The next wave of terror in the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe is inching closer. The Mimic, an upcoming DLC for Help Wanted 2, builds on the original VR horror framework with a new antagonist and fresh content.
But if you were expecting to dive straight into the headset on day one, that won’t be the case. The initial version of the DLC is launching as a standard flatscreen experience — with VR support planned for later.
Launching flatscreen first, VR to follow
Despite Help Wanted 2 being developed from the ground up with VR in mind, The Mimic expansion won’t be playable in VR at release. Instead, it’s launching as a flatscreen-only experience for PS5. The studio has confirmed that VR support is actively in development, targeting PSVR2 as the platform. There’s no firm release window yet, but the intention is clear: full VR compatibility is coming after the DLC’s initial rollout.
This approach mirrors what we’ve seen in other hybrid titles recently — shipping first in flatscreen mode, then layering VR once it’s polished and stable. It helps streamline launch timelines but does split the player experience.
A new antagonist and narrative hook
The Mimic isn’t just a cosmetic add-on. It introduces a new threat that leans into the franchise’s psychological horror side. While the full narrative is still under wraps, early teasers suggest this isn’t a typical animatronic.
Instead, the character plays with themes of deception and replication — a more cerebral direction compared to earlier jump-scare centric content. That shift could benefit from the immersion of VR, making the delayed support all the more relevant. For players familiar with the FNAF lore, The Mimic ties into recent threads from Security Breach and other offshoots, creating a cross-title continuity that continues to evolve.
A mixed release model that’s becoming familiar
Releasing content first on flatscreen, then adding VR, is becoming a pattern among studios working on PSVR2. It allows developers to meet deadlines while fine-tuning motion design and interaction systems in the background.
It’s a pragmatic move, but it does create a layered experience — where early players get narrative access before the full immersion is available. For horror games especially, that can change how the content lands emotionally.
In the case of Help Wanted 2, the base game was VR-first. So the reversal here — flatscreen first, VR later — is a notable shift in strategy, likely driven by production pacing rather than creative direction.
VR horror still finding its footing on PSVR2
PSVR2 has seen steady growth in horror experiences, but many are still in early access or partial VR formats. Full integration, especially for complex narratives, takes time.
The Mimic is shaping up to be a test case for whether delayed VR launches can still land effectively with fans who expect day-one headset support. As long as the content feels meaningful and designed with VR in mind — not just ported — it could still deliver the atmospheric punch the series is known for.
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