Summary
- Dead by Daylight boasts 26 killers and consistently attracts thousands of monthly players, maintaining its popularity since its release.
- Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique strategies and perks, making them standouts in the game.
- Beginners are recommended to start with more straightforward killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith before exploring more complex options.
When Dead by Daylight first launched in 2016, it featured just three killers and four survivors, designed as a thrilling game of hide-and-seek where survivors had to outsmart the killer to escape. Few could have predicted its explosive growth, evolving into what some enthusiasts now call the "Super Smash Bros. of horror."
With 26 killers and an average of 62,000 monthly players as of July 2021, Dead by Daylight continues to thrive. The game includes a helpful tutorial that covers the basics, but mastering the intricacies of each killer can be challenging. Without the option for bot matches, testing out new killers without friends can be daunting. However, certain killers are more beginner-friendly and easier to grasp.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: As Dead by Daylight gears up to introduce a new Licensed Killer in March 2025 and an Original Survivor in April 2025, the anticipation among fans is palpable. While speculation abounds about the identity of the upcoming killer, newcomers have ample time to experiment with various killers and find their main. Must-try killers include the iconic villain from Dungeons & Dragons and Stranger Things, the game's equivalent of a crazed clown, and the sunglasses-wearing mastermind from Resident Evil.
15 The Beast - The Demogorgon
Cover Distance With Portals
The Demogorgon, an interdimensional being from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, joined Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. Known for its terrifying appearance and gaping maw full of teeth, the Demogorgon can outsmart survivors by using its unique ability to teleport through portals, appearing where survivors least expect.
How To Play The Demogorgon
The Demogorgon excels at surprise attacks, leveraging its Of the Abyss power to open portals across the map. These portals allow the Demogorgon to sense nearby survivors and launch a powerful leaping attack. Strategically placing up to six portals near generators, yet out of immediate sight, can facilitate easier chases. The Demogorgon's unique perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, further enhance its gameplay by affecting generator repair and survivor status. To maximize effectiveness, players should frequently fake portal-hopping and lunges to keep survivors guessing.
14 The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh
Before becoming the Clown, Kenneth Chase—later known as Jeffrey—led a life of solitude that turned into a dark fascination with living beings. Starting with small animals and progressing to humans, he used his connection to a traveling circus as a cover for his sinister activities. In Dead by Daylight, the Clown uses his noxious gas to hinder survivors, making them easier targets during chases.
How To Play The Clown
The Clown's Afterpiece Tonic releases clouds of gas that impair survivors' vision and movement, making him ideal for chase scenarios. His perks, including Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his ability to pursue and pressure survivors. Players should master the timing of their gas throws and learn map layouts to predict survivor movements. Using the Purple Gas Cloud for zoning and the Yellow Antidote Bottles to prepare for chases can significantly improve gameplay.
13 The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Never Get Caught In His Attacks
Albert Wesker, introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, brings his superior genetics and the Uroboros Virus to Dead by Daylight. As the Mastermind, Wesker uses his enhanced abilities to chase down and eliminate survivors with ruthless efficiency.
How To Play
Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a charged Bound Attack, enabling him to auto-vault obstacles and interact with survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus. His perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced capabilities. Wesker players should focus on finishing chases efficiently and using map knowledge to control the flow of the game, making him a formidable opponent when mastered.
12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's launch in 2016, remains a popular choice for beginners due to his straightforward gameplay and effective use of bear traps. His presence has endured through numerous updates, making him a reliable option for those new to the game.
How To Play The Trapper
The Trapper's primary tool is his bear traps, which he places strategically around the map to catch unsuspecting survivors. Once a survivor is trapped, Evan can quickly secure them on a hook, aided by his Agitation perk, which boosts his movement speed while carrying a survivor. The Trapper excels at area denial, using his traps to control key areas and disrupt survivor objectives. Beginners should focus on learning trap placement and map control to maximize their effectiveness.
11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger
Dead by Daylight excels at incorporating iconic horror figures, and Freddy Krueger, introduced as a DLC character in 2017, is a prime example. Known for his dream-stalking abilities, Freddy is an accessible killer for beginners due to his auto-stealth feature.
How To Play The Nightmare
Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain visually invisible to survivors at a distance, becoming intermittently visible as he approaches and fully visible within 16 meters. This ability helps beginners surprise less experienced survivors. Freddy also gains increased action speed as generators are completed, thanks to his Fire Up perk, and can manipulate exit gates to prolong the trial. His stealth, speed boosts, and ability to block exits make him a great choice for players learning the ropes.
10 The Cannibal — Leatherface
The Cannibal, available with the "Leatherface" DLC, is another easy-to-learn killer with a powerful perk, Barbeque & Chili, which is highly effective across the roster. While Leatherface can be overwhelming for new survivors, his effectiveness diminishes against more experienced players.
How To Play Leatherface
Leatherface's chainsaw dash attack allows him to sweep through survivors, instantly downing them. Starting with three charges, he gains a significant speed boost during the dash but must manage his tantrum meter, which can halt his movement if it fills up. Players should balance using his chainsaw effectively while avoiding tantrums, especially when facing survivors adept at looping.
9 The Deathslinger
The Deathslinger, introduced with the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique gameplay experience with his FPS-style aiming mechanic. New players, particularly those who enjoy first-person shooters, should give him a try, though mastering his aim can be challenging.
How To Play Deathslinger
The Deathslinger's harpoon gun requires precise aim, with each shot needing a reload. Successful hits allow him to reel in survivors, who then suffer from Deep Wounds, risking a down if not mended in time. His perks may not be meta, but they are effective in lower-tier matches. Controller users might find his aiming mechanics more challenging due to limited sensitivity options.
8 The Trickster
Initially considered one of the weakest killers, the Trickster received a significant buff on July 27, 2021, making him a more viable choice. His Showstopper ability lets him throw multiple blades to build up survivors' laceration meters, causing damage upon reaching full.
How To Play The Trickster
The Trickster can throw blades individually or continuously, slowing himself down during the latter. Building up his Main Event allows for rapid blade throwing, quickly downing nearby survivors. Restocking blades from lockers is essential, as is mastering his aim, which can be challenging on controllers due to basic sensitivity options.
7 The Huntress
The Huntress, available to all players, is recognizable by her haunting hum. While challenging to master, her simple power makes her easy to learn, making her a good choice for beginners.
How To Play The Huntress
The Huntress throws hatchets by holding and releasing the power button, though aiming without a crosshair can be tricky, especially on controllers. Her hatchets can catch survivors off-guard, but they must be restocked at lockers. Mastering her aim and understanding map layouts are key to her success.
6 Legion
Legion is one of the most mobile killers, known for their speed on foot. Their power is easy to learn but can be frustrating against higher-level survivors.
How To Play Legion
Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, injuring survivors and applying Deep Wounds. While in Feral Frenzy, Legion cannot down survivors, requiring players to finish them off outside of this state. This makes Legion easy to pick up but challenging to excel with at higher levels.
5 The Doctor
The Doctor is considered one of the toughest killers for survivors to face, capable of dominating new lobbies with his powerful ability. Classified as "Hard" in-game, his power's complexity lies in understanding its effects.
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 tiers increase, survivors face increasingly debilitating effects, such as backward skill checks and hallucinations. Mastering the timing and placement of these abilities is crucial for the Doctor's success.
4 The Pig — Amanda Young
Amanda Young, known as The Pig from the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with a rewarding gameplay style. Her ability to crouch and become Undetectable allows for surprise attacks.
How To Play The Pig
From a crouched position, The Pig can use the Ambush Dash to sprint and attack survivors. After downing a survivor, she can place a reverse bear trap on them, which activates after a generator is completed and must be removed within 150 seconds. While more complex than some killers, her power is straightforward and her traps add strategic depth.
3 The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to down survivors and break through obstacles. While easy to learn, controlling the chainsaw rush can be challenging, especially on controllers.
How To Play The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush allows him to zoom forward at double speed, instantly downing survivors upon impact. Players must master turning and maneuvering to avoid obstacles and baits. While user-friendly, the Hillbilly can be less effective against skilled survivors.
2 The Shape — Michael Myers
As the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, Michael Myers is a simple yet effective choice for new players. Known for his stalking ability, Myers becomes a formidable late-game killer.
How To Play The Shape
Myers builds his power meter by stalking survivors, moving slower during this action. At tier three, he can down survivors in one hit, making him a terrifying presence. Players must strategize when to activate tier three and how to move efficiently as Myers.
1 The Wraith
The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most forgiving choice for beginners. His ability to cloak and uncloak makes him an excellent option for new players learning the game.
How To Play The Wraith
The Wraith can cloak himself using his Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and gaining the Undetectable status. He must uncloak to attack, receiving a speed boost upon doing so. This makes him a versatile and fun killer for players of all skill levels.
