Dead by Daylight’s season of fear has begun, and there’s no better place to indulge in your darkest gaming whims than The Fog. To really lean into the Halloween vibes, we wanted to share a few fun build ideas for our Killer players out there; after all, they’re the ones who deliver the horror moments we all enjoy.
Now, these builds aren’t exactly meant to be competitive at the highest level. Instead, they’re centered around leaning into a specific fantasy, so players can embody their favorite horror archetype. Any fan of the genre knows there are plenty of ways to exhibit those terrifying tendencies, and we thought it would be fun to celebrate these classic archetypes by bringing them into Dead by Daylight.
Inflictor of Pain
You find satisfaction in the process of inflicting pain on Survivors. Perhaps you’re driven by a twisted sense of justice; as a Killer has endured so much suffering in life, why should a Survivor emerge unscathed? Perhaps you’re simply motivated by the unpredictable chaos of cruelty. Gotta keep them on their toes – provided they still have any left.
If pain is the name of the game, consider this build:
- Sloppy Butcher
- Coulrophobia
- A Nurse’s Calling
- Thanatophobia
Swap-In: Rapid Brutality, Alien Instinct
The ultimate goal is to make every Injured State count, slowing down Survivor healing speed and forcing them to dedicate additional time to resetting. That’s when you strike, using your Aura-reading ability to track them down and finish the job.
Mind-Game Madness
Trickery, duplicity, and confusion are among your favorite tools. No matter the circumstances, you’re always one step ahead. In fact, that’s the point. The rush stems from witnessing that sweet moment of dawning realization: they've been playing into your hand this entire time.
- Hex: Haunted Ground
- Dark Devotion
- I’m All Ears
- Dragon’s Grip
Swap-In: Hex: Huntress’ Lullaby, Trails of Torment, Merciless Storm
This build is for players who enjoy toying with Survivors, utilizing tools to set traps and gain subtle advantages in several different areas. It’s far easier to win a battle of wits when one party is gripped by panic.
Unstoppable Juggernaut
Nothing can stop you from downing your prey. There’s no reason to bother with brain power when intimidation and brutality can get the job done just as effectively. Sometimes, you just have to smash. Pallet, wall, skull...same difference really.
If you’re looking to channel your inner juggernaut, try this build.
- Brutal Strength
- Enduring
- Hubris
- Spirit Fury
Swap-In: Knock Out, THWACK!, Agitation, Iron Grasp
While this won’t do much to slow down repair, Survivors can’t work on Generators if they’re bloodied on the ground. Seeking out chases and ending them quickly is the goal, and these Perks synergize to ensure that happens more often than not. Plus, there’s a bit of a surprise factor with Spirit Fury.
The Watcher
There’s nowhere they can run, because you have eyes everywhere. They don’t quite understand how you always seem to know exactly where to find them. The goal is to always have a potential victim in your sights, allowing you to easily spread pressure and sow chaos across the board.
- Lethal Pursuer
- BBQ & Chili
- Darkness Revealed
- Discordance
Swap-In: Bitter Murmur, Scourge Hook: Floods of Rage, A Nurse’s Calling
Information is a crucial part of the hunt, allowing you to make calculated decisions. The Watcher never wastes time searching aimlessly, and should a target prove too elusive, you’ll always have a viable backup plan.
Jump Scare Master
You know they’re wondering where your Terror Radius is, because it’s been a while since they’ve heard it. That pleases you. This build is for the Killer who can appreciate a good chase, but understands the value of a head start.
- Tinkerer
- Trail of Torment
- Monitor & Abuse
- Alien Instinct
Swap-Ins: Unbound
While not every Killer in the roster excels at stealth, this build can help even the most disruptive characters reap the benefits of a quiet approach. Play with the intention of delivering jump scares, because a Survivor can’t do much when they’ve flung their mouse or controller into the air.
Occultist
Sometimes, it’s not enough to draw on one’s own physicality, cunning, or cruelty. Instead, why not draw from the Eldritch power of the supernatural? This build leans into the darkness of the unknown, utilizing The Entity’s intervention and Hex Totems to curse your prey.
- Hex: Retribution
- Hex: Ruin
- Hex: Devour Hope
- Hex: Blood Favor
Swap-Ins: Thrilling Tremors, Hex: Haunted Ground, Hex: Pentimento
The power of Hexes should not be underestimated, and while Survivors can disrupt them, doing so will distract them from their main objective.
Bleak Ending
What self-respecting horror fan out there doesn’t appreciate a bleak ending from time to time? This build is designed to emulate that soul-sucking feeling when you realize the protagonist won’t be making it out alive after all. And to think, things were going so well...
- No Way Out
- Blood Warden
- Rancor
- No One Escapes Death
Swap-Ins: Terminus, Remember Me
Whether you’re lulling them into a false sense of security or simply phoning it in until the real fun begins, this build is basically equivalent to an ending plot twist. A plot twist written with the sole purpose of making a Survivor’s heart sink.
Remember that these builds are suggestions and meant to be flexible, so please feel free to adjust them as you see fit. If you don’t have access to any Perks, feel free to be creative and adapt whichever available options suit the archetype to your liking. In the meantime, there are some Survivors that need your attention. Happy Halloween!
See you in The Fog,
The Dead by Daylight Team
