How to Unlock and Access the Preorder Bonus Chapter in Until Dawn

Some players who preordered the PlayStation 4 exclusive Until Dawn experienced confusion when attempting to access the advertised bonus chapter. After redeeming the voucher code on the PlayStation Store, many noticed that no download was initiated, leading to questions about whether the content was properly unlocked. This guide clarifies the process and explains how the bonus content is integrated into the game.

The preorder bonus for Until Dawn is a special chapter that is already included on the game disc itself. The code provided with early copies does not download new data; it simply acts as a key to unlock this content, which is otherwise inaccessible. This method of content delivery, often called on-disc DLC, can be perplexing, but it ensures that the bonus chapter is seamlessly woven into the main narrative without requiring a separate installation.

The bonus chapter features the characters Matt and Emily. It depicts a new scenario where the pair must retrieve a lost piece of luggage while navigating a treacherous snowy mountain path. For players who have the content unlocked, this chapter will appear organically as part of the story progression near the beginning of the game. Those without the unlock will have the game skip this sequence entirely, moving directly to the next chapter without any indication that content was missed.

Redeeming Your Until Dawn Preorder Code

To unlock the bonus chapter, you must first redeem the 12-digit code that was included with your copy of the game. This is done through the PlayStation Store on your PS4 console. The process is straightforward, but it is crucial to complete it before you expect to see the content in-game.

Follow these steps to redeem your code:

1. Power on your PlayStation 4 and log in to the PlayStation Network account you intend to play the game on. The unlocked content will be tied to this account.
2. From the PS4’s main menu, navigate to the PlayStation Store icon and open it.
3. Once the store has loaded, scroll down the main menu on the left side of the screen until you find the Redeem Codes option. Select it.
4. A screen will appear prompting you to enter your 12-digit voucher code. Carefully type the code exactly as it appears on your voucher. The codes are not case-sensitive, but pay close attention to avoid mistaking similar characters.
5. After entering the code, select Continue. The next screen will show you the content you are about to redeem, which should be identified as the Until Dawn preorder bonus. Confirm the redemption.

After confirmation, you will receive a message stating that the content has been added to your account. As mentioned, do not expect a download to begin. The unlock is now active on your account, and the game will recognize it the next time you launch it.

When and How the Bonus Chapter Appears

Accessing the chapter depends on when you redeem the code relative to your progress in the game’s story. The game checks for the unlock at the specific point in the narrative where the bonus content is meant to occur.

Scenario 1: Redeeming the Code Before Starting the Game

This is the simplest and recommended method. If you redeem the code before you begin your first playthrough of Until Dawn, the game will automatically incorporate the bonus chapter when you reach the appropriate point. The transition is smooth, and you will play through the scene with Matt and Emily as a natural part of the story. It takes place near the beginning of the game, adding extra character development and tension early on.

Scenario 2: Redeeming the Code After Starting a Playthrough

If you have already started playing Until Dawn but have not yet reached the part of the story where the bonus chapter is located, you can still redeem the code. Exit the game, follow the redemption steps above, and then relaunch Until Dawn. As long as your story progress is before the trigger point for the bonus scene, the content will unlock and appear when you get to it.

Scenario 3: Redeeming the Code After Passing the Chapter

This is a key point of confusion for some players. If you redeem your code after your story progress has already passed the point where the Matt and Emily chapter occurs, you will not be able to play it in your current playthrough. The game has already moved past that narrative beat. However, the content is not lost. The source material indicates that you should be able to access the chapter after you have completed the game for the first time. Most games with chapter-based structures, like Until Dawn, feature a chapter select option upon completion, which would likely be how you could go back and experience this unlocked scene.

Verifying the Content is Unlocked

Since there is no download file to check, verifying the unlock can seem uncertain. The ultimate confirmation is playing the chapter itself. If you see the scene with Matt and Emily searching for their luggage on the mountain, the code worked.

If you want to check before reaching that point, you can sometimes find confirmation within the PS4’s system menus. From the PS4 home screen, highlight the Until Dawn game tile and press the Options button on your controller. In the menu that appears, look for an option like Information or Related Items. Here, you may find a section for Add-Ons, which should list the preorder bonus as part of your owned content for the game. This confirms the license is active on your account.

Until Dawn was released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 on August 25, 2015, in North America. The survival-horror adventure quickly gained attention for its cinematic presentation and choice-driven gameplay, making the extra story content from the preorder a sought-after addition for fans.