Shortly after I published my previous piece on beginner survival strategies in Dead by Daylight, my favorite game introduced a new killer known as “The Artist.” Although it is currently in the Public Test Build phase, numerous streamers have already experimented with it and provided insights for players in anticipation of its official launch in the coming weeks.
To introduce this new character, I’ve put together a collection of essential tips for beginners. Although I don’t claim to be an authority on every killer, I trust that these insights I’ve gained from observing streamers will provide a helpful starting point for your journey as a killer.
Introduction
As noted in the introduction of this article, Dead by Daylight features a 4vs1 gameplay dynamic, where four survivors collaborate to escape the map by repairing generators, while a single killer attempts to thwart their efforts by attacking and sacrificing them. Although the uneven number of players on each side may seem perplexing, the survivors’ primary goal of repairing generators significantly contributes to the challenge posed by the more numerous side of the game.
Moreover, both killers and survivors can equip a maximum of four perks that enhance their abilities for their specific roles. However, killers possess distinct powers that add a unique twist to the gameplay. These powers are exclusive traits that cannot be transferred to other killers, unlike perks, which can be rearranged. Currently, there are 26 killers, each with their own unique power (excluding The Artist, which is not yet released to the public). In comparison, there are 90 perks available for killers and 101 for survivors.
An intriguing aspect of powers in the game is that they provide survivors with valuable insights that can help them anticipate the killer’s tactics. Essentially, once survivors identify the killer, they can start devising their game plan based on the killer’s abilities, assuming they have done their research. For example, if the killer is adept at stealth (like Ghostface), can move at high speed (like Blight), or has the ability to teleport (like Nurse), survivors are likely to be more vigilant in their surroundings. Similarly, if the killer has a distinctive sound (like Huntress), survivors may pay closer attention to detect the killer’s approach. Therefore, it is advisable for both killers and survivors—especially those who primarily play as survivors—to experiment with or at least observe the game from the killers’ viewpoints. This can enhance their understanding of decision-making and the capabilities of each power.
1. Select Your Combatant
For a novice player who is just starting out, it’s perfectly fine to experiment with the abilities of different killers without equipping any perks or aiming for a victory. At this point, the key is to test out various powers and discover which one aligns best with your preferred way of playing.
I have compiled a list of 27 killers, including The Artist, detailing their strengths and weaknesses, along with my subjective assessment of their difficulty for novice players. It’s important to note that this assessment is entirely my own and is influenced by individual skill levels and playstyles. If you have a different perspective on any of the ratings, I welcome you to share your thoughts in the comments.
Certain perks are fundamental, enhancing the killer’s speed or enhancing their natural abilities to pursue, strike, or ensnare a survivor. In contrast, other perks are more sophisticated, triggering under particular conditions, like temporarily obstructing the exit gate or accumulating totems for a power boost. The more complex perks are typically associated with specific killers, but they can also be found in the store for exchange, even if the killer’s chapter hasn’t been bought. These perks generally demand greater foresight and strategic planning.
A novice killer-main should focus on acquiring all the perks accessible to their chosen killer at the start. Gradually, they can work on obtaining additional fundamental perks before exploring other killers, unless they possess an exceptionally strong perk. Ultimately, the variety and quantity of perks will be influenced by what can be found in the Bloodweb and the number of blood points earned.
3. Show Kindness, Even When Others Are Unkind.
In any multiplayer game, it’s essential to treat all players with kindness, whether they are on the offensive or defensive side of your team. In a game like Dead by Daylight, which features a 4vs1 setup, the killer has no allies, which can be particularly frustrating when facing off against more skilled and toxic survivors. This can lead to experiences such as being blinded by multiple flashlight beams, encountering survivors with powerful perks, dealing with excessive noise, or facing players who hide or linger at the escape gate. Additionally, inappropriate gestures may be used, and the end-of-game chat can often be filled with derogatory terms like “noob,” “ez,” and “stupid.”
Initially, you might wonder if your skills in the game are simply lacking. If you’re a newcomer, it’s quite possible that you are, and that’s perfectly understandable. However, resorting to insults and belittling that lack of experience is a form of toxicity. Everyone has to begin their journey somewhere, and instead of resorting to negativity, a more experienced player could either outmaneuver you as if they were facing a more skilled opponent or offer you a chance to improve. When I first took on the role of a Huntress, a player who had previously excelled in that role reached out to share some helpful advice and encouraged me. That support gave me the confidence to keep practicing, and even though I still struggle, their kind words inspire me to keep honing my skills in hopes of getting better in the future.
As a novice killer without a teammate to shield you from toxicity, what steps should you take? When faced with toxic behavior during a match, it’s understandable to leave, as your time is precious, even if such behavior is generally disapproved of and may incur penalties. If you encounter toxicity in the end-game chat, you can simply exit and start a new match, without the need to engage further—just report the offenders or leave negative feedback on their accounts. If they are disrespectful, it’s best to disregard their toxic comments that may impede your progress. One of the perks of being a killer is that you are solely accountable for your own mistakes, so you need not feel guilty for your shortcomings. On the flip side, you are the one who can take pride in your achievements, and you are entitled to celebrate a well-played game, regardless of the outcome.
Conversely, as a killer, it’s important to consider certain fair play tactics. Primarily, think about whether you’re allowing the survivors a fair opportunity to challenge you. If you focus solely on one player, neglecting to pursue others, the experience can become quite dull for the opposing team. Additionally, if you strike a survivor right after they’ve been rescued from the hook, they are likely to perish quickly, resulting in a game that feels too brief to be enjoyable for anyone involved.
Instead, aim to balance your focus across the game. When you catch a survivor, consider moving away to search for others in the distance. If you witness a survivor being rescued, pursue the one who intervened. If a survivor’s teammates are either disconnected or eliminated, consider going easy on the last one, possibly allowing them to escape through the hatch. While it might feel strange to release your target, there are times when you might need to set these guidelines aside to secure a victory. However, these guidelines are in place to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to engage in their role. Always keep in mind that enjoying the game is more important than simply winning in a title like Dead by Daylight.
Are you prepared to embark on your journey as a beginner? Let’s dive into the next exciting game!
Sources
- https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/11/12/dead-by-daylight-chapter-22-release-date/
- https://deadbydaylight.fandom.com/wiki/Carmina_Mora
- https://deadbydaylight.fandom.com/wiki/Powers
- https://deadbydaylight.fandom.com/wiki/Perks
Sources of Images
- https://www.ign.com/games/dead-by-daylight
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Z8DiX5wJY
- https://gfycat.com/identicalglumirukandjijellyfish-deadbydaylight-claudette-generator
- https://www.sporcle.com/games/geek/name-the-perks-in-dead-by-daylight
- https://forum.deadbydaylight.com/en/discussion/105435/the-oni-perks-power-survivor-perks?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=y9KrttRvu_R1kIQ2PcGG55HzYKMVDyuGUGRM8.ZvhxU-1637814373-0-gaNycGzNChE
- https://www.reddit.com/r/deadbydaylight/comments/6fiaj0/do_you_guys_remember_the_old_lvl_30s_bloodwebs/https://tenor.com/view/dead-by-daylight-ghostface-dbd-nodding-nod-gif-16053992
