Top 15 Beginner-Friendly Killers in Dead By Daylight: Strategies Included

Summary

• Dead by Daylight features an extensive roster of 26 killers and maintains a robust player base, averaging 62,000 monthly players as of July 2021.
• Standout killers such as The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker offer unique gameplay strategies and perks.
• New players are advised to start with user-friendly killers like The Trapper, The Nightmare, and The Wraith before exploring more complex characters.

Since its launch in 2016, Dead by Daylight has evolved from a simple hide-and-seek horror game into a multifaceted experience often dubbed the "Super Smash Bros. of horror." Initially featuring only three killers and four survivors, the game now boasts an impressive lineup of 26 killers, captivating players worldwide. With an average of 62,000 monthly players as of July 2021, Dead by Daylight continues to thrive.

The game offers a basic tutorial that covers the fundamentals of gameplay, but mastering each killer's unique abilities and strategies requires practice. Without the option for bot matches, new players might find it challenging to experiment with different killers. However, beginners can start with more accessible characters before tackling the more intricate ones.

Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: As Dead by Daylight gears up for the release of a new Licensed Killer in March 2025 and an Original Survivor in April 2025, anticipation builds around these upcoming additions. While the community speculates on the identity of the new killer, newcomers have the perfect opportunity to familiarize themselves with the current roster. Key killers to consider include the iconic Demogorgon from Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, the menacing Clown, and the strategic mastermind, Albert Wesker from Resident Evil.

15 The Beast - The Demogorgon

Cover Distance With Portals

The Demogorgon, an interdimensional entity from the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons, was introduced to Dead by Daylight in Chapter 13: Stranger Things. Its fearsome appearance, complete with a gaping mouth full of teeth, is matched by its ability to outmaneuver survivors. The Demogorgon can vanish and reappear unexpectedly, making it a formidable opponent.

How To Play The Demogorgon

The Demogorgon's strength lies in its surprise attacks facilitated by its Portals. Using the Of the Abyss Power, it can sense survivors near its Portals and launch a powerful leaping attack. Up to six Portals can be strategically placed across the map to enhance chase capabilities, though survivors can seal visible Portals. The Demogorgon's unique perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, further enhance its gameplay by affecting generator repairs and survivor statuses. Players should position Portals near generators without making them too obvious and use feints to keep survivors off-balance.

14 The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh

Before becoming the Clown, Kenneth Chase, known as Jeffrey Hawk, led a life marked by isolation and a fascination with living beings. His journey from collecting animal "keepsakes" to human fingers under the guise of a circus performer led him to the Fog. In Dead by Daylight, the Clown uses noxious gas to slow down and disorient survivors, setting the stage for his deadly pursuits.

How To Play The Clown

The Clown's Afterpiece Tonic releases clouds of gas that hinder survivors' vision and movement, making them ideal for chases. His perks, such as Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, enhance his ability to pursue and disrupt survivors. Players must develop keen map awareness and timing to effectively use the Clown's gas, alternating between Purple Gas Clouds for zoning and Yellow Antidote Bottles for pre-chase preparation.

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. Bypassing his confrontation with Chris Redfield, Wesker enters the Fog with the Uroboros Virus, using his superior genetics and mutated biology to hunt down survivors.

How To Play

Wesker's Virulent Bond allows him to charge a Bound Attack, enabling auto-vaults and interactions with survivors that inflict the Uroboros Virus. This virus leads to a Hindered Status Effect over time. His perks, including Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, capitalize on his genetic advantages. Players should leverage Wesker's power to control distances and use knife attacks strategically against elusive survivors.

12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

The Trapper, one of the original killers in Dead by Daylight, remains a solid choice for beginners due to his straightforward mechanics. Evan MacMillan uses bear traps to immobilize survivors, making them easy targets for hooking.

How To Play The Trapper

The Trapper's simplicity lies in his bear traps, which he places strategically to ensnare survivors. With a movement speed bonus from Agitation when carrying a survivor, The Trapper excels in area denial. New players can learn the game's dynamics by mastering trap placement and utilizing his ability to break through pallets and walls, as well as damage generators.

11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger, introduced as a DLC character in 2017, brings his iconic dream-stalking persona to Dead by Daylight. His auto-stealthing ability makes him an accessible choice for beginners.

How To Play The Nightmare

Freddy's Dream Demon power keeps him invisible to survivors at a distance, becoming visible only when close. This stealth advantage helps new players surprise survivors. As generators are repaired, Freddy's Fire Up perk increases his action speed, and his ability to become obsessed with a survivor can delay exit gate openings. His auto-stealth and strategic perks make him an excellent starter killer.

10 The Cannibal — Leatherface

The Cannibal, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, offers a powerful yet straightforward ability for beginners. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly versatile across the killer roster.

How To Play Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw dash attack can down survivors instantly, though managing his "tantrum" meter is crucial. Balancing his power with the risk of tantrums requires practice, especially against experienced survivors who can exploit his limitations.

9 The Deathslinger

The Deathslinger, introduced in the 2020 Chains of Hate DLC, appeals to FPS enthusiasts with his aim-based harpoon gun. While his perks may not be meta, his ability is straightforward but challenging to master.

How To Play Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's harpoon gun can reel in survivors, leaving them injured and suffering from Deep Wounds. However, controller users may find his aim challenging due to limited sensitivity options in Dead by Daylight.

8 The Trickster

Initially considered weak, the Trickster received a significant buff on July 27, 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 individually or continuously, with the latter slowing him down. His Main Event special allows for rapid blade throwing, downing survivors quickly. Restocking blades from lockers is essential, and his reliance on aim can be challenging for controller users.

7 The Huntress

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

How To Play The Huntress

The Huntress primes and throws hatchets, requiring players to develop their aim, especially on cluttered maps. Restocking hatchets at lockers is necessary, and her intuitive power makes her a solid choice for new players.

6 Legion

Legion's mobility makes them one of the fastest killers on foot. Their Feral Frenzy power is easy to learn but can be frustrating against seasoned survivors.

How To Play Legion

Legion's Feral Frenzy allows them to sprint and chain attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds on survivors. While they cannot down survivors during the frenzy, they can quickly move between targets, requiring players to finish off survivors outside of the power.

5 The Doctor

The Doctor's Madness-inducing powers make him a challenging opponent for new survivors. His abilities are complex but highly effective when used correctly.

How To Play The Doctor

The Doctor's Static Blast and Shock Therapy induce Madness in survivors, causing various debilitating effects. Mastering his powers requires understanding the different levels of Madness and their impacts on survivors.

4 The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, offers stealth gameplay with her crouching ability and reverse bear traps. While challenging, her mechanics are rewarding to learn.

How To Play The Pig

From a crouched position, The Pig can perform an Ambush Dash to attack survivors. Downed survivors can be fitted with reverse bear traps that activate after generator completion, requiring survivors to find keys in Jigsaw boxes to survive.

3 The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to down survivors and destroy obstacles. His power is easy to learn but hard to master.

How To Play The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush propels him forward at high speed, downing survivors on impact. Controlling the rush is challenging, especially for controller users, but essential for effective gameplay.

2 The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers, the first licensed killer, offers a simple yet strategic gameplay style. His stalking ability makes him a late-game threat.

How To Play The Shape

Myers builds his power meter by stalking survivors, eventually reaching a tier three state where he can down survivors in one hit. Timing and strategic stalking are key to maximizing 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.

How To Play The Wraith

The Wraith cloaks using his Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible and undetectable. Uncloaking grants a speed boost, allowing for quick attacks. His straightforward power makes him a great starting point for new players learning the killer role.