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When will cenobite return to sale in dead by daylight?

Cenobite's Availability | Fans Unsure If Iconic Killer Returns to DBD

By

Jamal Clarke

Jun 26, 2025, 03:51 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

2 minutes of duration

Cenobite character in a dark setting with chains and a sinister look
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A growing wave of frustration hits the community after the Hellraiser character, Pinhead, was removed from Dead by Daylight for licensing reasons. Many players are wondering if he will ever be available for purchase again.

The news has sparked conversations across fan forums with opinions divided. โ€œBhvr lost the license to Pinhead just a while ago,โ€ one commenter lamented, highlighting issues with third-party keys now selling for exorbitant prices, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars.

The Current Situation

Pinhead has been unavailable for about two months, and the developers have expressed little interest in renewing the licensing agreements. Many fans are now left in the dark regarding his potential return. A typical opinion stated, "Realistically? We donโ€™t know and he may never return." The game's developers had previously indicated that renewing licenses can be complicated.

Interestingly, some players noted that this situation mirrors the experience with Stranger Things, which also disappeared from the game but returned later. โ€œWe lucked out with Stranger Things,โ€ a user pointed out, hoping for similar luck with the iconic Cenobite.

Community Sentiment

Responses reveal a mix of disappointment and acceptance:

  • โ€œSadly due to IP issues, heโ€™s the only killer currently not for sale.โ€

  • โ€œThereโ€™s a slim chance he may come back, but itโ€™s not looking good.โ€

  • โ€œHow do we tell him?โ€ sums up the bewilderment of players hoping for good news.

While the community appears to rally around shared sadness, the sentiment is predominantly negative, as most players remain unsure about when or if they will get another chance to play as this character.

Key Takeaways

๐Ÿšซ The character is unlikely to return soon, as sources confirm no ongoing plans from the developers.

๐Ÿ’ธ Keys to unlock him have increased dramatically in price by over 1200% in some cases.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ The community remains hopeful, drawing parallels to past licensing disputes, but many express skepticism about a return.

In short, gamers are still holding their breaths, waiting for a miracle. With each day that passes, the chances of the Cenobite making a comeback seem less and less likely.

What Lies Ahead for the Cenobite?

Looking forward, the likelihood of Pinhead rejoining the roster seems slim. Industry insiders estimate a less than 20% chance for a return in the immediate future, primarily due to unresolved licensing issues. Many believe that unless a strong push from the community convinces the developers, or a favorable deal emerges, this iconic character could remain absent for quite some time. Without any hints of ongoing negotiations, players might have to adjust their expectations and focus on other available characters. This situation could also inspire more innovative community content, as fans turn towards remaking or modding to fill the void left by Pinhead.

A Fresh Take on Historical Game Dilemmas

Consider the tale of Doom in the early 90s, which experienced significant licensing challenges and even a temporary character removal due to corporate disputes. During that time, the community rallied and crafted numerous mods, keeping the spirit of the game alive while waiting for official resolution. Much like the current Dead by Daylight scenario with Pinhead, the fan passion played a crucial role in keeping interest alive. This instance highlights how even in the darkest moments of uncertainty, creative solutions can emerge, echoing todayโ€™s upswing of hope among gamers as they wait for the Cenobite's fate to unfold.