Friday the 13th: The Game became a cult favorite when it first launched, giving horror fans a chance to step into the eerie woods of Camp Crystal Lake. With asymmetrical multiplayer gameplay and the iconic presence of Jason Voorhees, the game quickly gained a passionate following. However, over time, questions began to emerge about its longevity, especially following legal disputes and the official announcement of server shutdowns. Many players now wonder: is Friday the 13th still playable in 2025? The answer isn’t simple, but it depends on how and where you want to play.
What Happened to Friday the 13th: The Game?
Friday the 13th: The Game was developed by IllFonic and published by Gun Media, launching in 2017 across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It allowed one player to control Jason while the others played as camp counselors trying to escape or survive. The game offered suspenseful, brutal, and unpredictable sessions that captured the feel of the classic slasher films.
Unfortunately, legal battles surrounding the rights to the Friday the 13th franchise stalled development. These disputes prevented the addition of new content, leading to frustration among players. Although the game continued to receive maintenance patches for a while, it eventually reached a point where no further updates could be made.
Is Friday the 13th Still Playable in 2025?
Yes, Friday the 13th: The Game is still playable but with some caveats. The official dedicated servers were taken offline in 2020, but peer-to-peer matchmaking remains available. That means players can still host and join matches, though it relies more heavily on player connectivity and stability. If you’re expecting a fully polished online experience, it’s important to set expectations accordingly.
Peer-to-Peer Matchmaking
Without dedicated servers, the game uses peer-to-peer matchmaking. This means one of the players acts as the host during the match. While this setup can work fine in many cases, it also means matches may experience more lag, disconnects, or imbalance if the host has poor internet or leaves early.
Despite these issues, many fans still gather in public lobbies, especially during weekends or when horror-related events or anniversaries occur. There is still an active, though smaller, community keeping the game alive.
Offline Mode and Single Player
One of the main reasons Friday the 13th is still worth playing is the inclusion of offline content. Players can access single-player challenges and offline bots. These modes allow you to play as Jason and hunt down counselors in different scenarios, without needing an internet connection or matchmaking.
This is a good alternative for players who want to enjoy the game casually or who can’t find online matches. While the AI isn’t as dynamic as real players, the offline content still captures the essence of the game and the franchise.
Availability on Platforms
Friday the 13th remains available for purchase and play on most platforms, although there’s a known time limit. The developers have announced that the game will be delisted from digital storefronts by the end of 2023 due to the expiration of their license. However, players who already own the game can still download and play it afterward.
- PC: Available through Steam and Epic Games Store (if already purchased).
- PlayStation: Playable on PS4 and backward compatible on PS5.
- Xbox: Available on Xbox One and compatible with Series X/S.
If you own the game digitally or physically, you can continue playing it, but new purchases may not be possible in the future.
Community and Private Matches
Despite reduced developer support, the game’s community has remained loyal. Many players organize matches through Discord servers and online forums. If you want a consistent multiplayer experience, joining one of these groups can help you find like-minded players and enjoy smoother sessions.
Private matches are another feature still available. You can invite friends directly and control match settings, including maps, rules, and player roles. This is ideal for people who have a dedicated group or want to avoid random matchmaking issues.
Modding on PC
For PC players, modding has given Friday the 13th extended life. Some mods improve graphics, unlock unreleased content, or introduce new mechanics. Although unofficial and unsupported by the developers, these mods offer an enhanced experience for those comfortable tinkering with game files.
Mods should be used with caution and only in private or offline settings to avoid bans or performance issues. The modding community continues to explore creative ways to breathe new life into the game despite its official limitations.
Limitations and Ongoing Challenges
While the core gameplay is intact, Friday the 13th faces several limitations:
- No new updates or content: Due to the legal restrictions, no new maps, characters, or features can be added.
- Potential matchmaking issues: With no dedicated servers, online play depends heavily on player host stability.
- Reduced player base: The active community has shrunk over time, especially on less popular platforms.
- Future uncertainty: After the delisting deadline, access to the game will rely solely on previous ownership.
These challenges may not be deal-breakers for all players, but they are important to consider before jumping in, especially if you’re expecting a highly polished and regularly updated title.
Is It Worth Playing Today?
Despite its age and limited support, Friday the 13th remains a unique horror multiplayer experience. If you enjoy asymmetrical gameplay and are a fan of the franchise, there’s still a lot to love especially with friends or within an active online group.
The atmosphere, music, and gameplay loop still create suspenseful and chaotic moments, especially when played with people who enjoy the tension and humor the game offers. For those new to the title, the offline mode is a great starting point, and for returning players, there’s enough left to justify occasional sessions.
So, is Friday the 13th still playable? Absolutely. It may not be as lively or robust as it once was, but for fans of horror games, especially those drawn to the franchise, it still delivers moments of genuine fun and terror. Just be aware of the game’s limitations, find the right platform, and consider playing with friends to get the best experience possible.
Whether you’re hunting down counselors as Jason or trying to survive the night with only a pocket knife and a flare gun, Friday the 13th continues to live on even if it’s in a slightly more haunted form than before.