Since its launch in 2016, Dead by Daylight has evolved from a simple hide-and-seek game with three killers and four survivors into what many fans dub the "Super Smash Bros. of horror." Now boasting 26 killers, the game continues to captivate players, with an average of 62 thousand monthly players as of July 2021. The game provides a decent tutorial for beginners, but mastering each killer's unique abilities requires practice. Without bot matches, new players may find it challenging to test out different killers, making it essential to start with those that are easier to master.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam, Dead by Daylight is set to introduce a new Licensed Killer in March 2025 and an Original Survivor in April 2025. As anticipation builds, newcomers have the perfect opportunity to explore various killers and find their main. Among the standout choices are the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the sinister Clown, and Resident Evil's Albert Wesker.
The Demogorgon, an iconic villain from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, entered the realm of Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13. This fearsome creature uses its Of the Abyss Power to open Portals across the map, enabling it to surprise Survivors with swift, lethal attacks. With the ability to set up to six Portals, the Demogorgon can quickly close the gap on unsuspecting Survivors. Its unique Perks, like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, further enhance its ability to control the game's pace and pressure Survivors.
To master the Demogorgon, focus on strategic Portal placement near Generators to ambush Survivors. Use fake Portal-hopping and lunges to keep Survivors guessing, and leverage the Demogorgon's Perks to disrupt Survivor strategies effectively.
Before becoming the Clown, Kenneth Chase, also known as Jeffrey Hawk, used his ties to a traveling circus to mask his sinister activities. In Dead by Daylight, the Clown utilizes the Afterpiece Tonic to release noxious gas, slowing down Survivors and impairing their vision during chases. His Perks, such as Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, complement his chase-oriented playstyle.
Effective Clown gameplay hinges on using the Afterpiece Tonic wisely. Use the Purple Gas Cloud to zone chokepoints and the Yellow Antidote Bottles to prepare for chases. Develop strong map knowledge to anticipate Survivor movements and optimize your chase strategy.
Albert Wesker, introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, brings his superior genetics and the Uroboros Virus to Dead by Daylight. His Virulent Bond Power allows him to perform a Bound Attack, auto-Vaulting over obstacles and infecting Survivors with the Uroboros Virus, which eventually hinders their movement. Wesker's Perks, including Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, enhance his ability to dominate the game.
To excel with Wesker, use his Bound Attack to close distances quickly and control the map. Alternate between his powerful lunges and knife attacks to adapt to different Survivor tactics, and leverage his Perks to maintain pressure throughout the match.
The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's launch, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward kit revolves around setting bear traps to immobilize Survivors, making it easier to pursue and hook them. The Trapper's Perks, like Agitation, enhance his ability to control the game's flow.
Focus on strategic trap placement to deny key areas and force Survivors into your traps. Use your movement speed bonus when carrying Survivors to quickly reach hooks. The Trapper's simplicity makes him an excellent starting point for new players.
Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, brings his dream-stalking persona to Dead by Daylight. His Dream Demon Power allows him to remain visually invisible to Survivors at a distance, making him an ideal choice for beginners looking to surprise their opponents. Freddy's Perks, such as Fire Up and Remember Me, grow stronger as the game progresses.
Utilize Freddy's auto-stealth to catch Survivors off-guard. As generators are fixed, leverage his increasing action speed and ability to block exits to maintain pressure on Survivors throughout the match.
The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn. His chainsaw dash attack can instantly down Survivors, making him a formidable opponent against new players. However, his effectiveness diminishes against more experienced Survivors due to his tantrum mechanic.
Balance the use of Leatherface's chainsaw dash with managing his tantrum meter. Use his dash to quickly close gaps and down Survivors, but be cautious of tantrums that can halt your movement.
The Deathslinger, introduced in the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique ranged ability reminiscent of FPS games. His harpoon gun allows him to reel in Survivors, making him a great choice for players who enjoy precision-based gameplay.
Master the Deathslinger's harpoon gun by practicing your aim. Successful hits allow you to reel in Survivors and inflict Deep Wounds, but be mindful of the need to reload after each shot.
Initially considered one of the weakest killers, the Trickster received a significant buff in July 2021, making him a more viable choice. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at Survivors, building up their laceration meter and eventually downing them.
Use the Trickster's Showstopper to build up the laceration meter on Survivors. Activate Main Event to quickly down multiple Survivors in a small area, but remember to restock blades from lockers around the map.
The Huntress, available to all players, is known for her haunting hum and throwing hatchets. While challenging to master, her power is straightforward, making her a good choice for beginners.
Practice your aim with the Huntress's hatchets, which can catch Survivors off-guard from a distance. Restock hatchets at lockers and use her lunging attack to close gaps quickly.
Legion is one of the most mobile killers in the game, excelling in speed and chaining attacks during Feral Frenzy. While easy to learn, Legion can be challenging to use effectively at higher levels.
Use Feral Frenzy to sprint and chain attacks, injuring Survivors and afflicting them with Deep Wounds. Transition out of Feral Frenzy to down Survivors, leveraging your speed to control the map.
The Doctor is a formidable killer, especially against new players, due to his ability to induce Madness. His powers, Static Blast and Shock Therapy, can significantly disrupt Survivor gameplay.
Use Static Blast to reveal Survivor positions and induce Madness, followed by Shock Therapy to maintain pressure. Understand the tiers of Madness to maximize the Doctor's effectiveness.
The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, uses stealth and surprise attacks to catch Survivors off-guard. Her reverse bear traps add an additional layer of strategy to her gameplay.
Crouch to become Undetectable and use Ambush Dash to surprise Survivors. Place reverse bear traps on downed Survivors to force them to search for keys, adding pressure as generators are completed.
The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to down Survivors and break through obstacles. While easy to learn, mastering his control can be challenging.
Use the Hillbilly's chainsaw rush to quickly down Survivors and destroy pallets. Practice controlling the rush to avoid running into walls and optimize your movement.
Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is a late-game powerhouse. His stalking ability builds up his power, allowing him to down Survivors in one hit at tier three.
Stalk Survivors to build up your power meter, focusing on white-highlighted targets for faster progress. Use tier three strategically to maximize your impact in the late game.
The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most forgiving choice for beginners. His cloaking ability allows him to become nearly invisible, making it easier to surprise Survivors.
Cloak using the Wailing Bell to become Undetectable, then uncloak to gain a speed boost and attack Survivors. The Wraith's simplicity and effectiveness make him an excellent choice for new players learning the game.
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