Dead by Daylight is no stranger to crossovers, pulling horror icons from movies, video games, and even tabletop RPGs into its twisted world. However, its latest addition has left fans both excited and bewildered.
Behaviour Interactive has revealed that Ken Kaneki, the protagonist of Tokyo Ghoul, is stepping into The Fog as the game’s next killer, dubbed “The Ghoul.” This reimagined version of the beloved anime character brings a gruesome, horror-driven twist to his story – and he’s available to play right now in the game’s Public Test Build.
A Tokyo Ghoul Crossover? The Signs Were There
For keen-eyed Dead by Daylight players, hints of a Tokyo Ghoul crossover have been sprinkled throughout the game in recent months. The Unknown, an eerie changeling killer introduced earlier, has been subtly referencing Tokyo Ghoul in its cryptic voice lines, which many players suspected was foreshadowing an upcoming collaboration. Additionally, a mysterious poster in Greenville Square appeared to nod toward the anime, though at the time, it seemed like a simple Easter egg. Now, the speculation has been confirmed – Ken Kaneki is officially part of the horror game's ever-expanding nightmare.
The Ghoul’s Origin Story in Dead by Daylight
In Tokyo Ghoul, Kaneki’s life takes a dark turn after a chance encounter with the deadly Rize Kamishiro. Following a catastrophic accident, surgeons transplant some of Rize’s organs into Kaneki’s body, unknowingly transforming him into a half-Ghoul – a creature that must devour human flesh to survive. Struggling between his lingering humanity and his newfound monstrous hunger, he takes refuge at Anteiku, a café secretly run by Ghouls.
Beware of The Ghoul and the monstrous power he wields... pic.twitter.com/pLufZUJwTz
— Dead by Daylight (@DeadbyDaylight) March 11, 2025
However, Dead by Daylight reimagines Kaneki’s descent into darkness in a more sinister way. In this alternate timeline, Kaneki is subjected to relentless torture at the hands of Jason from Tokyo Ghoul: Jack, who ultimately shatters his mind. Driven past the point of no return, he escapes – only to be ensnared by The Entity and warped into one of its ruthless killers. Now, stripped of all hesitation, he stalks The Fog with a terrifying thirst for flesh.
The Ghoul’s Deadly Abilities
Kaneki’s Kagune, the grotesque tentacles that sprout from his back, form the core of his killer ability. These appendages allow him to dart across the map with terrifying speed, giving him an overwhelming advantage over Survivors. With well-placed attacks, he can enter Enraged Mode, temporarily amplifying his abilities and making him even more dangerous.
Adding to the chaos, his unique Perk focuses on pressure and relentless pursuit, ensuring that no Survivor can escape easily. His sheer mobility and unpredictability make him one of the most aggressive killers introduced in recent memory, promising a challenging experience for those who dare to face him.
New Cosmetics and Release Date
Kaneki isn’t arriving alone – his debut comes with a Tokyo Ghoul-themed cosmetic collection that will launch on Wednesday, April 2. This includes:
- A Rize Kamishiro-inspired outfit for Kaneki, paying homage to the Ghoul who changed his fate.
- Four Very Rare Survivor outfits, allowing players to embrace the Tokyo Ghoul aesthetic.
- Four exclusive masks for various killers, further expanding the horror game’s crossover potential.
Excitement or Controversy?
If there’s one thing Behaviour Interactive is emphasizing with this release, it’s that The Ghoul’s Mori is not for the faint of heart. According to the developers, his finishing move is "gloriously graphic" and needs to be "seen to be believed." Given the gory nature of Tokyo Ghoul’s source material, it’s safe to say that Kaneki’s executions will be some of the most brutal in the game’s history.
The Ghoul hungers Ken Kaneki is stepping into The Fog on April 2.Learn more https://t.co/iwoBL1lWdz pic.twitter.com/VGvcalekoF
— Dead by Daylight (@DeadbyDaylight) March 11, 2025
Despite the excitement surrounding the new killer, the announcement has sparked debate within the Dead by Daylight community. While many anime and horror fans are thrilled by Kaneki’s arrival, others feel that a protagonist becoming a killer strays too far from the game’s traditional horror themes. However, Behaviour has doubled down on their vision, ensuring that The Ghoul fits seamlessly into Dead by Daylight’s dark universe.
Regardless of the controversy, Ken Kaneki is live on the Dead by Daylight PTB now, ready to drag Survivors into a terrifying, blood-soaked nightmare. Whether you’re eager to embrace his monstrous form or fight to escape his grasp, one thing is certain – The Ghoul has arrived, and The Fog will never be the same.