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

Author: Nova Feb 21,2025

Conquer Dead by Daylight: A Killer Guide for Beginners

Dead by Daylight, boasting 26 killers and a massive player base, can feel overwhelming for newcomers. This guide highlights easier killers to master, paving your path to becoming a formidable force in the Fog.

Top Killers for Beginners: A Ranked List

This list ranks killers based on ease of use and effectiveness for beginners, focusing on straightforward abilities and less complex mechanics.

  1. The Wraith: Master stealth with The Wraith's cloaking ability. The simple mechanic of cloaking and then unleashing a quick attack makes him incredibly forgiving for new players. Learning to effectively use his cloak and surprise survivors is key. The Wraith

  2. The Shape (Michael Myers): Build your terror meter by stalking survivors. While mastering the timing of his Tier 3 power requires practice, the core mechanic is intuitive: stalk, build the meter, and unleash devastating attacks. The Shape

  3. The Hillbilly: Master the chainsaw rush! While controlling the chainsaw sprint takes practice, the immediate down potential makes for thrilling chases. The simplicity of the power balances the difficulty of controlling it. The Hillbilly

  4. The Pig (Amanda Young): Embrace stealth and traps. The Pig's crouching ability allows for surprise attacks, and the reverse bear traps add a unique strategic layer. While managing the traps adds complexity, the core mechanics are easy to grasp. The Pig

  5. The Doctor: While considered "Hard" in-game, the Doctor's Madness effect, though multifaceted, is powerful and relatively easy to understand for beginners. Focus on understanding the Madness levels and applying Static Blast and Shock Therapy effectively. The Doctor

  6. Legion: Utilize Feral Frenzy for unparalleled mobility. The ability to chain attacks and traverse obstacles quickly is very beginner-friendly, although mastering the timing and limitations is important. Legion

  7. The Huntress: Practice your aim with throwing hatchets. While accuracy takes time, the immediate impact of a successful hit makes her a rewarding choice. Remember to restock your hatchets at lockers. The Huntress

  8. The Trickster: Master ranged attacks with Showstopper. While good aim is crucial, the satisfying feeling of landing multiple blades makes him enjoyable for beginners. Managing blade reserves is important. The Trickster

  9. The Deathslinger: Experience ranged combat. While aiming with his harpoon gun requires practice, the unique FPS-style gameplay is fun and engaging. Controller users might find the aiming less intuitive. The Deathslinger

  10. The Cannibal (Leatherface): Utilize powerful chainsaw rushes. The ease of use of his chainsaw makes him strong against new survivors, but his effectiveness diminishes against experienced players. The Cannibal

  11. The Nightmare (Freddy Krueger): Use stealth to your advantage. Freddy's Dream Demon power provides a significant advantage for beginners, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting survivors. The Nightmare

  12. The Trapper: Master area denial with bear traps. The Trapper's straightforward trap-laying mechanic makes him a great starting point for learning the game's fundamentals. The Trapper

More Challenging Killers (for later):

  • The Demogorgon: Portal manipulation adds a layer of strategic depth. The Demogorgon
  • The Clown: Master gas cloud and antidote usage for effective chases. The Clown
  • Albert Wesker: Control distance and utilize the Uroboros Virus for powerful attacks. Albert Wesker

This guide provides a solid foundation for navigating the diverse killer roster in Dead by Daylight. Start with the easier options, practice your skills, and gradually progress to the more challenging killers as you gain experience. Good luck, and happy hunting!