Summary
- Dead by Daylight is a popular multiplayer horror game with 26 unique killers, averaging around 62,000 monthly players as of July 2021.
- Key killers include The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker, each with distinctive abilities and strategies.
- Beginners are recommended to start with easier killers like The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith to get accustomed to the game's mechanics.
When Dead by Daylight was first released in 2016, it featured only three killers and four survivors. The gameplay was designed as a thrilling game of hide-and-seek where survivors needed to outsmart the killer to escape. Few anticipated the game's meteoric rise, which has earned it the nickname "Super Smash Bros. of horror."
With 26 killers and an impressive average of 62,000 monthly players as of July 2021, Dead by Daylight continues to thrive. The game offers a helpful tutorial that covers the basics, but mastering the complexities of each killer can be challenging. Without friends to play with, testing new killers is difficult, as there are no bot matches available. Choosing from 24 characters can be overwhelming for new players, but some killers are more beginner-friendly.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: As Dead By Daylight gears up for new content with a Licensed Killer in March 2025 and an Original Survivor in April 2025, fans are buzzing with speculation about these additions. New players have ample time to explore and master various killers, including iconic figures from Dungeons & Dragons and Stranger Things, the game's version of a crazed clown, and the sunglasses-wearing mastermind from Resident Evil.
15 The Beast - The Demogorgon
Cover Distance With Portals
The Demogorgon, from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, joined Dead By Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. This interdimensional being's terrifying appearance and unique abilities make it a formidable killer. The Demogorgon can use Portals to cover large distances and surprise survivors who underestimate its reach.
How To Play The Demogorgon
The Demogorgon's Of the Abyss Power allows it to sense survivors near its Portals and execute powerful leaping attacks. Players can set up to six Portals across the map to facilitate chases. Survivors can seal these Portals, so strategic placement is key—near Generators but out of immediate sight. The Demogorgon's Perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, enhance its ability to disrupt survivors. Players should frequently fake Portal-hopping and lunges to keep survivors on their toes.
14 The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh
Known initially as Kenneth Chase, The Clown's backstory is steeped in solitude and a fascination with life. As Jeffrey Hawk, he used his circus connections to collect human "keepsakes." His signature anesthetic, the Afterpiece Tonic, is a noxious gas that slows and impairs survivors, making them easier targets.
How To Play The Clown
The Clown excels in chases with his Afterpiece Tonic, which releases clouds of gas to hinder survivors. His Perks, including Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, further enhance his chase capabilities. Players must develop strong game sense and map knowledge to anticipate survivor movements. Effective use of Purple Gas Clouds for zoning and Yellow Antidote Bottles for pre-chase preparation is crucial.
13 The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Never Get Caught In His Attacks
Introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, Albert Wesker, known as The Mastermind, leverages his superior genetics and the Uroboros Virus to dominate survivors. His ability to manipulate the virus makes him a relentless hunter.
How To Play
Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, enabling auto-Vaulting and interactions with survivors that inflict the Uroboros Virus, leading to a Hindered Status Effect. His Perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced capabilities. Players should capitalize on Wesker's long-range attacks and use knife plays strategically against elusive survivors.
12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
The Trapper, one of the original killers in Dead By Daylight, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward use of bear traps allows new players to learn the game's mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.
How To Play The Trapper
The Trapper uses bear traps to lock survivors in place, making them easy targets. His Agitation Perk grants a movement speed bonus when carrying a survivor. Players should focus on area denial by strategically placing traps to lead survivors away from objectives and into traps. The Trapper's ability to break through pallets and walls, along with increased generator damage, makes him a formidable opponent for new survivors.
11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, is an iconic horror figure known for his dream-stalking abilities. His auto-stealth feature makes him an excellent 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 surprise attacks easier. His Fire Up Perk increases his action speed as generators are fixed, and he can become obsessed with a survivor, slowing down their escape. Freddy's ability to block exits temporarily adds another layer of strategy, making him a great choice for players learning the ropes.
10 The Cannibal — Leatherface
The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is another beginner-friendly killer. His Barbeque & Chili Perk is one of the best in the game, making him effective against new survivors.
How To Play Leatherface
Leatherface's chainsaw dash attack allows him to down survivors instantly. However, managing his tantrum meter is crucial, as it can halt his movement if filled. Balancing his power and tantrums is key, especially against survivors who know how to loop.
9 The Deathslinger
The Deathslinger, introduced in the Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique FPS-style aiming mechanic. His harpoon gun allows him to reel in survivors, making him appealing to players who enjoy first-person shooters.
How To Play Deathslinger
While his Perks are not meta, they are sufficient for new player lobbies. His harpoon gun requires good aim, and misses can be costly. Controller users may find his controls challenging due to limited sensitivity options.
8 The Trickster
Initially considered weak, The Trickster received a significant buff on July 27, 2021, enhancing his viability. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades, building up a laceration meter on survivors.
How To Play The Trickster
The Trickster can throw blades one at a time or continuously, slowing himself down. Building up to the Main Event allows for rapid blade throwing, but players must restock blades from lockers. His reliance on aim makes him challenging for controller users.
7 The Huntress
The Huntress is available to all players and is recognizable by her haunting tune. While difficult to master, her power is easy to understand, making her suitable for beginners.
How To Play The Huntress
The Huntress throws hatchets, which can be challenging without a crosshair. Her lunging attack and hatchets make her a threat from a distance, but players must restock at lockers. She's a great choice for new players looking to learn.
6 Legion
Legion is one of the most mobile killers, with nearly unmatched speed on foot. Their Feral Frenzy power is easy to learn but can be frustrating against experienced survivors.
How To Play Legion
During Feral Frenzy, Legion can sprint and chain attacks, afflicting survivors with Deep Wounds. They can't down survivors in this state, requiring players to finish them off without the power. This makes Legion easy to learn but less effective at higher levels.
5 The Doctor
The Doctor is known for his powerful ability to induce Madness in survivors, making him a challenging opponent for new players.
How To Play The Doctor
The Doctor uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to inflict Madness, which has three tiers with increasing negative effects on survivors. Mastering his power involves understanding these effects and strategically inducing Madness.
4 The Pig — Amanda Young
The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer. Her ability to crouch and use Ambush Dash allows for surprise attacks.
How To Play The Pig
From a crouched state, The Pig can sprint forward to attack survivors. She can also place reverse bear traps on downed survivors, which activate after generator repairs and must be removed with keys from Jigsaw boxes. Her ability is easy to understand, making her suitable for new players.
3 The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to down survivors and break pallets. While easy to learn, his power can be hard to control, especially for controller users.
How To Play The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush requires players to master turning and maneuvering. It's user-friendly but challenging against skilled survivors, making him less ideal for beginners.
2 The Shape — Michael Myers
Michael Myers, the first licensed killer, is a late-game powerhouse. His stalking ability is simple to learn, making him a good choice for new players.
How To Play The Shape
Myers builds his power meter by stalking survivors. At tier three, he can down survivors in one hit. The key is knowing when to activate this power and how to move effectively as Myers.
1 The Wraith
The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the best choice for beginners. His Wailing Bell allows him to cloak and uncloak, making him nearly invisible and granting a speed boost upon uncloaking.
How To Play The Wraith
The Wraith's ability to cloak and uncloak is forgiving and easy to learn. His speed boost upon uncloaking allows for effective surprise attacks, making him an excellent all-around option for new players.
