The Monsters & Mortals universe is known for bringing together iconic horror franchises and translating their tension into thrilling multiplayer gameplay. With the arrival of the Poppy Playtime Panic DLC, the game injects a new layer of chaos and fear by merging Monsters & Mortals with one of the most unnerving horror IPs of recent years—Poppy Playtime. Developed by Glowstick Entertainment, this crossover is both a love letter to horror fans and a tactical expansion of the original game’s formula.
In this DLC, players can step into the roles of Poppy Playtime's most terrifying figures—or run for their lives as one of the mortals. It delivers new maps, characters, soundscapes, and strategic options that breathe new life into an already unique horror-brawler hybrid. Whether you're playing as the elusive Huggy Wuggy or attempting to escape Playtime Co.'s nightmare-fueled hallways, the Poppy Playtime Panic DLC offers fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping matches with a chilling twist.
This in-depth review breaks down the new content, its impact on gameplay, and how it compares with other DLCs within the Monsters & Mortals ecosystem.
1. The Poppy Playtime Universe Joins the Arena
Poppy Playtime has quickly become one of the most iconic indie horror franchises, thanks to its unique blend of childhood nostalgia and psychological dread. By bringing its eerie factory setting and terrifying toys into the world of Monsters & Mortals, this DLC expands the game’s roster while introducing a distinct atmosphere.
Fans of Poppy Playtime will instantly recognize key elements: the creepy design of Playtime Co., the plastic-toothed smile of Huggy Wuggy, and the deceptive sweetness of Poppy herself. But in the context of Monsters & Mortals, these familiar figures gain new abilities, vulnerabilities, and roles that enhance both solo and team-based play.
The DLC makes good use of Poppy Playtime’s creepy aesthetics, but more importantly, it translates the essence of the original horror experience into competitive multiplayer form.
2. New Monsters: Huggy Wuggy and Mommy Long Legs
Two standout additions in the DLC are the playable monsters from Poppy Playtime: Huggy Wuggy and Mommy Long Legs. Each comes with unique stats and abilities that drastically shift how matches play out.
Huggy Wuggy is a high-speed, melee-heavy monster who can leap across rooms and launch into a brutal sprint attack that instantly pressures opponents. His towering figure and wide hitbox make him a visible threat but also a vulnerable target when outnumbered.
Mommy Long Legs, by contrast, is a more tactical character. She can stretch her limbs to trap players, control chokepoints, and manipulate space. Her ability to "snare" players from a distance makes her effective in ambush situations or in denying escape routes.
These monsters cater to different playstyles: aggression versus control—ensuring the DLC appeals to diverse players.
3. New Mortal Characters and Team Synergy
The DLC also introduces new mortals: Player, the familiar factory worker, and Poppy, the doll-like yet sentient entity. Each mortal adds a fresh layer to the game’s asymmetrical multiplayer loop.
Player serves as a versatile, balanced character, designed for beginners. His special ability allows for a temporary speed boost and stamina refill—perfect for evasion or surprise objectives.
Poppy, however, plays a more support-based role. She can release a charm pulse that momentarily stuns nearby monsters or boosts team healing. Her fragile health makes her a risky pick in solo play but invaluable in coordinated teams.
The variety in mortal abilities encourages teamwork, and when played effectively, these characters can turn the tide against even the most dangerous monsters.
4. The Playtime Co. Map: A Factory of Fear
Perhaps the most immersive addition is the new Playtime Co. map. Based on the original factory layout from Poppy Playtime, it’s filled with tight corridors, dark maintenance tunnels, conveyor belts, and unsettling toys lurking in corners.
This map was clearly designed with ambush gameplay in mind. Verticality is minimal, but blind turns and sudden doorways allow both mortals and monsters to set traps. For Huggy Wuggy, it's a hunting ground. For mortals, it’s a death maze.
The atmosphere is thick with dread—soft music box melodies and distant laughter constantly toy with your nerves. Glowstick’s attention to environmental sound and lighting is on full display here, making the map feel alive and hostile.
5. Gameplay Balance and Strategy
One of the strengths of Monsters & Mortals is its commitment to balance despite chaotic gameplay. The Poppy Playtime Panic DLC continues this by carefully tuning the new characters.
For example, while Huggy Wuggy has high damage and movement, he struggles in wide-open rooms or against ranged attacks. Mommy Long Legs can dominate in narrow hallways but is weak in close melee encounters.
On the mortal side, Poppy’s stun ability is powerful—but only when timed perfectly. Otherwise, she's extremely vulnerable. This ensures that every match in the Playtime map requires adaptive thinking, not just brute force.
Skill expression remains high, and each match feels different depending on team comp, character synergy, and map control.
6. Audio and Visual Integration
The DLC’s aesthetic integration is seamless. Not only are the models true to their Poppy Playtime counterparts, but they also retain signature animations, textures, and voice lines.
Huggy Wuggy’s audio presence is especially terrifying. His heavy footsteps, distant growls, and sudden shrieks serve as excellent tension-building tools. Similarly, Mommy Long Legs' laughter and slithering movements evoke true discomfort.
From toy-themed traps to interactive doors, everything in the Playtime Co. map feels handcrafted and deliberate. The visual design leans into the uncanny valley—plastic smiles, flickering lights, and broken animatronics fill the setting with paranoia.
7. Community Reception and Fan Appeal
The Poppy Playtime Panic DLC has been warmly embraced by both Monsters & Mortals players and the Poppy Playtime fanbase. Many praise the authenticity of the crossover and the smooth translation of lore-rich horror into PvP-focused gameplay.
Fan-made content—including mods, Twitch streams, and YouTube breakdowns—has surged. The DLC is seen as a successful example of how indie crossovers can feel meaningful, rather than just promotional.
While not all fans are horror gamers, the tactical structure of Monsters & Mortals makes it easier to enjoy the universe in a more strategic, team-oriented way.
8. Replayability and Competitive Play
Thanks to the DLC’s unique monster abilities and its tightly designed map, Poppy Playtime Panic offers high replayability. No two matches feel alike, especially when swapping between monsters and mortals.
The map is particularly well-suited to competitive team play, encouraging voice communication, role specialization, and predictive ambushing. Timing ability cooldowns, coordinating stuns, and setting traps all become key to victory.
Combined with the base game’s expanding roster and ongoing updates, this DLC keeps Monsters & Mortals fresh for both solo queue and party play.
