Dead by Daylight: A Killer Guide for Beginners
Dead by Daylight, boasting 26 killers and a consistently high player count, can feel overwhelming for newcomers. This guide focuses on easier killers to help you learn the ropes before tackling more complex characters. While the game offers a basic tutorial, mastering each killer requires experience. Let's explore some beginner-friendly options:
Top Killers for Beginners:
- The Wraith: One of the original killers, The Wraith's power is simple yet effective. He can cloak himself using his Wailing Bell, becoming nearly invisible. While cloaked, he can't attack, but uncloaking grants a speed boost, making surprise attacks possible. His straightforward ability makes him ideal for learning the game's mechanics.
- The Shape (Michael Myers): This iconic slasher offers a unique power. He builds a Terror Radius meter by stalking survivors. At full power, he can instantly down survivors with one hit. While his power requires strategic stalking, the core mechanic is easy to grasp.
- The Hillbilly: Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly uses a chainsaw rush for devastating attacks. While controlling the chainsaw's trajectory takes practice, the basic concept is simple: hold the power button and charge forward. This makes him a good choice for learning aggressive playstyles.
- The Pig (Amanda Young): This stealthy killer can crouch, granting her the Undetectable status. She can ambush survivors with a quick dash attack and deploy reverse bear traps, which require survivors to find keys to disarm before they expire. Her stealth element adds a layer of strategy, but the core mechanics are relatively straightforward.
- The Doctor: While considered "hard" in-game, The Doctor's power, inducing Madness in survivors, is easier to understand than it seems. He uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to inflict Madness, leading to negative effects on survivors. Mastering his power's nuances takes time, but the basic concept is accessible.
- Legion: Legion's high mobility makes them a fun choice. Their Feral Frenzy allows for rapid attacks and unique movement options, like sliding under pallets. While they can't down survivors while in Feral Frenzy, the power's simplicity makes them a good choice for learning aggressive movement.
- The Huntress: The Huntress throws hatchets, a simple power to understand. Accuracy takes practice, but the core mechanic is intuitive. Her ability to attack from a distance makes her a good choice for learning map awareness and strategic positioning.
- The Trickster: After buffs, The Trickster is a viable option. His Showstopper ability involves throwing blades to build up a laceration meter, eventually injuring or downing survivors. While aiming is crucial, the power's simplicity makes him a good choice to learn ranged attacks.
- The Deathslinger: This killer uses a ranged harpoon gun. While aiming precision is key, the core mechanic is easy to grasp. He's a great choice for players who enjoy ranged combat. However, controller users may find the aiming more challenging due to the game's lack of advanced sensitivity options.
- The Cannibal (Leatherface): Leatherface's chainsaw rush is powerful but requires careful management of its charges and "tantrum" meter. His Barbeque & Chili perk is highly valued, but mastering his power's nuances takes more experience. He's a good option for learning aggressive play but might be less forgiving for complete beginners.
- The Nightmare (Freddy Krueger): Freddy's Dream Demon power allows for stealthy approaches. His ability to become invisible at a distance and his perks that affect generators and exit gates make him a good choice for learning strategic play.
- The Trapper: The Trapper's bear traps are straightforward to set and use, making him ideal for learning area denial strategies.
More Challenging Killers (For Later):
The Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker are powerful but require more advanced understanding of the game's mechanics. They are best approached after mastering some of the easier killers listed above.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Experiment with different killers, learn their strengths and weaknesses, and you'll soon be terrorizing survivors in no time.