Top 15 Beginner-Friendly Killers in Dead By Daylight: How to Master Them

Summary

• Dead by Daylight features an impressive roster of 26 killers and maintains a strong player base with thousands of monthly players.
• Notable killers like The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique gameplay mechanics and strategies.
• New players are encouraged to start with beginner-friendly killers such as The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith before tackling more complex characters.

Dead by Daylight, launched in 2016, initially offered a simple premise with just three killers and four survivors, centered around a thrilling game of cat and mouse. Few could have predicted its meteoric rise, which has led some to dub it the "Super Smash Bros. of horror." Today, the game boasts an extensive lineup of 26 killers and averages around 62,000 players each month as of July 2021, showcasing its enduring popularity.

The game includes a tutorial that covers the basics of gameplay, but mastering each killer's unique abilities and perks requires practice. Without bot matches to hone skills, newcomers might find it challenging to choose from the array of 24 characters. However, certain killers are more approachable for beginners.

Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam, the anticipation builds for Dead by Daylight's upcoming Licensed Killer and Original Survivor, set to release in March and April 2025, respectively. As fans speculate about the new additions, new players have ample time to explore and master existing killers. Key figures to try include the iconic Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the menacing Clown, and Resident Evil's cunning Albert Wesker.

15 The Beast - The Demogorgon

Cover Distance With Portals

The Demogorgon, an interdimensional creature from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, was introduced in Dead by Daylight's Chapter 13. With its terrifying appearance and deadly abilities, this killer can outmaneuver Survivors using its Portals. The Demogorgon can vanish and reappear unexpectedly, catching Survivors off guard.

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 execute powerful leaping attacks. Strategically placing up to six Portals near Generators, but not too close to be easily spotted, can enhance your chase efficiency. Additionally, the Demogorgon's unique Perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, can disrupt Survivor activities. To maximize effectiveness, use feints with Portal-hopping and Lunges 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 isolation that evolved into a fascination with collecting "keepsakes." Using his connection to a traveling circus as a cover, he transitioned from small animals to humans. His signature anesthetic, now a noxious gas, slows down Survivors, making them vulnerable during chases.

How To Play The Clown

The Clown is a chase specialist, leveraging the Afterpiece Tonic to release clouds of gas that impair Survivors' vision and movement. His Perks, like Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his pursuit capabilities. To master the Clown, players must develop map awareness and strategic use of Tonics. The Purple Gas Cloud is ideal for zoning, while the Yellow Antidote Bottle prepares the Clown 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 superior genetics and mutated biology make him a formidable opponent, using the Uroboros Virus to debilitate Survivors.

How To Play

Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, which can vault obstacles and interact with Survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus that leads to the Hindered Status Effect. His Perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, further enhance his gameplay. To succeed with Wesker, focus on finishing chases efficiently and using map knowledge to control distances.

12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

The Trapper, one of the original killers since Dead by Daylight's launch, remains a popular choice for beginners. His straightforward gameplay revolves around setting bear traps to immobilize Survivors, making it easier to hook them.

How To Play The Trapper

The Trapper's simplicity is his strength. By strategically placing bear traps around the map, you can control key areas and pursue Survivors into your traps. His Perks, like Agitation, enhance his effectiveness. Beginners can easily learn the Trapper's mechanics, making him an excellent starting point.

11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger, introduced in 2017 as a DLC character, brings his iconic dream-stalking abilities to Dead by Daylight. His auto-stealth feature makes him an excellent choice for beginners.

How To Play The Nightmare

Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to remain invisible to Survivors at a distance, making surprise attacks easier. As generators are repaired, his Fire Up perk boosts his action speed. Additionally, he can become obsessed with a Survivor, increasing the time needed to open Exit Gates after striking them. Freddy's ability to block exits temporarily makes him a great choice for new players learning the ropes.

10 The Cannibal — Leatherface

The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn, particularly with his powerful Barbeque & Chili perk. However, he may struggle against more experienced Survivors.

How To Play Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw dash can instantly down Survivors, but managing his tantrum meter is crucial. Balancing his power and tantrums effectively is key to success, especially against Survivors adept at looping.

9 The Deathslinger

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

How To Play Deathslinger

Deathslinger's perks may not be top-tier, but his ability to reel in Survivors with his harpoon gun is potent. A successful hit inflicts Deep Wounds, requiring Survivors to mend or risk being downed. Controller players may find his aim challenging due to limited sensitivity options.

8 The Trickster

Initially considered weak, the Trickster received a significant buff in July 2021, enhancing his viability. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades, building up a laceration meter that can injure or down Survivors.

How To Play The Trickster

Using Showstopper, the Trickster throws blades to fill a Survivor's laceration meter, leading to damage. His Main Event special allows for rapid blade throwing, but he must restock from lockers. Like the Deathslinger, good aim is crucial, and controller users may face challenges due to sensitivity settings.

7 The Huntress

The Huntress, available to all Dead by Daylight players, is identifiable by her haunting hum. Though challenging to master, her power is easy to learn, making her a good choice for beginners.

How To Play The Huntress

The Huntress's hatchet-throwing ability is straightforward but requires practice, especially on cluttered maps. Her lunging attack and the need to restock hatchets at lockers add strategic depth to her gameplay.

6 Legion

Legion is one of the most mobile killers, excelling in speed and chaining attacks during Feral Frenzy. While easy to learn, they can be less effective against experienced players.

How To Play Legion

Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds on Survivors. However, they cannot down Survivors while using this power, requiring players to finish them off without it.

5 The Doctor

The Doctor is formidable against new players, with his ability to induce Madness being extremely powerful when used correctly. His classification as "Hard" stems from the complexity of his power's effects.

How To Play The Doctor

The Doctor's Static Blast and Shock Therapy induce Madness, which escalates through three tiers, imposing severe debuffs on Survivors. Mastering his power involves understanding and leveraging these effects strategically.

4 The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with the ability to crouch and become Undetectable. Her Ambush Dash and reverse bear traps add a unique twist to her gameplay.

How To Play The Pig

From a crouched position, the Pig can perform an Ambush Dash to surprise and attack Survivors. Placing reverse bear traps on downed Survivors can force them to search for keys in Jigsaw boxes, adding pressure and complexity to the match.

3 The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, offers a straightforward but challenging chainsaw rush ability. While easy to learn, it requires skill to use effectively.

How To Play The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush can down Survivors and break obstacles, but it's hard to control. Mastering his movement and timing is crucial for success, especially against skilled Survivors.

2 The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is simple to learn but often considered a late-game threat. His stalking mechanic builds his power, culminating in a deadly tier three state.

How To Play The Shape

Myers builds his power meter by stalking Survivors, which can be activated with the power button. At tier three, he can down Survivors in one hit, making timing and strategic movement key to his effectiveness.

1 The Wraith

The Wraith, one of the original killers, is highly forgiving and ideal for beginners. His cloaking ability allows for stealthy approaches and surprise attacks.

How To Play The Wraith

The Wraith can cloak using his Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and Undetectable. Uncloaking provides a speed boost, enabling quick attacks on unsuspecting Survivors. His straightforward mechanics make him an excellent choice for new players learning the game.