Beginner's Guide to Dead by Daylight
New to Dead by Daylight? This guide covers everything from survivor and killer basics to perk progression and common mistakes to avoid.
What is Dead by Daylight?
- 1Dead by Daylight is a 4v1 asymmetric horror game. Four survivors must repair generators to escape while one killer hunts them down.
- 2Survivors play in third person and must repair 5 of 7 generators to power the exit gates and escape.
- 3The killer plays in first person and must hook survivors 3 times each to sacrifice them to the Entity.
- 4Matches last 5-15 minutes on average. Both sides earn Bloodpoints for actions during the trial.
- 5The Bloodweb is used to unlock perks, items, add-ons, and offerings using earned Bloodpoints.
Survivor Basics
- 1Hold M1 on generators to repair them. Hit skill checks (spacebar) when the indicator appears.
- 2When the killer is near, hide behind objects, use lockers, or run to pallets and windows.
- 3Pallets stun the killer when dropped on them. Windows can be vaulted to create distance.
- 4If hit twice, you enter the dying state. Another survivor must pick you up, or you bleed out in 4 minutes.
- 5Scratch marks show the killer where you ran. Walk or crouch to move without leaving marks.
Killer Basics
- 1Your goal is to find, chase, and hook survivors. Each survivor can be hooked 3 times total.
- 2After the first hook, survivors enter the struggle phase on second hook, and die on third hook.
- 3Use your unique power effectively. Each killer has a distinct ability that defines their playstyle.
- 4Do not camp hooks. Patrol generators and apply map pressure while survivors are hooked.
- 5Breaking pallets and kicking generators are essential actions. Learn when to commit to a chase vs. leave.
Perks & Progression
- 1Each character has 3 unique teachable perks unlocked at levels 30, 35, and 40 on the Bloodweb.
- 2Teachable perks appear on all other characters' Bloodwebs once unlocked.
- 3Start by leveling characters with the best teachable perks (Meg, Bill, Claudette for survivors).
- 4Perk tiers (1-3) improve the perk's values. Always aim for Tier 3 versions of meta perks.
- 5Offerings are consumables used before a match. Map offerings and Bloodpoint offerings are most useful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Do not hide and do nothing as a survivor. Always be repairing, unhooking, or looping the killer.
- 2Do not run in a straight line away from the killer. Use loops, pallets, and windows to extend chases.
- 3Do not self-care in a corner for 32 seconds. Bring a medkit or let a teammate heal you quickly.
- 4As killer, do not chase one survivor for 3+ minutes. Break chase and pressure generators instead.
- 5Do not waste pallets by throwing them early. Loop the pallet 2-3 times before dropping it.