How Many Killers Do You Get in Dead by Daylight?

The world of Dead by Daylight (DBD) is a terrifying and asymmetrical playground where one player takes on the role of a terrifying Killer, hunting down four other players, known as Survivors. If you’re curious about how many of these menacing Killers you can actually play as in Dead by Daylight, the answer is that the total number is constantly growing, but as of October 2024, there are 33 playable Killers. These range from original creations of the game’s developers to characters licensed from popular horror franchises. Each Killer boasts unique powers and playstyles, offering a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.

Understanding the Killer Roster

Original vs. Licensed Killers

The Killers in Dead by Daylight can be broadly categorized into two groups: original Killers designed by the game’s developers and licensed Killers, who are iconic characters from other horror franchises. This blend of familiar faces and new horrors provides a rich roster for players to explore. The roster grows with each new Chapter release which includes one new killer.

Unique Killer Powers

One of the most compelling aspects of DBD is that each Killer possesses a unique power, which drastically alters gameplay. For example, The Trapper lays bear traps, while The Nurse can teleport short distances. These powers demand that players master each Killer’s specific mechanics, adding substantial depth to the game. Understanding each power is critical to maximizing your effectiveness as a Killer.

How to Access Killers

Not all Killers are immediately available to new players. Some are included in the base game, while others must be unlocked through gameplay or by purchasing Downloadable Content (DLC). This provides a sense of progression and encourages players to experiment with different strategies and gameplay styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Killers in Dead by Daylight

How are Killers Organized in the Game?

Killers are organized in the game based on the order in which they were released. This makes it easy to trace the game’s history and evolution. The original Killers were released in the base game and early chapters, while licensed Killers are usually added as part of DLC expansions.

How Do I Unlock New Killers?

You can unlock Killers in Dead by Daylight through several methods:

• Iridescent Shards: Many original Killers can be unlocked using Iridescent Shards, a currency earned through playing matches. You’ll need approximately 9000 Iridescent Shards to unlock a single Killer.
• Auric Cells: All licensed Killers and some original ones require Auric Cells, a premium currency purchased with real money. They often come in packs with the survivors, adding cost, but are the only ways to play some of the licensed killers.
• DLC Packs: Killers can also be acquired through purchasing specific DLC packs that bundle the Killer with a Survivor and other cosmetics.
• Free Killers: Some Killers, such as The Doctor, The Hag, The Nurse, and The Huntress, are free DLC or part of the base game. They were previously sold separately but were later included to improve new players onboarding.

Are There Different Types of Killers?

Yes, Killers can be classified in many ways, including:

• M1 Killers: These Killers primarily rely on basic attacks (mouse button one/M1) to down Survivors.
• Special Ability Killers: These Killers depend on unique abilities and powers rather than basic attacks. This is most of the roster.
• Stealth Killers: These Killers are adept at moving undetected and ambushing Survivors.
• Mobility Killers: These Killers have high mobility skills, such as teleportation or high speed dashes, allowing them to quickly move across the map.

Which Killer is the Easiest to Start With?

Beginners often find The Trapper to be a relatively straightforward Killer to learn, due to his simple mechanics. Other beginner-friendly options include The Wraith or Legion, who provide a bit more mobility and an easier start to a chase.

Which Killer is the Hardest to Master?

Several Killers have a high skill ceiling, including:

• The Nurse: Her teleportation ability requires a lot of precision and practice.
• The Spirit: Her ability to phase walk makes it very difficult to tell where she is.
• The Blight: His speed and mobility are unmatched, but hard to control.
• The Artist: Her ability to control crows takes good map awareness.
• The Hag: Her power requires the use of traps, which need good map knowledge.

Can There Be Two Killers in a Match?

No, Dead by Daylight does not support matches with two Killers. The game is designed for a 1v4 experience, with one Killer against four Survivors. While some game modes with multiple killers have been tested, these are very rare and not part of the main game.

How Much Does It Cost to Unlock All Killers?

Unlocking all Killers can be expensive, especially if purchasing them with Auric Cells. For original characters, purchasing them all with Iridescent Shards would require a great deal of time. There are currently 33 Killers and 34 survivors, with more added regularly, so if you are trying to get them all it is a constant cost.

Who is the Oldest Killer?

The oldest Killer in Dead by Daylight is The Plague. She was introduced as part of the ‘Demise of the Faithful Chapter’ and her lore involves a very ancient affliction.

Who is the Fastest Killer?

Most Killers have similar base movement speeds. However, The Wraith is the fastest Killer when cloaked, and The Hillbilly gains great speed when using his chainsaw. The Nurse is also able to move quickly, but only through her teleportation.

Which Killer is the Scariest?

The perceived scariest Killer is subjective, but many players find The Cenobite and The Nightmare to be among the most terrifying due to their lore and design. Others may find The Trickster and The Doctor very scary for their loud, erratic movements.

Are there Killer Bots?

Currently, Killer Bots are not available outside of the game tutorial. Developing AI for Killers that can effectively use each unique power is a complex process, requiring significant training and optimization. There are bots for the survivor role, however.

Are Killers Faster Than Survivors?

Yes, most Killers are slightly faster than Survivors. The average Killer speed is around 110% or 115% of a Survivor’s speed. Some slower killers include Huntress, Hag, and Nurse.

Can I Practice with Killers?

Yes, you can practice with Killers using the Training Mode introduced in 2022. This allows you to use bots to hone your skills in a low-stakes environment.

Can Your Killer Grade Go Down?

No, your Killer Grade cannot go down once it is earned. You may lose Pips within a grade by playing poorly, but will not lose the grade until the next Grade reset.

Who are Some of the Best Killer Players?

Many skilled players stream their gameplay. Some of the most respected Dead by Daylight streamers include Otzdarva, OhTofu, and SpookyLoopz.

In conclusion, Dead by Daylight offers a wide array of Killers each with their own play style, lore, and unique abilities. Whether you prefer playing as a stealthy predator or a relentless hunter, the diverse roster of Killers provides a deep and engaging experience for all players. Keep an eye out for new killers, as the roster will continue to grow in the coming years.