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

Dead by Daylight, released in 2016 with a mere three killers and four survivors, has exploded in popularity. Initially a simple hide-and-seek game, it's now considered by some a "Super Smash Bros. of horror," boasting 26 killers and an average of 62,000 players (as of July 2021). While the game offers a basic tutorial, mastering each killer requires experience. The lack of bot matches makes solo practice challenging, but several killers offer gentler learning curves 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 abounds, new players have ample time to explore and master various killers before the new additions arrive. Key contenders for beginners include iconic villains from *D&D*, *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 surprise attacks and strategic map control. Its "Of the Abyss" power lets it sense Survivors near Portals, enabling swift ambushes. Six Portals can be strategically placed, but Survivors can seal visible ones. Unique Perks further enhance its Portal manipulation, offering advantages like generator regression and inflicting status effects on Survivors.

Effective Demogorgon gameplay involves cleverly positioning Portals near Generators (but not too close), faking Portal hops and lunges to keep Survivors off-balance, and utilizing Perks to maximize disruption and control.

14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

The Clown, a master of pursuit, utilizes noxious gas to hinder Survivors' vision and movement. His Perks amplify his chase capabilities, allowing him to block windows, slow healing, and regress generators. Mastering the Clown requires strategic use of his Afterpiece Tonic (both gas clouds and antidote bottles) and understanding when to prioritize chases versus generator regression.

13. The Mastermind - Albert Wesker

From *Resident Evil: PROJECT W*, Albert Wesker’s "Virulent Bond" allows charged lunge attacks that auto-vault obstacles or infect Survivors with the Uroboros Virus, leading to a Hindered status effect. His Perks enhance his detection abilities, vaulting speed, and inflict Broken status on injured Survivors. Effective Wesker gameplay involves leveraging his range and control over distance to maximize his potent attacks and infectious abilities.

12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

A classic choice for beginners, The Trapper’s straightforward gameplay centers around strategically placed bear traps to ensnare Survivors. His easy-to-understand kit, combined with area denial tactics and perks that boost movement speed while carrying a Survivor and increase generator damage, makes him an excellent starting point for new players. Learning effective trap placement is key to mastering this Killer.

11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger’s auto-stealth ability ("Dream Demon") makes him a forgiving option for beginners. His power increases as generators are repaired, and he can obsess over a single Survivor, hindering their ability to open exit gates. Blocking exits and his innate stealth make him ideal for those new to the Killer role.

10. The Cannibal — Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw rush instantly downs survivors, but managing his "tantrum" meter requires skill. His perk, Barbeque & Chili, is highly valued across the roster. While effective against new players, his effectiveness diminishes against experienced Survivors.

9. The Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's FPS-style ranged attacks require aim. While his perks aren't top-tier, his unique gameplay is appealing to FPS fans. Missing shots can be costly, and controller users may find the aiming challenging due to Dead by Daylight's lack of advanced sensitivity options.

8. The Trickster

The Trickster's "Showstopper" ability involves throwing blades to build up a laceration meter, ultimately injuring or downing Survivors. His "Main Event" allows for rapid blade throws but requires restocking blades at lockers. Like the Deathslinger, good aim is crucial, and controller users might find the aiming system challenging.

7. The Huntress

The Huntress's throwing hatchets require precision, making her challenging but rewarding to master. Her intuitive power and ability to surprise Survivors make her a viable option for new players, although mastering accuracy is key. Hatchets must be restocked at lockers.

6. Legion

Legion's high mobility and ability to chain attacks during "Feral Frenzy" make them unique. However, they can't down Survivors while in Feral Frenzy, requiring a follow-up attack. While easy to learn, Legion's effectiveness is limited against skilled Survivors.

5. The Doctor

The Doctor's ability to induce Madness on Survivors through Static Blast and Shock Therapy makes him a powerful but complex Killer. Understanding the Madness effects and their escalating consequences is crucial for effective gameplay.

4. The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig's stealth capabilities and ability to place reverse bear traps on downed Survivors offer a unique and challenging playstyle. Mastering her stealth and trap placement is key to success.

3. The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush can instantly down Survivors, destroy obstacles, and is easy to use, but controlling its direction is challenging. Mastering precision and maneuvering is crucial for effective gameplay, particularly for controller users.

2. The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers' power builds over time through stalking, culminating in a one-hit down ability. While simple to understand, strategic stalking and timing of his tier-three power are essential for success.

1. The Wraith

The Wraith's cloaking ability ("Undetectable") and speed boost upon uncloaking make him forgiving and effective for beginners. His straightforward power and ease of use make him an excellent starting point for new players.