Dead by Daylight, launched in 2016 with a modest three killers and four survivors, has exploded in popularity. Initially a simple hide-and-seek game, it's evolved into a complex and thrilling experience, boasting 26 killers and an average of 62,000 players (as of July 2021). While the game offers a basic tutorial, mastering each killer's nuances requires practice. The lack of bot matches makes learning without friends challenging, but some killers are easier to start with than others.
Updated January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With new licensed Killer and Original Survivor releases slated for March and April 2025, newcomers have ample time to explore the roster. Key killers to try include iconic figures from *Dungeons & Dragons*, *Stranger Things*, and *Resident Evil*.
15. The Beast - The Demogorgon
The Demogorgon, from *Stranger Things* and *Dungeons & Dragons*, utilizes portals to traverse the map quickly, surprising survivors. Its power, "Of the Abyss," allows it to sense survivors near portals, enabling swift attacks. Six portals can be strategically placed to enhance chases, though survivors can seal visible portals. Unique perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge further enhance its portal-based strategy. Effective Demogorgon play involves clever portal placement near generators and deceptive feints to keep survivors off-balance.
14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
The Clown, a chilling figure with a penchant for anesthetic gas, excels in chases. His "Afterpiece Tonic" releases noxious gas clouds, impairing survivor vision and movement. Perks like Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel amplify his chase capabilities. Mastering the Clown requires strategic tonic usage—purple gas for zoning, yellow antidote for pre-chase preparation—and anticipating survivor reactions to his gas attacks.
13. The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Albert Wesker, from *Resident Evil*, uses the Uroboros Virus in his "Virulent Bond" power. This allows charged lunge attacks that auto-vault obstacles or infect survivors, eventually hindering them. Perks like Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus further enhance his control over the game. Effective Wesker play involves leveraging his power's range and infection to control the pace of the match.
12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
A classic choice for beginners, The Trapper uses bear traps to hinder survivors. His straightforward kit makes him easy to learn, focusing on area denial and trapping survivors. His ability to easily break pallets and walls, coupled with the increased generator damage and imposing presence, make him an excellent starting point for new players.
11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger's Dream Demon power allows for stealth, making him beginner-friendly. His ability to become intermittently visible as he closes the distance on survivors allows for surprise attacks. Perks like Fire Up and his ability to obsess over a single survivor and block exits further enhance his effectiveness. His stealth and generator-based power boosts make him a great option for learning the game.
10. The Cannibal — Leatherface
Leatherface's chainsaw rush instantly downs survivors, but his "tantrum" meter adds a layer of complexity. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly effective, but he struggles against experienced players. Mastering his chainsaw rush and tantrum management is crucial for success.
9. The Deathslinger
The Deathslinger's ranged harpoon gun requires aiming skill, making him ideal for FPS fans. His ability to reel in and injure survivors with Deep Wounds is powerful but relies on accurate shots. Controller users may find his controls challenging due to the game's lack of detailed sensitivity options.
8. The Trickster
The Trickster's Showstopper power involves throwing blades to build up a laceration meter, eventually injuring or downing survivors. His Main Event ability allows for rapid blade throws, but requires restocking blades in lockers. Like the Deathslinger, good aim is crucial, and controller users may find the controls challenging.
7. The Huntress
The Huntress throws hatchets, requiring accuracy. Her intuitive power and lunging attack make her a good starting point, but mastering hatchet throws is challenging, especially on cluttered maps. Hatchets need restocking at lockers.
6. Legion
Legion's Feral Frenzy grants high mobility and chained attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds, but they cannot down survivors while in this state. Their high mobility makes them easy to learn but weaker at higher levels.
5. The Doctor
The Doctor uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to induce Madness, negatively impacting survivors. His power is powerful but requires understanding its effects on survivors, making him challenging for beginners.
4. The Pig — Amanda Young
The Pig's stealth and reverse bear traps make her tricky but rewarding. Her ability to crouch for stealth and ambush survivors is unique, but requires learning trap placement and survivor puzzle-solving.
3. The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is powerful but difficult to control, especially for controller users. Mastering its use requires skill and precision, making him a more challenging killer for beginners.
2. The Shape — Michael Myers
Michael Myers' power builds over time through stalking, culminating in one-hit downs at tier three. His power is simple to understand but requires strategic stalking and knowing when to unleash his tier three power.
1. The Wraith
The Wraith's cloaking ability and speed boost make him forgiving for beginners. His simple yet effective power is excellent for learning the fundamentals of killer gameplay.
