Can Dead by Daylight Be Played on Xbox One?
The short and definitive answer is yes, Dead by Daylight (DBD) can absolutely be played on Xbox One. This asymmetrical multiplayer horror game is widely available on a variety of platforms, and the Xbox One is among them. However, understanding the specifics of how it works on this console, especially regarding multiplayer and crossplay, is crucial for getting the most out of your DBD experience. Let’s dive deeper into what you need to know.
Crossplay and Online Multiplayer on Xbox One
Cross-Platform Play
One of the major appeals of Dead by Daylight is its crossplay feature. This means that you can play with friends who own the game on other platforms. Specifically, DBD crossplay is available on PC, Stadia, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. This significantly broadens the player base and makes it easier to find matches, no matter what your preferred system is. However, a notable limitation exists: crossplay with mobile players is not supported, and you cannot form a party with mobile users.
Xbox Game Pass Requirements
While you can download and play Dead by Daylight on your Xbox One, online multiplayer requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription (sold separately). This subscription is necessary to access the online features of the game, which are essential since DBD is exclusively a multiplayer experience. There’s no offline mode available.
Online Lobbies
When you play Dead by Daylight on Xbox One, you’ll be placed into online lobbies. These lobbies will include players from all the supported platforms, provided they also have crossplay enabled. This ensures a quicker matchmaking experience and lets you face a wide variety of skilled players.
Local and Split-Screen Multiplayer
No Split-Screen Option
It’s essential to note that Dead by Daylight does not support local or split-screen multiplayer on Xbox One or any other platform. This means you cannot play with friends on the same console using two controllers or by dividing the screen. The game’s intense and detailed visuals are optimized for a single player on one screen at a time.
Multiplayer Is Strictly Online
The only way to enjoy DBD with friends is through online multiplayer. You’ll need to invite them into your lobby and then enter the match together. Keep this in mind when planning your game nights as each friend will require their own console, copy of the game, and Xbox Game Pass subscription if needed.
Gameplay Mechanics on Xbox One
Control Scheme
Dead by Daylight on Xbox One provides an intuitive control scheme optimized for console play. Using the Xbox controller, you’ll easily be able to navigate the game’s environment, interact with objects, and execute the various actions necessary for survival or for pursuing survivors.
Dead Hard Mechanic
Many players, especially beginners, might have questions about specific in-game mechanics. For instance, the “Dead Hard” perk can be a game-changer. On Xbox One, you activate Dead Hard by pressing the active ability button while running, and can only use it when injured. This will trigger a short dash forward, granting you a brief Endurance Status Effect. This can help to avoid a killer’s hit, but it’s important to use it at the right moment.
Single Player Focus
Despite being a multiplayer game, DBD is designed for each player to have their own individual experience, either as a lone survivor or a solitary killer. Even in teams, your personal skills and strategies are key. The absence of split-screen gaming enforces this individual experience.
Additional Points and Considerations
Game Rating and Reviews
Dead by Daylight has received generally favorable reviews with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on many user reviews. Many appreciate the game for its unique and suspenseful gameplay.
In-App Purchases
Like many modern games, Dead by Daylight offers in-app purchases, providing access to new characters, cosmetics, and other items. These purchases can enhance your gaming experience but are not necessary to enjoy the core gameplay.
System Requirements
While system requirements are more relevant to PC gaming, Xbox One users need not worry as the game is specifically designed to run smoothly on this console. The game has been well optimized for the console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Dead by Daylight need Xbox Live?
Yes, Dead by Daylight requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription to play online. This is because the game is exclusively multiplayer with no offline mode. Only free-to-play games on Xbox do not require this subscription.
2. Can two people play Dead by Daylight on the same Xbox?
No, you cannot play Dead by Daylight with two people on the same Xbox console due to the lack of a split-screen or local multiplayer option. Each player needs their own console, copy of the game, and Xbox Live subscription to play.
3. Can I play Dead by Daylight with 2 controllers?
No, Dead by Daylight does not support the use of two controllers on one console. This means it is not possible to play split-screen or locally with friends.
4. Is DBD crossplay available?
Yes, Dead by Daylight supports crossplay between PC, Stadia, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. However, crossplay with mobile users is not possible, and you cannot party up with them.
5. How do I enable crossplay in Dead by Daylight?
To enable crossplay, launch Dead by Daylight and go into the Options menu, usually represented by a wheel icon at the bottom of the screen. There, you will find the crossplay settings.
6. Can you play Dead by Daylight with friends only?
Yes, you can play with friends by creating a “Survive with Friends” lobby. You can play in a party of two or three in addition to the Killer. You can also play 1v1 in custom matches.
7. How many Killers are available in Dead by Daylight?
There are currently 33 Killers available to play in Dead by Daylight, each with unique powers and backstories.
8. Why is it called Dead by Daylight?
The name refers to the game’s setting in an eternal twilight state within the Entity’s Realm. While somewhat ironic because the player may get killed by another survivor, it is designed to give a sense of a perpetual state of suspense.
9. Can you play Dead by Daylight offline?
No, Dead by Daylight has no offline mode. It is an exclusively online multiplayer game, requiring an internet connection to play.
10. Can I play Dead by Daylight on mobile?
Yes, Dead by Daylight Mobile is available and provides the same core game experience optimized for mobile devices. However, you cannot crossplay with mobile players.
11. Is Dead by Daylight fun?
Whether or not Dead by Daylight is fun often depends on the player. Many people find it very enjoyable, with its intense, suspenseful matches and the wide array of strategies it allows. However, toxic behavior from other players can detract from the experience.
12. What are the minimum requirements for Dead by Daylight?
The minimum requirements on a PC are an Intel Core i3-4170 or AMD FX-8120 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a DX11 Compatible GeForce GTX 460 1GB or AMD HD 6850 1GB graphics card. These requirements do not apply to consoles where the game is optimized.
13. How do you use Dead Hard on Xbox?
When injured, you activate Dead Hard by pressing the active ability button while running to dash forward and avoid damage. It will only work when injured and will trigger an Endurance Status Effect for a very brief period.
14. Why can’t I invite people in Dead by Daylight?
If you are unable to invite people in Dead by Daylight, you may have your status set to “offline”. You need to adjust this status in the game options to enable invites.
15. Can you play DBD 1v1?
Yes, you can play 1v1 matches by setting up a custom match or ‘Kill Your Friends’ (KYF) game. These are private matches, not part of the typical public matchmaking.
By understanding these details, Xbox One players can fully enjoy everything that Dead by Daylight has to offer. Remember to ensure your crossplay settings are correct, and that you are prepared for intense, online multiplayer gameplay.