Dead By Daylight: The 15 Best Killers For Beginners (& How To Play Them)

Dead by Daylight, launched in 2016 with a modest three killers and four survivors, has exploded in popularity. Initially a simple hide-and-seek game, it's evolved into a complex and compelling experience, boasting 26 killers and an average of 62,000 players (as of July 2021). While the game provides a basic tutorial, mastering each killer requires practice. The absence of bot matches makes solo experimentation challenging, but some killers are easier to learn than others, providing a great starting point for newcomers.

Updated January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With new Licensed Killer and Original Survivor releases slated for March and April 2025, anticipation is high. While speculation swirls around the next additions, new players have ample time to explore the existing roster. This guide highlights several must-try killers, including iconic figures from *Dungeons & Dragons*, *Stranger Things*, and *Resident Evil*.

15. The Beast - The Demogorgon

Hailing from *Stranger Things* (and *Dungeons & Dragons*), the Demogorgon's ability to open and utilize Portals allows for surprising long-range attacks. Its "Of the Abyss" power lets it sense Survivors near Portals, setting up devastating ambushes. Six Portals can be strategically placed across the map, significantly enhancing chase efficiency, although Survivors can seal visible Portals. Unique perks further enhance this strategy: Cruel Limits blocks vault locations after generator repairs; Mindbreaker inflicts blindness and exhaustion; and Surge regresses generators when a basic attack downs a Survivor. Effective Demogorgon play involves clever Portal placement near generators (but not too close), and skillful feints to keep Survivors off-balance.

14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

The Clown's anesthetic gas clouds, deployed via Afterpiece Tonic, hinder Survivor vision and movement, making him a formidable chaser. Perks like Bamboozle (blocking windows after vaulting), Coulrophobia (reducing healing speed and increasing skill check rotations), and Pop Goes The Weasel (regressing generators after hooking a Survivor) reinforce his chase-oriented gameplay. Mastering the Clown requires understanding when to pursue and when to focus on generator regression. Strategic use of both purple gas clouds (for zoning) and yellow antidote bottles (for pre-chase preparation) is crucial.

13. The Mastermind - Albert Wesker

From *Resident Evil: PROJECT W*, Albert Wesker utilizes the Uroboros Virus. His Virulent Bond power allows charged lunge attacks that auto-vault over obstacles or inflict the virus on Survivors, eventually leading to a hindered status. Perks like Awakened Awareness (detecting nearby Survivors while carrying one), Superior Anatomy (boosting vaulting speed), and Terminus (inflicting the Broken status) complement his abilities. Effective Wesker play involves maximizing the range and impact of his power, knowing when to pursue and when to utilize knife attacks for efficient eliminations.

12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

A classic choice for beginners, The Trapper's straightforward gameplay revolves around strategically placed bear traps. His ability to easily pick up trapped Survivors and the movement speed bonus from Agitation make him effective at controlling the map and denying objectives. Mastering trap placement is key to success, but the ease of use makes him an ideal entry point for new players. He also excels at breaking pallets and walls and disrupting generator repairs.

11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger's Dream Demon power grants him near invisibility at a distance, making him surprisingly easy for beginners to master. His Fire Up perk strengthens him as generators are repaired, and his obsession mechanic slows Exit Gate opening. The ability to temporarily shut down Exit Gates after hooking a Survivor adds another layer of control. His stealth, combined with increased efficiency as the game progresses, makes him a forgiving and rewarding killer for new players.

10. The Cannibal — Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw rush can instantly down Survivors, but requires careful management of his tantrum meter. While powerful against inexperienced players, his effectiveness diminishes against skilled Survivors. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valued across the killer roster.

9. The Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's FPS-style ranged attacks require precision. While his perks aren't top-tier, his unique gameplay appeals to FPS fans. Successful harpoon shots inflict Deep Wounds, potentially downing injured Survivors. Controller users may find his aiming mechanics challenging due to Dead by Daylight's limited sensitivity options.

8. The Trickster

The Trickster's Showstopper ability allows for ranged blade attacks, building up a laceration meter to injure or down Survivors. Main Event allows unlimited blade throws, but requires restocking blades in lockers. Like the Deathslinger, precision is key, and controller users might find the aiming challenging.

7. The Huntress

The Huntress's throwing hatchets are simple to understand but require practice to master. Her intuitive power and ability to surprise Survivors from a distance make her a good choice for beginners. Hatchet restocking at lockers is necessary.

6. Legion

Legion's high mobility in Feral Frenzy allows for rapid attacks and traversal of obstacles, but they cannot down Survivors while in this state. The ability to mark Survivors and inflict Deep Wounds makes them effective but requires skillful execution.

5. The Doctor

The Doctor's Static Blast and Shock Therapy induce Madness, inflicting various negative effects on Survivors. While powerful, mastering his abilities and understanding the Madness effects is crucial for effective gameplay.

4. The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig's stealth and Ambush Dash allow for surprise attacks, and her reverse bear traps add a strategic layer to the game. While requiring more understanding than some killers, her core mechanics are relatively straightforward.

3. The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush can instantly down Survivors and destroy obstacles, but requires precise control. While easy to learn, mastering the chainsaw's trajectory is challenging, especially for controller users.

2. The Shape — Michael Myers

Myers's power builds over time through stalking, culminating in a one-hit down state. While simple to understand, strategic stalking and timing are crucial for maximum effectiveness.

1. The Wraith

The Wraith's cloaking ability provides stealth and a speed boost upon uncloaking, making him a forgiving and fun killer for beginners.