Summary

• Dead by Daylight has grown to include 26 killers and maintains a robust player base, with thousands of players monthly.
• Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique gameplay experiences and strategies.
• For beginners, starting with simpler killers like The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith can provide a smoother learning curve.

When Dead by Daylight was released in 2016, it started with just three killers and four survivors, designed as a thrilling hide-and-seek game where survivors outsmarted the killer to escape. Few could have predicted its explosive growth, which has led to it being dubbed 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. The game includes a tutorial that covers the basics of gameplay but leaves the intricacies of each killer unexplored. Without friends to practice with, testing new killers can be daunting as there are no bot matches available. Choosing from 24 characters can be overwhelming, yet some are more beginner-friendly.

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, anticipation is high among fans. While speculation swirls around the identity of the new killer, newcomers have ample time to explore and master existing killers. Standout options include the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the eerie Clown, and Resident Evil's Albert Wesker.

15. The Beast - The Demogorgon

Cover Distance With Portals

The Demogorgon, known from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, entered Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. This fearsome creature, with its gaping, tooth-filled mouth, can outmaneuver survivors attempting to escape by utilizing portals. The Demogorgon can disappear and reappear at unexpected locations, catching survivors off guard.

How To Play The Demogorgon

The Demogorgon excels at surprise attacks, using its Of the Abyss Power to sense survivors near its portals. It can then swiftly attack with a powerful leap. Up to six portals can be placed across the map to facilitate chases, though survivors can seal visible portals. Unique perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge enhance its portal strategy, allowing for generator manipulation and survivor debuffs. Players should position portals near generators but out of direct sight and mix up their portal-hopping and lunging tactics to keep survivors guessing.

14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh

Before becoming the Clown in Dead by Daylight, Kenneth Chase, known later as Jeffrey, was a solitary child fascinated by life. He transitioned from collecting animal "keepsakes" to human ones, using his circus connections to hide his sinister pursuits. The Clown uses a noxious gas to slow down survivors during chases, making them easier targets.

How To Play The Clown

The Clown's Afterpiece Tonic releases clouds of gas that impair survivor vision and movement, ideal for chases. His perks, such as Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his pursuit capabilities. Players need to develop map awareness and strategic use of the Purple Gas Cloud for zoning and Yellow Antidote Bottles for pre-chase preparation, balancing chases with generator regression tactics.

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. Bypassing his confrontation with Chris Redfield, Wesker is thrust into the Fog, where he uses the Uroboros Virus to hunt down survivors. His mutated biology and superior genetics make him a formidable opponent.

How To Play

Wesker's Virulent Bond enables a charged Bound Attack for lunging at survivors, vaulting over obstacles, or grabbing and throwing them. This attack infects survivors with the Uroboros Virus, leading to a Hindered Status Effect over time. His perks, like Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced genetic makeup, aiding in survivor detection and control. Players should leverage Wesker's power for efficient chases and use map knowledge to maximize his effectiveness.

12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's 2016 launch, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward skillset, centered around bear traps, allows players to learn the game's mechanics while controlling the map.

How To Play The Trapper

The Trapper uses bear traps to immobilize survivors, making them easy to capture and hook. His Agitation perk boosts movement speed while carrying survivors. As an Area Denial Killer, strategic trap placement is key to leading survivors into traps and away from objectives. His ability to break through obstacles and damage generators further aids his control over the game's flow.

11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, embodies the iconic dream-stalker from Hollywood. His auto-stealth ability makes him an accessible killer for beginners.

How To Play The Nightmare

Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain visually invisible to survivors at a distance, becoming fully visible only when close. This stealth advantage is perfect for ambushing new survivors. His Fire Up perk increases his action speed as generators are repaired, and his ability to become obsessed with a single survivor can delay their escape. Freddy's auto-stealth and strategic perks make him an excellent choice for beginners learning the ropes.

10. The Cannibal — Leatherface

Players who have the "Leatherface" DLC can access The Cannibal, an easy-to-learn killer with a powerful ability. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the killer roster, though he can be less effective against experienced survivors.

How To Play Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw dash attack can instantly down survivors, starting with three charges per match. However, using his ability builds a tantrum meter, which can halt his movement if filled. Balancing his power and tantrums is crucial, especially against survivors adept at looping.

9. The Deathslinger

Released in the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, The Deathslinger offers a unique FPS-style aiming mechanic. His harpoon gun ability, while simple to understand, requires good aim, making him a good choice for players familiar with first-person shooters.

How To Play Deathslinger

Deathslinger's harpoon gun allows him to reel in survivors, inflicting Deep Wounds. A successful hit can lead to an injured state if not mended in time. His perks are suitable for new player lobbies, but his reliance on aim can be challenging, particularly for controller users without advanced sensitivity options.

8. The Trickster

Initially considered weak, The Trickster received a significant buff in July 2021, enhancing his viability. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw multiple blades, building up survivors' laceration meters.

How To Play The Trickster

The Trickster's blades can injure or down survivors once the laceration meter is full. Activating Main Event enables rapid blade throwing, but restocking blades from lockers is necessary. His reliance on aim can be challenging for controller users due to limited sensitivity options.

7. The Huntress

The Huntress, available to all players, is identifiable by her haunting hum. While challenging to master, her straightforward power makes her suitable for beginners.

How To Play The Huntress

The Huntress can throw hatchets by holding and releasing the power button. Though aiming without a crosshair can be tricky, her hatchets are effective at surprising survivors. Restocking hatchets from lockers is necessary, and her lunging attack adds to her threat level.

6. Legion

Legion is one of the most mobile killers, offering speed and the ability to chain attacks during Feral Frenzy. While easy to learn, it can be frustrating at higher skill levels.

How To Play Legion

During Feral Frenzy, Legion can sprint and slide over obstacles, injuring survivors with Deep Wounds. However, they cannot down survivors in this state, requiring normal attacks to finish them off. This balance makes Legion easy to pick up but challenging against skilled survivors.

5. The Doctor

The Doctor is known for his challenging gameplay against survivors, particularly new players. His ability to induce Madness is powerful when used correctly.

How To Play The Doctor

The Doctor uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to induce Madness, causing survivors to scream and reveal their positions. Madness has three tiers, each increasing negative effects like backward skill checks and hallucinations. His power is effective with minimal effort once survivors are affected.

4. The Pig — Amanda Young

Amanda Young, The Pig from the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with the ability to crouch and become Undetectable. Her Ambush Dash allows for surprise attacks.

How To Play The Pig

From a crouched position, The Pig can use Ambush Dash to sprint and attack survivors. After downing a survivor, she can place a reverse bear trap on them, which activates after generator completion and must be removed within 150 seconds using a Jigsaw box key. Her power is easy to understand but requires strategic placement.

3. The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to zoom forward and down survivors. While easy to learn, it can be hard to control, especially for controller players.

How To Play The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush can down survivors and destroy obstacles. However, it's challenging to maneuver, requiring players to master turning and dodging. This makes him less beginner-friendly, particularly for controller users with limited sensitivity options.

2. The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is recognizable and straightforward to learn. His late-game power makes him a formidable opponent once charged.

How To Play The Shape

Myers builds his power meter by stalking survivors, which can be activated with the power button. At tier three, he can down survivors in one hit. The challenge lies in timing tier three activation and moving strategically.

1. The Wraith

The Wraith, one of the original killers, is forgiving and ideal for beginners. His cloaking ability allows for stealthy approaches.

How To Play The Wraith

The Wraith can cloak himself using the Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and Undetectable. Uncloaking grants a speed boost for quick attacks. His power is easy to learn, making him a great choice for new players to master the game's mechanics.