Summary

• Dead by Daylight boasts 26 killers and maintains a strong player base, with an average of 62 thousand monthly players as of July 2021.
• Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique strategies and perks, enhancing gameplay diversity.
• Beginners are recommended to start with user-friendly killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith to ease into the game's complexities.

When Dead by Daylight was released in 2016, it began with just three killers and four survivors, designed as a hide-and-seek style game where survivors outsmarted the killer to escape. Few could predict its meteoric rise. Today, Dead by Daylight is often dubbed the "Super Smash Bros. of horror," featuring an impressive roster of 26 killers and a dedicated community.

With an average of 62 thousand players as of July 2021, Dead by Daylight continues to thrive. The game offers a solid tutorial that covers the basics, but mastering each killer's unique abilities can be challenging, especially without bot matches. This can make selecting from the 26 killers daunting for newcomers. However, some killers are more beginner-friendly and serve as a great starting point.

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, fans are buzzing with anticipation. While speculation abounds about the new characters, it's an excellent opportunity for newcomers to experiment with the game's existing killers. Must-try characters include the iconic Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the menacing Clown, and the strategic mastermind Albert Wesker 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, entered Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. Its terrifying figure and gaping maw are matched by its ability to outsmart Survivors. The Demogorgon can vanish and reappear where Survivors least expect it, making it a master of surprise attacks.

How To Play The Demogorgon

The Demogorgon excels in surprise attacks, utilizing its Of the Abyss Power to open Portals across the map. These Portals allow the Demogorgon to sense nearby Survivors and launch powerful leaping attacks. Strategic placement of up to six Portals near Generators, yet out of immediate sight, can significantly enhance your chase capabilities. Additionally, the Demogorgon's unique Perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge can disrupt Survivor activities, making it crucial to master the art of feinting Portal-hopping and Lunges to keep Survivors on their toes.

14 The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh

Before becoming the Clown in the Fog, Kenneth Chase, known as Jeffrey, led a solitary life that turned into a fascination with the living. Using his ties to a traveling circus, he transitioned from collecting animal "keepsakes" to human ones. The Clown's signature Afterpiece Tonic releases noxious gas, hindering Survivors' progress and making them vulnerable.

How To Play The Clown

The Clown is a chase specialist, using the Afterpiece Tonic to release clouds of noxious gas that impair Survivors' vision and movement. His Perks, such as Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his chasing prowess. To master the Clown, players must develop strong game sense and map knowledge, learning when to engage in chases and when to rely on Generator regression. Effective use of Purple Gas Clouds for zoning and Yellow Antidote Bottles for pre-chase preparation is key.

13 The Mastermind - Albert Wesker

Never Get Caught In His Attacks

Albert Wesker, introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, is the Mastermind in Dead by Daylight. Bypassing his confrontation with Chris Redfield, Wesker enters the Fog, using the Uroboros Virus to hunt down Survivors. His superior genetics and mutated biology make him a formidable opponent.

How To Play

Albert Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, lunging to auto-Vault over obstacles or interact with Survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus. This virus eventually leads to a Hindered Status Effect. His Perks, including Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced capabilities. To maximize Wesker's effectiveness, players should focus on controlling map space and finishing chases swiftly, using knife attacks when necessary to catch elusive Survivors.

12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

The Trapper, one of Dead by Daylight's original killers, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward kit, centered around bear traps, allows new players to "feel their way around the game." The Trapper's presence is felt through his ability to lock Survivors in place and pursue them effectively.

How To Play The Trapper

The Trapper uses bear traps to control the map and pursue Survivors. Setting traps in strategic locations can lead Survivors away from objectives and into your grasp. While trap placement requires practice, their ease of use makes the Trapper ideal for beginners. His Perks, including Agitation for increased movement speed while carrying a Survivor, enhance his area denial strategy. Mastering pallet and wall destruction, along with Generator damage, further solidifies his presence.

11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Dead by Daylight's roster includes iconic Hollywood monsters like Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character. His dream-stalking persona and auto-stealth ability make him an excellent choice for beginners.

How To Play The Nightmare

Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain visually invisible to Survivors at a distance, making it easier for new players to surprise their prey. As he closes in, Freddy becomes intermittently visible, fully visible at 16 meters. His Perks, such as Fire Up and Remember Me, grow stronger as generators are fixed, and he can block exits temporarily. Freddy's auto-stealth and ability to disrupt Survivor objectives make him a great starting point for learning the Killer role.

10 The Cannibal — Leatherface

The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn. His sweeping chainsaw dash can feel overpowering against new Survivors, though he struggles against more experienced players.

How To Play Leatherface

Leatherface uses his chainsaw to perform a 2-second dash attack, instantly downing any Survivor hit. Starting with three charges, managing his tantrum meter is crucial, as a full meter causes him to stop and swing wildly, downing nearby Survivors but halting his movement. Balancing his power with tantrum management is key, especially against Survivors adept at looping.

9 The Deathslinger

Released in the Chains of Hate DLC, The Deathslinger offers a unique ranged ability that appeals to FPS fans. His harpoon gun requires good aim, making him a challenging yet rewarding choice for new players.

How To Play Deathslinger

Deathslinger's harpoon gun allows him to reel in Survivors, leaving them injured with Deep Wounds. His Perks may not be meta, but they suffice in new player lobbies. Mastering his single-shot weapon and managing reloads is crucial. Controller users may find his aiming challenging due to limited sensitivity options.

8 The Trickster

Initially considered weak, The Trickster received a significant buff on July 27, 2021, enhancing his viability. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at Survivors, building their laceration meter and dealing damage.

How To Play The Trickster

The Trickster throws blades to build up the laceration meter, damaging Survivors after six hits. Activating Main Event allows for rapid, unlimited blade throws, downing Survivors nearby. Restocking blades from lockers is essential. Like other ranged killers, the Trickster requires good aim, which can be challenging on controllers.

7 The Huntress

The Huntress, available to all players, is identified by her haunting tune. Though challenging to master, her power is simple and easy to learn, making her a good choice for new players.

How To Play The Huntress

The Huntress primes and throws hatchets, which can be challenging without a crosshair or sights. Her lunging attack and hatchets make her a threat from any distance. Restocking hatchets at lockers is necessary. While difficult to master, her intuitive power suits beginners well.

6 Legion

Legion is one of the most mobile killers, with unmatched speed on foot. Their Feral Frenzy power is easy to learn but can be frustrating at higher levels.

How To Play Legion

In Feral Frenzy, Legion sprints and chains attacks, injuring Survivors with Deep Wounds. They can't down Survivors during this state, requiring them to finish off Survivors outside of the power. This makes Legion easy to learn but challenging against experienced players.

5 The Doctor

The Doctor is formidable, especially against new Survivors. His power, classified as "Hard," induces Madness in Survivors, making him a challenging yet rewarding choice.

How To Play The Doctor

The Doctor uses Static Blast to induce Madness within his terror radius and Shock Therapy to target specific areas. As Madness builds, Survivors suffer from negative effects like backward skill checks and hallucinations. Mastering the Doctor involves understanding these effects and using them strategically.

4 The Pig — Amanda Young

Amanda Young, The Pig from the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with a unique crouching ability that removes her terror radius. Though tricky to play, her rewards are significant.

How To Play The Pig

From a crouched state, The Pig can perform an Ambush Dash, sprinting forward to 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 using a key from Jigsaw boxes. The Pig's complexity is balanced by the ease of understanding her power.

3 The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, offers a user-friendly yet challenging chainsaw rush ability. While easy to learn, mastering it can be difficult.

How To Play The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush propels him forward at twice his regular speed, downing Survivors and breaking pallets and doors. While straightforward, controlling the rush is challenging, especially on controllers. The Hillbilly requires practice to excel, making him less ideal for beginners but rewarding for those who master him.

2 The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is simple to learn and plays differently from other killers. He's considered a late-game killer due to his power's build-up.

How To Play The Shape

Myers builds his power meter by stalking Survivors, becoming more dangerous as the game progresses. At tier three, he can down Survivors in one hit. The key to playing Myers effectively is knowing when to activate tier three and how to maneuver strategically.

1 The Wraith

The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most forgiving choice for beginners. His cloaking ability makes him an excellent starter killer.

How To Play The Wraith

The Wraith cloaks himself with his Wailing Bell, gaining the Undetectable status. He must uncloak to attack, receiving a speed boost upon doing so. The Wraith's simplicity and effectiveness make him a great choice for new players learning the game.