Since its launch in 2016, Dead by Daylight has evolved from a simple hide-and-seek game into a horror gaming phenomenon, often dubbed the "Super Smash Bros. of horror." Initially featuring just three killers and four survivors, the game now boasts an impressive roster of 26 killers and continues to attract an average of 62 thousand players monthly as of July 2021. This growth showcases the game's enduring appeal and its ability to keep players engaged with regular updates and new content.
The game's tutorial provides a solid foundation for understanding the basics, but mastering the complexities of each killer can be challenging, especially without the option for bot matches. For newcomers, selecting the right killer to start with can be daunting, but some are more beginner-friendly than others.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam, Dead by Daylight is set to introduce a new Licensed Killer in March 2025 and an Original Survivor in April 2025. As fans eagerly await these additions, new players have the perfect opportunity to explore and master the existing killers. Among the must-try killers are iconic figures like the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the menacing Clown, and Resident Evil's Albert Wesker.
15 The Beast - The Demogorgon
Cover Distance With Portals
The Demogorgon, an interdimensional being from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things, was introduced in Chapter 13. This killer's ability to open Portals allows it to cover large distances and surprise Survivors. With its Of the Abyss Power, the Demogorgon can sense Survivors near its Portals, enabling swift and powerful attacks. Players can set up to six Portals across the map to enhance their chase strategy, though Survivors can seal them if spotted.
The Demogorgon's unique Perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, further enhance its gameplay by affecting Generator repairs and Survivor status effects. To maximize effectiveness, players should strategically place Portals near Generators and use feints to keep Survivors guessing.
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 that turned into a fascination with collecting "keepsakes" from humans. His signature Afterpiece Tonic releases noxious gas that hinders Survivors' vision and movement, making them easy targets during chases.
The Clown's Perks, including Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his chase capabilities. Players must develop strong game sense and map knowledge to effectively use the Clown, juggling Tonics to zone chokepoints and prepare for chases.
13 The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Never Get Caught In His Attacks
Introduced in Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W, Albert Wesker, known as the Mastermind, uses the Uroboros Virus to dominate Survivors. His Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, auto-Vaulting over obstacles and infecting Survivors with the Uroboros Virus, which eventually hinders their movement.
Wesker's Perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced genetic makeup and enhance his gameplay. Players should leverage his power to control distance and finish chases efficiently, using map knowledge to outplay Survivors.
12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's launch, remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward kit revolves around setting bear traps to lock Survivors in place, making him an excellent Area Denial Killer. Evan's ability to gain a movement speed bonus while carrying a Survivor and his capacity to break through pallets and walls make him a formidable presence on the map.
New players can easily grasp the Trapper's mechanics, using his traps to control the map and pursue Survivors effectively. His ability to do increased damage to generators and impose skill check penalties on Survivors further solidifies his role as a beginner-friendly killer.
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 Dream Demon power allows him to remain visually invisible to Survivors at a distance, making him an excellent choice for beginners looking to surprise their opponents.
Freddy's Fire Up perk increases his action speed as generators are fixed, and his ability to become obsessed with a Survivor can delay their escape. His auto-stealth and ability to block exits make him a great pick for those learning the ropes of playing a killer.
10 The Cannibal — Leatherface
The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn. His chainsaw dash attack can instantly down Survivors, making him a formidable opponent against new players. However, his effectiveness diminishes against more experienced Survivors due to his tantrum mechanic, which can halt his movement.
Leatherface's Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the killer roster, making him a worthwhile choice for beginners looking to master the game's mechanics.
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 allows him to reel in Survivors, inflicting Deep Wounds that can down them if not mended in time. While his perks may not be meta, they are suitable for new player lobbies.
Players, especially those familiar with FPS games, should give The Deathslinger a try, though mastering his aim can be challenging, particularly for controller users due to limited sensitivity options.
8 The Trickster
Initially considered one of the weakest killers, The Trickster received a significant buff on July 27, 2021, making him a more viable choice. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at Survivors, building up their laceration meter and causing damage upon reaching full capacity.
The Trickster's Main Event special enables him to throw an unlimited number of blades quickly, downing Survivors in a small area. Like the Deathslinger, his effectiveness relies on good aim, which can be challenging for controller users.
7 The Huntress
The Huntress, available to all players, is identifiable by her haunting tune. While she is one of the harder killers to master, her power is simple to understand, making her a good choice for beginners. Her hatchets can catch Survivors off-guard, but restocking them at lockers is necessary.
Though challenging to master, especially on controllers, The Huntress's intuitive power and decent lunging attack make her a great option for new players looking to learn the game.
6 Legion
Legion is one of the most mobile killers in Dead by Daylight, with nearly unmatched speed on foot. Their Feral Frenzy power allows them to sprint and chain attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds on Survivors. While easy to learn, Legion's inability to down Survivors during Feral Frenzy makes them one of the weaker killers at higher levels.
Legion's mobility and straightforward power make them an excellent choice for beginners looking to understand the game's mechanics.
5 The Doctor
The Doctor is known for his powerful ability to induce Madness in Survivors, making him a challenging opponent, especially for new players. His Static Blast and Shock Therapy powers can reveal Survivor positions and inflict debilitating effects, such as backward skill checks and hallucinations.
While classified as "Hard" due to the complexity of his power's effects, The Doctor's ability to control the game through Madness makes him a rewarding choice for players willing to learn his mechanics.
4 The Pig — Amanda Young
The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, offers a stealthy playstyle with her ability to crouch and become Undetectable. Her Ambush Dash allows her to surprise Survivors, and her reverse bear traps add a strategic element to the game, forcing Survivors to find keys in Jigsaw boxes to avoid instant death.
While more complex than some other killers, The Pig's unique mechanics and iconic traps make her a rewarding choice for players looking to master a stealth-based killer.
3 The Hillbilly
Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush allows him to zoom forward at twice his regular speed, instantly downing Survivors and breaking obstacles. While his power is easy to learn, controlling the chainsaw rush can be challenging, especially for controller users.
The Hillbilly's straightforward mechanics make him a good choice for beginners, though mastering his control is essential for success against experienced Survivors.
2 The Shape — Michael Myers
As the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, Michael Myers offers a simple yet effective power. By stalking Survivors, players can build his meter to reach tier three, allowing one-hit downs. His late-game potential makes him a formidable opponent once his power is charged.
Michael Myers is an excellent choice for new players due to his straightforward mechanics, though mastering the timing of his tier three activation is key to success.
1 The Wraith
As one of the original killers, The Wraith's forgiving power makes him the best option for beginners. His ability to cloak and uncloak, granting the Undetectable status and a speed boost, allows new players to learn the game's mechanics while remaining competitive.
The Wraith's ease of use and availability to all players make him an ideal starting point for those new to Dead by Daylight, offering a fun and engaging experience as they learn the ropes.
