Horror games have become a spectacle in the gaming world in the past few years. The market is filled with games that are either good or utter disappointments. Dead by Daylight is one of the few horror games in the market that not only shows promise but also delivers as well. It’s a horror game that pits survivors against a killer that they must escape to avoid getting sacrificed.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the basics of Dead by Daylight, how to outwit the killer, and how to think like a killer.
What Is Dead by Daylight?
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer (4-versus-1) horror game where four players take on the role of survivors and one player a brutal killer that’s set to sacrifice them.
As a Survivor, your main objective is to outwit and evade the Killer in a game of cat and mouse. You won’t have the means to harm the Killer so you must work together with other survivors to repair the Generators and escape the trial area as fast as you can.
As the Killer, you will have to hunt for the Survivors and sacrifice them to a being called The Entity. You’ll have unique powers or perks and abilities that will help you find the Survivors and prevent them from escaping. Additionally, you’ll also be able to play the game as iconic movie killers such as Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise, Freddy Kreuger from Nightmare on Elm Street, and many more.
It’s a horror game that will truly appeal to fans of horror for its themes and gamers for its unique gameplay. But, keep in mind that this game might not be for the faint of heart.
Download for Android (Play Store)
Gameplay Overview
As mentioned, Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer game that puts players on a team of four. They will have to evade a killer while trying to escape the Trial Area under time pressure.
The Survivors are tasked to repair five generators. Once done, they will be able to open the Exit Gates and leave the Trial Area. Each move must be calculated and treated with care because the Killer has better sight and hearing than the Survivors. The Survivors must work together to be able to fix the generators and escape. If one of them is captured, the other Survivors can rescue them with a couple of risks intact.
The Killer, on the other hand, can use unique perks and abilities to be able to track down the Survivors. They possess heightened senses and will be able to track Survivors with sound, Scratch Marks, and bloodstains. They will also receive notifications whenever a Survivor makes loud noises. They are capable of attacking the Survivors, pick them up, and carry them to a Sacrificial Hook.
There are pros and cons to both roles. One role isn’t better than the other as they are different and they offer different experiences to players.
A Short Review
Many gamers might avoid the game because it might be a flop like other horror games in the market. However, Dead by Daylight offers a unique concept that’s too good to pass.
It does deliver when it comes to the content that it promises. However, the game could use a bit of work when it comes to other aspects such as cross-platform play and integration. While it doesn’t affect the overall gaming experience, it does allow for more possibilities.
It’s definitely worth the try if you’re looking for a unique multiplayer game. While it does follow the same multiplayer system as games like Call of Duty with the seasons changing every month and the rankings resetting, it doesn’t play a huge role in the game so you can enjoy it without paying too much attention to ranking.
Tips for Playing as a Survivor
Dead by Daylight is a game that revolves around evading Killers and finding Survivors. As a Survivor, you’ll be playing in a team of four. You will have to use your skills and abilities to formulate a strategy that will help you to outwit and outlast the Killer.
Here are a few tips that you might just find helpful when you’re playing as a Survivor.
Play as Different Survivors
In Dead by Daylight, you must know which Survivors are most effective and which ones you should avoid. The game has a few Survivors that you can play as and you must be able to use and exhaust your Survivor’s skillset effectively while evading the Killer.
That said, you’ll want to distinguish which Survivors you’re best at using. It might take a while to find the best fit for you but once you do, it will make the game easier.
Know Your Abilities
Each Survivor is equipped with a skill set. It’s best to study each Survivor’s skills and abilities to be able to use them properly. Not only will these be essential to survival but they will also help you and your group in the long run.
Study your chosen Survivor’s skills well and you’ll be able to outwit the Killer at their own game.
Also read: Best Dead by Daylight Perks
Play as a Killer
The best way to survive is to get into the mind of a killer. Luckily in Dead by Daylight, you can opt to play either role.
As a Survivor, you’ll need to adjust your play styles following the killer’s skills to ensure survival. Hence, it’s a great advantage if you know how to play as a killer. Knowing a killer’s perks is the best way to use it against them and defeat them.
Stay Put, Alert, and Silent
While the main idea of Dead by Daylight is to evade and defeat the Killer, a smart Survivor must also know how to pay attention to their surroundings and use that to their advantage.
Survivors need to learn how to use the environment in their favor. Killers can hear every move that a Survivor makes and they’ll be notified of certain actions like fixing generators or healing. Hence, you’ll have to know when the best time to move or retaliate is. One wrong move might just cost you and your team your lives so always assess your surroundings before making a drastic move.
Avoid Making Too Many Scratch Marks
Whenever you run, you’ll generate Scratch Marks. This is how Killers will be able to trace Survivors in the game. While you don’t necessarily have to limit your movement, it’s recommended that you try using a variety of movements to lessen the amount of Scratch Marks that you leave.
Inevitably, it’s better if you study the maps to be able to calculate your moves properly. Know when and where to switch between walking, running, and crouching as you can use this as a strategy to throw off Killers.
Tips for Playing as a Killer
Killers play a big role in Dead by Daylight. Not only are they essential to get the game going but playing as a Killer adds another layer of excitement that will make players attracted to the game. It makes this horror game more entertaining while allowing players to become better at formulating strategies.
That said, here are a couple of tips that might just help you become an unstoppable Killer.
Play as Different Killers
The best way to get ahead as a Killer in Dead by Daylight is to play as a variety of Killers. Not only will you be able to learn each Killers’ skillset but you’ll also be able to access perks that you can use at higher ranks. If you only use one Killer, you’ll only have limited perks and you won’t be able to unlock and expand other teachable perks that you can only get when you play as different Killers.
Remember that each Killer has powerful quirks that will come in handy later on so it’s better if you spend time with other Killers and strengthen them.
Be Attentive
Many Survivors can be loud. Hence, it’s important that the Killer is attentive to their surroundings and pays attention to every little detail that they might see or hear. With games like Dead by Daylight, it’s recommended that the Killers use headphones as sound will help you find Survivors.
It can be hard to play this game as it is played from a first-person point of view but that’s just what makes being attentive more important.
Have a Killer’s Psychology
It might sound bad or even weird but this tip might help you become a better in-game Killer. After all, it is only in video games that you can kill freely. If you’re a fan of horror movies and slasher films, you might want to pay attention the next time the killer is on-screen. Try to apply their strategies to how you play and you might just be able to get your hands on all the Survivors.
It’s important to not let your emotions get the best of you as Survivors will take a chance and try to manipulate you as a Killer. Don’t listen to them and instead, listen to your instincts.
Use the Right Perks
A Killer’s raw power can only go so far and it won’t be enough to get you through the game alone. Hence, you must use the right perks to help you create devastating results and a huge number of sacrifices. Each Killer has a powerful perk that you can use to weed out the Survivors in the game so you must know how to use them properly.
Play as a Survivor
The best way to know how Survivors work is by playing as a Survivor yourself. Dead by Daylight allows players to choose whether they want to be a Killer or a Survivor. It’s recommended that you play both as it will help you strategize and become a more effective player.
By playing as a Survivor, Killers will have a better chance of knowing the strategies that Survivors use. It will help them become better Killers in the long run because they’ll know what the Survivors are up to.
Dead by Daylight: Playing Cross-Platform
Cross-platform play has become quite popular these days. Many developers are now trying to make their games available and playable on different platforms. Dead by Daylight is one of the games that you can play on a variety of platforms. These platforms are as follows:
- Windows via Steam or Windows Store
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Stadia
- Xbox One
- Android
- iOS
Is Dead by Daylight Mobile Cross-Play Compatible?
As Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer game with cooperative options, it’s better if you can play it with other players on different platforms. As of writing, cross-play between PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch is already possible. However, mobile players (both Android and iOS) cannot play with those who are playing on a PC or console. They can only play with other players who are playing the mobile version of the game.
How to Enable Cross-Platform Play?
If you’re on a platform that allows cross-platform play, simply head to your game settings and toggle the enable or disable Cross-Platform play. By disabling this function, you’ll only be able to match with players on the same platform that you play on which is easier for most players and you’ll have access to the same content.
Make sure that you’re friends with those that you want to play with first before you start a game. Otherwise, you’ll be matched with other players rather than your friends. You can add your friends through the “Friend Screen” in the main menu.
Is Cross-Platform Integration Possible?
Cross-platform integration allows you to transfer your progress from one platform to another. This is especially helpful if you’re already at higher ranks and want to keep it that way. Most games that have cross-platform enabled already have this function. However, for Dead by Daylight, the situation is slightly different.
At the moment, there is no news as to whether cross-platform integration will become possible on any of the game’s platforms. As of writing, this function is still under development and is yet to be added to the game.
Is Dead by Daylight Good?
Dead by Daylight, since its release, has become quite popular among gamers and horror fans alike. Not only does it allow players to experience a horror movie first hand but it also gives a unique gaming experience that most horror games lack.
The game is good because it allows you to play as both the Survivor and the Killer. You’ll get the best of the game as you’re able to experience it to the fullest. With a variety of characters to choose from, the possibilities are endless with the game. It allows for more exploration and gives players a chance to explore different options.
That said, Dead by Daylight is still far from being a “perfect” horror game. There are still a few features that could use some work but overall, it’s a horror game that everyone should consider playing for its unique concept and action-packed content.
Wrap-Up
In all, Dead by Daylight is a horror game to look out for. Horror fans might just fall in love with the game because of its concept and the endless possibilities that you can come across. Not only will you be able to strategize as a survivor but you’ll also be able to dive into a killer’s mind when you play as a killer. It gives players the best of both worlds and allows them to experience the game in a new light. Overall, it’s a game that you should try playing especially if you’re looking for a multiplayer game to play with your friends.
