Asymmetrical horror video game Dead by Daylight just celebrated its tenth anniversary with a big celebration in Montreal. The event was filled with new announcements, including the introduction of the game’s first ever indigenous survivor character, Shane Wiigwaas.
The major announcements shared at the event will roll out over the next several months, but luckily, Shane Wigwaas is joining the party now. Dead by Daylight: The Life Road is now available. Shane arrives equipped with three versatile, character-specific Perks – Wide Open Throttle, Cross-Examination and Lend a Hand – designed to reward bold plays, teamwork and staying one step ahead of the Killer. His debut also introduces The Life Road Collection, with cosmetics inspired by both his time as a law student and his Anishinaabe heritage.
Background
From the official press release, Wigwaas is an attorney searching for justice and truth. Naturally, his search leads him right into a mysterious black fog, which ultimately leads him straight into The Entity’s realm. Read more on Shane Wigwaas’ backstory below:
Growing up in the Glass River First Nation, Shane Wiigwaas was driven by a simple belief: justice wasn’t about punishment, but rather restoring balance. That conviction led him to become a defense attorney, advocating for First Nation clients and others in need.
When Shane’s cousin Derek was accused of murdering a police officer, the evidence seemed overwhelming despite Derek’s insistence that the officer had vanished into a mysterious cloud of black fog. Though Shane believed the story, he urged his cousin to accept a plea deal – something Derek refused, determined to stand by the truth. The result was a life sentence without parole. A decision that would haunt Shane for the rest of his days.
Leaving home, he traveled Turtle Rock on his motorcycle, helping others where we could, and searching for answers about the strange fog that had destroyed his cousin’s life. His search led him to the Pacific Northwest where he set out to investigate the unexplained disappearance of a man named Jake Park. Shane ventured into the forest, to the spot of Jake’s vanishing… and was never seen again.
Character Specific Perks
Of course, every DBD character comes with specific perks, and Shane’s are pretty cool. With a total of three character specific perks “ designed to reward bold decision-making, teamwork, and an assertive play style.” Shane's perks include Wide Open Throttle, Cross Examination, and Lend A Hand. Check out exactly what that means in this perks breakdown:
Wide Open Throttle gives Shane the ability to gain a burst of Haste after Fast Vaulting a Pallet, while also resetting the Pallet and blocking it for a considerable duration. During this time, his teammates will be able to see the blocked Pallet’s Aura.
Cross-Examination brings new evidence to light, allowing Shane to see a trail of the Killer’s Light Marks when inside their Terror Radius. Following the trail also provides a burst of Haste.
Finally, Lend a Hand unlocks a special healing ability once per Trial when blessing or cleansing a Totem. Shane can activate the ability to give the teammate healing a small increase in permanent healing charges.
Shane Wiigwaas Outfits
Part of the fun of DBD is the fashion. The Life Road Collection launches with two additional available Outfits – Shane’s Rare Law School Nights Outfit consists of a hoodie, joggers, and colored braid wraps. His Very Rare Woodland Regalia Outfit, which he made with his grandmother, delivers a more traditional look at his Anishinaabe roots. Take a peek at the collection below:
“As our first Indigenous character, we knew we needed to get Shane right,” said Sarah Robinson, Associate Art Director on Dead by Daylight. “We've taken a lot of care to craft authentic and engaging cosmetics that ensure he proudly reps his Anishinaabe community and heritage. We're thrilled to bring Shane into the fog and hope players love him as much as we do!”
“To us, representation has always meant telling authentic stories and creating meaningful connections for players,” shared Dave Richard, Senior Creative Director for Dead by Daylight. “Shane’s is a perspective and culture we’ve never explored before in our game, and we’re honored to welcome our first indigenous Survivor into The Fog. It was also important for us to celebrate indigenous talent wherever possible, and so we’re thrilled to have collaborated with an Anishinaabe artist on the Chapter’s key art to help bring Shane’s story to life.”
Dead by Daylight: The Life Road is available now on all supported platforms.
