Dead By Daylight: The 15 Best Killers For Beginners (& How To Play Them)

Dead by Daylight Killer Guide: Mastering the Hunt

Dead by Daylight, with its impressive roster of 26 killers, offers a thrilling, asymmetrical horror experience. While the game provides a basic tutorial, mastering each killer requires practice and understanding their unique abilities and perks. This guide focuses on killers ideal for beginners, progressing to more complex options. Note that new killers are frequently added, so this list may require updates.

For Beginners: Easy-to-Learn Killers

These killers offer straightforward mechanics, allowing newcomers to grasp core gameplay concepts before tackling more challenging options.

1. The Wraith: This original killer boasts a simple yet effective power: cloaking. Ringing his bell cloaks him, making him Undetectable, and uncloaking grants a speed boost for a powerful attack. His ease of use makes him perfect for learning the basics of stalking and chasing.

2. The Shape (Michael Myers): While deceptively simple, Michael Myers' power relies on building a terror meter through stalking. Reaching Tier 3 grants one-hit downs, making him a late-game powerhouse. Learning to effectively stalk and manage his power meter is key.

3. The Hillbilly: His chainsaw rush is a high-risk, high-reward ability. Mastering its control takes practice, but the instant downs and environmental destruction make it satisfying. Be warned, it's difficult to control, especially with a controller.

4. The Trapper: This original killer uses bear traps for area denial. Setting effective traps and learning survivor movement patterns are crucial. His straightforward mechanics make him a great introductory killer.

5. The Nightmare (Freddy Krueger): Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to be partially invisible, making ambushes easier. His perks enhance generator regression and exit gate control, making him a solid choice for learning map control.

Intermediate Killers: Adding Complexity

Once comfortable with the basics, consider these killers to expand your skills:

6. The Pig (Amanda Young): Stealth and trap placement are key to The Pig's gameplay. Her ability to crouch and place reverse bear traps adds a layer of strategic depth.

7. The Doctor: His Madness effect is powerful but requires understanding its stages and how to effectively use Static Blast and Shock Therapy. Mastering this killer requires map awareness and strategic timing.

8. Legion: Their Feral Frenzy allows for quick bursts of speed and chained attacks, but they cannot down survivors while active. Mastering their mobility and timing is crucial.

9. The Huntress: Throwing hatchets requires precision and timing. Her power is relatively simple to understand, but mastering accuracy takes significant practice.

10. The Trickster: His Showstopper power, while buffed, still requires good aim to effectively use. Learning to manage his blade supply and utilize Main Event effectively is crucial.

Advanced Killers: Mastering Unique Mechanics

These killers demand significant skill and map knowledge:

11. The Deathslinger: His ranged harpoon gun requires precision aiming, making him challenging but rewarding to master. Controller users may find his controls frustrating due to the lack of fine-tuned sensitivity options.

12. The Cannibal (Leatherface): His chainsaw rush is powerful but requires careful management of his tantrum meter. He's easy to learn initially but scales poorly against experienced survivors.

13. The Mastermind (Albert Wesker): His Virulent Bond power and unique perks demand map knowledge and strategic decision-making. Mastering his control over distance is key to his effectiveness.

14. The Clown: His Afterpiece Tonic allows for area denial and chase control, but requires strategic use of both gas clouds and antidotes. Mastering his zoning capabilities is crucial.

15. The Demogorgon: His portals allow for quick traversal and surprise attacks, but require strategic placement and understanding survivor reactions.

This guide provides a starting point for exploring Dead by Daylight's diverse killer roster. Remember that practice and understanding each killer's strengths and weaknesses are essential to mastering the hunt.