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. Now boasting 26 killers and consistently attracting thousands of players monthly, it's become a phenomenon. While the game offers a basic tutorial, mastering each killer requires practice. The absence of bot matches makes solo experimentation challenging, but some killers are more beginner-friendly than others.

Updated January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With new licensed Killer and Original Survivor releases slated for March and April 2025, newcomers have ample time to hone their skills with existing killers. Consider starting with iconic characters like the Demogorgon, The Clown, and Albert Wesker, each offering unique gameplay styles.

15. The Beast - The Demogorgon

The Demogorgon, from *Stranger Things* and *Dungeons & Dragons*, utilizes Portals to cover vast distances, surprising Survivors with swift attacks. Its "Of the Abyss" Power allows it to sense Survivors near Portals, setting up ambushes. Six Portals can be strategically placed across the map, though Survivors can seal them. Unique Perks further enhance Portal manipulation, impacting Generator repairs and inflicting status effects.

14. The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

The Clown, a terrifying figure with a penchant for noxious gas, excels in chases. His "Afterpiece Tonic" releases gas clouds, impairing Survivor vision and movement. Perks further boost his chasing capabilities, hindering healing and regressing Generators. Mastering the Clown requires strategic gas deployment and understanding when to pursue versus focusing on Generator regression.

13. The Mastermind - Albert Wesker

Albert Wesker, from *Resident Evil*, uses the Uroboros Virus to infect and hinder Survivors. His "Virulent Bond" allows charged lunges, vaulting over obstacles or grabbing Survivors. Infected Survivors suffer a Hindered status effect. Wesker's Perks enhance his control over distance, making him a formidable opponent for those who master his range and map knowledge.

12. The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

A classic choice for beginners, The Trapper utilizes bear traps to immobilize Survivors. His straightforward gameplay focuses on area denial, strategically placing traps and pursuing Survivors into them. The ease of trap placement and his ability to enhance generator sabotage makes him perfect for learning the basics.

11. The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger's ability to become invisible at a distance makes him surprisingly easy for beginners. His power increases as generators are repaired, and he can even temporarily block exit gates. His stealth and generator-based power ups make him a great choice for new players.

10. The Cannibal — Leatherface

Leatherface, with his powerful chainsaw rush, is another relatively easy killer to learn, especially for beginners. His "Barbecue & Chili" perk is highly effective, but he struggles against experienced players.

9. The Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's ranged attacks, reminiscent of FPS games, offer a unique challenge. While his perks aren't top-tier, his harpoon gun, requiring precision, provides a rewarding experience for those comfortable with aiming. Controller users might find his controls less intuitive.

8. The Trickster

Following a significant buff, The Trickster, with his ranged blade attacks, has become a viable option. Building up the laceration meter and mastering the "Main Event" special require aiming precision, potentially posing a steeper learning curve for controller users.

7. The Huntress

The Huntress's throwing hatchets offer a straightforward yet challenging power. Accuracy is key, and mastering hatchet throws requires practice, particularly on cluttered maps. Her intuitive power and strong lunge attack make her accessible for beginners.

6. Legion

Legion's high mobility and ability to chain attacks in Feral Frenzy make them unique. While easy to learn, their inability to down survivors during Feral Frenzy and reliance on post-Frenzy attacks limit their effectiveness at higher levels.

5. The Doctor

The Doctor's Madness effect, induced through Static Blast and Shock Therapy, is powerful but complex. Understanding the three tiers of Madness and their effects on Survivors is crucial for effective gameplay. While classified as "Hard," the power's impact is significant once understood.

4. The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig's stealth-based gameplay, utilizing the Undetectable status while crouched, rewards strategic ambushes. Placing reverse bear traps and managing their activation adds a layer of complexity, but the core mechanics are relatively easy to grasp.

3. The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush, while powerful, demands precise control. Mastering the speed and direction of the rush is challenging, particularly for controller users, but the simplicity of the power makes it easy to learn.

2. The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers' power builds through stalking, culminating in a powerful tier-three state where one hit downs survivors. While the core mechanic is simple, strategic stalking and timing tier-three activations are crucial for success.

1. The Wraith

The Wraith's cloaking ability, offering Undetectable status, provides a forgiving learning curve for beginners. Mastering the timing of uncloaking for attacks is key, but the straightforward power makes him an excellent starting point.