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 tens of thousands of players monthly, it's become a staple in the horror gaming world. While the in-game tutorial covers the basics, mastering each killer's complexities requires practice. Luckily, some killers are more beginner-friendly than others, making your initial foray into the Fog less daunting.

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. Several stand out as excellent choices for beginners, offering a blend of accessibility and strategic depth.

The Beast - The Demogorgon

Hailing from the hit series *Stranger Things* (and *Dungeons & Dragons*), the Demogorgon utilizes portals to surprise and ambush survivors. Its "Of the Abyss" power allows it to sense survivors near portals, enabling devastating ambushes. Strategic portal placement near generators, coupled with feigned attacks, keeps survivors off-balance.

Perks like Cruel Limits, Mindbreaker, and Surge further enhance its portal-based gameplay. Mastering the Demogorgon involves learning to use its mobility to its full potential.

The Clown - Kenneth Chase, Jeffrey Hawk

This terrifying clown uses noxious gas to hinder survivors' vision and movement, creating prime chase opportunities. His perks, Bamboozle, Coulrophobia, and Pop Goes The Weasel, amplify his chase capabilities. Effective Clown gameplay requires understanding map knowledge and judging when to prioritize chases versus generator regression.

Smart use of both purple gas clouds and yellow antidote bottles is crucial for controlling the pace of the game.

The Mastermind - Albert Wesker

Albert Wesker, from *Resident Evil*, employs the Uroboros Virus to control the flow of combat. His Virulent Bond power allows charged lunges, impacting pallets, windows, and survivors alike. The inflicted Uroboros Virus eventually hinders survivors. His perks, Awakened Awareness, Superior Anatomy, and Terminus, support his aggressive playstyle.

Effective Wesker gameplay requires map awareness and understanding when to prioritize direct attacks versus strategic control of distance.

The Trapper — Evan MacMillan

A classic from the original game, the Trapper's simplicity makes him ideal for beginners. His bear traps provide area denial, slowing survivors and creating easy pick-ups. His straightforward kit allows new players to focus on learning the game's fundamentals without complex mechanics.

The Nightmare — Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger's stealth ability makes him surprisingly easy to learn. His Dream Demon power allows him to remain invisible at a distance, giving beginners an advantage in ambushing survivors. His perks, Fire Up and the ability to obsess over a survivor, further enhance his effectiveness.

The Cannibal — Leatherface

Leatherface's chainsaw rush is powerful but requires careful management of his tantrum meter. His Barbeque & Chili perk is exceptionally useful, even for other killers. While effective against newer players, he requires more skill against experienced survivors.

The Deathslinger

The Deathslinger's ranged attacks require aim, making him a good choice for FPS fans. His harpoon gun allows for pulling survivors in for attacks, inflicting Deep Wounds. While his perks aren't meta, his unique gameplay is engaging for new players.

The Trickster

The Trickster's Showstopper power involves throwing blades to build up a laceration meter, culminating in a powerful attack. His Main Event allows for unlimited blade throwing, but requires restocking at lockers. Like the Deathslinger, good aim is crucial for success.

The Huntress

The Huntress's throwing hatchets are easy to understand but require practice to master. Her intuitive power and ability to surprise survivors make her a good starting point for new players, though accuracy is key.

Legion

Legion's high mobility makes them unique, but their power requires careful management, as they cannot down survivors while in Feral Frenzy.

The Doctor

The Doctor's Madness effect is powerful but complex. His Static Blast and Shock Therapy induce Madness, affecting survivors with various negative effects. Mastering his power takes time but is highly rewarding.

The Pig — Amanda Young

The Pig's stealth and reverse bear traps offer a unique playstyle. Her ability to crouch and ambush survivors is effective, but requires strategic thinking.

The Hillbilly

The Hillbilly's chainsaw rush is powerful but difficult to control, requiring practice to master.

The Shape — Michael Myers

Michael Myers's power is simple to learn but requires strategic stalking to build his meter for powerful attacks. He is a late-game killer.

The Wraith

The Wraith's cloaking ability makes him forgiving for new players. His speed boost upon uncloaking allows for effective attacks.