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

Dead by Daylight, launched in 2016 with a modest three killers and four survivors, has exploded in popularity. Initially a simple hide-and-seek game, it's evolved into a complex and thrilling experience, boasting 26 killers and an average of 62,000 players (as of July 2021). While the game offers a basic tutorial, mastering each killer requires practice. The absence of bot matches makes this challenging for solo players, but several killers provide gentler learning curves for newcomers.

Updated January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With new licensed Killer and Original Survivor releases slated for March and April 2025, anticipation is high. While speculation abounds, now's the perfect time for new players to explore the existing roster and find their main Killer.

15. The Beast - The Demogorgon

Hailing from the hit series Stranger Things (and Dungeons & Dragons), the Demogorgon arrived in Chapter 13. This interdimensional being utilizes Portals to outmaneuver Survivors, appearing unexpectedly and launching powerful leaping attacks.

How to Play: The Demogorgon's strength lies in surprise attacks. Master the placement of six Portals across the map to efficiently chase Survivors. Its unique Perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, further enhance its Portal-based strategies. Practice faking Portal hops and lunges to keep Survivors off balance.

14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

Before the Fog claimed him, Kenneth Chase was a solitary child fascinated by the living. His adulthood, spent as "Jeffrey" in a traveling circus, saw him collect "keepsakes"—human fingers. Now, as the Clown, he uses anesthetic gas to hinder Survivors, setting them up for the kill.

How to Play: The Clown excels in chases, utilizing Afterpiece Tonic to release noxious gas clouds. His Perks—Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel—reinforce his chase capabilities. Learn to anticipate Survivor movements and effectively manage your Tonics, using Purple Gas for zoning and Yellow Antidote for pre-chase preparation.

13. The Mastermind - Albert Wesker

Chapter 25: Resident Evil: PROJECT W introduced the iconic Albert Wesker. In Dead by Daylight, he leverages the Uroboros Virus to infect and subdue Survivors. His superior genetics and mutated biology make him a formidable opponent.

How to Play: Wesker's Virulent Bond allows charged lunge attacks, auto-vaulting over obstacles or infecting Survivors. His Perks—Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus—enhance his control over the hunt. Master his range and the infection mechanic to maximize effectiveness.

12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

A classic from the original 2016 release, The Trapper remains a solid choice for beginners. His straightforward trap-based gameplay allows new players to grasp the fundamentals without overwhelming complexity.

How to Play: The Trapper's strength lies in area denial. Strategically place bear traps to impede Survivor progress and secure easy captures. Mastering trap placement is key, but the simplicity of the mechanic makes it ideal for learning the game.

11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Introduced in 2017, Freddy Krueger brings his iconic dream-stalking abilities to Dead by Daylight. His stealth-based gameplay makes him a relatively easy killer to learn for beginners.

How to Play: Freddy's Dream Demon power grants invisibility at a distance, allowing for surprise attacks. Utilize Fire Up to gain power as generators are repaired and exploit his obsession mechanic to hinder Exit Gate openings.

10. The Cannibal — Leatherface

The Cannibal DLC introduces Leatherface, a relatively easy killer to learn, boasting the highly effective Barbeque & Chili perk. While strong against new Survivors, his effectiveness diminishes against experienced players.

How to Play: Leatherface's chainsaw rush instantly downs Survivors. Manage his tantrum meter carefully, balancing aggressive attacks with the risk of becoming immobile.

9. The Deathslinger

From the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, The Deathslinger offers a unique ranged attack. His FPS-style aiming mechanic makes him appealing to players familiar with first-person shooters, but requires precision.

How to Play: Accuracy is crucial with the Deathslinger. Successful harpoon hits inflict Deep Wounds, potentially downing Survivors. Controller users may find the aiming less intuitive due to the game's lack of advanced sensitivity options.

8. The Trickster

Initially considered weak, a 2021 buff significantly improved The Trickster. His Showstopper power, a ranged throwing knife attack, requires aim but offers high reward.

How to Play: Build up the laceration meter with Showstopper to injure or down Survivors. Main Event allows unlimited blade throws, but requires restocking at lockers. Like the Deathslinger, precise aiming is essential.

7. The Huntress

Available to all players, The Huntress is instantly recognizable by her haunting tune. Her hatchet-throwing power is simple to understand but challenging to master.

How to Play: Prime and throw hatchets, remembering to restock at lockers. While mastering precise throws takes time, her intuitive power and lunge make her accessible to newcomers.

6. Legion

Legion boasts exceptional mobility. While lacking teleportation or blinks, their speed is unmatched. Their power is easy to learn but can be less effective at higher skill levels.

How to Play: Feral Frenzy grants sprinting and chained attacks, allowing for pallet and window slides. However, Survivors cannot be downed while in Feral Frenzy, requiring a follow-up attack.

5. The Doctor

The Doctor is notoriously challenging for Survivors. His Madness-inducing powers are extremely effective when used skillfully, though understanding their mechanics takes time.

How to Play: Use Static Blast and Shock Therapy to inflict Madness, leading to negative effects on Survivors. Mastering the timing and application of these powers is key to success.

4. The Pig — Amanda Young

SAW fans will recognize Amanda Young, The Pig. Her stealth-based gameplay, utilizing the Undetectable status, requires strategic positioning and surprise attacks.

How to Play: Crouch for stealth, using Ambush Dash for surprise attacks. Place reverse bear traps on downed Survivors, forcing them to find keys before time runs out.

3. The Hillbilly

Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush offers a high-risk, high-reward approach. Controlling this power requires practice and precision.

How to Play: The chainsaw rush instantly downs Survivors but is difficult to control, especially for controller users. Mastering maneuvering and aiming is crucial for effectiveness.

2. The Shape — Michael Myers

The iconic Michael Myers is a meter-based killer. Building his power through stalking allows for devastating one-hit downs at tier three, but requires patience and strategic timing.

How to Play: Stalking builds Myers' power meter. Reaching tier three grants one-hit downs, but the meter depletes quickly. Strategic stalking and timing are key to success.

1. The Wraith

One of the original three killers, The Wraith offers a forgiving power for beginners. His cloaking ability allows for surprise attacks and quick escapes.

How to Play: Use the Wailing Bell to cloak, becoming Undetectable. Uncloaking grants a speed boost for attacks. His simple yet effective power makes him an excellent starting point for new players.

Summary

• Dead by Daylight features 26 killers and maintains consistent popularity.
• Key killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique strategic challenges.
• Beginners should start with easier killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith before progressing to more complex options.