"Dead By Daylight: Top 15 Killers for Beginners - How to Master Them"

Summary

• Dead by Daylight is a highly popular game with 26 killers and an average of 62,000 monthly players as of July 2021.
• Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique gameplay experiences with their distinct abilities and perks.
• Beginners are advised to start with easier-to-learn killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith before moving to more complex ones.

When Dead by Daylight first launched in 2016, it featured only three killers and four survivors, setting the stage for a thrilling game of hide-and-seek where survivors aimed to outsmart the killer and escape. Few could have predicted the game's explosive growth. Today, Dead by Daylight is often dubbed the "Super Smash Bros. of horror," boasting 26 killers and maintaining a robust player base.

With an average of 62,000 players as of July 2021, Dead by Daylight continues to thrive. The game provides a helpful tutorial that covers the basics, but it leaves much to be discovered about the intricacies of each killer. Without the option for bot matches, new players may find it challenging to experiment with different killers. However, certain killers are more beginner-friendly and can serve as a great starting point.

As of the latest update on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam, anticipation builds for Dead by Daylight's new Licensed Killer and Original Survivor set to release in March and April 2025, respectively. While speculation swirls around the identity of the next killer, newcomers have ample time to familiarize themselves with the current roster. Notable killers to explore include the iconic Demogorgon from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, the menacing Clown, and Resident Evil's mastermind, 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, joined Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. This fearsome creature uses its ability to open Portals to quickly traverse the map, making it difficult for survivors to escape its grasp.

How To Play The Demogorgon

The Demogorgon excels in surprise attacks, utilizing its Of the Abyss Power to sense survivors near its Portals. It can set up to six Portals across the map to facilitate chases, although survivors can seal them. The Demogorgon's unique perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, enhance its ability to control the game's flow. Players should strategically place Portals near generators and use feints to keep survivors on edge.

14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh

Before becoming the Clown, Kenneth Chase, also known as Jeffrey Hawk, led a life of solitude and fascination with the living. Using his ties to a traveling circus as a cover, he transitioned from collecting animal keepsakes to human ones. In Dead by Daylight, his Afterpiece Tonic releases noxious gas that hinders survivors, making them easy targets.

How To Play The Clown

The Clown is a chase specialist, using the Afterpiece Tonic to slow down survivors with its noxious gas. His perks, including Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his chasing prowess. Players should master the timing of using Tonics, using the Purple Gas Cloud to zone and the Yellow Antidote Bottles to prepare for chases.

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. His Virulent Bond allows him to perform a powerful lunge attack that can vault obstacles or interact with survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus.

How To Play

Wesker's perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, complement his advanced genetic makeup. Players should focus on finishing chases efficiently and use his power to control distances, requiring strong map knowledge to maximize effectiveness.

12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's 2016 release, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward kit revolves around setting bear traps to immobilize survivors, making him an excellent option for those new to the game.

How To Play The Trapper

The Trapper's simplicity lies in his bear traps, which he uses to control areas and lead survivors into traps. His Agitation perk provides a movement speed bonus when carrying a survivor. Players should focus on strategic trap placement and use his ability to break through obstacles to pressure survivors.

11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, brings his iconic dream-stalking persona to Dead by Daylight. His auto-stealth ability, Dream Demon, makes him a great choice for beginners looking to surprise unsuspecting survivors.

How To Play The Nightmare

Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain invisible at a distance, making it easier to catch new survivors off-guard. His perks, including Fire Up and Remember Me, enhance his effectiveness as generators are repaired. Players should leverage his stealth and ability to block exits to control the game's pace.

10. The Cannibal — Leatherface

The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn. His chainsaw dash attack can be devastating against new survivors, though he struggles against more experienced players.

How To Play Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw dash consumes charges but can instantly down survivors. Players must balance his power with the risk of entering a tantrum, which can halt his movement. Effective use of his chainsaw requires careful timing and positioning.

9. The Deathslinger

Introduced in the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, The Deathslinger offers a unique ranged ability reminiscent of FPS games. His harpoon gun requires good aim, making him a challenging yet rewarding choice for new players.

How To Play Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's harpoon gun can reel in survivors, inflicting Deep Wounds. Players should practice aiming to maximize hits, though controller users may face challenges due to limited sensitivity options.

8. The Trickster

Initially considered one of the weakest killers, The Trickster received a significant buff in July 2021, making him more viable. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at survivors, building up their laceration meter.

How To Play The Trickster

The Trickster's blades can injure or down survivors, and his Main Event special allows for rapid blade throwing. Players must restock blades from lockers and develop good aim to effectively use his power.

7. The Huntress

The Huntress, available to all players, is recognizable by her haunting hum. While challenging to master, her throwing hatchets are easy to learn, making her a solid choice for beginners.

How To Play The Huntress

The Huntress's hatchets can catch survivors off-guard, but require restocking from lockers. Players should practice aiming and use her lunging attack to pressure survivors.

6. Legion

Legion is one of the most mobile killers, excelling in speed but lacking the ability to down survivors during their Feral Frenzy. Their power is easy to learn but can be frustrating against experienced players.

How To Play Legion

Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds on survivors. Players must finish off survivors outside of the Feral Frenzy, making Legion a good starting point for new players.

5. The Doctor

The Doctor is a formidable killer whose Madness effect can overwhelm new lobbies. His powers, Static Blast and Shock Therapy, induce Madness, which debuffs survivors.

How To Play The Doctor

The Doctor's powers require understanding their effects on survivors. Players should use Static Blast and Shock Therapy strategically to maximize Madness and control the game.

4. The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, offers stealthy gameplay with her ability to crouch and become Undetectable. Her Ambush Dash and reverse bear traps add complexity to her playstyle.

How To Play The Pig

The Pig's crouched state allows for surprise attacks, and her reverse bear traps can pressure survivors. Players should master her stealth and trap mechanics to excel.

3. The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to down survivors. While easy to learn, controlling his rush can be challenging, especially for controller users.

How To Play The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush can be devastating but requires practice to control. Players should focus on timing and positioning to maximize its effectiveness.

2. The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is a late-game powerhouse. His stalking ability builds his power meter, allowing him to down survivors in one hit at tier three.

How To Play The Shape

Myers's power is simple to learn but requires strategic timing. Players should stalk survivors to build his meter and use tier three effectively to dominate late-game scenarios.

1. The Wraith

The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most forgiving and beginner-friendly. His cloaking ability allows for stealthy approaches, making him an excellent choice for new players.

How To Play The Wraith

The Wraith's Wailing Bell grants him the Undetectable status, and his uncloaking speed boost can catch survivors off-guard. Players should use his stealth to surprise and pressure survivors effectively.