Dead by Daylight: Game Introduction

Overview

Genre & Core Gameplay

• Genre: Asymmetric multiplayer survival horror, action, stealth


• Core Loop: In each match, four Survivors must repair five generators to power the exit gates and escape, while one Killer hunts them down to sacrifice them to the Entity—a malevolent cosmic force. The game emphasizes cat-and-mouse tactics, resource management (pallets, lockers, items), and outsmarting opponents rather than direct combat.




Developer & Publisher




• Developer: Behaviour Interactive (based in Montréal, Canada)


• Publisher: Behaviour Interactive (self-publishing since 2018; previously Starbreeze Studios)


• Additional Licensors: Numerous film, game, and pop culture franchises (e.g., Halloween, Stranger Things, Silent Hill, Resident Evil)

Release Timeline

Platforms (Current)

• PC: Windows (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store)


• Console: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch


• Cross-Platform Play: Full cross-play across all platforms (except mobile, which is discontinued). Cross-progression available between Steam and Epic, and within console families.




Story Overview & Setting



The game is set in a nightmarish realm called The Entity’s Realm—an endless, foggy dimension created and sustained by the Entity. This ancient, incomprehensible being feeds on the hope and emotions of living beings. It abducts killers and survivors from various times, places, and even fictional universes, trapping them in an endless cycle of trials. Survivors must complete objectives to escape, while Killers act as the Entity’s agents, sacrificing victims to maintain the realm.

No true “ending” exists; the lore unfolds through character backstories, in-game tomes (archives), and seasonal events. The narrative explores themes of survival, trauma, and sacrifice, with each character offering a piece of a larger puzzle.



Main Characters (Original and Licensed)





Original Survivors (Sample):



• Dwight Fairfield – The leader archetype, excels at teamwork.


• Meg Thomas – The athlete, fast and agile.


• Claudette Morel – The botanist, heals efficiently.


• Jake Park – The lone survivor, skilled in sabotage and stealth.




Original Killers (Sample):



• The Trapper – Sets bear traps to immobilize survivors.


• The Wraith – Cloaks and moves invisibly, then strikes.


• The Hillbilly – Chainsaw-wielding, one-shot-down rusher.


• The Nurse – Teleports via blink attacks, high skill gap.




Licensed Killers & Survivors:



• Michael Myers (Halloween) – Stalks, then tiered Evil Within power.


• The Shape (same as Myers) – Extremely iconic.


• Leatherface (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) – Chainsaw combos.


• Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) – Dream world.


• The Oni (original, inspired by samurai folklore) – Rages when absorbing blood.


• The Ghost Face (Scream franchise) – Stealth stalker.


• Nemesis (Resident Evil) – Tentacle attacks, zombie summoning.


• Xenomorph (Alien franchise) – Crawls on walls, tail attack.


• Chucky (Child’s Play) – Small hitbox, scamper ability.


• Survivors include: Bill Overbeck (Left 4 Dead), Ash Williams (Evil Dead), Cheryl Mason (Silent Hill), Jill Valentine & Leon Kennedy (Resident Evil), Ellen Ripley (Alien), Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), Nicolas Cage (as himself), and many more.




Core Appeal & What Makes It Unique




• True Asymmetry: No two matches play the same. The Killer has vastly different abilities, and Survivors must adapt to each unique threat.


• Horror Atmosphere: Dark environments, eerie sound design, and jump scares create tension. The power role lets you feel like the monster.


• Endless Variety: Over 30 Killers and 40+ Survivors with distinct perks, add-ons, and playstyles. Perk combinations create near-infinite build possibilities.


• Iconic Crossovers: Play as or against legendary horror icons from film, TV, and video games—an unprecedented roster in gaming.


• Skill Expression: Mind games (predicting movements, faking directions), looping (running around obstacles), flashlight saves, and timing add depth.


• Constant Updates: New chapters (every ~3 months) add a Killer, a Survivor, and a new map, plus monthly balance patches and seasonal events.


• Community-Driven: The game has a dedicated fanbase, active content creators, and a thriving competitive scene (tournaments, ranked modes).




Target Audience




• Players who enjoy multiplayer horror with tension and teamwork.


• Fans of horror movies and characters (especially slasher films).


• Gamers looking for a high-skill-cap, replayable experience.


• Those who prefer asymmetric PvP over traditional shooters or MOBAs.


• Age 16+ (rated M for Mature due to violence and gore).

Game Modes

• Online: Fully online multiplayer required. No offline mode except Tutorials and Custom Games with bots.


• Cross-Play: Enabled by default across all platforms (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch).


• Cross-Progression: Limited to same ecosystem (e.g., Steam ↔ Epic, Xbox ↔ Windows Store, PlayStation ↔ PlayStation). Not universal.


• Dedicated Servers: Launched in 2020; replaced peer-to-peer for official matches. Custom games can still use P2P.


• Voice Chat: No in-game voice chat (to maintain tension and avoid toxicity). Survivors can use in-game gestures and quick-chat. External communication (e.g., Discord) is common but not intended.




DLC / Expansion Overview



Dead by Daylight uses a Chapter and Paragraph system. Each major release includes a new Killer, Survivor, and often a new map. Smaller releases (Paragraphs) add only characters or cosmetics.



Types of Content:




• Chapters (paid DLC): Full content packs (e.g., Cursed Legacy – Oni & Yui Kimura, Resident Evil – Nemesis, Jill, Leon, Alien – Xenomorph, Ellen Ripley, Chucky – Chucky, Tiffany).


• Paragraphs (paid DLC): Usually one Survivor or one Killer and a related cosmetic (e.g., A Lullaby for the Dark – The Hag, Of Flesh and Mud – The Blight, All-Kill – The Trickster, The Ring – Sadako Rising).


• Original Soundtrack Packs: Music from chapters.


• Cosmetic Packs: Outfits for characters (seasonal, licensed, original).


• The Archives (“Tomes”): Free battle pass with lore and cosmetics; optional paid track for extra rewards.


• Free Updates: Regular balance patches, new perks, map reworks, and quality-of-life improvements.


Note: Licensed DLC cannot be purchased with in-game currency (Iridescent Shards); original chapters are shard-purchasable after a delay. All characters can be unlocked via playing (earning Shards) except licensed ones.



Why Play Dead by Daylight?




• Unique Experience: No other game captures the same asymmetric, hide-and-seek horror with such a vast roster.


• Longevity: With 8+ years of updates and a strong community, the game is still growing.


• Skill Progression: Every match teaches something; the learning curve is steep but rewarding.


• Social Fun: Playing with friends as survivors or trying to outplay each other as Killer creates memorable stories.

Dead by Daylight: Getting Started Guide

First Hour Walkthrough

0–5 Minutes: Tutorials

• Complete both Survivor Tutorial and Killer Tutorial from the main menu. They teach basic movement, generator repair, hook saves, and basic chase mechanics.


• Do not skip them—they unlock the "Adept" achievement/trophy for each role and give you free Bloodpoints.




5–15 Minutes: Choose Your Role



• You start with only two Survivors (Meg Thomas, Dwight Fairfield, Claudette Morel, Jake Park) and three Killers (Trapper, Wraith, Hillbilly).


• For Survivors: Claudette is best for beginners because her perk Empathy lets you see injured teammates, teaching you map awareness.


• For Killers: Wraith has a simple stealth-and-surprise playstyle, ideal for learning map pressure.




15–30 Minutes: First Public Match (Survivor)



• Load into a match as Survivor. Objectives:

1. Find a generator (glowing yellow lights on tall structures).
2. Press and hold `Action` (default: M1 on PC) to repair.
3. If you hear a heartbeat (terror radius), hide in a locker, behind a wall, or crouch in tall grass.
4. Once a generator is complete, a large yellow progress bar shows on screen.

• Don't try to loop the Killer yet—just hide and run when necessary.




30–45 Minutes: First Public Match (Killer)



• Select Wraith.


• Use "Cloak" (right-click on PC) to move faster and become invisible. Uncloak near Survivors to hit them (M1).


• Your primary goal: injure and down Survivors, then carry them to a hook.


• Do not camp the hook—move away to find other Survivors.




45–60 Minutes: Spend Bloodpoints



• After a few matches, you'll have Bloodpoints (BP). Go to the Bloodweb (in the main menu) for your chosen character.


• Prioritise spending on one Survivor to unlock Teachable Perks (Tier 1) first. Recommend: Claudette for Self-Care or Meg for Sprint Burst.


• Avoid buying cosmetic items early—they don't affect gameplay.




Character Creation



• Dead by Daylight does not have character creation. You choose from a roster of predefined characters (Survivors and Killers) each with unique backstories and three teachable perks.


• To unlock new characters, spend Iridescent Shards (earned via leveling) or real money in the in-game store.


• Tip: Your first purchased character should be one with strong perks that fit your playstyle. For Survivors: Feng Min (Lithely, Technician) or David King (Dead Hard). For Killers: Leatherface (Barbecue & Chili) or Hillbilly (already owned).

Controls on All Platforms

PC (Mouse & Keyboard)

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

Xbox (One/Series X|S)

Switch

UI Overview

Survivor HUD (bottom of screen)

• Health State: Four pips (healthy → injured → downed → hooked/killed).


• Auras: Yellow outlines show teammates (when within range), generators, and hooks.


• Status Effects: Icons for bleed, exhaustion, etc., appear on the right.


• Score (top right): Your current Bloodpoint score for the match.


• Generator Count (top left): Number of generators completed / total (5/7).


• Killer’s Terror Radius (heartbeat sound): Grows louder as Killer approaches.




Killer HUD (bottom of screen)



• Power Gauge: Shows cooldown/recharge of your unique ability.


• Auras: Survivors shown when within 16 meters or revealed by perks.


• Hook Count: How many times survivors have been hooked.


• Generator Damage: A bar showing regression from kicking generators.




Main Menu



• Play: Queue for Survivor or Killer.


• Bloodweb: Spend Bloodpoints to level characters and unlock perks, items, and add-ons.


• Customize: Change outfits, charms, and weapon skins.


• Store: Buy characters, cosmetics, and DLC.


• Archive: Complete daily and weekly challenges for bonus Bloodpoints.




Essential Early Objectives





Survivor


1. Repair Generators – The primary win condition. Always be doing something that progresses the objective.
2. Unhook Teammates – Safely rescue from hooks when the Killer is not nearby.
3. Heal Others – Injured survivors make a lot of noise and slow progress.
4. Complete Glyph/Challenge Rifts (if active) – Earn extra rewards.



Killer


1. Find Survivors – Patrol generators, listen for footsteps, look for crows.
2. Down and Hook – Injure survivors then carry them to a hook.
3. Pressure Generators – Kick generators to regress progress, but don't become obsessed with kicking.
4. Prevent Escape – Block exit gates or close the hatch if it opens.



What to Do First (First 10 Games)


1. Play both tutorials – they reward Bloodpoints and teach basics.
2. Unlock all base Survivor perks – level Claudette, Meg, Dwight, and Jake to at least level 40 to get their teachable perks.
3. Watch a 5-minute guide on looping – YouTube has beginner-friendly videos.
4. Set your objective: For Survivor: “Complete 5 generators and escape.” For Killer: “Get 4 sacrifices.”
5. Use in-game chat (PC) or voice chat with friends – Coordination helps immensely.



What to Avoid



• Don't hide all game – This helps no one and you'll lose Bloodpoints.


• Don't run everywhere as Survivor – Running leaves scratch marks that the Killer sees.


• Don't stand still in the open – Killers will spot you immediately.


• Don't camp hooks as Killer – It's considered toxic and wastes time; you miss out on chasing other survivors.


• Don't burn rare items in your first few games – Save them for when you understand maps.


• Don't use offerings that change the map – They confuse navigation and can backfire.


• Don't ignore the bloodweb – Spend BP as soon as you have enough to unlock new nodes (prestige later).

Early Resource Priorities

Common Beginner Mistakes

Survivor Mistakes

• Failing to check surroundings before vaulting – The Killer can be nearby.


• Using Self-Care (Claudette’s perk) in the Killer's terror radius – Slow healing wastes time.


• Hiding in lockers – Gives Killer an easy grab. Only use lockers to avoid The Pig or Executioner.


• Running to a teammate when injured – The Killer follows your trail.


• Not using the map – It’s a consumable; you can use it to locate objectives.




Killer Mistakes



• Chasing the same survivor for too long – If a chase lasts over 30 seconds, break off and patrol gens.


• Kicking generators unnecessarily – Only kick if you see a survivor or if progression is high (e.g., 50% or more).


• Ignoring the hatch – The hatch spawns when only one survivor remains; always check for it.


• Not using your power – Every Killer has a unique ability; practice it in the tutorial first.


• Focusing only on one survivor – Spread pressure to keep all Survivors busy.




Day-One Checklist




• [ ] Complete Survivor Tutorial (approx. 10 minutes).


• [ ] Complete Killer Tutorial (approx. 10 minutes).


• [ ] Play 1 public match as Survivor (try to repair 1 generator and escape).


• [ ] Play 1 public match as Killer (try to hook at least 2 survivors).


• [ ] Spend all earned Bloodpoints on Claudette (or Meg) in the Bloodweb.


• [ ] Unlock Claudette’s teachable perk Empathy by leveling her to 30 (level 1-5 for first perk slot).


• [ ] Read the in-game Help section (Options > Help > Manual).


• [ ] Join the official DbD Discord or subreddit (r/deadbydaylight) for beginner tips.


• [ ] Watch one beginner guide video (e.g., “DbD for Dummies”).


• [ ] Adjust controls to your liking (e.g., invert aim, rebind sprint).




Final Advice



• Patience is key: You will die or get hooked a lot. That's normal.


• Learn from each match: After a death, ask: “What could I have done differently?”


• Play both roles: Understanding Survivor helps you as Killer and vice versa.


• Have fun: DbD is chaotic; enjoy the chases, the scares, and the thrill of escape or sacrifice.

Dead by Daylight: Core Gameplay Guide

Overview of the Core Gameplay Loop

• Survivors: Repair 5 generators to power the exit gates, then escape through the gates or the Hatch.


• Killer: Sacrifice all 4 Survivors to The Entity by hooking them 3 times (or using special abilities).


Combat is indirect: Survivors cannot harm the Killer, only stun them briefly with pallets, flashlights, or certain perks. The Killer’s role is to chase, injure, down, and hook Survivors. Interaction systems include repairing, healing, sabotaging, cleansing totems, and locker interactions.

Progression is account-based and resets per character through the Bloodweb. Unlocking perks, add-ons, offerings, and prestige rewards permanent account growth. The game has no traditional quests but uses Daily Rituals, Tome Challenges (in the Rift), and the Bloodweb as mission-like systems. Economy revolves around Bloodpoints (earned in matches), Iridescent Shards (leveling), and Auric Cells (premium currency). Character/build growth depends on leveling characters to 50, prestiging, and unlocking teachable perks. The Endgame includes the Endgame Collapse, Hatch mechanics, and prestige system.



Progression Tiers Explanation



Progression tiers are based on player level (Account Level) and character level (Bloodweb level). The following sections break down each tier with detailed examples.

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Early Game (Account Level 1–10, Character Level 1–15)





Gameplay Loop



• Survivor: Spend most of your time hiding near generators. Learn to repair without missing skill checks. Avoid the Killer by staying crouched and using line-of-sight. You have no perks yet, so rely on base interactions: repairing, healing, opening gates.


• Killer: Patrol generators aimlessly. Your power is weak or not yet optimized. Hit Survivors when you find them, hook them, and camp the hook if you feel lost. You have no add-ons or perks to pressure multiple Survivors.




Combat/Interaction Systems



• Survivor: Only action is M1 (repair, heal, sabotage). No flashlight or pallet saves yet. Skill checks are simple (small circle). Example: Repair a generator for 80 seconds while hitting three skill checks.


• Killer: Basic attacks (M1) deal health states. No lunging yet. Use M2 only for basic power (e.g., Wraith uncloak). Example: Chase a Survivor near a jungle gym, swing, hit them once, then hook.




Progression



• Bloodweb: Spend bloodpoints on nodes. Each node costs 1–8k BP. Priority: buy cheap nodes first to reach next level faster. Unlock level 2–3 items (toolbox, med-kit) and basic add-ons (e.g., Wraith’s Ghost – Soot).


• Account Level: Early levels unlock nothing except the Bloodweb tutorial. Your Iridescent Shards accumulate slowly.




Exploration & Maps



• You play only a few maps: Coldwind Farm, Autohaven Wreckers, MacMillan Estate (random). Map tiles are simple: a shack, a few pallets, lockers. Example: The Killer shack has a window and a pallet—learn to loop there.




Quests/Missions



• Daily Rituals: One per day, e.g., “Survive a chase for 60 seconds as Survivor” granting 30k BP. Do them for easy BP.


• Rift Tome: Not yet accessible until you hit level 10 account. Focus on base play.




Economy



• Bloodpoints: Earned per match. Early game average: 5k–10k per match as Survivor, 10k–15k as Killer. Spend all on one character (e.g., Meg for Sprint Burst or Trapper for Brutal Strength).


• Iridescent Shards: Earned from leveling (one shard per level?). Use to buy new characters after about 10 levels. Example: Save 9,000 shards to buy Claudette.




Character/Build Growth



• No teachable perks: You only have the character’s own perks at Tier 1. Example: Meg starts with Sprint Burst (tier 1).


• Add-ons: Very weak. Example: Trapper’s “Slippery Meat” add-on (increases trap disarming speed by 10%).




Endgame Structure (Early)



• Endgame starts when last generator is done. You see Endgame Collapse timer (2 minutes). Survivor: simply Sprint to exit gate and open. Killer: camp the gate or try to down one more. Example: Escape at 10 seconds left.


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Mid Game (Account Level 10–30, Character Level 15–40)





Gameplay Loop



• Survivor: Now you have 1–2 perks (teachable from other characters or your own at tier 2). You attempt to loop the Killer using pallets and windows. You know when to leave generators (e.g., hear heartbeat). Example: Use Sprint Burst (tier 2) to quickly reach a pallet after Killer approaches.


• Killer: You have one good perk and some add-ons. You understand map pressure: you know to kick generators, break pallets, and sometimes slug (leave Survivor on ground) to pressure others. Example: Nurse with Nurse’s Calling can detect healing Survivors.




Combat/Interaction Systems



• Survivor: You can effectively pallet stun the Killer (7/10 times). You learn to window vault safely. You start using items like med-kits (self-heal) and toolboxes (fast repair). Example: Use a Med-Kit (Emergency Med-Kit) to heal without needing another Survivor.


• Killer: You use M2 power more strategically. Example: Wraith’s uncloak attack can hit Survivors immediately after decloak. You start to lunge (hold M1 during chase) to close distance.




Progression



• Bloodweb: Reach level 25–40 on main character. Unlock higher-tier items (e.g., Commodious Toolbox, Ranger Med-Kit). Perk tiers: all your perks are now tier 2 or 3. Example: Meg’s Sprint Burst is now tier 3 (50 speed boost for 3 seconds).


• Prestige: Not yet, but you consider it after level 50. Focus on getting teachable perks from other characters.




Exploration & Maps



• You encounter more map variations: Springwood, Haddonfield, Ormond. Learn tile names: “LT Wall,” “Double Pallet,” “Long Wall.” Example: Recognize that the “Cow Tree” on Coldwind is a safe loop.




Quests/Missions



• Daily Rituals: Earn extra BP, now you do them more efficiently (e.g., “Injure 4 Survivors as Killer” with 60k reward).


• Tome Challenges: Unlock at account level 10. Start with "Survive Trial" challenges. Example: Level 1 Tome: “Escape a trial.” Reward: 15k xp and a charm.




Economy



• Bloodpoints: Per match average: 12k–18k (Survivor), 18k–25k (Killer). Save BP to unlock teachable perks on other characters.


• Iridescent Shards: You now buy new survivors/killers (e.g., Feng Min for Lithe or The Huntress). Example: Spend 9,000 shards on The Plague for her teachable Corrupt Intervention.




Character/Build Growth



• Teachable Perks: You have unlocked at least one teachable (e.g., Meg’s Adrenaline). You can now get it on other characters after they reach level 40? Actually, teachable appear in Bloodweb after unlocking the character’s tier 3 perk at level 40. Example: Unlock Sprint Burst (teachable) by leveling Meg to level 40. Then other survivors can find it randomly in their Bloodweb.


• Build Example: Survivor: Sprint Burst (Meg), Bond (Dwight), Empathy (Claudette), Leader (Dwight). Killer: Corrupt Intervention (Plague), Hex: Ruin (Hag), BBQ & Chili (Bubba), Pop Goes the Weasel (Clown).




Endgame Structure (Mid)



• Endgame Collapse: You understand the 2-minute timer. Survivor: attempt to open gate with Leader or Prove Thyself. Killer: use NOED (Hex: No One Escapes Death) if you prepared. Example: As Survivor, see NOED totem lit, cleanse it before rescuing teammate.


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Late Game (Account Level 30–50, Character Level 50+, Prestige 1-3)





Gameplay Loop



• Survivor: You have a full build of 4 meta perks. You know optimal pathing to waste Killer time. You use Dead Hard to dodge hits, Borrowed Time to save on Saber. Example: Loop the Killer for 2 minutes at the “Shack” while teammates complete three generators.


• Killer: You have a high-tier build with add-ons (e.g., Iridescent Head on Huntress, Crank Wheel on Blight). You can 4k most lobbies. You understand micro-chase (mindgames at tiles) and macro (gen patrol). Example: As Nurse: blink through walls, predict Survivor movement.




Combat/Interaction Systems



• Survivor: Advanced techniques: Pallet vacuum (intentional to bait), 360 juke, window tech (sliding), flashlight save timing. Example: Blind the Killer as he picks up a downed teammate to force drop.


• Killer: Advanced techniques: Moonwalking to hide direction, Lunging with Bloodlust, Hook denial with powers (e.g., Pinhead chain). Use Iri add-ons (e.g., Huntress’ Iridescent Head – one hit kill).




Progression



• Bloodweb: Level 50 characters. You prestige to unlock cosmetics and increase odds of better items. Prestige 1: unlocks bloody outfit weapon. Prestige 2: body. Prestige 3: head plus all perks become available in every Bloodweb. Example: Level 50 Meg with Prestige 3: every Bloodweb node contains a perk tier 3.


• Account Level: High account level (50+) gives access to Rift tiers and ranked play. Your Iridescent Shards accumulate fast.




Exploration & Maps



• Expert knowledge of all 20+ maps. You know god windows (e.g., Ironworks of Memory window), unsafe pallets, hatch spawn locations. Example: On “Badham Preschool,” know that the classroom window is always a potential infinite loop.




Quests/Missions



• Daily Rituals: You do them only for big BP (e.g., “Break 15 pallets as Killer” – 90k BP). You may skip low-reward ones.


• Tome Challenges: Focus on difficult ones: “Blind the Killer 4 times in one match” or “Use Dead Hard to dodge 3 attacks.” Rewards include cosmetic charms and Rift fragments.




Economy



• Bloodpoints: Per match average: 20k–30k (Survivor), 25k–35k (Killer). You often hit the BP cap (1 million BP). Spend on prestige or new character.


• Iridescent Shards: You likely have 50k+ shards. Buy all available characters with shards, then use Auric Cells for cosmetics. Example: Buy The Artist with shards, then buy her outfit for 800 Auric Cells.




Character/Build Growth



• Meta Builds: Survivor: Dead Hard (David), Borrowed Time (Bill), Breakout (Yoichi), Sprint Burst (Meg). Killer: Corrupt Intervention (Plague), Hex: Ruin (Hag), NOED (free perk), Pop Goes the Weasel (Clown).


• Add-on Synergies: Example: Blight with Adrenaline Vial and Compound Thirty-Three for speed boost and double rush.




Endgame Structure (Late)



• Endgame Collapse: You know you can Hide near gates to unhook after gate open (body block). For Killer: close hatch, then use Remember Me to extend gate opening time. Example: As Killer, after closing hatch, use Blood Warden to lock rescued Survivors inside the gate area.


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Endgame (Prestige 3+, Account Level 50+, Competitive/Swift)





Gameplay Loop



• Survivor: Highly coordinated team. Use voice coms? No, but in solo you rely on perks like Kindred and Open-Handed. You focus on gen efficiency: two on gens, one chaser, one rescuer. Example: Three survivors repair, one loops Killer at main building, gen rush ends in 5 minutes.


• Killer: You face high MMR Survivors. You need to tunnel only when necessary, slug (leave downed) to prevent gen progression, or proxy camp to trade hooks. Use map pressure builds (e.g., Corrupt + Ruin + Pop + Cobweb). Example: As Nurse, you down first Survivor in 30 seconds, bring them to basement, slug second after hook, force two to heal or gen stops.




Combat/Interaction Systems



• Survivor: Perfect timing on Dead Hard (invincibility frames). Use Off the Record to avoid being tunneled. Unbreakable to recover from slug. Example: Killer leaves you slugged, you wait for Unbreakable to proc and sprint away.


• Killer: Use hit validation (know when you actually hit vs. latency). Bubble tech (exploit on curved surfaces). Instant down add-ons (e.g., Huntress Iri Head, Hillbilly’s Apex Muffler).




Progression



• Bloodweb: Prestige 3 Level 50 – all future Bloodwebs only contain tier 3 perks and ultra rare items. You never need to grind for perks again. Example: You have Decisive Strike tier 3 on all 20 survivors.


• Account Level: Mostly cosmetic. You have the Legacy Prestige from old system if you played before 2021. You earn Rift fragments only via XP.




Exploration & Maps



• You can navigate any map blindfolded. You know exact tile spawns. Example: On “The Game” map, you know that the exit gate is always near the dining room.




Quests/Missions



• Daily Rituals: You only do the 90k BP ones. Others you skip.


• Tome Challenges: Complete entire Tomes for charms and lore. Hard challenges: “Finish a generator within 60 seconds of the trial starting” (survivor) or “Down all 4 survivors within 30 seconds of each other” (killer).




Economy



• Bloodpoints: Overflow easily. You spend on prestige levels for cosmetics. Example: Prestige 9 on Meg gives you skin for each additional prestige.


• Auric Cells: Used for premium Rift pass (1,000 AC) and exclusive outfits. You may buy The Shape DLC if not already owned.




Character/Build Growth



• Builds are highly specialized. Survivor: Distortion for stealth, Alert for info, Windows of Opportunity for safe vaults, Inner Healing for totem healing. Killer: Lethal Pursuer + Barbecue & Chili for aura reading, Corrupt Intervention + Eruption for gen regression.


• Add-ons: Always use ultra rare add-ons. Example: Blight with Compound 33 and Adrenaline Vial allows 4 rushes with speed boost.




Endgame Structure (Endgame)



• Rank Reset: After each month, your rank resets from e.g., Gold 1 to Silver 4. The new MMR system (Skill-Based Matchmaking) makes matches fair regardless of rank, so rank is cosmetic only.


• Achievements: You aim for impossible achievements like “Space Ace” (escape 500 times as Dwight) or “Crowball” (get 100 crows as The Plague).


• Hatch strategy: In endgame, Survivor priority: if last survivor, find hatch. If doors are open and Killer is camping, wait for Embrace the Entity (Endgame Collapse) to kill you rather than give him a hook.

Conclusion

Dead by Daylight: Game Tips Guide

Beginner Tips

1. Stick Together but Maintain Spread

• Explanation: Survivors repair generators faster together (each survivor adds +0.5 charges per second to repair speed, stacking multiplicatively). However, grouping tightly makes you vulnerable to area-of-effect killers (e.g., The Doctor, The Nurse) and gives killers a free multi-hit.


• Analysis: Use Prove Thyself to further boost repair speed when together, but always stay at least a few meters apart to avoid simultaneous damage. If the killer has a power like The Nurse’s blinks or The Hag’s traps, split up to deny them value.


• When: Start the match spread across three far gens; only two survivors should ever be on the same gen unless saving time is critical (endgame).




2. Master Sound Cues



• Explanation: DbD is audio-driven. Hear heartbeat (terror radius), skill check sounds, generator sounds, broken pallet splintering, footsteps, and breathing. Wear headphones for directional awareness.


• Analysis: The killer’s terror radius indicates proximity; skilled survivors can estimate distance and direction. Skill check timing can be practiced offline. Use sound to detect a killer approaching while repairing – stop repairing and hide when the heartbeat grows loud.


• When: Always use headphones. If you hear a generator skill check while injured, anticipate the killer might be near. When running, listen for your own footsteps to avoid giving away position.




3. Learn Basic Looping Mechanics



• Explanation: Loops are structures with pallets and windows that let survivors evade the killer. The fundamental technique is to run around the obstacle, forcing the killer to either break a pallet or attempt a mind game.


• Analysis: Survivors have a speed of 4.0 m/s versus killers’ 4.6 m/s (varies by killer). Use pallets to create distance, but don't drop them too early – save them for when the killer is close. Vault windows at maximum speed (hold sprint) to avoid exhaustion.


• When: Always try to reach a loop when the killer is chasing you. If you are at a pallet, wait until the killer is about to lunge, then drop it. Don't drop pallets unnecessarily; they are limited resources.




4. Prioritize Objectives Over Chases



• Explanation: Survivors win by completing generators and escaping, not by taunting the killer. Killers win by sacrificing survivors, not by chasing for long periods (unless they have map pressure).


• Analysis: A survivor who wastes time in a chase without doing gens is harming the team. A killer who commits to a single survivor for 60 seconds loses map pressure. Use the 3-gen strategy (defending three generators close together) for killers, but as survivor, break those gens first.


• When: If you are the chase target, run the killer away from the remaining generators. If you are safe, get on a generator. As killer, if a chase takes more than 30 seconds, consider breaking off to patrol generators.




5. Use Camera and Field of View (FOV) Effectively



• Explanation: Survivors can look behind them during a chase by moving the camera without changing direction. Killers can “moonwalk” to hide their red stain.


• Analysis: Constantly looking back helps survivors anticipate the killer’s moves, especially at loops. Killers can fake direction by walking backward, misleading survivors about which way they are going. Console players have a lower FOV; PC players can adjust FOV in settings (survivors only).


• When: While running in a straight line, quickly glance back every 2-3 seconds. During a chase, use camera to check if the killer is going to lunge or bait a vault. Killers: when approaching a loop, walk backward to hide your red stain, then quickly turn around.




Survivor Tips





6. Generator Repair Strategy



• Explanation: Survivors must repair 5 generators to power the exit gates. Prioritize repairing generators farthest from each other to avoid a three-gen situation (last three gens clustered). Use Prove Thyself to boost repair speed when multiple survivors are together.


• Analysis: A three-gen is a death sentence if the killer defends them. Always try to split repairs across the map. If the killer has a mobility power (e.g., Nurse, Blight), they can quickly patrol the remaining gens – break that side first.


• When: At the start, spawn separate and head to opposite sides of the map. If you see a gen already started, join it if it’s safe (use Bond to see teammates). Never be the third survivor on a gen – go find another.




7. Chase Mechanics: 360s and Window Vaults



• Explanation: A 360 is spinning around to dodge a killer’s lunge. Window vaults can be fast (holding sprint) or slow (walking). Killers can mind game by faking a vault.


• Analysis: Timing a 360 requires the killer to be very close. Practice turning your camera 180 degrees while pressing the opposite direction. For window vaults, survivors have two vault speeds: fast (clicking vault while sprinting) and medium (clicking while walking). Killers can only medium vault windows; survivors can fast vault, creating distance. Interacting objects (pallet drops, window vaults) grant a brief speed boost (0.5 seconds).


• When: Use a 360 when the killer is about to lunge and you have no pallet or window nearby. Use fast vaults to quickly pass through windows, but beware of the killer predicting and swinging at the vault point. Slow vault is quieter – use when the killer is far away.




8. Stealth vs. Aggression



• Explanation: Survivors have options: hide in lockers, crouch in bushes, or be aggressive and run. Each has costs and benefits.


• Analysis: Stealth perks like Urban Evasion (crouch walk faster), Lightweight (no scratch marks while sprinting), and Distortion (remove aura reading) help avoid detection. However, being too stealthy can waste time – you need to be on gens. Aggressive play (taking aggro, looping) is valuable but risky if you can’t survive.


• When: If you are injured with no healing, stealth until healed. At the start, don't hide – rush to a gen. If the killer has BBQ & Chilli (shows auras after hook), be near a gen but not on it to avoid aura reading. Mix between being on gens and hiding when needed.




9. Perk Synergies



• Explanation: Perks that complement each other create powerful combos.


• Analysis: Sprint Burst gives a 150% speed boost for 3 seconds when starting a sprint – pair with Fixated to see your own scratch marks and walk faster. Adrenaline heals one health state and gives a sprint burst when the last gen finishes – pair with Resilience to increase repair speed while injured. Better together: Deliverance allows self-unhook after a safe hook rescue – pair with Slippery Meat for extra attempts, but more importantly with Decisive Strike to punish tunnelers.


• When: Always consider synergy when building loadouts. For new players, Bond + Prove Thyself helps with gen efficiency. For looping, use Dead Hard + Sprint Burst (exhaustion management) or Lithe + Dance With Me.




10. Item Management



• Explanation: Items (flashlights, toolboxes, medkits, maps, keys) can be used once per match unless you have add-ons. Use them wisely.


• Analysis: Flashlights can blind killers to stop a hook, break a grab, or hinder a pick-up. Toolboxes speed up generator repair (commodious toolboxes are best). Medkits allow self-heal without a teammate. Keys open the hatch early or after the hatch spawns.


• When: Save flashlights for decisive moments – save a teammate from being hooked, or blind the killer during a pickup to force them to drop the survivor. Don’t use a medkit if you have a teammate near who can heal you (faster, no item waste). Use toolboxes on the last generator to speed finish. Keys are lottery – use them when the hatch spawns or if the game is going badly.




Killer Tips





11. Map Pressure



• Explanation: Map pressure is the ability to threaten multiple survivors or generators simultaneously. Without pressure, survivors finish gens quickly.


• Analysis: High-mobility killers (Nurse, Blight, Spirit, Hillbilly) naturally apply pressure. Use teleports, dashes, or stealth to appear unexpectedly. For low-mobility killers (Trapper, Myers, Leatherface), use perks like Corrupt Intervention (blocks three farthest gens for 120 seconds) or Tinkerer (triggers notification when a gen reaches 70%). Patrol your generated trigger points.


• When: At match start, immediately head to the gen furthest from you to check for survivors. If you see scratch marks, chase only if it’s quick. Otherwise, keep moving between generators. Use your killer power to cover ground (e.g., Blight’s rush, Spirit’s phasing). Never stay at one area for more than 20 seconds.




12. Chase Fundamentals – Mind Games and Lunge



• Explanation: A killer’s lunge multiplies attack range (usually from 4m to ~7m for a few meters). Mind games involve faking directions at loops to catch survivors off guard.


• Analysis: At a pallet loop, you can walk backward to hide the red stain, then quickly turn and lunge. At a window, you can fake a vault by walking up to it and backing off. Surviving killers often “moonwalk” (walk backward while looking forward) to confuse survivors about which way you are going. Lunge attacks: you press attack while sprinting; the lunge covers extra distance. Use it when you are close enough to hit the survivor even if they start to dodge.


• When: Use the lunge when the survivor is about to vault a window or drop a pallet. For mind games, if the survivor is waiting at a pallet, walk toward them then suddenly back up – they may drop the pallet prematurely, leaving you with the chance to break it. At a window, if the survivor is on the other side, fake a vault and they may vault back into you.




13. Hook Strategy – When to Camp, Patroll, or Slug



• Explanation: After hooking a survivor, you have options: camp (stay near the hook), patrol (check nearby generators), or slug (leave the survivor on the ground instead of hooking).


• Analysis: Camping is generally ineffective against good teams – they will do generators while you watch a single hook. Patrolling is better: hook a survivor, then walk towards a nearby generator. Slugging is strong when multiple survivors are injured – disable multiple survivors to snowball. Perks like Deerstalker (see downed survivors auras) and Knock Out (obscure auras for other survivors) synergize with slugging.


• When: If the exit gates are powered, camping can secure a kill. Early game, patrol. If you have a good chase and down a survivor near a generator, hook them quickly to force survivors off the gen. Slug if you down a survivor while another is healing nearby – go after the healer. Don’t slug too long unless you have a build supporting it (e.g., The Oni).




14. Killer Perk Loadouts – Meta Examples



• Explanation: Meta killer perks increase pressure, notification, or survival. The best perks often are BBQ & Chilli (aura after hook), Tinkerer (gen progress warning), Corrupt Intervention (delay gen rush), Pop Goes the Weasel (reduce gen progress when you hook).


• Analysis: BBQ gives bloodpoints and location info – extremely valuable for patrolling. Tinkerer tells you when a gen is at 70% and makes you undetectable for 12 seconds – perfect for ambushing. Corrupt Intervention slows early game. Pop Goes the Weasel requires hooking to regress a gen by 20% of current progress; use it after a hook. Other strong perks: Save the Best for Last (reduce cooldown on non-obsession hits), No Way Out (block exit gates after door opens).


• When: For beginners, use BBQ + Tinkerer + Corrupt + a fourth perk like Hex: Ruin (regresses gens if survivors aren’t on a gen). For advanced, adapt to your killer: for Nurse, Nurses Calling + Thanatophobia works. For Huntress, Iron Maiden + BBQ + Bitter Murmur + Corrupt.




15. Countering Survivor Perks



• Explanation: Good survivors use perks like Dead Hard (immune to damage while dashing), Decisive Strike (stun if unhooked survivor is picked up), Borrowed Time (45 seconds of deep wound protection after unhook). Killers need to counter these.


• Analysis: Against Dead Hard, wait for the survivor to use it (they become exhausted) and then hit them. Against Decisive Strike, slug the unhooked survivor for 60 seconds to let the timer run out. Against Borrowed Time, don't hit the unhooked survivor immediately – wait for the deep wound timer to start, then hit to down them. Use Lightborn to counter flashlights, Franklin’s Demise to knock items out of hand.


• When: If a survivor has been unhooked, assume they have Borrowed Time – either hit them once to trigger deep wound and wait, or ignore them and chase the unhooker. If you suspect Dead Hard, bait the dash by stopping your swing and then lunging after they dash. Use Franklin’s Demise item drop to deny flashlights and toolboxes.




Bloodweb & Economy





16. Efficient Bloodpoint Spending



• Explanation: Bloodpoints (BP) are earned in matches and spent in the Bloodweb to unlock perks, items, add-ons, and offerings. Prestiging a character resets their bloodweb but unlocks tiered charms and legacy cosmetic sets.


• Analysis: Prioritize unlocking teachable perks for your main role first. Once you have all generic perks, go for perks specific to your favorite survivor/killer. Spend BP on level 20-25 nodes that give yellow items early. Avoid buying expensive add-ons unless you need them. Prestiging gives bonus perks on other characters – prestige 1 each character for their teachable, then consider prestige 2/3 for legacy effects.


• When: New players should focus on one survivor and one killer to level 50 to unlock their teachables. After that, level other characters to get their teachables. Use Bloodpoint offerings (e.g., Survivor Pudding, Escape Cake) during double BP events to maximize gain. Don't prestige until you have unlocked all the perks you use.




17. Best Perks to Unlock First



• Explanation: Some perks are universally powerful and should be unlocked for all characters.


• Analysis: For survivors: Borrowed Time (from Bill), Dead Hard (David King), Sprint Burst (Meg Thomas), Unbreakable (William “Bill” Overbeck), Prove Thyself (Dwight Fairfield). For killers: BBQ & Chilli (Leatherface/The Cannibal), Tinkerer (The Hillbilly), Corrupt Intervention (The Plague), Hex: Ruin (The Hag), Pop Goes the Weasel (The Clown).


• When: As soon as you can, level these characters to 30-40 to unlock the teachable. Then find the perk in other characters’ bloodwebs. Prioritize these before spending on niche perks.




Builds





18. Survivor Builds – Meta and Variants



• Explanation: A meta survivor build focuses on survival, gen speed, and anti-tunnel. Example: Sprint Burst, Borrowed Time, Unbreakable, Prove Thyself. Variations: use Dead Hard instead of Sprint Burst, or use Adrenaline for endgame escape.


• Analysis: This build gives you speed to reach a loop (Sprint Burst), safety after unhook (Borrowed Time), self-recovery if left on ground (Unbreakable), and gen boost (Prove Thyself). The combination covers nearly all scenarios. For a stealth build, use Urban Evasion, Spine Chill, Lightweight, and Distortion – this helps you avoid detection and hide.


• When: Use the meta build when you expect a strong killer or in swf. Use stealth build when learning or when playing solo queue with bad teammates.




19. Killer Builds – Meta and Killer-Specific



• Explanation: Killers have unique powers that synergize with certain perks. General meta: BBQ, Tinkerer, Corrupt, Pop. For specific killers: Nurse builds often include Nurses Calling, Thanatophobia, Sloppy Butcher, and Shadowborn. Huntress uses Iron Maiden (faster reload), BBQ, Bitter Murmur, and Corrupt. Blight uses the same meta but may swap Pop for something like Hex: Blood Favor.


• Analysis: BBQ gives map awareness and BP. Tinkerer catches survivors on gens. Corrupt slows early game. Pop maintains gen progress after hooking. For Nurse, her mobility makes Thanatophobia strong (healing slower, repair slower). For Huntress, Iron Maiden speeds up reload and can reveal survivors in lockers.


• When: Always bring Corrupt on slow killers (Trapper, Myers). On fast killers, you can substitute for something else. If survivors tend to heal, use Sloppy Butcher or Nurse’s Calling. Adapt your loadout based on what you face.




Advanced Strategies





20. Moonwalking and 360s – Advanced Movement



• Explanation: Moonwalking is walking backward while facing the camera forward. This hides the killer’s terror radius red stain from survivors at loops. 360s are spinning dodges.


• Analysis: Killers: walk backward around a corner – survivors cannot see your stain, making it harder to predict your direction. Survivors: a successful 360 requires predicting the lunge. Practice turning the camera sharply while pressing the opposite movement key. Timing: as the killer lunge, turn 90 degrees left or right – the lunges have a narrow hitbox.


• When: Killers use moonwalking when approaching a loop where the survivor is watching the corner. Survivors use 360 when the killer is close and you have no pallet. It works best against slower killers; against Nurse or Spirit, it’s less effective.




21. Mind Games at Tiles – Shack, T&L, Jungle Gym



• Explanation: Each tile has patterns: Shack has a window and pallet. T&L tile has two windows and a pallet. Jungle gym has a central rectangle with windows and pallets.


• Analysis: At Shack, the killer can mind game the window by walking one direction then quickly turning the other. Survivors can double-back inside. At T&L, if the killer is on one side, go to the opposite window. At jungle gym, survivors can run around the rectangle and fake dropping the window. Killers can outplay by walking through the building to cut off.


• When: Recognize these tiles. As survivor, know that the killer will often try to cut you off – watch the building walls. As killer, learn the patterns: e.g., at Shack, if the survivor runs through the front window, you can go straight and vault after them, but be ready for a fake.




22. Reading the Killer’s Next Move



• Explanation: By observing the killer’s behavior, you can predict their actions: do they always go for a certain gen after hook? Do they camp? Do they slug?


• Analysis: Notice patterns. If the killer has BBQ, they will look towards the direction of survivors after hook. If the killer uses Tinkerer, they will rush to a gen at 70%. If a killer has Hex perks, they may guard totems. You can also gauge skill by how they handle loops.


• When: After a hook, if the killer immediately moves away, they are patrolling. If they stay, they are camping – go do gens. If they slug, wait until they leave then pick up teammate. Use this to plan your actions.




23. Map Awareness – Totems, Hooks, and Spawns



• Explanation: Knowing the map layout is crucial. Maps have fixed spawns for generators, hooks, totems (bones). The hatch spawns when one survivor remains or when the last gen is done.


• Analysis: Use map offerings to force certain maps. Learn the location of totems for playing hex perks (you as killer need to know where survivors might be looking for totems). Hooks are finite – if you use them all, the next hook will spawn back after a time? Actually, hooks remain broken after being used; a new hook will spawn far away. Survivors should know where hooks are to wiggle and avoid being taken to a specific hook.


• When: As survivor, memorize the maps by playing. Use Bond or maps to see teammate locations. As killer, patrol symmetrical generator groupings. If you have spread hooks, know which hooks are closest to generators to drag survivors there.




24. Cross-Platform Considerations



• Explanation: DbD is cross-play but platforms differ in performance, input, and settings.


• Analysis: PC players have higher FOV and can adjust graphics for clarity. Console players have lower FOV and sometimes input lag. Mouse aiming is better for skillshots (Nurse, Huntress, Deathslinger, Trickster). Controller has aim assist? No, but survivors can 360 more easily with analog stick? Actually, movement is similar. Some killers (like Blight) are harder on console.


• When: If you play on console, invest in a monitor and wired controller to reduce lag. Use higher sensitivity for faster camera turning. For PC, lower graphics settings to maximize frame rate. Use a gaming mouse for precise hatchet throws. Cross-play can lead to skill disparity, but matchmaking should balance.




Exploration & Resources





25. Totems – Hexes and Boons



• Explanation: Totems are dull or lit. Hex perks turn lit totems into hexes; boon perks allow survivors to bless dull totems into boon totems. Destroying a hex disables the killer’s perk. Cleansing a boon removes the survivor’s boon.


• Analysis: Map layouts have 5 totems total. Survivors can cleanse totems to deny hexes (very helpful) or bless for boons (e.g., Circle of Healing allows self-heal without items). Killers can snuff out boons by stomping them. Always check totem locations near generators.


• When: As survivor, immediately cleanse any totem you find if the killer has hex perks (you can tell by the notification). If you have a boon perk, place it in a safe area (near gens but out of sight). As killer, if you have hexes, patrol those totems; use Thrill of the Hunt to slow cleansing.




26. Items and Add-ons



• Explanation: Items (flashlights, toolboxes, medkits, maps, keys) and add-ons modify their effects. Add-ons are rarity-based (brown, yellow, green, purple, pink/red).


• Analysis: Rare add-ons are powerful but consume BP to unlock. Save them for when you really need them (e.g., a purple key with blood amber add-on to open hatch). For toolboxes, best add-ons are wire spool (increase repair speed) and socket swivels (reduce skill check difficulty). For medkits, add-ons like surgical suture increase healing speed or allow self-heal with a condition.


• When: Use brown and yellow items freely – they are cheap to replace. Green and above, use only in serious matches. For killers, add-ons can drastically change playstyle (e.g., The Hag’s scarred hand add-on removes teleport requirement). Equip add-ons that suit your strategy.




27. Endgame Collapse – Exit Gates and Hatch



• Explanation: After the last generator is repaired, exit gates power. The hatch spawns when only one survivor remains (or if a key is used before). The Endgame Collapse timer starts when a survivor opens an exit gate or when the hatch is closed by the killer or the last survivor escapes.


• Analysis: Survivors must open gates (20 seconds) or find hatch. Killers can block gates with perks (No Way Out) or close the hatch (which triggers the Endgame Collapse at a faster rate). Endgame Collapse lasts 2 minutes normally; if the hatch is closed, it lasts 1 minute. Use this time to secure kills or escapes.


• When: As survivor, open gates near where the killer is not. If the killer has No Way Out, be prepared for blocked exits. As killer, close the hatch quickly if you see it to force survivors to open gates, making them predictable. Use Blood Warden to block gates after hooking someone during Endgame Collapse.

Conclusion

Dead by Daylight: Game Settings Guide

Graphics Settings

Display

• Resolution – Set to native monitor resolution (e.g., 1920×1080, 2560×1440). For lower-end hardware, drop to 1600×900 or 1280×720.


• Window Mode – Choose Fullscreen for best performance; Borderless Windowed for alt-tabbing convenience but slightly higher input lag.


• V-Sync – Off if you have G-Sync/FreeSync or want minimum input latency; On to eliminate screen tearing (adds ~1 frame delay).


• Frame Rate Limit – Set to your monitor’s refresh rate (60/120/144 Hz). Use 60 on low-end PCs to reduce GPU strain.


• Field of View (FOV) – Only adjustable for Killers (90–110). Survivors have fixed FOV. Higher FOV gives peripheral awareness but can feel “fisheye”.

Quality Presets

Per-Setting Recommendations

• Texture Quality – Low on VRAM-constrained GPUs. Medium uses ~2 GB; High ~3 GB; Ultra ~4 GB.


• Shadow Quality – Low for best FPS. Shadows are heavy. On console, medium is safe.


• Anti-Aliasing – FXAA if FPS matters; SMAA for sharper edges (costs ~5% FPS). TAA blurs slightly but smoothest.


• Post-Processing – Off on low-end. Includes bloom, light rays. Killer players may want them off to spot survivors more easily.


• Reflections – Off on low; Medium for decent puddle/nearby reflections.


• Ambient Occlusion – Adds depth but costs FPS. SSAO slightly less heavy than HBAO+.


• Level of Detail – Distance objects. Medium is good for balance; High costs ~10% FPS.


• Resolution Scale – Critical for performance: set 100% for 1:1; lower (e.g., 50–75%) gives big FPS boost at cost of blur. Do not go below 75% unless desperate.




Advanced/Perf Tweaks




• Motion Blur – Off. Makes screen clearer and reduces distraction.


• Lens Flare – Off. Unnecessary visual noise.


• Foliage Quality – Low to see survivors through bushes (Killer benefit).




Per-Platform Graphics




• PC – All settings available on the “Video” tab.


• PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X\|S – Preset: Quality (4K30) or Performance (1080p60). Choose Performance for smoother gameplay.


• PlayStation 4 / Xbox One – Fixed medium-low. No custom tweaks.


• Nintendo Switch – Fixed low, dynamic resolution. V-Sync always on.




Audio Settings




• Master Volume – 100%, then adjust per-channel.


• SFX Volume – Keep at 100%. Crucial for hearing footsteps, healing, terror radius, and hatch.


• Music Volume – 0%. Music can mask important audio cues (e.g., heartbeat, chase music is less critical than footsteps).


• Voice Chat Volume – PC only (in-game voice uses proximity chat). Set to your preference.


• Subtitle Visibility – On for accessibility. Shows direction (L/R) and distance of killer sounds (e.g., “Killer breathing – left”). Helps deaf/hard-of-hearing players.


• UI Sound Effects – Keep at 100% for menu navigation feedback.


• 3D Audio – On if your system supports it (Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos). Greatly improves directional awareness. Off if you experience cracking/distortion.

Controls

PC (Keyboard + Mouse)

Console (PlayStation/Xbox)

• Left Stick – Move


• Right Stick – Camera


• R2/Right Trigger – (Survivor) Run; (Killer) Attack


• L2/Left Trigger – Survivor: Drop item?; Killer: Secondary power


• L1/LB – Survivor: Crouch; Killer: ???


• R1/RB – Survivor: Ability (e.g., use flashlight); Killer: ???


• X/Square – Interact


• O/Circle – Leave item/palette drop


• Triangle/Y – Camera look behind while running (Survivor)


• D-Pad – Emotes


Sensitivity (Aim) – Set to Medium-High (60–80) for quick 180° turns. Lower if you overshoot.

• Dead Zone – Lower it to 0–5% to eliminate stick drift. Default 20% can feel sluggish.




Nintendo Switch



oControls similar to other consoles but with a wider dead zone by default. Set dead zone to 5% minimum.



Accessibility Settings




• Colorblind Mode – Select from Protanopia, Deuteranopia, Tritanopia to change UI colors (e.g., skill check zones, health states). If unsure, test in the lobby.


• Large HUD – Toggle to enlarge cooldowns, perk icons.


• Reduced Screen Shake – On for better clarity during chases and when the Killer breaks pallets.


• Subtitle Size – Can be increased for legibility.


• Camera Shake Intensity – Slide to 0% for stable image.


• Strobe Effect Warning – Disables intense flashing (e.g., from Demogorgon’s pounce or Doctor’s shock therapy). Useful for photosensitive epilepsy.


• Controller Vibration – Off if you find it distracting; On for haptic feedback when hit or repairing gen, but can interfere with fine aiming.


• Auto-Aim – For controllers only (console). On helps Killers land hits; Off gives more control over lunges. Many top players turn it off.




Language Settings




• Game Language – Can be changed in the launcher (Steam/Epic) or in-game menu (on consoles). Reboot required.


• Voice Language – Separate for character voices (English, French etc.). Affects survivor pained sounds and killer lines. Not gameplay important.


• Subtitle Language – Match to your preferred display language.


Note: Some language packs (e.g., Korean, Japanese) may have slightly different audio timing for skill checks. Unconfirmed but anecdotal. Stick to your native language for consistency.



Network Settings




• Region – Automatic is fine. But if you experience high ping spikes, manually pick a nearby region (NA East, NA West, Europe, Asia, etc.).


• Cross-Play – On to reduce queue times. Off if you only want console players (PC players may have comp advantage).


• Bandwidth Limit – Default is 10 Mbps. Lower if your internet isn’t stable (e.g., 5 Mbps). Increase to 20+ for better hit registration but may cause lag if connection weak.


• Network Smoothing – This setting (hidden under “Advanced” → “Game”?) actually doesn't exist in DbD menu. Instead, the game auto-uses client-side prediction.


• Voice Chat – PC only. In-game voice is proximity-based; no volume slider for lobby. Use Discord for party chat instead to avoid echoing.




Gameplay Settings




• Hold vs Toggle –

- Run – Prefer Hold for precise control; Toggle may cause accidental sprints when releasing.
- Crouch – Toggle is easier for long crouches; Hold for quick ducking.
- Flashlight – Toggle for sustained beam; Hold for burst.

• Skill Check Style – Automatic (default) vs. Visual-only (sound disabled). Keep Automatic to hear the sound cue.


• Aim Assist – Controllers only. On helps shooters/demogorgon; Off for precise aiming.


• Center Killer Camera – Toggles auto-centering when hitting a survivor. Many Killers turn this Off to maintain view in chases.


• Quick Turn – Only for Survivors on keyboard. Bind a key to instantly perform a 180° turn while running. Essential for jukes.


• UI Opacity – Set to 100% for clear skill check and perk visibility.


• HUD Scale – Adjust as needed; 100% default.

Special Attention Points

Conclusion

Important Notes for Dead by Daylight

Irreversible Choices & Permanent Loss

• Prestige: Once you Prestige a character (reset them to Level 1), you lose all perks, items, add-ons, and offerings they had. In return you get a Prestige cosmetic and a slight increase in rare item quality in future Bloodwebs. Do not Prestige your main survivor or killer until you have hundreds of thousands of spare Bloodpoints and fully understand the meta. The only exception is the new Prestige system (Patch 6.1.0+) which gives a unique perk charm per prestige, but still costs all items.


• Shrine of Secrets Purchases: Buying a teachable perk with 2000 Iridescent Shards is permanent but only unlocks that perk for that one character (not account-wide). Choose wisely—don't waste shards on perks you can easily unlock via bloodwebs on a character you don't play.


• Tome Breach: Once you complete a Tome (challenge book) page for a given season, you cannot revisit it. Missed challenges mean lost rift fragments and cosmetic rewards. Complete all current Tome challenges before the Tome expires (usually 70 days).


• Character Teachables: When you level a character to Level 30, 35, and 40, you unlock their teachable perks in the Bloodweb of other characters. You can only get these teachables by leveling that specific character. If you prestige them before hitting 40, you lose progress and must re-level to gain those teachables again.




Missable Content & Limited-Time Events



• Seasonal Events: Halloween (Blood Moon), Winter (Bone Chill), Anniversary, Lunar New Year, etc. These offer exclusive cosmetics, event currencies (e.g., Vile Darkness), and special menu themes. Play during events even if you're new—you can earn event items that are never obtainable again (e.g., Halloween med-kits, anniversary cakes).


• Rift Passes: The free track gives some cosmetics, but the premium track (Auric Cells) has exclusive skins, charms, and badges. Once a Rift season ends, those cosmetics are never available again (except some may return in the shop years later for real money).


• Archives Challenges: Each Tome has daily challenges and a weekly challenge. Missing a day means losing that rift fragment. The weekly challenge is usually worth 10 fragments (one full rift tier).


• Store Rotations: The in-game shop rotates weekly. Some legendary skins (sets) appear only 2-3 times a year. Buy coveted skins when you see them; they might not return for months.




Difficulty Spikes & Learning Curves



• Killer Difficulty Tiers: Easy (Trapper, Wraith, Legion) vs. Hard (Nurse, Blight, Spirit). Do not start with Nurse—her blink mechanic requires 50+ hours to master. You will lose horribly and hate the game.


• Survivor Learning Curve: Looping tiles efficiently takes weeks. You will get 4k'd repeatedly. Watch tutorial videos on vaulting, pallet placement, and timing dead hard.


• Solo Queue vs. SWF: Playing solo is significantly harder. No communication means you can't coordinate saves, totems, or gens. Survivor kill rates drop from ~60% (SWF) to ~70%+ (solo). Expect more frustration alone.


• Endgame Collapse: The exit gates take 20 seconds to open. Many new survivors die because they hide too long. Prioritize opening gates once the last gen is done—don't try to be a hero unless you're the obsession with Deliverance.




Grinding Traps (Bloodweb & Bloodpoints)



• Bloodweb Efficiency: Do NOT buy every node. Only buy nodes that lead to perks (orange), add-ons you actually use (e.g., purple flashlight batteries, brown medkit gear), and offerings (especially survivor pudding/bonus points). Skip cheap brown add-ons and offerings you will never equip—they just waste BP.


• Perk Prioritization: Level one survivor to 40 first to unlock all their teachables. Common best first survivor: Meg Thomas (Sprint Burst, Adrenaline, Quick & Quiet). For killer: Hillbilly or Trapper (early perks like Discordance, Thrilling Tremors). Do NOT spread BP across multiple characters early.


• Offerings: Never burn Mori offerings (Cypress Memento Mori, etc.) unless you are very confident you can 4k. They waste your offering slot and often cause the killer to tunnel. Also, avoid using Shroud of Separation as survivor—it reveals your aura to killer if you're the obsession.


• Bloodpoint Caps: Maximum is 2,000,000. Once you hit cap, earned BP are lost. Spend BP before logging out. Check your bloodpoint total after every match.




Online Etiquette & Anti-Cheat



• Reportable Behavior: Tunneling (hard focusing one survivor out of the game early), camping (standing next to hooked survivor), excessive teabagging, body blocking (blocking others from vaults/hooks intentionally). These are not bannable unless done with malicious intent (e.g., holding game hostage). Behaviour's policy is vague; use report for harassment, cheating, or hate speech.


• Flashlight Clicking and Teabagging: Annoying but not reportable. However, doing it repeatedly often makes the killer tunnel you. Don't expect sympathy.


• Anti-Cheat (Easy Anti-Cheat / EAC): DbD uses EAC. False bans are rare but can happen if you have software hooking into the game (e.g., overlays, macros, cheat engine). Do not run any program that modifies game memory. On PC, if you get banned, you lose access to your entire account—no refunds.


• Cross-Platform: Console and PC players can play together. However, console players cannot see chat or end-game chat. PC players can be reported via Steam/Epic ID. Console players have no easy way to report others in-game except via platform tools.


• Save File Exploitation: Never download “save game” files from third-party sites—they often contain malicious code or trigger an immediate EAC ban. Your progress is stored server-side, so local editing won't work.




Save Management & Account Linking



• Cloud Saves: Steam automatically syncs saves, but Epic and Windows Store may not. If you switch PCs or reinstall, ensure cloud sync is ON. Without it, you could lose all progress (unlikely but possible).


• Account Linking: You can link Behaviour account across platforms to share some progress (auric cells, cosmetics). However, character levels, bloodpoints, and prestiges are NOT shared across platforms. If you buy DLC on Steam, you must buy it again on Epic to play that character there.


• Profile Corruption: Rarely, a game crash during save can corrupt your profile. Behaviour support can restore a backup (within 7 days). Don't modify your own save files—this is a guaranteed way to corrupt it permanently.




Things Players Commonly Regret Not Knowing Earlier


1. Shrine of Secrets resets every Tuesday and Friday. Check it even if you don't need perks—sometimes it has meta perks like Decisive Strike, Borrowed Time, or Hex: Ruin. Buy them with shards if possible.
2. Daily Rituals give 30,000 BP each (15,000 for the first of the day). Complete them every day—that's 210k BP per week.
3. You can reset your Bloodweb (press middle mouse button on PC) to get a new layout if the current one has bad nodes. Use this to farm good perks faster.
4. Offering: Bloodpoint bonus cakes (Survivor Pudding, Streamers, BPS, etc.) stack with other players' offerings. Always bring one when you have them—multiplies BP earned. Don't hoard them forever.
5. You can dodge lobby (leave before match starts) without penalty. If you see a killer with a mori offering or a full SWF group with flashlights, dodge to avoid frustration. No punishment.
6. Learn to loop without Dead Hard. Dead Hard is being changed (patch 6.1.0+ now requires you to be healthy and endurance leaves a speed debuff). Practice with basic vaults and pallets.
7. Maps are random but offerings affect probability. Survivors can burn Map offerings (e.g., Rancid Abattoir) to force a certain realm. Know which maps favor you (e.g., Pallet Heaven for survivors, Shelter Woods for killers).
8. Perk tiers matter. Tier 3 of a perk is significantly better than Tier 1 (e.g., Sprint Burst: 50% speed for 5s vs 3s). Prioritize getting your best perks to Tier 3.
9. You can inspect other players' items in lobby by clicking on them. Don't flashlights or medkits to gauge the team's loadout. If everyone brings medkits, it's likely a SWF group.
10. Killer add-ons are powerful but some alter Memento Mori animations (e.g., Tombstone piece on Myers). Using these can extend matches and frustrate survivors—be mindful.



Final Warnings



• Auric Cells are expensive. A single legendary cosmetic costs ~2000 AC (about $15-20). Don't impulse buy—wait for sales (rare).


• DLC characters unlock the killer + corresponding survivor. You cannot buy individual characters with AC; you must buy the chapter pack (real money) or grind 9000 Iridescent Shards each (survivor or killer separately).


• Behaviour Interactive support is slow (1-2 weeks). For urgent issues like ban appeals, use the official forum.


• The meta changes every few months with patches. A perk that is S-tier today (e.g., CoH, Dead Hard) may be nerfed tomorrow. Don't rely on one build exclusively.

Dead by Daylight: All Game Items Guide

1. Survivor Items

1.1 Med‑Kit

• Function: Heals yourself or other survivors (fast heal or self‑care).


• Charges: 16–32 depending on rarity.


• Acquisition: Bloodweb, chests, events.


• Best Use: Emergency healing after an unhook, or healing others quickly to prevent snowballing.


• Synergies: Add‑ons like Gauze Roll (heal speed) or Anti‑Haemorrhagic Syringe (instant heal). Combos well with leader perks (e.g., We’ll Make It).




1.2 Toolbox



• Function: Repairs generators faster; can also sabotage hooks or trap doors.


• Charges: 16–32 (sabotage uses different charge rate).


• Acquisition: Bloodweb, chests.


• Best Use: Rush generators early game, or sabotage a key hook near a strong loop.


• Synergies: Add‑ons like Wire Spool (extra repair speed) or Instructions (bonus repair progress). Works with Prove Thyself.




1.3 Flashlight



• Function: Blinds the killer for a short time, or destroys their power (e.g., Nurse’s Blink, Trapper’s traps).


• Charges: 12–24 seconds of beam time.


• Acquisition: Bloodweb, chests.


• Best Use: Save a teammate from being carried, prevent a hook, or interrupt a power attack.


• Synergies: Add‑ons like Wide Lens (wider beam) or High‑End Sapphire Lens (faster blind). Works with Breakout to increase wiggle effect.




1.4 Key (Skeleton Key / Broken Key)



• Function: Opens the Hatch before all generators are done (requires add‑on). Broken Key cannot open Hatch by itself.


• Charges: 15–25 seconds of use for Hatch aura reading.


• Acquisition: Bloodweb, chests.


• Best Use: Escape through Hatch early if you have the key and the team is struggling.


• Synergies: Add‑ons like Blood Amber (reveal killer aura while opening) or Prayer Beads (open Hatch without sound). Combine with Left Behind or Sole Survivor.




1.5 Map



• Function: Reveals auras of generators, traps, clues, or the killer (with add‑ons).


• Charges: 20–30 seconds of scanning.


• Acquisition: Bloodweb, chests.


• Best Use: Locate remaining generators quickly, or track killer movements with Map Add‑ons.


• Synergies: Add‑ons like Glowing Paint (show killer aura) or Red Twine (increase range). Useful for generators only when using Detective’s Hunch or similar perks.




1.6 Special/Event Items



• Firecrackers: Blind/confuse killer; single use. (Acquired during Lunar New Year events)


• Flashbang: Craftable item via perk Flashbang; creates a blinding blast after a loud noise notification.


• Emergency Med‑Kit: Event variant with faster self‑heal.

2. Survivor Add‑ons

Med‑Kit Add‑ons

Toolbox Add‑ons

Flashlight Add‑ons

Key Add‑ons

Map Add‑ons

3. Killer Add‑ons

3.1 Common Add‑on Types

• Increased Power Duration (e.g., Bloody Coil for Trapper – traps stay armed longer)


• Cooldown Reduction (e.g., Jim’s Boots for Hillbilly – faster chainsaw recharge)


• Tracking Enhancements (e.g., Glass Bead for Nurse – blink shows auras)


• Damage Buffs (e.g., Tiffany’s Earrings for Ghost Face – exposed longer)




3.2 Notable Killer Add‑ons



• Iridescent Head (Huntress) – Hatchets instantly down Survivors but have limited ammo.


• Tombstone Piece (Myers) – Kill exposed Survivors without needing a Mori offering.


• Coxcombed Clapper (Wraith) – Essentially silent uncloaking.


• Prayer Beads (Spirit) – No sound while phase walking (very powerful).

4. Offerings

4.1 Bloodpoint Multiplier Offerings

4.2 Map/Realm Offerings

4.3 Mori Offerings

4.4 Other Offerings

• Shroud of Separation (Survivor) – Start far from each other.


• Sacrificial Ward – Blocks one map offering from the enemy team (rare).


• Vigo’s Blueprint (Event) – Reveals killer’s terror radius at start.

5. Currencies

6. Collectibles

6.1 Charms

• Obtained: Archives, rift, events, store purchases.


• Types: Seasonal (Christmas skull, pumpkin), character‑specific (trapper’s mask), lore‑based.




6.2 Outfits & Weapon Skins


Cosmetic sets for survivors and killers. Often sold in the store or unlocked via archives.

• Head, Torso, Legs for survivors; Weapon for killers.


• Rarity: Common (green), Uncommon (yellow), Rare (purple), Very Rare (pink), Ultra Rare (red).


• Note: Cosmetics do not affect gameplay; they only change appearance.




6.3 Archives / Tomes


Each tome contains lore entries and challenge nodes. Completing challenges rewards:

• Bloodpoints, shards, rift fragments.


• Exclusive charms, outfits, and banner icons.




7. Important Notes




• Item Loss: Survivor items are consumed upon full use, or dropped on ground when downed (can be retrieved).


• Add‑on Consumption: Survivor add‑ons are consumed when the item is used up; killer add‑ons are consumed each trial.


• Bloodweb: The primary way to obtain items and add‑ons. Prestige a character to unlock higher‑tier items more frequently.


• Shrine of Secrets: Weekly rotation of four perks for purchase with shards – not items, but crucial for builds.

1. Killer Powers

2. Survivor Teachable Perks

Dead by Daylight: Characters & Roles Guide

Overview

Survivors

Dwight Fairfield

• Background: A timid office worker who becomes a leader under pressure. Perks focus on teamwork and locating allies.


• Perks:

- Bond: See allies’ auras within 36/48/60 meters.
- Prove Thyself: 6/8/10% repair speed bonus per Survivor nearby.
- Leader: Increases healing, repairing, sabotage, cleansing, opening, and unlocking speeds by 15/20/25% for Survivors within 8 meters.

• Synergy: Excellent for coordination. Pair with Prove Thyself to gen rush. Bond helps avoid the Killer. Leader aids team altruism.


• Unlock: Default character.




Meg Thomas



• Background: A track star who uses her athleticism to survive. Perks enhance mobility and exhaustion recovery.


• Perks:

- Sprint Burst: When healthy, start running triggers a 150% movement speed burst for 3 seconds (exhaustion for 60/50/40 seconds).
- Adrenaline: Instantly heal one health state and gain 5 seconds of 150% speed when last generator is completed.
- Quick & Quiet: Reduce noise from fast vaults, locker entries, and weapon drops by 100%.

• Synergy: High chase survivability. Sprint Burst is meta. Adrenaline provides endgame safety. Quick & Quiet enables stealthy vaults.


• Unlock: Default character.




Claudette Morel



• Background: A botanist and healer. Perks focus on self-sufficiency and team healing.


• Perks:

- Self-Care: Heal yourself without a med-kit at 50% speed (scaling with add-ons? No, fixed).
- Empathy: See injured Survivors’ auras up to 56/80/unlimited meters.
- Botany Knowledge: Increases healing speed by 11/22/33% and med-kit efficiency by 20%.

• Synergy: Self-reliance. Self-Care is powerful but slow; pair with Botany Knowledge to speed up. Empathy for awareness.


• Unlock: Default character.


... (and so on for all ~35 Survivors)

For brevity, the guide continues with every Survivor in the same structured format. A full list includes: Jake Park, Nea Karlsson, Laurie Strode, Ace Visconti, Feng Min, David King, Kate Denson, Adam Francis, Jeff Johansen, Jane Romero, Ash Williams, Nancy Wheeler, Steve Harrington, Yui Kimura, Zarina Kassir, Cheryl Mason, Felix Richter, Elodie Rakoto, Yun-Jin Lee, Mikaela Reid, Jonah Vasquez, Haddie Kaur, Ada Wong, Rebecca Chambers, Sheva Alomar, Carlos Oliveira, Claire Redfield (and more from licensed chapters).

Each entry will include background, strengths, weaknesses, playstyle, unlock cost (e.g., 9,000 Iridescent Shards or $4.99 DLC), recommended builds (e.g., perk synergies, offerings, items), and team role (e.g., gen jockey, looper, healer, stealth).

---



Killers



Killers have unique powers, base movement speeds, terror radiuses, and abilities. Each comes with three teachable perks.



The Trapper (Evan MacMillan)



• Background: Son of a wealthy but abusive businessman. Sets bear traps to ensnare prey.


• Power: Bear Trap – Place and reset traps. Survivors step in and are injured and immobilized until freed (or help) – takes 80% health. Traps can be disarmed, but high control.


• Strengths: Area denial, excellent at controlling loops and objectives. Can block windows/pallets.


• Weaknesses: Slow setup time; traps can be sabotaged; relies on map awareness; poor early game.


• Playstyle: Patrol generators and chokepoints. Place traps near windows, pallets, or key loops. Trap survivors to force healing or remove them from gens.


• Perks:

- Trapper's Teachables: Unnerving Presence, Brutal Strength, Agitation.
- Unnerving Presence: Increases Survivor skill check difficulty within terror radius.
- Brutal Strength: Higher pallet/wall break speed.
- Agitation: Faster carrying speed.

• Recommended Build: Corrupt Intervention (start), Pop Goes the Weasel (gen regression), Agitation, and a chase perk like Blood Favor.


• Unlock: Default Killer.




The Wraith (Philip Ojomo)



• Background: A disfigured janitor who uses his bell to become invisible.


• Power: Wraith's Bell – Invisibility + increased movement speed (9.2 m/s cloaked vs 4.6 m/s uncloaked). Uncloaking stuns briefly. Can see Survivors through walls while cloaked.


• Strengths: Stealth, mobility, surprise. Can patrol gens quickly.


• Weaknesses: Uncloaking time; Survivors can hear bell; limited anti-loop power.


• Playstyle: Cloak to travel, uncloak to attack. Use windstorm add-ons for speed. Hit and run.


• Perks:

- Predator: Scratch marks are more random (less used).
- Bloodhound: See blood pools brighter.
- Shadowborn: Increased FOV (often used for QoL).

• Recommended Build: Sloppy Butcher, Nurses Calling, Deadlock, and an info perk like BBQ & Chili.


• Unlock: Default Killer.


... (and so on for all 30+ Killers: Hillbilly, Nurse, Huntress, Hag, Doctor, Clown, Spirit, Legion, Plague, Ghost Face, Demogorgon, Oni, Deathslinger, Pyramid Head, Blight, Twins, Trickster, Nemesis, Cenobite, Artist, Onryō, Dredge, Knight, Skull Merchant, Singularity, Xenomorph, Chucky, Unknown, etc.)

Each Killer entry will cover: backstory, power description, strengths/weaknesses, playstyle, unlock method (e.g., Free, DLC, 9,000 shards), best add-ons builds, perk recommendations, and how they synergize with certain map offerings or survivor perks.

---



Roles & Synergy





Survivor Roles



• Gen Jockey: Focus on repairing generators. Perks like Prove Thyself, Streetwise, Better Together. Use toolboxes.


• Looper: Extend chases to waste killer time. Perks like Dead Hard, Sprint Burst, Windows of Opportunity, Lithe.


• Healer: Keep team healthy. Perks like We’ll Make It, Botany Knowledge, Circle of Healing (Mikaela). Med-kits.


• Stealth: Avoid detection. Perks like Urban Evasion, Iron Will, Distortion. Key charms to hide scratch marks.


• Saboteur: Disable hooks. Perks like Saboteur, Breakout. Toolboxes with sabo add-ons.


• Support: Run situational perks like Borrowed Time, Unbreakable, Deliverance for rescues.




Killer Roles



• Tracker: Find survivors quickly (e.g., Wraith, Legion, Doctor).


• Chaser: Win chases (e.g., Nurse, Spirit, Blight).


• Area Denial: Control objectives (e.g., Hag, Trapper, Knight).


• Stealth: Surprise attacks (e.g., Ghost Face, Pig, Onryō).


• Snowball: Chain kills (e.g., Oni, Legion with mending).


---



Unlocking Characters




• Default Characters: Dwight, Meg, Claudette, Jake (Survivors); Trapper, Wraith, Hillbilly, Nurse (Killers) – unlocked from start.


• In-Game Currency (Shards): Most original characters cost 9,000 Iridescent Shards (earned by leveling). Some licensed characters cost more (e.g., 12,000-15,000 shards).


• DLC Packs: Purchase with real money. Steam, Epic, console stores. Licensed characters often only available via DLC.


• The Bloodweb: Level up characters to unlock perks. Teachable perks appear at levels 30, 35, 40 for each character. Once unlocked, they can appear on other characters’ Bloodwebs.


---



Recommended Builds & Equipment





Survivor Example: Gen Rush Build



• Perks: Prove Thyself (Dwight), Sprint Burst (Meg), Technician (Feng Min), Resilience (general).


• Item: Toolbox with Wire Spool and Cutting Wire for fast repairs.


• Offering: Garden of Joy offering? Or a map offering for a survivor-favorable map (e.g., Ormond).




Killer Example: Anti-Heal Build



• Perks: Sloppy Butcher (general), Nurses Calling (general), Thanatophobia (Nurse), Septic Touch (general).


• Add-ons: Depends on killer – e.g., Wraith with Windstorm and Swift Hunt.


• Offering: Any map that favors your killer (e.g., Lerys for ambush).


---



Team Synergy Tips




• Survivors: Coordinate in voice chat if possible. One person runs Prove Thyself for gen speed, another Borrowed Time for rescues, one Unbreakable for anti-slug, and a looper with Dead Hard.


• Killers: Build around a strategy. Pop Goes the Weasel and Corrupt Intervention are strong on most killers. Barbeque and Chili helps with tracking after hooks.

Conclusion

Dead by Daylight: Cheats & Secrets Guide

Important Disclaimer

Easter Eggs & Hidden Features

1. Map‑Specific Easter Eggs

• Rotten Fruit Room: In the main building, there is a small room filled with rotten fruit that emits a foul smell. This is a nod to the lore of the map being a former slaughterhouse. Interacting with the fruit does nothing but adds atmosphere.


• Caged Raccoon: In the basement, you can find a caged raccoon with a note. The note implies the raccoon was used for testing. No interaction possible.


#### Crotus Penn Asylum (Disturbed Ward / Father Campbell’s Chapel)

• Hidden Patient Names: On the walls of the asylum, you can find patient number tags. Some correspond to real‑life horror figures or community members. Look for numbers like 1729 (a nod to Isaac Newton) or 666 (the mark of the beast).


• The Wheelchair Jump: In the Disturbed Ward, a wheelchair can be seen rocking on its own near a window. Approaching it may cause it to stop. This is purely visual.


#### Lamplight Lane (Haddonfield)

• Michael Myers’ House: The Myers house from the Halloween film series is fully modeled and can be entered. Interiors match the movie. On the second floor, there’s a closet where Michael might have stood—sometimes a faint breathing sound can be heard if you stand still.


#### McMillian Estate (Ironworks of Misery / Shelter Woods)

• The Trapper’s Mask: On certain variations of the map, the Trapper’s mask can be found hanging on a wall or stuck in a tree. It’s a small collectible visual nod. No interaction.


#### Red Forest (Mother’s Dwelling / Temple of Purgation)

• Hag’s Original Body: In the basement of the Temple of Purgation, you can find a decaying corpse that matches the Hag’s lore description. The room is dimly lit and can be missed easily.


#### Coldwind Farm (Rancid Abattoir / Fractured Cowshed)

• The Broken Windmill: One of the windmills has a ladder that leads to a small platform. At the top, you can see a note from a farmer complaining about the Entity’s fog. It’s a lore piece.


#### Ormond Lake Resort (Mount Ormond Resort)

• The Ski Lift: The ski lift can be seen moving with no one on it. Occasionally, a mannequin will ride past. This is a visual trick to unsettle players.


#### Dead Dawg Saloon (Glendale)

• Jail Cell Key: In the sheriff’s office, there is a key hanging on a wall. It can be picked up by Survivors (as a visual prop only; it has no gameplay effect). The key rattles when touched.


#### Nostromo Wreckage (Realm of the Xenomorph)

• The Alien Egg: In the basement of the Nostromo, a single Xenomorph egg can be found. If a Survivor lingers near it, a faint hissing sound plays. This is a direct reference to the Alien franchise.


• Jonesy the Cat: A small cat figure can be seen hiding in vents or under tables. Look for the orange tabby – a nod to the Nostromo’s cat from the movie.


#### Silent Hill – Midwich Elementary School

• Lisa Garland: In the main hall, the ghost of Lisa Garland from Silent Hill 1 can be seen standing in a corner. She will disappear if a player approaches. She does not interfere with gameplay.


• The Otherworld Transition: When the map undergoes its visual shift (triggered by certain Killer powers or the endgame collapse), you can see rusted, bloody versions of objects. This is purely aesthetic.


#### Resident Evil – Raccoon City Police Station

• Safe Room Doors: Some doors that are normally locked during the game have visual red/green lights identical to the Resident Evil games. The lights flicker but never change state.


• STARS Office: The office contains a computer with a message about the “Mansion Incident.” Reading it causes a slight screen shake – an homage to the original game’s unlockable files.

2. Secret Achievements / Trophies

3. Glyph Challenges (Secret Interactions)

• White Glyph: Appears randomly in a Trial when you have a corresponding Tome challenge. Interact with it to receive a temporary buff (usually a speed boost or aura reading).


• Red Glyph: Similar to White, but appears only for Killers. Grants a short burst of speed.


• Green Glyph: Found in specific maps during events. Touching it changes your appearance briefly (cosmetic only).


• Blue Glyph: Rare; when touched, it reveals the Killer’s aura for a few seconds.


> Note: Glyphs are not permanent secrets but are part of the rotating Tome content. They are not hidden from players—they just require reading the Tome challenges to know they exist.



4. Hidden Lore Objects



Throughout the maps, you can find objects that expand the backstory of the realm. These do not affect gameplay but are collectible lore pieces:

• Letters & Notes: Many maps have handwritten letters from past survivors or killers. Example: In the Asylum, you can find a note from a patient describing the “Entity.”


• Graffiti: On walls, there are markings that spell out cryptic messages like “IT STARED BACK” or “WE ARE ALL ITS TOYS.”


• Photographs: Some maps have photo frames showing characters from the lore. The Game map has a photo of Benedict Baker, the in‑game historian.




5. The Basement Voice Lines



If you stand still in the basement for 30 seconds or more, a faint, distorted voice may whisper something. This is not confirmed to be a deliberate Easter egg by Behaviour, but many players report hearing a woman’s voice saying “Release me…” or “I’m watching…” It may be tied to the Entity’s presence.

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Exploit‑Free Secrets (Developer‑Intended)





The Anniversary Crown (Yearly Event)



• During the anniversary event (June/July), golden crowns appear on specific maps. Survivors and Killers can pick them up to gain a glowing crown on their character model for the rest of the match. This is a cosmetic secret that stays for the duration of the event.




The Snowman (Winter Event)



• In December, snowmen appear on maps. Both Survivors and Killers can jump inside a snowman to hide or sneak. The snowman disguises you, but it can be broken by the Killer. This is a seasonal secret mechanic.




The Blighted Serum (Halloween Event)



• During Halloween, blighted serum vials spawn. Survivors can use them to vault pallets faster; Killers can use them to break pallets faster. Interacting with a serum changes your appearance temporarily (pustules and glowing eyes).


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False Rumors & Discontinued Content





The “God Mode” Codes (False)



• No cheat codes exist for God mode, unlimited bloodpoints, or unlocking all characters. Any website claiming otherwise is either a scam or modded client.




The Backwards Walk (Patched)



• An old exploit allowed Survivors to walk backwards at full speed while looking away from the Killer. This was patched years ago.




The Self‑Revive Glitch (Patched)



• Survivors could use a combination of perks to revive themselves from the dying state without help. This has been fixed.

Conclusion