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Why Can’t I Heal Myself in Circle of Healing? Understanding the Boon Nerf in Dead by Daylight

The short answer is this: You can’t heal yourself with Circle of Healing anymore because the developers, Behaviour Interactive, intentionally removed that functionality. With the Midchapter patch, the Boon perk’s original self-healing ability was deemed too powerful, leading to an imbalance in the game. Now, Circle of Healing primarily focuses on boosting healing speed for healing other survivors.

The Evolution of Circle of Healing: From Solo Savior to Team Player

Originally, Circle of Healing was a potent tool for solo survival. Survivors could create a safe zone almost anywhere on the map, rapidly healing themselves without the need for a Med-Kit or a teammate. This created frustration for killers, particularly at lower ranks, as it significantly reduced pressure and increased survivor survivability. Killers felt their efforts were being negated too quickly and easily.

The developers recognized this imbalance and decided to shift Circle of Healing‘s focus to a more team-oriented role. The nerf was designed to encourage cooperation between survivors, rewarding those who actively healed their teammates.

What the Patch Actually Did

The patch notes clearly stated that Circle of Healing would no longer allow survivors to heal themselves without a Med-Kit. Instead, the perk provides a healing speed bonus for healing others. This bonus ranges from 40% to 50%, depending on the perk’s tier. Crucially, the bonus does not apply when using a Med-Kit. This reinforces the strategic decision survivors must make: use the Boon for team healing or save their Med-Kit for self-reliance.

Impact on Gameplay

The change has drastically altered the meta. Survivors are now more reliant on each other, and strategic Boon placement is more critical. A well-placed Circle of Healing can still be invaluable, especially near generators or in high-traffic areas.

While the self-healing nerf was initially met with resistance from some players, it has ultimately led to a more balanced and engaging gameplay experience. The onus is now on communication and teamwork, elements that are vital to Dead by Daylight’s core design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Circle of Healing

Is Circle of Healing completely useless now? Absolutely not! While it no longer provides self-healing, the healing speed bonus it offers to teammates is substantial. It allows for quicker recovery from injuries, getting survivors back into the action faster and potentially turning the tide in close encounters.
Does the healing speed bonus stack with other healing buffs? Yes, the Circle of Healing healing speed bonus can stack with other buffs, such as those provided by other perks (like Botany Knowledge) or items (like Med-Kit add-ons). This can lead to incredibly fast healing times for teammates.
If I have a Med-Kit, should I still use Circle of Healing to heal others? That depends on the situation. If you’re in a safe area and want to conserve your Med-Kit charges, using the Boon is a great option. However, if you need to heal someone quickly in a risky situation, a Med-Kit might be faster, especially with helpful add-ons. Remember that the boon healing speed bonus doesn’t apply to the Med-Kit.
How can I counter Circle of Healing as a killer? The most direct counter is to kick the totem that is the source of the Boon. Killers should prioritize disrupting Boon totems, especially those placed in strategic locations. Perks like Hex: Undying can make this task more challenging for survivors by allowing them to re-light the boon after the hex totem is cleansed, forcing you to kick it twice.
Are there any perks that synergize well with the new Circle of Healing? Yes! Perks that encourage altruistic behavior, such as We’ll Make It, Empathy, or Aftercare, can complement Circle of Healing very well, creating a strong support build.
Did the nerf affect all Boon perks? No, only Circle of Healing was specifically targeted by this nerf. Other Boon perks, such as Boon: Exponential or Boon: Shadow Step, retain their original functionalities.
What is the best location to place Circle of Healing? High-traffic areas, near generators, or in areas with good line of sight are generally the best places to place Circle of Healing. The goal is to make it accessible to as many teammates as possible while also providing some protection from the killer. Also think about placing it so that you can easily drop a pallet in order to provide cover if the Killer comes after you while you are booning the totem.
Can the killer see the aura of a Boon totem? No, killers cannot see the aura of a Boon totem unless they are within a certain range of it.
Does Circle of Healing affect healing speed while being healed by another survivor with a Med-Kit? No, the healing speed bonus does not apply when a teammate is using a Med-Kit to heal another survivor.
How does the Boon radius work? The Boon radius extends a fixed distance from the totem. Survivors within this radius receive the benefit of the Boon. Stepping outside the radius negates the effect. You can see the edge of the radius with a visual indicator of the boon area once you’ve blessed a totem.
Is there a limit to how many Boon totems can be active at once? No, there is no limit to the number of Boon totems that can be active simultaneously. However, survivors must find and bless different totems to achieve this.
What happens if the killer destroys the totem after I bless it? If the killer destroys the totem, the Boon effect is removed. You’ll need to find another totem and bless it again to reactivate the Boon.
Are there any item add-ons that affect Boon totems? No, there are no item add-ons that directly affect Boon totems. However, some items, such as maps, can help you locate totems more easily.
Where can I learn more about Dead by Daylight game balance and design philosophy? A great resource is the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational and learning aspects of games. Understanding game design principles can enhance your appreciation for strategic choices made in games like Dead by Daylight. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Will Circle of Healing ever get another rework? It’s always possible. Behaviour Interactive consistently monitors game balance and is willing to make changes to perks if necessary. Player feedback and data analysis play a crucial role in these decisions, and they are constantly working to improve the game.

Adapting to the Change: Strategies for Success

The Circle of Healing nerf necessitates a shift in survivor strategies. Here are some tips for adapting to the change:

Prioritize teamwork: Coordinate with your teammates to maximize the benefit of the Boon.
Strategic Boon placement: Place the Boon in locations that offer cover and are easily accessible to multiple survivors.
Conserve Med-Kits: Save your Med-Kits for emergencies or when you need to heal quickly in a risky situation.
Communicate: Use in-game voice chat or text chat to coordinate healing efforts and warn teammates about the killer’s presence.
Consider alternative healing perks: If you prefer a solo playstyle, explore other healing perks like Self-Care or Inner Healing.

Conclusion: Embracing the Evolving Meta

The Circle of Healing nerf was a significant change to Dead by Daylight, but it’s important to remember that the game is constantly evolving. By understanding the reasons behind the nerf and adapting your strategies accordingly, you can continue to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the game. The focus is now firmly on teamwork and strategic decision-making, making Dead by Daylight a more engaging and rewarding experience for everyone. Don’t forget to explore the insights provided by the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) to further deepen your understanding of game design and strategy.

Why can’t I heal myself in Circle of Healing?