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Can You Get Banned for Using a VPN on Dead by Daylight?

The short answer is: no, you generally will not get banned from Dead by Daylight (DBD) for simply using a VPN. Behaviour Interactive, the developers of DBD, do not explicitly prohibit the use of VPNs. However, this doesn’t mean VPN usage is entirely without considerations. While you won’t be banned for the act of using a VPN itself, how you use it and the reasons behind it can potentially lead to issues.

Using a VPN with DBD can offer various benefits, like potentially reducing lag by routing your connection through a faster server or accessing the game from regions where it might not be readily available. However, it’s vital to understand the nuances of VPN usage in the context of online gaming, especially in games with anti-cheat systems. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and common concerns.

Why Do Players Use VPNs With Dead by Daylight?

Several reasons might drive players to use a VPN while playing Dead by Daylight. Here are some of the most common:

Improved Latency: Players in areas with poor internet infrastructure or those far from game servers may experience high ping, leading to lag. A VPN can route your connection through servers closer to the game’s servers, potentially reducing lag and improving overall gameplay. This is particularly attractive as latency can significantly impact the responsiveness of Dead by Daylight, a game where split-second decisions are often crucial.
Geographic Access: Dead by Daylight might have varying launch dates or availability in different regions. Players in these areas might use a VPN to access the game. While this can help bypass geo-restrictions, always consider the legal and ethical implications.
Privacy Concerns: Some players prefer to mask their IP address for privacy and security reasons, using a VPN to protect their online identity from potential threats. While DBD itself doesn’t directly pose a major privacy risk, some players feel more comfortable having that extra layer of protection.
Circumventing ISP Throttling: Sometimes Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can throttle bandwidth for certain applications, including online games. Using a VPN might mask your traffic, potentially preventing your ISP from throttling your connection and ensuring smoother gameplay.

The Grey Areas and Potential Issues

Although Behaviour Interactive doesn’t directly prohibit VPNs, some aspects of their use can lead to problems:

Circumventing Bans: While you won’t get banned for simply using a VPN, those who are already banned from the game may use a VPN to try and bypass their ban. This goes against the terms of service, and if Behaviour Interactive detects this, it could lead to further penalties.
Cheating Association: Sadly, VPNs can sometimes be associated with cheaters attempting to hide their identity. While not all VPN users are cheaters, the perception exists, and using a VPN may raise red flags with other players or, in extreme cases, with the anti-cheat system.
Connection Instability: Sometimes, poorly configured or unreliable VPNs can actually introduce lag or connection instability rather than improving it. Always choose a reputable VPN provider.
Account Sharing Concerns: Using VPNs to mask location might be used by players who are sharing accounts, this is a violation of the Terms of Service in most games, and may attract attention.
Circumventing Regional Matchmaking: Using a VPN to connect to a different region may result in undesirable match connections. While it may not be a bannable offense, you may end up with a poor experience.

Dead by Daylight and VPN Usage

It’s essential to distinguish between using a VPN for legitimate reasons and using it to exploit or cheat the game. Behaviour Interactive is very clear about what constitutes a bannable offense, and these are mainly related to hacking, exploits and deliberately sabotaging the gameplay experience of others, not simply using a VPN.

The key takeaway is that simply using a VPN won’t get you banned, but if your VPN usage is a component in a deliberate violation of DBD’s terms of service, that can lead to bans.

Common Bannable Offenses in Dead by Daylight

Here are some of the actions that can get you banned in Dead by Daylight:

Hacking and Exploiting: Using third-party software or exploits to gain an unfair advantage is strictly prohibited. This includes altering game files, using aimbots, or exploiting bugs.
Acquiring In-game Exclusives Illegally: Obtaining in-game cosmetics through unofficial channels, possessing legacy cosmetics without earning them, or using hacks to acquire locked items is a bannable offense. Legacy cosmetics are a unique case with a cutoff of November 24, 2016.
Intentional Teaming or Griefing: Working with the killer or purposely sabotaging your team, are actions that can get you banned. This includes deliberately sandbagging, holding the game hostage, and collaborating with an opposing team member.
Using Macros for Bots: While macros are generally not actively monitored, using bots is strictly prohibited, and this can lead to a ban if detected. Third-party software can also risk triggering anti-cheat systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Using a VPN Cheating in Dead by Daylight?

No, using a VPN by itself is not considered cheating. However, the intention behind using a VPN and if it’s used to exploit or gain an unfair advantage could be interpreted as such.

2. What are the potential benefits of using a VPN in DBD?

Using a VPN can potentially reduce latency, bypass geo-restrictions, and provide an extra layer of privacy. It may also help circumvent ISP throttling.

3. What types of VPNs are best to use with DBD?

Look for reputable VPN providers with reliable servers and fast connections. Avoid free VPN services, as they can often be unreliable and pose a security risk. Speed, stability, and security are crucial aspects.

4. Can my account be banned for sharing?

Account sharing is usually a violation of most Terms of Service, so while using a VPN to enable it isn’t the cause, it could raise red flags and highlight potential violations.

5. Will I get banned for using a VPN to play DBD from a different region?

While using a VPN to access a different region isn’t inherently bannable, it might be against terms of service if it’s used to create an account in a region where you are not located. It may also lead to a poor experience due to a greater distance to the game server.

6. How can I bypass a VPN block if the game does detect my VPN?

If a game blocks VPNs, try switching servers, using a different VPN provider, or changing your VPN protocol to obfuscated servers. Using a dedicated IP address or changing ports are some methods to try.

7. What are the different lengths of bans in DBD?

Bans in DBD are progressive: 48 hours -> 1 week -> 1 month -> permanent.

8. Is camping a bannable offense in DBD?

No, camping is not a bannable offense in Dead by Daylight. While frustrating for survivors, it’s a valid strategy within the game’s rules.

9. Can you get banned for modding DBD?

UI changes are generally acceptable, but model changes that give an advantage are not. Be mindful that modding can cause the EAC anti-cheat system to ban you.

10. Is it safe to use a VPN with Dead by Daylight?

Generally, yes, using a reputable VPN is safe. Reputable VPNs will not log your activity and will ensure they have no logs that could be shared with third parties, and will not monitor your browsing history.

11. Can Netflix detect VPNs, and does that relate to games?

Yes, Netflix can detect VPNs and may block IP addresses associated with them. This is often due to multiple logins coming from one IP address. This does not have an impact on game servers generally.

12. Why do some games ban VPNs?

Games often ban VPNs to prevent cheating, maintain fair play, and prevent players from bypassing regional restrictions, or to circumvent server bans.

13. What is proxy camping in DBD?

Proxy camping is when a killer uses the surrounding area to bait a save, while maintaining pressure on other survivors.

14. Are macros banned in DBD?

Macros, while not actively hunted for, carry the risk of triggering the anti-cheat system if you are using them in a way that could be considered as botting.

15. Is slugging a bannable offense in DBD?

No, slugging is not a bannable offense, despite being seen as controversial for some players.

Conclusion

Using a VPN while playing Dead by Daylight is not a bannable offense in itself. However, how you use it and the reasons behind it matter. Always play fairly, respect the rules of the game, and choose a reputable VPN if you decide to use one. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN without risking penalties. The focus is not on using a VPN but on following fair play practices and avoiding actions that could be interpreted as cheating or sabotaging the game experience for others.

Can you get banned for using a VPN on DBD?