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

Conquer Dead by Daylight: A Killer Guide for Beginners

Dead by Daylight, boasting 26 killers and a consistently high player base, can feel overwhelming for newcomers. This guide focuses on easier killers to help you master the basics before tackling more complex characters. While the in-game tutorial covers fundamentals, it lacks the nuanced strategies needed to succeed.

This guide highlights several accessible killers, perfect for honing your skills:

1. The Wraith: One of the original three killers, The Wraith's power is incredibly forgiving. His ability to cloak himself using his Wailing Bell grants him the Undetectable status, making him nearly invisible. While cloaked, he can't attack, but uncloaking provides a significant speed boost for a swift strike. His straightforward mechanics make him ideal for learning the game's rhythm.

2. The Shape (Michael Myers): An iconic slasher, Michael Myers' power is surprisingly simple. He builds a meter by stalking survivors, eventually reaching a tier three state where he can instantly down survivors with a single hit. While mastering his stalking and tier three timing takes practice, the core mechanic is easy to grasp.

3. The Hillbilly: Inspired by Leatherface, The Hillbilly uses a chainsaw rush for devastating attacks. While controlling the rush takes skill (especially with a controller), the basic concept is simple: hold the power button and charge forward. The ability to instantly down survivors and destroy obstacles makes him effective, though mastering his maneuverability is crucial.

4. The Pig (Amanda Young): This stealthy killer offers a unique challenge. Her ability to crouch, granting Undetectable status, allows for surprise attacks. While placing reverse bear traps on downed survivors adds a layer of complexity, the core mechanic of ambushing and the trap's straightforward function make her approachable for beginners.

5. The Doctor: While considered "hard" in-game, The Doctor's power is surprisingly intuitive once understood. He uses Static Blast and Shock Therapy to induce Madness in survivors, inflicting debilitating effects. Mastering the timing and application of these powers is key, but the fundamental concept is easy to learn.

6. Legion: This highly mobile killer excels in quick attacks and chains. Their Feral Frenzy ability boosts speed and allows for sliding and vaulting, but they can't down survivors while using it. This makes them easy to learn, although their effectiveness relies on strategic use of their power and follow-up attacks.

7. The Huntress: While mastering her hatchet throws requires precision, the core mechanic is simple: prime and throw. Her intuitive power and ability to catch survivors off guard make her a solid choice for beginners. Remember to restock hatchets at lockers.

8. The Trickster: Once considered weak, the Trickster's buff significantly improved his viability. His Showstopper ability allows him to throw blades, building up a laceration meter to injure or down survivors. While aiming is crucial, the basic mechanics are straightforward.

9. The Deathslinger: This killer offers a unique ranged attack with his harpoon gun. Aiming is crucial, and controller users might find the controls challenging due to the lack of fine-tuned sensitivity options in the game. However, the core mechanic of reeling in survivors is simple to understand.

10. The Cannibal (Leatherface): Leatherface’s chainsaw sprint is powerful but requires careful management of his tantrum meter. While his power is easy to understand, mastering its nuances is key to success against experienced survivors. His Barbeque & Chili perk is also a significant advantage.

11. The Nightmare (Freddy Krueger): Freddy's Dream Demon power allows him to be invisible at a distance, making ambushes easier for beginners. His other perks enhance his ability to control generator progress and exit gates, making him a strong choice for those learning the ropes.

12. The Trapper: Despite the name, The Trapper is surprisingly straightforward. Setting bear traps and using them to ambush survivors is simple to learn. His ability to easily break through obstacles and increase generator damage makes him a solid beginner choice.

Remember, practice is key! Start with these easier killers, learn their strengths and weaknesses, and gradually expand your repertoire as your skills improve. Good luck and happy hunting!