Dead by Daylight: Dungeons & Dragons features one of the most iconic characters in D&D mythology – Archlich Vecna – as well as original Bard Survivor Aestri Yazar (and her playable counterpart, Baermar Uraz ). There’s also the Forgotten Ruins Map, a dark fantasy-inspired Realm that befits the presence of The Whispered One.
Countless players have immersed themselves in the world of Dungeons & Dragons – Ithat includes many of us on the Dead by Daylight team – and it’s important to capture the experience and characters that players know and love. It was an exciting challenge for Lead Game Designer Janick Neveu, who was tasked with bringing the almighty Vecna to life.
“We wanted to explore magic and really delve into the magic-using aspect of the Slayer,” he explains. “The first thing we did was look at Vecna’s recently updated lore and stat block from Wizards of the Coast. We then compiled a list of potential spells and tried to identify game mechanics that could be ported to DbD.”
After consideration and a few rounds of prototyping, the team ended up creating four distinct spells: Fly, Damn flight, Dispel the orbAnd Magician’s hand. During the game, Vecna can browse through his spellbook and choose any spells he wants to use, with each spell excelling in a different role.
“Flying allows Vecna to cross the map quickly,” Neveu noted, citing the impact Killer’s mobility can have on a match. “Mobility is an interesting element present on many other Assassins and it is always appreciated by our players.”
“However, it is important that Fly is not more effective than Killer’s main movement effect,” he continued. “Otherwise, we risk making the old Killer obsolete. During the design process, we had to carefully check the values of travel length, speed and chasing efficiency.”
Complementing this tool for quickly gaining ground on the Survivor, Vecna can use her Damned Flight spell to put them in an advantageous position. Neveu explains: “Flight of the Damned, a special ability unique to Vecna in D&D, allows him to launch undead spectral projectiles that propel forward, creating an infernal effect bullet”. “Try shooting it through walls to surprise the Survivors.”
When Vecna catches up to a Survivor, he can use his Mage’s Hand magic to tip the balance in his favor. “Mage Hand allows you to tag a Pallet and block it if it already exists,” Neveu explains. “If it is dropped, the Magician’s Hand will pick it up immediately. That is probably his most unique ability.”
It also rewards skillful play on both sides. “Pallets are a valuable resource for Survivors and we have built complex systems to ensure counterattack capabilities. Using Mage Hand effectively sounds simple on paper, but it involves reactions. You must stock up on your Strength in advance and predict the path of the Survivor, which will create an exciting battle of wits.”
“His final spell is Dispelling Sphere, which is inspired by two existing D&D spells called Detect Magic and Dispel Magic,” Neveu said. “Using this allows Vecna to create an area effect throughout the level, revealing any Survivors and dispelling any Magic Items they may find.”
Speaking of magic items…
“One of the big draws of RPGs is hunting for loot and improving your character,” Neveu said. “So it was imperative to incorporate that into Dead by Daylight. Ultimately, the group decided to make Magic Items appear in the Treasure Chest whenever facing Vecna, giving the Survivor the tools to counter his magical attacks. If they’re lucky, they might even unearth Vecna’s valuable assets: Vecna’s hands and eyes.”
“If the Survivor receives the Eye, when they Quick Exit the Locker, they will be unseen and unheard for a while. If they have the Hand, when they quickly jump into the Locker, they will teleport to another random Locker. These can be difficult to use, and while they benefit the Survivor, they do damage when the effect is used.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be Dungeons & Dragons without one important element. “We absolutely necessary one roll of the dice!” Neveu laughed loudly. It comes down to determining the rarity of the loot Survivors will find in Trials – but as anyone knows, sometimes the results don’t work in your favor.
“Even the best warrior with the best magic sword can sometimes miss an attack,” he continued. “We really wanted to capture that aspect, but not base the entire experience around it. The roll of the dice may randomize the experience, but it does not affect the outcome.”
For Dungeons & Dragons fans, this latest Chapter looks to be one of Dead by Daylight’s most ambitious to date and is certainly the perfect starting point for many getting into the genre. Extended horror multiplayer.
Revealed to be part of Dead by Daylight’s 8th Celebration, Dead by Daylight: Dungeons & Dragons will be released on PlayStation on June 3.
