To get started in Dead by Daylight, begin with a generator and keep an exit route in mind. Each match pits four survivors against one killer. Survivors repair five generators to power the exit gates. The killer aims to injure them, then hook them.
Key takeaways
- Dead by Daylight pits one killer against four survivors in an asymmetrical match.
- Survivors must repair five generators to power the exit gates.
- Two hits put a survivor into the dying state, after which the killer can carry them to a hook.
- Bloodpoints are used to progress through the Bloodweb and unlock perks, items, add-ons and offerings.
Dead by Daylight beginner guide: key first priorities
- Start by repairing a generator.
- Watch for the killer's approach whenever you repair.
- Head for a pallet or window before you run.
- Leave an overly long chase to protect the team's time.
- Spend your Bloodpoints in the Bloodweb of your chosen character.
Dead by Daylight beginner guide: choosing your role
Survivor is a good place to start. The third-person view helps you watch your surroundings. You can spot generators, chests, pallets and windows.
Stick with the same survivor for several matches. Bloodpoints spent in their Bloodweb unlock items, offerings and perks. Keeping one character makes your progress easier to follow.
Use only a few perks at first. Choose straightforward effects. Help with generators, healing or information is enough to learn the basics.
The official Dead by Daylight Steam page presents the game's roles and main features.
Dead by Daylight beginner guide: match priorities
- Go to a generator.
- Turn the camera to watch possible approaches.
- Prepare a pallet or window before the killer arrives.
- Move to another area after a chase.
- After five generators, open an exit according to the killer's position.
Skill checks require regular attention. Failing one alerts the killer to your generator. Keep the camera moving. The sound of an approaching killer can matter more than a few seconds of progress.
A hooked teammate does not always require an immediate rescue. One player can keep working on a generator. Another can watch the area. Heal after the rescue only if the killer's position allows it.
Buying time during a chase
An effective chase relies on distance and reading the terrain. Look for a structure with a pallet or window. Watch the killer as you turn. Your goal is to buy time for the team.
Drop a pallet when the killer is genuinely following your path. Too early, and you waste a resource. Too late, and you risk a hit. A window helps most when you still have distance.
After a first hit, do not extend every chase. An injured survivor has less room for error. Run towards a familiar area. Break line of sight behind an obstacle. Scratch marks and fast actions can reveal your direction.
When downed, stay in the match. Your team can finish a generator, set up a rescue or draw the killer away. Every second can help the group.
Progression and the Bloodweb: what to improve first
Bloodpoints are used to progress through the Bloodweb. Invest them in the character you actually play. Perks, items, add-ons and offerings appear as you progress.
Prioritise four easy-to-understand functions: information, repair, healing and chases. A popular perk is only useful if you understand its condition. After every match, note just one mistake to correct.
Learning killer without losing focus
Once survivor objectives feel familiar, play a few killer matches. Choose a power that is easy to understand. Focus on three actions: find a target, win a chase and protect generators that are close to completion.
Does a chase take you away from an objective that is nearly complete? Leave it if it lasts too long. A hook creates an opportunity to slow the team down. Do not chase the same target for the entire match.
The official gameplay page details the basics of both roles. The official support page also presents the starting rules.
Mistakes to avoid in your first hours
Do not play every match as a hiding exercise. Four survivors who ignore generators give the killer time to control the map.
Do not immediately return to an interrupted generator. Change areas after being spotted. Also avoid rescuing under the killer without an escape plan.
Do not spend all your pallets at the first opportunity. Maps and spawn points vary. Learn the shapes of the terrain: open area, window, isolated pallet, wall or exit.
To follow gameplay changes, consult the latest news on jeu.vidéo. Practical articles complement this advice. Esports features can show advanced decisions, without replacing the basics.
Frequently asked questions
Which role should I choose to start?
Start as survivor. You will learn about generators, pallets and windows. Then add a few killer matches.
How many generators must be completed?
Survivors must complete five generators. The exit gates can then be powered.
What should I do when the killer reaches my generator?
Head for a nearby pallet or window. Break line of sight, then change areas if the killer follows you.
When should I use a pallet?
Use it when the killer is committed to your path. Using it too early wastes a resource.
Where should I spend Bloodpoints?
Spend them in the Bloodweb of the character you play most. Your progression will remain easier to follow.
Should I heal a teammate after a rescue?
Heal them if the area is safe and the killer is far enough away. Otherwise, move away from the hook first.
When should I start playing killer?
Play a few killer matches once generators and chases feel familiar as survivor.
Where can I follow changes to the game?
Consult the official site and the official support page.
Dead by Daylight Beginner Guide: First Priorities
Start with a generator when you begin Dead by Daylight. Keep a safe route in mind. Each match places four survivors against one killer. Survivors repair five generators to power the exit gates. The killer tries to injure and hook them.
Beginner Priorities for Survivors
- Find a generator and start repairing.
- Check the approach while repairing.
- Move toward a pallet or window before danger reaches you.
- Leave a long chase and return to an objective.
- Spend Bloodpoints on the character you actually play.
The third-person survivor view helps you watch the area. You can identify generators, chests, pallets, and windows. Keep one survivor for several matches. This makes Bloodweb progress easier to understand.
Use a small set of readable perks. Information, repair, healing, and chase support are useful functions. A strong perk still needs a condition that you understand.
Dead by Daylight Beginner Guide: Generators and Escapes
- Reach a generator.
- Check the approach while repairing.
- Identify a nearby pallet or window.
- Change areas after a chase.
- After five generators, open an exit according to the killer's position.
Skill checks require regular attention. A failed check reveals the generator. Keep your camera active. Sound from an approaching killer may matter more than a few seconds of progress.
Do not rush every hook rescue. One survivor can keep repairing while another watches the area. Heal after the rescue only when the killer is far enough away.
Chases, Pallets, and Windows
Effective chases rely on distance and map reading. Look for a structure with a pallet or window. Watch the killer while turning. Your goal is to buy time for the team.
Drop a pallet when the killer follows your path. Dropping it too early wastes a resource. Waiting too long risks a hit. A window helps most when you still have distance.
After the first hit, do not extend every chase. A wounded survivor has less room for mistakes. Run toward a known area. Break line of sight behind an obstacle. Running actions and scratch marks may reveal your direction.
Bloodweb Progression for New Players
Bloodpoints advance the Bloodweb. Invest them in the character you play most. Perks, items, add-ons, and offerings appear through that progression.
After each match, record one mistake. It may be a late generator, a long chase, a risky rescue, or a poor exit decision. One clear correction is easier to apply next match.
Learning Killer Without Losing Focus
Try killer matches after survivor objectives feel familiar. Pick a power with a clear purpose. Focus on finding a target, winning a chase, and protecting advanced generators.
Leave a chase when it pulls you too far from an almost finished generator. A hook creates pressure. Chasing one survivor for the entire match gives the other three time to act.
The official gameplay page explains the two roles. The official support page presents the starting rules.
Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Hours
Do not treat every match as a hiding exercise. Four survivors ignoring generators give the killer time to control the map.
Do not return immediately to an interrupted generator. Change areas after being spotted. Avoid a hook rescue without an escape plan.
Save some pallets for later. Maps and spawn points vary. Learn terrain shapes instead of memorizing one route.
Track gameplay changes through the latest news on jeu.vidéo. Practical articles can add context. Advanced esports coverage should not replace the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which role should a beginner choose?Start as survivor. You will learn generators, pallets, and windows. Add killer matches afterward.
Survivors must complete five generators. The exit gates can then be powered.
Move toward a nearby pallet or window. Break line of sight and change areas if the killer follows.
Drop it when the killer commits to your path. Using it too early wastes a resource.
Spend them in the Bloodweb of the character you play most. This keeps progression clear.
Heal when the area is safe and the killer is far away. Otherwise, leave the hook area first.
Try killer when survivor generators and chases feel familiar. The change helps explain the other side's pressure.
Use the official gameplay page and the official support page.
Verified sources
These links make it possible to verify the key information used in this article.
- store.steampowered.com: https : //store.steampowered.com/app/381210/ — official Steam page consulted on 2026-08-10; confirms the game's listing and general features.
- deadbydaylight.com: https : //deadbydaylight.com/game/?category=survivor — official gameplay page consulted on 2026-08-10; confirms the four-survivor-versus-one-killer premise, generators, chases and hooks.
- support.deadbydaylight.com: https : //support.deadbydaylight.com/hc/en-us/articles/4417200144532-How-to-play-Survivor-and-Killer — official support page published on 2022-01-26; confirms the existence of an overview of the basic rules for both roles.
- deadbydaylight.com: https : //deadbydaylight.com/news/prestige-progression/ — official article published on 2022-05-17; documents the role of the Bloodweb, Bloodpoints, perks, items, add-ons and progression.
