Stealth & Evasion Tactics — Dead by Daylight Guide

Learn essential stealth and evasion tactics in Dead by Daylight. Master hiding, understanding Killer cues, and outsmarting your pursuer to survive the trial.

Stealth: avoid getting detected

As a Survivor in Dead by Daylight, you're pretty vulnerable and don't have many ways to fight back against the Killer. Your best bet is to learn how to stay hidden. Some basic moves include crouching behind obstacles or using the environment to break line of sight. You'll want to pay attention to things that can give away your position, like scratch marks, loud noises, and even bloodstains.

Scratch Marks

When you run, you leave behind scratch marks that the Killer can see. Try to walk when you think the Killer might be nearby to avoid leaving a trail.

Loud Noise Notifications

Certain actions, like fast-vaulting a pallet or window, or failing a skill check, create a loud noise that alerts the Killer to your general location. Be mindful of these, especially when you're trying to be sneaky.

Bloodstains

If you're injured, you'll leave behind bloodstains on the ground. This makes it easier for the Killer to track you. Try to heal up when it's safe to remove this tell.

Crows

Crows are little birds that fly away when a Survivor gets too close. If you see a crow suddenly take flight, it's a sign that a Survivor (maybe you!) has been nearby recently. Killers can use this as a clue.

Failed Skill Checks

Missing a skill check, especially during generator repairs or healing, can cause a loud noise notification. A great skill check is crucial for making progress and avoiding detection.

Detecting the Killer

Knowing where the Killer is and what they're doing is key to survival. You can often get clues from:

Third Person View

Remember you can look around using your mouse or right analog stick to check your surroundings without moving. This is super helpful for spotting the Killer before they spot you.

Terror Radius

Most Killers emit a Terror Radius, a sound cue that gets louder as they get closer. Learning the different Terror Radii for each Killer can help you identify who's hunting you and how close they are. When the Terror Radius disappears, it means the Killer is either very far away, has a perk that hides their radius, or is in a chase with another Survivor.

The Stain

The Killer's red stain on the ground shows the direction they are facing. You can use this to predict their movement and juke them during a chase.

Skill Checks

Skill checks are mini-games that pop up during actions like repairing generators or healing. Hitting the skill check zone (especially the 'Great' zone) grants bonuses and prevents negative consequences. Failing one can cause a generator to regress or alert the Killer.

Repairing Generators

Generators are your main objective. You'll need to repair them to open the exit gates. Here are some tips:

Generator Locations

Generators spawn in fixed locations on each map. Learning these locations will help you plan your repair routes and avoid areas where the Killer might be patrolling.

Killer Patrols

The Killer will often patrol generators to prevent Survivors from completing them. Listen for their Terror Radius and watch for visual cues.

Skill Checks

As mentioned, hitting skill checks is vital for efficient generator repair. Missing them can alert the Killer and cause the generator to regress, costing you precious time.

Careful Repairs

Don't just hold the repair button. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you hear the Terror Radius get close, consider stopping your repair and hiding.

The Escape

Once all generators are repaired, the exit gates can be powered. You'll then need to escape through one of them.

Altruistic Actions

Helping your fellow Survivors is important, but don't get yourself caught in the process!

Healing

You can heal yourself with a Med-Kit or heal other Survivors. Healing takes time, so make sure the coast is clear before you start.

Hook Rescue

Rescuing a teammate from a hook is a risky but noble act. Coordinate with other Survivors if possible, and be ready to run if the Killer returns.

Shoulder Rescue

This refers to a specific type of rescue where a Survivor might try to body-block the Killer to prevent them from reaching a hooked teammate. It's risky and often requires good timing.

Unlocking Chests

Chests can contain useful items like Toolboxes, Med-Kits, or Flashlights, along with add-ons. Unlocking them takes time and can make noise, so be aware of the Killer.

Sabotage & Cleansing

There are actions you can take to hinder the Killer.

Sabotage Hooks

With the right item (like a Saw or a specific perk), you can sabotage the Killer's hooks, making them temporarily unusable.

Sabotage Tools

Items like the Sabotage Tool (often a Bolt Cutters) can be used to destroy hooks.

Cleanse Totems

Cleansing totems, especially the dull ones, can remove Hex perks the Killer might be using. This is a strategic move that can significantly help your team.

Cooperative Actions

Working together with other Survivors is crucial. Coordinating repairs, healing, and rescues can make a big difference.

Chases

If the Killer spots you, a chase begins. Your goal is to evade them for as long as possible.

Killer Speed

Remember that most Killers move faster than Survivors. You'll need to use the environment to your advantage.

Vaults

Vaulting over windows and pallets is a primary way to gain distance. Some vaults are faster than others, and some Killers can counter them.

Break line of sight

Use walls, tall grass, and structures to break the Killer's line of sight. This can sometimes cause them to lose track of you.

Pallets

Dropping pallets can stun the Killer or create a barrier. Use them wisely – dropping one too early might not be effective.

The Exit Gates

Once all 5 generators are repaired, the exit gates can be opened. You'll need to activate them and then escape. Be careful, as the Killer will likely be guarding them.

Wiggling

If you're carried by the Killer, you can wiggle to try and escape their grasp. Mash the wiggle button prompt (usually Spacebar or a controller equivalent) as fast as you can.

Hooks & Sacrifice

If you're hooked, you'll be sacrificed to the Entity over time. Teammates can try to rescue you, but it's a dangerous maneuver.

Items & Add-ons

Items like Med-Kits, Toolboxes, and Flashlights, along with their add-ons, can provide significant advantages. Learn what each item does and how to use it effectively.

The Hatch

The Hatch is a special escape route that appears when only one Survivor remains and at least 5 generators have been completed. Finding and escaping through it is often a last resort.