5 Steam DBD Tips

Dead by Daylight (DBD) on Steam is a popular survival horror game that pits survivors against a killer in a thrilling game of cat and mouse. With its complex mechanics and deep strategy, mastering DBD requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and practice. For those looking to improve their gameplay and climb the ranks, here are five essential Steam DBD tips to get you started.
Key Points
- Map awareness is crucial for survivors to evade the killer and find generators.
- Choosing the right perks can significantly impact gameplay, both for survivors and killers.
- Communication is key among survivors to coordinate strategies and distract the killer.
- Killers should focus on controlling the map and using their powers to ambush survivors.
- Constantly adapting to the situation and being aware of your surroundings is vital for success.
Mastering Map Awareness

Understanding the map is one of the most critical aspects of DBD. Survivors need to know the locations of generators, hiding spots, and common routes the killer takes. This knowledge allows them to navigate the map efficiently, avoid the killer, and complete their objectives. For killers, map awareness is about controlling the areas around generators, setting up ambushes, and using their environment to their advantage. Map awareness is something that improves with experience, so spending time exploring the different maps and learning their layouts is essential.
Perk Selection and Strategy
The perks system in DBD allows players to customize their characters with unique abilities that can significantly affect gameplay. For survivors, perks like Self-Care or Bond can be invaluable, offering healing benefits or increased speed when working together. Killers also have access to a range of perks that can enhance their abilities, such as increased terror radius or the ability to see survivor auras. Choosing the right perks requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics and the role you’re playing. It’s about finding a balance between your character’s strengths and the needs of your team or playstyle.
Communication Among Survivors

For survivors, communication is not just beneficial; it’s essential. By working together and coordinating their actions, survivors can distract the killer, rescue each other from hooks, and complete generators more efficiently. Effective communication involves alerting teammates to the killer’s presence, signaling when a generator is about to be completed, and coordinating escapes. While DBD does not have voice chat built into the game for survivors, using external communication tools or the in-game chat (when available) can greatly improve teamwork and survival chances.
Killer Strategies
Killers in DBD have a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Their primary goal is to hook all survivors, which requires a combination of map control, ambushes, and strategic use of their powers. Each killer has a distinct set of abilities that can be used to outmaneuver survivors. For example, the Nurse can blink short distances, allowing her to quickly close the distance to survivors or escape danger. The key to success as a killer is to adapt your strategy based on the survivors’ actions and the map you’re playing on, using your abilities to control the areas around generators and limit survivor movement.
Killer | Power | Strategy |
---|---|---|
Nurse | Blink | Ambush and chase down survivors quickly |
Trapper | Bear Trap | Protect generators and common paths with traps |
Hillbilly | Overwhelm | Use speed and strength to down survivors quickly |

Adaptation and Awareness
No two games of DBD are the same, thanks to the random map selection, different survivor and killer combinations, and the varied strategies players might employ. Success in DBD requires constant adaptation to the situation at hand. Survivors need to adjust their plans based on the killer’s movements and the progress of generator repairs, while killers must respond to survivor strategies and adapt their ambushes accordingly. Being aware of your surroundings, including the sounds and visuals that indicate survivor or killer activity, is crucial for making quick decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
What's the best way for survivors to avoid the killer in DBD?
+Survivors should use stealth, stay aware of their surroundings, and make use of hiding spots and obstacles to evade the killer. Communicating with teammates about the killer's location can also help in avoiding them.
How can killers effectively use their powers in DBD?
+Killers should use their powers to ambush survivors, protect generators, and control the map. Understanding the range, cooldown, and effects of their powers is key to using them effectively.
What role does map awareness play in DBD strategy?
+Map awareness is crucial for both survivors and killers. It helps survivors find generators, avoid the killer, and escape, while killers use it to set up ambushes, control areas around generators, and chase down survivors.
In conclusion, mastering DBD on Steam requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, maps, and strategies. By focusing on map awareness, perk selection, communication, killer strategies, and constant adaptation, players can significantly improve their chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these tips offer a solid foundation for improving your gameplay and enjoying the thrilling experience that DBD has to offer.