Top 15 Killers for Beginners in Dead By Daylight: Tips and Strategies

Summary

• Dead by Daylight is a popular game with an impressive lineup of 26 killers and thousands of monthly players.
• Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique gameplay strategies and perks.
• Beginners should start with more straightforward killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith to get accustomed to the game.

Dead by Daylight, launched in 2016, initially featured just three killers and four survivors, designed as a hide-and-seek style game where survivors outsmarted the killer to escape. Few could have predicted its meteoric rise. Now dubbed the "Super Smash Bros. of horror," the game has evolved significantly, boasting 26 killers and an average of 62,000 players as of July 2021. While the game offers a tutorial that covers the basics, it leaves the intricacies of each killer's mechanics largely unexplored. Without friends to practice with, as there are no bot matches, selecting from 26 characters can be daunting. However, some killers are more beginner-friendly.

Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With new Licensed Killer and Original Survivor set to be released in March and April 2025, respectively, fans of this acclaimed co-op horror title are buzzing with speculation about the new additions. In the meantime, newcomers can take advantage of the current roster to find their main. Key killers to try include the iconic villain from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, a crazed clown, and the sunglasses-wearing mastermind from Resident Evil.

15 The Beast - The Demogorgon

Cover Distance With Portals

The Demogorgon, an interdimensional being from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, was introduced in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. This terrifying figure can outsmart Survivors trying to escape by using its ability to vanish and reappear unexpectedly.

How To Play The Demogorgon

The Demogorgon leverages surprise attacks through its Portals, allowing it to cover large distances quickly. With its Of the Abyss Power, it senses Survivors near its Portals, enabling sudden, powerful leaping attacks. Strategically placing up to six Portals near but not directly next to Generators can catch Survivors off guard. Its unique Perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge enhance its control over the game environment. Players should frequently fake 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, Kenneth Chase led a life of solitude that evolved into a fascination with living beings. As Jeffrey, he used his circus connections to collect human "keepsakes." His noxious gas, the Afterpiece Tonic, hinders Survivors, making them easier targets.

How To Play The Clown

The Clown excels in chases, using the Afterpiece Tonic to release clouds of gas that impair Survivors' vision and movement. His Perks, such as Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his chasing and Generator regression capabilities. Clown players need to develop game sense and map knowledge to predict Survivor movements, effectively using Purple Gas Clouds for zoning and 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, uses the Uroboros Virus to dominate Survivors. His superior genetics and mutated biology make him a formidable opponent.

How To Play

Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, lunging to auto-Vault or interact with Survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus, which eventually hinders them. His Perks, including Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced capabilities. Wesker players should leverage his power to control distances and finish chases efficiently, using knife attacks strategically against elusive Survivors.

12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

The Trapper, one of the original killers, remains a solid choice for beginners due to his straightforward mechanics and reliance on bear traps. He's perfect for those new to Dead by Daylight, helping them learn the game's dynamics.

How To Play The Trapper

The Trapper uses bear traps to control areas and catch Survivors off guard. His Agitation perk provides a movement speed bonus when carrying a Survivor. Effective trap placement is key, but his easy-to-use kit makes him ideal for beginners. He can also break through pallets and walls more easily, adding to his area denial strategy.

11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017, brings his dream-stalking persona to Dead by Daylight. His auto-stealth ability makes 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 to surprise them. His Fire Up perk increases his action speed as generators are fixed, and he can become obsessed with a Survivor to delay their escape. His ability to block exits temporarily adds to his beginner-friendly nature.

10 The Cannibal — Leatherface

The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is easy to learn but challenging against experienced players. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the killer roster.

How To Play Leatherface

Leatherface uses his chainsaw for a sweeping dash attack, instantly downing Survivors hit during the sprint. Managing his "tantrum" meter is crucial, as it can halt his movement but still down Survivors. Balancing his power and tantrums is key, especially against Survivors adept at looping.

9 The Deathslinger

The Deathslinger, introduced in the Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique FPS-style aiming mechanic. He's a great choice for players who enjoy first-person shooters.

How To Play Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's harpoon gun requires good aim, with a single shot before reloading. Successful hits allow him to reel in Survivors, leaving them injured with Deep Wounds. His ability can be challenging for controller users due to limited sensitivity options.

8 The Trickster

Initially considered weak, the Trickster received a significant buff in July 2021, making him a viable choice. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at Survivors, building their laceration meter.

How To Play The Trickster

The Trickster can throw blades one at a time or continuously, slowing himself down. His Main Event special allows for rapid blade throwing, downing Survivors quickly. Restocking blades from lockers is necessary, and his effectiveness relies on good aim, which can be challenging with a controller.

7 The Huntress

The Huntress, available to all players, is identifiable by her haunting tune. While challenging to master, her power is easy to understand, making her suitable for beginners.

How To Play The Huntress

The Huntress primes and throws hatchets, which can be challenging without a crosshair. Her lunging attack and hatchets make her a threat from a distance. Restocking hatchets from lockers is essential, and her power is intuitive for new players.

6 Legion

Legion is one of the most mobile killers, with a power that's easy to learn but can be frustrating at higher levels.

How To Play Legion

Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, injuring Survivors and afflicting them with Deep Wounds. They can't down Survivors during Feral Frenzy, requiring players to finish them off outside of the power. This makes Legion easy to learn but less effective against experienced players.

5 The Doctor

The Doctor is considered challenging for Survivors, especially in new lobbies. His power is complex but extremely effective when used correctly.

How To Play The Doctor

The Doctor uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to induce Madness in Survivors, causing them to scream and reveal their positions. Madness has three tiers, each increasing negative effects like backward skill checks and hallucinations. The Doctor's power is a constant debuff that requires minimal effort to maintain.

4 The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with a unique crouching ability that grants the Undetectable effect.

How To Play The Pig

From a crouched state, The Pig can perform an Ambush Dash to sprint and attack Survivors. She can also place reverse bear traps on downed Survivors, which activate after a generator is completed and can kill the wearer unless they find the right key. Her ability is easy to understand but requires strategic use.

3 The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to zoom forward and down Survivors.

How To Play The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is straightforward but hard to control, especially for controller users. It can destroy pallets and breakable doors, but players must master turning and maneuvering to avoid being dodged or baited into obstacles.

2 The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers, the first licensed killer, is simple to learn but plays differently from other killers, often considered a late-game threat.

How To Play The Shape

Myers builds his power meter by stalking Survivors, which can be activated to highlight them. At tier three, he can down Survivors in one hit. The skill lies in knowing when to activate tier three and how to move effectively.

1 The Wraith

The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most forgiving and ideal for beginners learning the game.

How To Play The Wraith

The Wraith can cloak himself with the Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and gaining the Undetectable status. He must uncloak to attack, receiving a speed boost upon doing so. His power is easy to learn, making him a great choice for new players.