmetrical multiplayer experience that pits survivors against a killer. In the game, you are trapped forever in a realm of cosmic evil by The Entity, and play as either one of four determined Survivors or the bloodthirsty Killer hunting them. It’s a cool twist on the Slasher genre.
Initially released in 2016, this asymmetrical horror game has continuously expanded its roster of characters to include countless iconic horror properties from film, television, gaming, and beyond. From its large community to the multitude of character options to choose from, jumping into new games doesn’t require as much catching up as you might think.
When will Dead by Daylight: The Life Road be available to play?
Dead by Daylight: The Life Road, featuring new survivor Shane Wiigwaas, is now available to play.
