Summary
- Dead by Daylight features 26 killers and maintains a strong player base, averaging 62 thousand players monthly as of July 2021.
- Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique strategies and perks that can significantly impact gameplay.
- Beginners are advised to start with simpler killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith before moving to more complex characters.
When Dead by Daylight launched in 2016, it began with just three killers and four survivors, designed as a thrilling game of hide-and-seek where survivors needed to outsmart the killer to escape. Few could have predicted its meteoric rise. Today, Dead by Daylight is often referred to as the "Super Smash Bros. of horror," boasting a roster of 26 killers and a dedicated community of players.
As of July 2021, the game consistently attracts an average of 62 thousand players each month, showcasing its enduring popularity. While the game offers a decent tutorial that covers the basics, it doesn't delve into the intricacies of each killer's abilities. Without the option for bot matches, new players may find it challenging to experiment with different killers. However, some killers are more beginner-friendly and easier to master.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: As Dead by Daylight gears up for the release of a new Licensed Killer in March 2025 and an Original Survivor in April 2025, fans are buzzing with excitement and speculation about the new additions. This gives newcomers ample time to explore and master various killers, including iconic figures from D&D and Stranger Things, a menacing clown, and the mastermind behind Resident Evil.
15 The Beast - The Demogorgon
Cover Distance With Portals
The Demogorgon, known from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, was introduced in Chapter 13: Stranger Things of Dead by Daylight. This interdimensional creature, with its menacing appearance and gaping maw, is adept at outsmarting survivors. The Demogorgon can swiftly vanish and reappear, catching survivors off-guard.
How To Play The Demogorgon
The Demogorgon excels in surprise attacks, utilizing its Of the Abyss Power to open Portals that allow it to cover large distances quickly. These Portals enable the Demogorgon to sense nearby survivors and launch a powerful leaping attack. Strategically placing up to six Portals near generators, but not too close, allows for effective ambushes. Survivors can seal these Portals, so constant movement and feinting can keep them guessing. The Demogorgon's unique perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, further enhance its ability to control the game environment and hinder survivor progress.
14 The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh
Kenneth Chase, known as Jeffrey Hawk, transformed from a solitary child fascinated by life into the notorious Clown of Dead by Daylight. Using his background with a traveling circus as a cover, he escalated his grim hobby from animals to humans. The Clown uses noxious gas to slow down survivors, making them easy targets.
How To Play The Clown
The Clown's specialty lies in his pursuit capabilities, enhanced by the Afterpiece Tonic, which releases clouds of gas that impair survivors' vision and movement. His perks like Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel complement his chasing prowess. Players need to develop strong map awareness to anticipate survivor movements and use the Purple Gas Cloud to control chokepoints while reserving the Yellow Antidote Bottles for pre-chase preparation.
13 The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Never Get Caught In His Attacks
Albert Wesker, introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, is known as The Mastermind in Dead by Daylight. Skipping his confrontation with Chris Redfield, Wesker enters the Fog, using his Uroboros Virus to hunt down survivors. His superior genetics and mutated biology make him a formidable opponent.
How To Play
Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, lunging at survivors and either vaulting obstacles or interacting directly with them. This attack inflicts the Uroboros Virus, leading to a Hindered Status Effect. His perks, including Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, enhance his ability to track and debilitate survivors. Effective use of Wesker requires mastering map control and timing attacks to maximize his deadly potential.
12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's launch in 2016, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward use of bear traps allows new players to grasp the game's mechanics easily.
How To Play The Trapper
The Trapper uses bear traps to lock survivors in place, making them easy to capture and hook. With a movement speed boost from Agitation when carrying a survivor, The Trapper excels at area denial. Beginners should focus on strategic trap placement and using his ability to break through pallets and walls to pressure survivors.
11 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-stealthing ability makes him an excellent choice for beginners.
How To Play The Nightmare
Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain invisible to survivors at a distance, making it easier to ambush them. As he closes in, he becomes intermittently visible, fully visible at 16 meters. His Fire Up perk strengthens him as generators are fixed, and his ability to become obsessed with a survivor can delay their escape. Freddy's stealth and control over exits make him ideal for new players learning the killer role.
10 The Cannibal — Leatherface
The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn, especially against new survivors. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the game's roster.
How To Play Leatherface
Leatherface uses his chainsaw for a sweeping dash attack, instantly downing survivors upon contact. Managing his charges and avoiding tantrums, which can halt his movement, is crucial. While effective against less experienced players, Leatherface may struggle against seasoned survivors who can outmaneuver him.
9 The Deathslinger
The Deathslinger, introduced in the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique ranged ability that appeals to fans of FPS games. His harpoon gun requires precise aim, making him challenging yet rewarding.
How To Play Deathslinger
The Deathslinger's harpoon gun can reel in survivors, leaving them injured and with Deep Wounds. His ability demands good aim, and controller users may find it challenging due to limited sensitivity options. However, his straightforward mechanics make him accessible to new players willing to practice.
8 The Trickster
Initially considered one of the weakest killers, The Trickster received a significant buff on July 27, 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 can throw blades to build up a laceration meter, damaging survivors after six hits. His Main Event allows rapid blade throwing, but he must restock blades from lockers. Like other ranged killers, The Trickster requires good aim, which can be challenging with a controller.
7 The Huntress
The Huntress, available to all players, is identifiable by her haunting tune. While challenging to master, her power is easy to understand, making her suitable for beginners.
How To Play The Huntress
The Huntress uses throwing hatchets, which require practice to hit survivors accurately, especially on cluttered maps. Her lunging attack and the need to restock hatchets from lockers add strategic depth. She's a great choice for new players looking to learn the basics of ranged attacks.
6 Legion
Legion is one of the most mobile killers, excelling in speed but unable to teleport or blink. Their power is easy to learn but can be frustrating against more experienced survivors.
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 this state, it's an effective tool for pressuring multiple targets. Legion is easy to learn but may struggle against skilled players.
5 The Doctor
The Doctor is considered one of the more challenging killers for survivors, especially in new lobbies. His power induces Madness, which can severely impair survivors.
How To Play The Doctor
The Doctor uses Static Blast to reveal survivor positions and induce Madness, which has three tiers with increasing negative effects. Shock Therapy can be used when Static Blast is on cooldown. Mastering the Doctor involves understanding how to maximize the impact of Madness on survivors.
4 The Pig — Amanda Young
The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with the ability to crouch and become Undetectable. This allows for surprise attacks on unsuspecting survivors.
How To Play The Pig
From a crouched position, The Pig can perform an Ambush Dash to quickly attack survivors. After downing a survivor, she can place a reverse bear trap on their head, which activates after a generator is completed. The Pig's mechanics are straightforward but require strategic placement of traps.
3 The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to down survivors and destroy obstacles. While easy to learn, controlling his movement can be challenging.
How To Play The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush allows him to zoom forward at high speed, instantly downing survivors he hits. Managing his direction and avoiding obstacles is crucial, making him more suitable for players comfortable with precise control.
2 The Shape — Michael Myers
Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is known for his stalking ability. His power is simple to learn but requires strategic timing to maximize its impact.
How To Play The Shape
Myers builds his power meter by stalking survivors, eventually reaching tier three, where he can down survivors in one hit. Knowing when to activate this power and manage his meter is key to playing effectively.
1 The Wraith
The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most beginner-friendly due to his forgiving power and ease of use.
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 close the gap and attack. The Wraith is ideal for new players learning the basics of playing a killer.
