Tips & Secrets

New to Dead by Daylight? Learn essential survivor tips and secrets to stay hidden, repair generators, rescue teammates, and escape the Killer. Master stealth, skill checks, and chases!

Playing Survivor: Tips and Tricks

Hey there! So you're diving into the world of Dead by Daylight as a Survivor? Awesome! It can be a bit intense at first, but don't worry, we've all been there. This guide is all about helping you get the hang of things, stay alive, and maybe even help your team out. Think of it as a friendly chat from someone who's been through the Fog a time or two.

Stealth: Avoid Getting Detected

As a Survivor, your main job is to avoid the Killer. You don't have many ways to fight back, so staying hidden is key. Let's go over some basics to help you stay out of sight.

Scratch Marks

When you run, you leave behind scratch marks for a short time. The Killer can see these, so try not to sprint everywhere unless you absolutely have to. If you need to move quickly and quietly, walking or crouching is your best bet. If the Killer is nearby and you hear them, try to break line of sight and hide.

Loud Noise Notifications

Doing certain actions, like fast vaulting a window or dropping a pallet, can create loud noises that alert the Killer to your general location. Even failing a skill check on a generator or healing can make a racket! Be mindful of these sounds, especially if you think the Killer is close.

Bloodstains

If you're injured, you'll leave behind bloodstains on the ground. These are a dead giveaway to the Killer. If you can, try to find a teammate to heal you so you stop leaving a trail.

Crows

These little guys can be a bit of a nuisance. If you get too close to a crow, or if the Killer is nearby, they might fly away, revealing your position. Try to move around them carefully.

Failed Skill Checks

Skill checks are those little mini-games that pop up when you're doing tasks like repairing generators or healing. If you miss a skill check, it can cause a loud noise notification and regress the generator. Missing a great skill check is even worse, causing a bigger regression. Practice them! You'll get better with time.

Detecting the Killer

Knowing where the Killer is can save your life. Here’s how you can get a sense of their presence:

Third Person View

Remember that you can look around using your mouse or right analog stick. This third-person perspective is super helpful for spotting the Killer around corners or through windows without exposing yourself.

Terror Radius

Most Killers emit a 'Terror Radius,' a heartbeat sound that gets louder as they get closer. Learn to distinguish the different Terror Radii; some Killers have unique sounds or perks that alter it. When you hear that heartbeat, it's time to get ready!

The Stain

When the Killer is carrying a Survivor, they have a visible 'stain' on the ground behind them. This can help other Survivors track their movement and potentially plan a rescue.

Skill Checks

We touched on these earlier, but they're important! Skill checks appear during many actions. Hitting the 'great' zone is crucial for faster progress and bonus points. Missing them can cause a loud noise, regress your work, and even alert the Killer. Don't panic; take a deep breath and aim for that 'great' zone!

Repairing Generators

Your main objective as a Survivor is to repair generators to power the exit gates. Here’s what you need to know:

Generator Locations

Generators spawn in set locations on each map. Learning these layouts will help you find them quickly and efficiently.

Killer Patrols

The Killer will be patrolling the map, trying to find Survivors. If you see the Killer heading your way, stop repairing and hide or run. It’s better to lose a bit of progress than to get caught.

Skill Checks

As mentioned, skill checks are a big part of generator repair. Hitting those 'great' skill checks speeds up the repair process significantly. Missing them can cause a loud noise and regress the generator, which is a real bummer.

Careful Repairs

Don't just hold down the repair button mindlessly. Keep an eye out for the Killer and listen for their Terror Radius. If you're working on a generator and the Killer is nearby, it might be safer to disengage and find a hiding spot.

The Escape

Once all generators are repaired, the exit gates will power up. You'll need to find the levers and open them. Be careful, though; the Killer will likely be trying to defend them!

Altruistic Actions

Dead by Daylight is a team game! Helping your fellow Survivors is crucial.

Healing

You can heal yourself using a Med-kit, or you can heal other Survivors. Healing takes time, so make sure it's safe before you start. If you're injured, try to find a safe corner or a teammate to get you back to full health.

Hook Rescue

If a teammate gets hooked by the Killer, they're in danger of sacrificing. You can try to rescue them by getting close to the hook and interacting with it. This is risky, so try to coordinate with other Survivors or wait for an opening.

Shoulder Rescue

This is a more advanced tactic where you position yourself between the rescuer and the Killer to take a hit, allowing the hooked Survivor to escape. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play!

Unlocking Chests

Chests contain items like med-kits, toolboxes, and flashlights, along with add-ons. Unlocking them takes time, so consider if it's worth the risk when generators need repairing.

Sabotage & Cleansing

Sometimes, you'll need to disrupt the Killer's plans.

Sabotage Hooks

With a toolbox, you can sabotage hooks, making them unusable for a period. This can slow down the Killer's ability to hook Survivors.

Sabotage Tools

Items like the Sabotage Tool are crucial for this action. Make sure you have one if you plan on sabotaging.

Cleanse Totems

Totems can have various effects, some beneficial (like Boon totems) and some detrimental (like Hex totems). Cleansing them removes these effects. Be aware that cleansing takes time and can leave you vulnerable.

Cooperative Actions

Working together is vital. Repairing generators faster with multiple Survivors, coordinating rescues, and distracting the Killer can make all the difference.

Chases

If the Killer spots you, you'll likely be in a chase. Here's how to handle it:

Killer Speed

Remember that most Killers move faster than Survivors. You can't outrun them in a straight line.

Vaults

Vaulting over windows and pallets is a key mechanic for evading the Killer. Some vaults are faster than others. Try to use windows and pallets strategically to gain distance.

Break line of sight

Use the environment! Ducking behind walls, trees, or other obstacles can break the Killer's line of sight, giving you a chance to escape or hide.

Pallets

Dropping pallets can stun the Killer or create a barrier. However, the Killer can break pallets, so use them wisely. Sometimes it's better to loop around them.

The Exit Gates

Once all generators are repaired, the exit gates will activate. You'll need to find the levers and hold the button to open them. Be aware that the Killer will likely be guarding them, so be cautious.

Wiggling

If the Killer catches you and carries you, you can wiggle to try and escape their grasp. Mash the wiggle button as fast as you can! Teammates can also try to rescue you from the Killer's shoulder.

Hooks & Sacrifice

Being hooked is bad news. The longer you're on a hook, the closer you are to being sacrificed. Try to struggle and wiggle off if you can, but often, a teammate will need to rescue you.

Items & Add-ons

Items like Med-kits, Toolboxes, and Flashlights can be found in chests or brought into the trial. Add-ons modify these items, making them more effective. Use them wisely!

The Hatch

The Hatch is a special escape route that appears when only one Survivor is left and a certain number of generators have been completed. Finding it can be tricky, but it's your last chance to escape!

That's a lot to take in, but the best way to learn is by playing. Don't get discouraged if you get caught a few times. Every match is a learning experience. Good luck in the Fog!