Summary
- Dead by Daylight has evolved significantly since its 2016 release, now featuring 26 killers and consistently attracting thousands of monthly players.
- Key killers such as The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker each bring unique strategies and perks to the game.
- For beginners, starting with easier-to-learn killers like The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith is recommended before exploring more complex options.
Dead by Daylight, launched in 2016, initially featured just three killers and four survivors. Designed as a hide-and-seek style game, it challenged survivors to outsmart the killer and escape the map. Few anticipated the game's explosive growth, which has led to its nickname, the "Super Smash Bros. of horror."
With 26 killers and an average of 62,000 players as of July 2021, Dead by Daylight continues to thrive. While the game offers a tutorial that covers basic gameplay, it doesn't delve into the intricacies of each killer. Without friends to practice with, testing new killers can be challenging due to the absence of bot matches. Choosing from a roster of 24 characters can be daunting, but some killers are more beginner-friendly.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: Dead by Daylight is set to introduce a new Licensed Killer and an Original Survivor in March and April 2025, respectively. As fans eagerly await these additions, newcomers have the perfect opportunity to familiarize themselves with the game's existing killers. Must-try characters include the iconic villain from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, the game's equivalent of a crazed clown, and the sunglasses-wearing mastermind from Resident Evil.
The Beast - The Demogorgon
Cover Distance With Portals
The Demogorgon, an interdimensional being from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, entered Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. With its menacing appearance and ability to vanish and reappear unexpectedly, the Demogorgon excels at outsmarting survivors who attempt to escape by running.
How To Play The Demogorgon
The Demogorgon uses its Of the Abyss Power to open Portals, enabling swift movement across the map and surprise attacks. It can sense survivors near its Portals, allowing for quick engagements with a powerful leaping attack. Strategically placing up to six Portals near generators, without being too obvious, enhances the Demogorgon's effectiveness. Additionally, its unique perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge can disrupt survivor strategies, making it a formidable choice.
The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh
Before becoming the Clown, Kenneth Chase, later known as Jeffrey, was a solitary child fascinated by life. His fascination turned dark as he began collecting "keepsakes" from animals and eventually humans. As the Clown in Dead by Daylight, he uses his noxious gas to hinder survivors during chases.
How To Play The Clown
The Clown's Afterpiece Tonic releases clouds of gas that impair survivors' vision and movement, making them easier targets. His perks, such as Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his chasing abilities. Players must develop keen game sense and map knowledge to effectively manage chases and use their Tonics strategically.
The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Never Get Caught In His Attacks
Introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, Albert Wesker, known as the Mastermind, uses the Uroboros Virus to target survivors. His superior genetics and mutated biology make him a formidable adversary.
How To Play The Mastermind
Albert Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, enabling auto-Vaults and interactions with survivors that inflict the Uroboros Virus. His perks, including Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, leverage his genetic advantages. Effective use of his power requires mastering map control and strategic engagement.
The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
As one of the original killers, The Trapper has remained a staple in Dead by Daylight since 2016. His straightforward mechanics and reliance on bear traps make him an excellent choice for beginners.
How To Play The Trapper
The Trapper uses bear traps to control areas and catch survivors off-guard. Strategically placing traps around the map and using his Agitation perk to gain a movement speed bonus while carrying survivors can be highly effective. His ability to break through pallets and damage generators adds to his imposing presence.
The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, brings his iconic dream-stalking persona to Dead by Daylight. His auto-stealth ability makes him an accessible choice for beginners.
How To Play The Nightmare
Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain visually invisible to survivors at a distance, making it easier to surprise them. His Fire Up perk increases his action speed as generators are fixed, and his ability to block exits adds strategic depth. These features make him a great option for those new to playing killers.
The Cannibal — Leatherface
The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the killer roster, though he may struggle against more experienced survivors.
How To Play Leatherface
Leatherface's chainsaw dash attack can instantly down survivors, but managing his tantrum meter is crucial. Balancing his power and tantrums is key, especially against survivors skilled at looping.
The Deathslinger
Introduced in the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, The Deathslinger's unique FPS-style aiming makes him appealing to players who enjoy first-person shooters. His harpoon gun requires good aim to be effective.
How To Play Deathslinger
The Deathslinger's harpoon gun can reel in survivors, leaving them injured with Deep Wounds. His perks may not be meta, but they are suitable for new player lobbies. Controller users may find his controls challenging due to limited sensitivity options.
The Trickster
Initially considered one of the weakest killers, The Trickster received a significant buff in July 2021, enhancing his viability. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at survivors, building up their laceration meter.
How To Play The Trickster
The Trickster's blades can injure or down survivors once their laceration meter is full. His Main Event special allows for rapid blade throwing, but he must restock blades from lockers. Good aim is essential, which can be challenging on controllers.
The Huntress
The Huntress, available to all players, is recognizable by her haunting hum. While challenging to master, her power is easy to understand, making her suitable for new players.
How To Play The Huntress
The Huntress throws hatchets at survivors, which can be challenging without a crosshair. Her lunging attack and the need to restock hatchets at lockers add strategic elements. She's a great choice for beginners looking to learn the game.
Legion
Legion is one of the most mobile killers, excelling in speed but not in teleportation or blinking. Their power is easy to learn but can be frustrating at higher levels.
How To Play Legion
Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds on survivors. While they can't down survivors during the frenzy, they can mark others in their terror radius for quick follow-ups. This makes Legion easy to learn but less effective against experienced players.
The Doctor
The Doctor is considered one of the toughest killers for survivors to face, especially in new lobbies. His power is complex but extremely effective when used correctly.
How To Play The Doctor
The Doctor uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to induce Madness in survivors, causing them to scream and reveal their positions. As Madness builds, survivors suffer from negative effects like backward skill checks and hallucinations. Mastering the Doctor's power requires understanding its effects.
The Pig — Amanda Young
Amanda Young, known as The Pig from the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer. Her ability to crouch and become Undetectable allows for surprise attacks.
How To Play The Pig
From a crouched state, The Pig can use the Ambush Dash to sprint and attack survivors. She can also place reverse bear traps on downed survivors, which activate after generators are completed and can kill the wearer unless they find the right key. Her mechanics are easy to grasp but rewarding to master.
The Hillbilly
Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is simpler but harder to control. It can instantly down survivors and destroy obstacles.
How To Play The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush propels him forward at high speed, but controlling it can be challenging, especially for controller users. While easy to learn, mastering his power requires skill in maneuvering and timing.
The Shape — Michael Myers
As the first licensed killer, Michael Myers is a recognizable slasher icon. His power is simple to learn, making him suitable for new players, though he's considered a late-game killer.
How To Play The Shape
Michael Myers builds his power meter by stalking survivors, which can be activated to highlight them. At tier three, he can down survivors in one hit. The key to playing Myers effectively is knowing when to activate his power and how to move strategically.
The Wraith
As one of the original killers, The Wraith's forgiving power makes him ideal for beginners. His ability to cloak and uncloak adds a fun element to gameplay.
How To Play The Wraith
The Wraith can cloak himself using his Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and gaining the Undetectable status. Uncloaking grants a speed boost, allowing him to quickly engage survivors. His power is easy to learn and makes him a great choice for new players.
