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 now considered by many to be the "Super Smash Bros. of horror," 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 experience. Lacking bot matches, practicing without friends is challenging. However, some killers are more beginner-friendly than others.
Updated January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With new Licensed Killer and Original Survivor releases slated for March and April 2025, newcomers have ample time to master their preferred Killer. Consider trying iconic characters like the Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker.
15. The Beast - The Demogorgon
The Demogorgon, from *Stranger Things* and *Dungeons & Dragons*, arrived in Chapter 13. Its ability to open and utilize Portals for surprise attacks makes it a formidable opponent. The Demogorgon's "Of the Abyss" Power allows it to sense Survivors near Portals, enabling swift ambushes. Six Portals can be strategically placed across the map, although Survivors can seal them. Unique Perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge further enhance its Portal-based strategies. Mastering feigned Portal hops and lunges is key to keeping Survivors off-balance.
14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
Kenneth Chase, a solitary child fascinated by life, evolved into "Jeffrey," a traveling circus performer who used his position to collect "keepsakes" from humans. His signature anesthetic gas clouds hinder Survivors, making them vulnerable. Perks like Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel amplify his chase capabilities. Effective Clown gameplay requires strategic use of Afterpiece Tonics and understanding when to prioritize chases versus generator regression.
13. The Mastermind - Albert Wesker
Chapter 25: *Resident Evil: PROJECT W* introduced Albert Wesker, utilizing the Uroboros Virus to eliminate Survivors. His "Virulent Bond" Power allows charged lunge attacks, auto-vaulting over obstacles or infecting Survivors with a hindering status effect. Perks like Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus reflect his superior genetics. Effective Wesker play involves leveraging his range and controlling distances to maximize his deadly potential.
12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
A classic choice since 2016, The Trapper remains a solid beginner option. His straightforward bear traps, combined with the movement speed bonus from Agitation, allow for effective area denial. Mastering trap placement is crucial, but their simplicity makes them ideal for learning the game's mechanics. The Trapper's ability to easily break pallets and walls, coupled with his generator damage and imposing presence, further enhances his effectiveness.
11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger
Introduced in 2017, Freddy Krueger's auto-stealth ability makes him beginner-friendly. His Dream Demon power allows invisibility at a distance, making surprise attacks easier. Perks like Fire Up and his obsession mechanic enhance his ability to control the game's pace and block exits, making him a strong choice for new Killer players.
10. The Cannibal — Leatherface
Leatherface, from the *Texas Chainsaw Massacre*, offers an easy-to-learn kit with the powerful Barbeque & Chili perk. His chainsaw sprint instantly downs Survivors, but managing the "tantrum" meter requires skill and strategic thinking. While effective against newer Survivors, his effectiveness diminishes against experienced players.
9. The Deathslinger
The Deathslinger, released in 2020, offers a unique ranged ability reminiscent of FPS games. His harpoon gun allows for reeling in Survivors, inflicting Deep Wounds. While his perks aren't meta, his straightforward power is easy to grasp but requires good aim, potentially frustrating for controller users due to the game's limited sensitivity options.
8. The Trickster
Significantly buffed in July 2021, The Trickster's Showstopper ability involves throwing blades to build up a laceration meter, ultimately injuring or downing Survivors. Main Event allows for unlimited blade throws, but requires restocking at lockers. Like the Deathslinger, good aim is crucial, and controller users may find the limited sensitivity options challenging.
7. The Huntress
The Huntress's power is simple: throwing hatchets. While mastering her accuracy takes time, her intuitive ability and strong lunge attack make her a good starting point. Hatchet restocking at lockers is a key element to her gameplay.
6. Legion
Legion's high mobility and Feral Frenzy power, allowing for chained attacks and vaulting over obstacles, makes them a fast-paced Killer. However, the inability to down Survivors while in Feral Frenzy and the lack of scratch marks requires a different strategic approach. This makes them easy to learn but weaker overall.
5. The Doctor
The Doctor's Madness effect, induced by Static Blast and Shock Therapy, creates significant challenges for Survivors. Managing Madness levels and understanding its effects on Survivors requires strategic thinking and game knowledge. While classified as "Hard," this is due to the complexity of his power, not necessarily its difficulty to learn.
4. The Pig — Amanda Young
The Pig's stealth-based gameplay, utilizing the Undetectable status while crouched, allows for surprise attacks. The reverse bear traps add a strategic layer, requiring Survivors to find keys within a time limit. Her power is relatively easy to understand, but mastering her stealth tactics requires practice.
3. The Hillbilly
Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is a high-risk, high-reward ability. Mastering its control, especially on controllers, is challenging due to its unpredictable trajectory. While easy to learn, consistently hitting Survivors requires skill and map awareness.
2. The Shape — Michael Myers
Michael Myers's power is based on building a meter through stalking. Reaching tier three allows for one-hit downs, but requires strategic stalking and timing. While the core mechanic is simple, effective gameplay involves understanding when to activate tier three and how to control the map.
1. The Wraith
The Wraith's cloaking ability, activated by his Wailing Bell, offers a forgiving power for beginners. The Undetectable status and speed boost upon uncloaking make him a strong and easy-to-learn option for new Killer players.
