When Dead by Daylight launched in 2016, it started with just three killers and four survivors, aiming to offer a thrilling game of hide-and-seek where survivors needed to outsmart the killer to escape. Few could predict the game's explosive growth, transforming it into what some fans affectionately call 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 provides a decent tutorial for basic gameplay, it leaves much to be explored regarding each killer's unique abilities. Without the option for bot matches, new players might find it challenging to test out different killers. However, certain killers are more beginner-friendly, making it easier to jump into the game.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With the announcement of a new Licensed Killer and an Original Survivor set to release in March and April 2025, respectively, anticipation among Dead by Daylight enthusiasts is building. As players await these additions, they have the perfect opportunity to experiment with various killers. Notable among them are iconic characters like the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the menacing Clown, and the cunning Albert Wesker from Resident Evil.
The Demogorgon, an interdimensional entity from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things, joined Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13. Its terrifying appearance, complete with a blooming mouth full of teeth, is matched by its ability to outmaneuver Survivors. Using its Of the Abyss Power, the Demogorgon can create Portals to swiftly cover large distances, ambushing Survivors who think they're safe by simply running away.
The Demogorgon excels in surprise attacks, utilizing up to six Portals to navigate the map and catch Survivors off guard. With the Of the Abyss Power, it senses Survivors near its Portals, enabling a powerful leaping attack. Strategic Portal placement near Generators, combined with feinting Portal-hopping and Lunges, can keep Survivors on edge and enhance the Demogorgon's effectiveness. Unique perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge further disrupt Survivors' efforts, making the Demogorgon a formidable opponent.
Before becoming the Clown in Dead by Daylight, Kenneth Chase (later known as Jeffrey) led a life of solitude that turned into a chilling fascination with living beings. Utilizing his ties to a traveling circus, he began collecting "keepsakes" from humans. In the game, the Clown uses noxious gas to slow down and impair Survivors, making them easier targets during chases.
The Clown's Afterpiece Tonic releases clouds of gas that hinder Survivors' vision and movement, ideal for chases. His perks, including Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his pursuit capabilities. To master the Clown, players need to develop strong map knowledge and game sense, juggling between Purple Gas Clouds for zoning and Yellow Antidote Bottles for pre-chase preparation.
Introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, Albert Wesker, known as the Mastermind, brings his superior genetics and mutated biology into the Fog. His Virulent Bond allows him to charge a Bound Attack that can auto-Vault obstacles or interact with Survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus and eventually hindering their movement.
Wesker's perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, capitalize on his advanced genetic makeup. Effective use of his Bound Attack demands strong map knowledge and control, making him deadly against Survivors. Players should balance his aggressive attacks with tactical knife plays to outmaneuver experienced opponents.
The Trapper, one of the original killers in Dead by Daylight, remains a popular choice for beginners. His straightforward kit involves setting bear traps to immobilize Survivors, making it easier to pursue and hook them. The Trapper's ability to deny areas with traps and his Agitation perk, which boosts movement speed while carrying a Survivor, make him an excellent choice for those new to the game.
The Trapper excels as an Area Denial Killer, using bear traps to control the map and lead Survivors into traps. While trap placement requires learning, their simplicity makes them ideal for beginners. The Trapper can also break through pallets and walls more easily and deal increased damage to generators, adding to his imposing presence.
Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, brings his iconic dream-stalking persona to Dead by Daylight. His auto-stealthing ability, Dream Demon, allows him to remain visually invisible to Survivors until he gets close, making him an excellent choice for beginners.
Freddy's Dream Demon power enables him to sneak up on Survivors, especially those unfamiliar with his presence. As generators are fixed, Freddy's Fire Up perk increases his action speed. He can also become obsessed with a Survivor, prolonging the time needed to open Exit Gates. Freddy's ability to block exits temporarily after hooking a Survivor adds to his effectiveness against new players.
The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is easy to learn but challenging against experienced Survivors. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the killer roster. Leatherface's chainsaw dash can instantly down Survivors, though managing his tantrum meter is crucial.
Leatherface's chainsaw dash provides a significant movement speed boost, allowing him to sweep across Survivors. However, his tantrum meter can halt his movement, requiring players to balance his power effectively. Against new Survivors, Leatherface can be formidable, but experienced players can exploit his weaknesses.
The Deathslinger, introduced in the Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique ranged ability reminiscent of FPS games. His harpoon gun requires precise aiming, making him suitable for players who enjoy first-person shooters.
The Deathslinger's harpoon gun allows him to reel in Survivors, leaving them injured with Deep Wounds. His perks may not be meta, but they suffice in new player lobbies. However, controller users might find his aiming challenging due to limited sensitivity options in Dead by Daylight.
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 their laceration meter and eventually causing damage.
The Trickster's Showstopper can be used to throw blades continuously, though it slows him down. His Main Event special allows for rapid blade throwing, downing Survivors in a small area. Restocking blades from lockers is essential, and like the Deathslinger, his effectiveness relies on good aim, which can be challenging for controller users.
The Huntress, available to all Dead by Daylight players, is identified by her haunting tune. Though challenging to master, her power is simple to learn, making her suitable for new players.
The Huntress's hatchets can catch Survivors off guard, but hitting them requires practice, especially on controllers and cluttered maps. Restocking hatchets from lockers is necessary, and her lunging attack adds to her threat level across the map.
Legion is one of the most mobile killers in the game, with near-unmatched speed on foot. Their Feral Frenzy power is easy to learn but can be frustrating at higher skill levels.
Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds on Survivors. While they can't down Survivors in this state, they can mark others in their terror radius for quick follow-ups. Learning to finish off Survivors without using Feral Frenzy is crucial for success.
The Doctor is considered challenging for Survivors, especially in new lobbies. His power, while complex, can be extremely effective if used correctly.
The Doctor induces Madness in Survivors using Static Blast and Shock Therapy. As Madness builds, Survivors suffer from negative effects like backward skill checks and hallucinations. Mastering the timing and placement of these abilities is key to dominating matches.
Amanda Young, known as The Pig from the SAW franchise, offers stealthy gameplay. Her ability to crouch and become Undetectable allows for surprise attacks.
From a crouched state, The Pig can use the Ambush Dash to sprint and attack Survivors. After downing a Survivor, she can place a reverse bear trap, which becomes active after a generator is completed and must be removed within 150 seconds. The Pig's mechanics offer a rewarding learning curve for players.
Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is straightforward but hard to control. It allows for instant downs and breaking pallets and doors.
The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is activated by holding the power button, propelling him forward at high speed. While easy to learn, mastering the control to avoid walls and obstacles is challenging, especially for controller users. The Hillbilly's simplicity makes him approachable, but his effectiveness depends on player skill.
As the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, Michael Myers is a recognizable slasher icon. His power is simple to learn, making him suitable for new players.
Myers builds his power meter by stalking Survivors, which can be activated with the power button. At tier three, he becomes a one-hit down killer until the meter depletes. Knowing when to activate tier three and how to move effectively as Myers is key to success.
The Wraith, one of the original killers, offers a forgiving power ideal for new players. His ability to cloak and uncloak with a speed boost makes him a great starting point.
The Wraith can cloak using his Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and gaining the Undetectable status. Uncloaking provides a speed boost, allowing for quick attacks. His straightforward power and availability to all players make him an excellent choice for learning the game.
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