Dead by Daylight is bringing the Xenomorph Queen into its 2v8 mode as part of an Alien-inspired takeover. Learn what to expect from the sci-fi event and how the community is responding to the newly released September schedule.
Dead by Daylight Adds Xenomorph Queen to 2v8 Mode in Alien-Themed Event
Iconic Sci-Fi Alien Enters the Fray as the Xenomorph Queen Arrives
Dead by Daylight is set to launch an Alien-themed takeover, developer Behaviour Interactive has confirmed, running as a limited-time 2v8 event from September 8 through September 29. As part of the three-week trials, players will be able to play as the Xenomorph alongside a partner killer to hunt down eight survivors. Behaviour's promotional key art prominently showcases the terrifying Xenomorph Queen, signaling that players can also bring the towering matriarch skin into the event.
Bringing the Xenomorph into 2v8 introduces its signature hit-and-run mobility to the larger format. The killer relies on its subterranean tunnel network to rapidly traverse beneath the map and emerge from Control Stations near active generators. When active in its quadrupedal Crawler Mode, the Xenomorph gains access to a mid-range Tail Strike, allowing players to hit survivors over dropped pallets and low obstacles while coordinating pinches with their killer partner.
While the 2v8 event mode is temporary, the Xenomorph and Survivor Ellen Ripley remain permanent characters in the game, unlockable through digital storefronts or in-game via Auric Cells. Alongside the killer's debut in the mode, Behaviour is also spotlighting the in-game Alien cosmetic collection throughout the event. This gives players an opportunity to grab themed cosmetics from the store—including the Legendary Xenomorph Queen skin for the Xenomorph and themed styles for Ellen Ripley—as they take to the expanded trials.
September Roadmap Highlights: What's Coming Next to the Fog?
Alongside the 2v8 kickoff, Behaviour shared an overview of what players can expect across the rest of September. Rather than rolling out major balance overhauls or new chapters, the schedule leans into testing phases, community events, and cosmetic additions.
Key highlights for the coming weeks include the launch of the next Player Test Build (PTB) on September 15, giving players an early look at upcoming tweaks and changes. For cosmetics, the studio is rolling out two new wardrobe drops: the Gameplay Expo Collection on September 15 and the Autumn Fashion Collection on September 22. The month wraps up with a Charitable Partnership Initiative featuring in-game quests, as well as The Campfire Tour/Dead Northern event from September 25 to 27.
Fans Divided Over the September Roadmap
Following the roadmap's reveal, the community sparked debate across social media platforms like X (Twitter), with several players voicing disappointment over how sparse the calendar appears. Fans questioned why the month relies so heavily on cosmetic sales and charity initiatives rather than substantial new gameplay features, with many veteran players suggesting September is largely serving as a "filler month" ahead of the annual Haunted by Daylight Halloween event in October.
Despite the debate over this, the headline 2v8 Alien takeover remains the primary draw of the update, officially running from September 8 through September 29. For more information about the game, check out the page below:
Source:
Dead by Daylight Official Road Map
Dead by Daylight Alien Takeover Announcement
Official Dead by Daylight Alien Chapter Page
