Decoding Benevolence: A Deep Dive into Altruism in Dead by Daylight
In the asymmetrical horror landscape of Dead by Daylight (DBD), where survival hinges on skill and strategy, the concept of benevolence stands as a beacon of hope. But what exactly is benevolence in DBD? Simply put, benevolence refers to the altruistic actions players take to help their fellow survivors escape the clutches of the Killer. It’s about risking your own well-being to provide aid, support, and opportunities for survival to your teammates. It is directly tied to the Benevolent Emblem earned in-game. Think of it as the ‘good Samaritan’ score for your trials.
Understanding the Benevolent Emblem
The Benevolent Emblem in Dead by Daylight acts as a measure of a Survivor’s altruistic actions during a trial. It grades how often you prioritize the well-being of your teammates over your own safety. Earning a high grade in the Benevolent Emblem contributes to your overall emblem grade at the end of a match, influencing the number of Bloodpoints you receive and your progress in the ranking system. To increase your Benevolent Emblem score, focus on these key actions:
- Safe Unhooks: Rescuing teammates from hooks, especially when the Killer is nearby, earns significant Benevolent points. Using perks that facilitate safe unhooks, like “We’ll Make It” or “Borrowed Time,” greatly contributes to this.
- Healing: Healing injured teammates not only restores their health but also rewards you with Benevolent points. The faster you heal, the more points you accrue. Bringing a Med-Kit or using perks like “Botany Knowledge” can speed up the healing process.
- Taking Hits: Intentionally taking a hit for a teammate who is being chased, particularly near a hook or generator, demonstrates significant altruism. Perks such as “Guardian,” can further enhance these protective plays.
- Flashlight Saves: Successfully blinding the Killer with a flashlight to prevent them from picking up a downed Survivor showcases your dedication to protecting your team.
- Distracting the Killer: Drawing the killer away from a hooked teammate.
- Body Blocking: Preventing the killer from hitting a team mate with yourself.
Maximizing Your Benevolent Score
To consistently earn high grades in the Benevolent Emblem, consider the following strategies:
- Prioritize Safe Unhooks: Assess the situation before unhooking. Is the Killer camping? If so, use perks like “Borrowed Time” to grant the rescued Survivor a temporary endurance effect, increasing their chances of survival.
- Heal Efficiently: Bring a Med-Kit and equip healing-related perks. Don’t hesitate to heal teammates, even if it means taking a risk.
- Communicate Effectively: Use in-game gestures or voice communication (if available) to coordinate altruistic actions with your teammates. Let them know when you’re coming for an unhook or when you’re ready to take a hit.
- Play with a Team: Coordinating with friends or a pre-made group can greatly increase your ability to perform altruistic actions and maximize your Benevolent score.
Benevolence isn’t just about earning points and climbing the ranks; it’s about fostering a cooperative and supportive environment within the often-brutal world of Dead by Daylight. By prioritizing the well-being of your teammates, you increase your chances of survival as a team, while also making the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. Understanding gameplay through the lens of the Games Learning Society can help appreciate the social interactions and strategic thinking needed to thrive in complex game environments like Dead by Daylight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Benevolence in Dead by Daylight
1. Does completing generators count towards the Benevolent Emblem?
No, completing generators contributes to the Lightbringer Emblem, which focuses on objective progress. The Benevolent Emblem is specifically tied to altruistic actions.
2. Is it always a good idea to go for a risky unhook?
Not necessarily. If the Killer is clearly camping the hook and you have no perks to protect the rescued Survivor, a risky unhook can lead to both of you being downed quickly. Assess the situation carefully before acting.
3. How does the Benevolent Emblem compare to other Survivor Emblems?
The Benevolent Emblem is one of four Survivor Emblems. The others are:
- Lightbringer: Focuses on generator progress and objective completion.
- Unbroken: Grades your ability to escape chases and avoid being downed.
- Evader: Tracks your ability to evade the Killer and stay hidden.
Each Emblem measures a different aspect of Survivor gameplay, and all four contribute to your overall grade at the end of a match.
4. Do perks that help other Survivors directly impact my Benevolent score?
Yes, absolutely. Perks that offer healing buffs, endurance effects, or protection to other Survivors (like “We’ll Make It,” “Borrowed Time,” or “Guardian”) are excellent for boosting your Benevolent score.
5. Does healing myself contribute to the Benevolent Emblem?
No, healing yourself does not contribute to the Benevolent Emblem. It’s solely focused on healing other Survivors.
6. What is the best strategy for getting a Gold or Iridescent Benevolent Emblem?
Combining safe unhooks with effective healing and taking hits for your teammates is the most reliable strategy. Prioritizing teamwork and making strategic decisions based on the situation are key.
7. If the Killer is face camping, is there any point in trying to get a Benevolent score?
While face camping severely limits your opportunities for safe unhooks, you can still earn Benevolent points by taking protection hits for other Survivors or distracting the Killer to allow them to escape.
8. Are there any Killers who make it especially difficult to earn Benevolent points?
Killers with one-hit down abilities (like Leatherface or Billy) can make it challenging to take protection hits. Also, Killers who excel at camping (like The Trapper) can limit your unhook opportunities.
9. How does the ranking system affect the importance of the Benevolent Emblem?
A higher Benevolent Emblem grade contributes to a better overall grade at the end of the trial, increasing your chances of gaining pips and progressing through the ranking system.
10. Can playing too altruistically be detrimental?
Yes, absolutely. Constantly going for risky unhooks or ignoring generator progress can harm your team’s chances of escape. Striking a balance between altruism and objective play is crucial.
11. Is there any way to track my Benevolent score during a match?
Unfortunately, no. You won’t know your exact Benevolent score until the end-game screen. Focus on performing altruistic actions consistently throughout the trial.
12. Does using a flashlight to save a Survivor from being carried to a hook count towards the Benevolent Emblem?
Yes, flashlight saves are a great way to boost your Benevolent score. Successfully blinding the Killer to prevent a hook contributes significantly.
13. How important is communication with teammates for maximizing my Benevolent score?
Communication is essential. Coordinating unhooks, healing, and protection plays with your teammates greatly increases your efficiency and the overall success of your altruistic actions.
14. Do offerings that benefit other Survivors increase my Benevolent score?
No, offerings themselves don’t directly increase your Benevolent score. However, offerings that improve the team’s chances of survival (like map offerings that favor Survivors) can indirectly create more opportunities for altruistic plays.
15. How does the “Guardian” perk impact my Benevolent score?
The “Guardian” perk, provides the unhooked Survivor with a speed boost and obscures their scratch marks, making it easier for them to escape. It also grants the unhooker endurance for a short time. These are significant benefits that increase the likelihood of a safe unhook, which in turn significantly boosts your Benevolent score.
By understanding and prioritizing benevolence in Dead by Daylight, you not only improve your chances of survival but also contribute to a more positive and collaborative gaming experience. Remember that teamwork and strategic altruism are key to escaping the Entity’s realm!