Since its launch in 2016, Dead by Daylight has evolved from a simple hide-and-seek game into a horror gaming phenomenon, often dubbed the "Super Smash Bros. of horror." Initially featuring just three killers and four survivors, the game now boasts an impressive roster of 26 killers and continues to attract an average of 62,000 players monthly as of July 2021. While the game offers a basic tutorial, mastering the intricacies of each killer can be challenging, especially without the option for bot matches. For newcomers, selecting the right killer to start with can be daunting, but some are more beginner-friendly than others.
As of January 15, 2025, Dead by Daylight enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of a new Licensed Killer in March and an Original Survivor in April. While speculation abounds about the identity of the new killer, new players have ample time to experiment with various killers to find their main. Among the standout killers to try are the iconic Demogorgon from Stranger Things, the menacing Clown, and the strategic mastermind Albert Wesker from Resident Evil.
15 The Beast - The Demogorgon
Cover Distance With Portals
The Demogorgon, introduced in Chapter 13: Stranger Things, is an interdimensional being from the sci-fi horror series. With its terrifying appearance and ability to open Portals, the Demogorgon can outsmart survivors by covering large distances and launching surprise attacks. Its Of the Abyss Power allows it to sense survivors near its Portals, enabling swift and powerful leaping attacks. Players can set up to six Portals across the map to facilitate chases, though survivors can seal them. The Demogorgon's unique perks, such as Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge, enhance its strategic gameplay, making it a formidable choice for those who enjoy tactical play.
14 The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk
A Killer Clown With An Infectious Laugh
The Clown, originally known as Kenneth Chase, uses his past as a circus performer to his advantage. His Afterpiece Tonic releases noxious gas that hinders survivors' vision and movement, making them easy targets during chases. The Clown's perks, including Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, further enhance his chasing capabilities. Players must develop strong game sense and map knowledge to effectively use the Clown, juggling 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 a formidable killer with superior genetics and mutated biology. His Virulent Bond allows him to perform a Bound Attack, which can auto-Vault over obstacles or interact with survivors, infecting them with the Uroboros Virus. This virus eventually leads to a Hindered Status Effect. Wesker's perks, such as Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, reflect his advanced capabilities. Players must master map control and distance management to fully leverage Wesker's deadly potential.
12 The Trapper — Evan MacMillan
The Trapper, one of the original killers, remains a solid choice for beginners due to his straightforward gameplay. Using bear traps to lock survivors in place, Evan MacMillan can easily pursue and capture his victims. His Agitation perk provides a movement speed bonus when carrying a survivor, making him an effective Area Denial Killer. The Trapper's ability to break through pallets and walls, along with his increased damage to generators, makes him a great starting point for new players to learn the game's mechanics.
11 The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger, introduced as a DLC character in 2017, is an excellent choice for beginners thanks to his auto-stealthing ability. His Dream Demon power allows him to remain visually invisible to survivors at a distance, making it easier to surprise them. Freddy's Fire Up perk increases his action speed as generators are fixed, and his ability to become obsessed with a survivor can delay their escape. His auto-stealth and strategic perks make him a great option for those new to the killer role.
10 The Cannibal — Leatherface
Leatherface, available through the "Leatherface" DLC, is one of the easier killers to learn. His chainsaw dash attack can instantly down survivors, making him a formidable opponent against new players. However, his tantrum meter, which can halt his movement, requires careful management. Leatherface's Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valuable across the killer roster, making him a great choice for beginners looking to master a powerful ability.
9 The Deathslinger
The Deathslinger, introduced in the Chains of Hate DLC, offers a unique ranged ability reminiscent of FPS games. His harpoon gun can reel in survivors, leaving them injured and suffering from Deep Wounds. While his perks may not be meta, they are suitable for new player lobbies. However, mastering his aim can be challenging, especially for controller users due to limited sensitivity options.
8 The Trickster
The Trickster, once considered one of the weakest killers, received a significant buff in July 2021. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades at survivors, building up their laceration meter. Once full, survivors take damage, which can down them. His Main Event special enables rapid blade throwing, but he must restock blades from lockers. Like the Deathslinger, the Trickster's effectiveness relies on good aim, which can be challenging for controller users.
7 The Huntress
The Huntress, available to all players, is identifiable by her haunting tune. Her power is simple yet challenging to master, as she throws hatchets at survivors. While aiming can be difficult, especially on controllers, her intuitive power and decent lunging attack make her a great choice for new players. Hatchets must be restocked at lockers, adding a strategic element to her gameplay.
6 Legion
Legion is one of the most mobile killers, with nearly unmatched speed on foot. Their Feral Frenzy power allows them to sprint and chain attacks, injuring survivors and afflicting them with Deep Wounds. While in Feral Frenzy, Legion cannot down survivors, requiring players to finish them off outside of the power. This makes Legion easy to learn but less effective against experienced players.
5 The Doctor
The Doctor is a challenging killer for survivors, especially in new lobbies. His Static Blast and Shock Therapy powers induce Madness, causing survivors to suffer from various negative effects. While his power is complex, it is extremely effective when used correctly, making him a formidable choice for players looking to master a strategic killer.
4 The Pig — Amanda Young
The Pig, inspired by the SAW franchise, is a stealthy killer with the ability to crouch and become Undetectable. Her Ambush Dash allows her to sprint and attack survivors, while her reverse bear traps can instantly kill survivors if not removed in time. Though more complex than some killers, her ability is easy to understand, making her a rewarding choice for players willing to learn her mechanics.
3 The Hillbilly
The Hillbilly, inspired by Leatherface, uses a chainsaw rush to instantly down survivors and destroy obstacles. While his power is easy to learn, controlling the chainsaw rush can be challenging, especially for controller users. The Hillbilly is a good choice for beginners, but mastering his movement and turning skills is essential for success.
2 The Shape — Michael Myers
Michael Myers, the first licensed killer in Dead by Daylight, is a simple yet effective choice for new players. His stalking ability builds his power meter, allowing him to down survivors in one hit at tier three. While his power is easy to use, the true skill lies in knowing when to activate tier three and how to move effectively as Myers.
1 The Wraith
The Wraith, one of the original killers, is the most forgiving choice for beginners. His ability to cloak and uncloak, granting him the Undetectable status and a speed boost, makes him an excellent option for new players. The Wraith's power is easy to learn, and he is available to all players, making him a great starting point for those learning the game.
