Dead by Daylight

About

In "Dead by Daylight," players confront horror in a 4vs1 multiplayer format, where four Survivors face off against a powerful Killer in changing environments. Survivors must escape or be caught, tortured, and killed, while the Killer hunts them down. Players can choose to cooperate or be selfish, which impacts their chances of survival.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

84%

Audience ScoreBased on 415,517 reviews

gameplay6.7k positive mentions

stability6.2k negative mentions

gameplay
22,254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
62%
8%
The gameplay of *Dead by Daylight* is characterized by its unique asymmetrical multiplayer format, where one player takes on the role of a killer while four others act as survivors. While many players find the core gameplay loop engaging and addictive, with a variety of characters and mechanics to explore, there are significant criticisms regarding balance issues, repetitive gameplay, and a toxic community that can detract from the overall experience. Frequent updates and new content aim to keep the gameplay fresh, but many players feel that the developers prioritize cosmetic additions over meaningful gameplay improvements, leading to frustration and a sense of stagnation in the game's mechanics.
- “Great gameplay and great monsters.”
- “Its simple but engaging gameplay, paired with clever level design and iconic characters, creates a truly timeless experience.”
- “The gameplay is smooth, and the sense of accomplishment as you progress from world to world is incredibly rewarding.”
- “Overall, my main issue with the gameplay loop of Dead by Daylight is the fact that it’s repetitive and stale.”
- “The gameplay can be a bit stale.”
- “The gameplay loop is dull and lacking.”
stability
6,350 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
The stability of "Dead by Daylight" is frequently criticized by players, with many reports of bugs, glitches, and connectivity issues that disrupt gameplay. While some users find the game enjoyable despite these technical problems, the overall sentiment indicates that the game remains a buggy experience, often leading to frustration and a diminished gaming experience. Players express a desire for the developers to prioritize fixing these issues over releasing new content.
- “The game on itself is good, no glitches and no bugs (yet).”
- “I've had a relatively bug-free experience compared to most anecdotes I've heard.”
- “The graphics are top notch, the FPS is stable, does not lag and there are no freezes.”
- “Do not even get me started on the optimisation of this game, a decade old bloodweb mechanic that is severely lacking, no adjustable sound options, minimal accessibility options, constant frame stutters, spikes, glitches & game breaking bugs.”
- “The server are killer sided... I have been noticing pallet drop doesn't register fast enough and the survivor hitboxes are most buggy after a window vault.”
- “A multitude of game-breaking glitches with no in-game report system every time there is a patch.”
graphics
5,671 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
57%
7%
The graphics of *Dead by Daylight* receive mixed reviews from players. While many appreciate the game's atmospheric visuals and character designs, noting improvements over time, others criticize the graphics for being outdated and lacking customization options. Players often mention performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems, and express frustration over the limited graphical settings, which only allow for basic presets rather than detailed adjustments. Overall, the graphics contribute to the game's horror aesthetic, but there is a clear demand for further enhancements and optimizations.
- “Each level feels unique and has its own personality, with vibrant graphics and catchy music that stays with you long after you put the controller down.”
- “The game's graphics and sound design create a haunting atmosphere that immerses you completely.”
- “The graphics are great, lots of variety in characters purchasable with in-game currency as well as real money characters, and great leveling system.”
- “The graphics are actually almost comparable to GTA 5 in terms of how incredibly disappointing they are in the year 2024 where we have hyper-realistic shooter games that actually look and feel real.”
- “This game has also killed the feeling it used to give while playing; I used to love the aesthetic of this game, but after the graphic update that happened a few years ago, they completely removed any of the old aesthetic that this game used to have.”
- “The graphics settings are barely existent, and the only way to properly edit the graphics settings is by going into the config files.”
humor
4,818 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in "Dead by Daylight" is a prominent aspect that many players highlight, often describing the game as a mix of thrilling and hilarious experiences. Players enjoy the absurdity of situations, such as unexpected glitches, funny interactions with killers, and the comedic reactions of friends during gameplay. While the game can be frustrating at times, especially with its competitive nature, the shared laughter and lighthearted moments, particularly when playing with friends, make it a memorable and entertaining experience.
- “Its a great balance of ripping your hair out and laughing with your buddies.”
- “It’s way more goofy than scary when you're playing with friends, and every match is full of ridiculous moments that’ll have you laughing.”
- “This game is so funny with friends, I waited almost 5 months to buy this game at -50% discount and I am very satisfied with this game, I love it to play with friends.”
- “I mean if this is a joke just tell us because it's not funny.”
- “This game is so broken it's not funny.”
- “The game is so favored to killers over survivors it's not funny, which I don't understand because you can lose as a survivor and die with 1000 points but a killer who doesn't kill anyone can get a minimum of 7000.”
grinding
3,676 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
88%
The grinding aspect of "Dead by Daylight" is frequently described as excessive and tedious, with many players noting that significant time investment is required to unlock characters, perks, and items. While some enjoy the grind as part of the gameplay experience, others find it frustrating, especially for new players who face a steep learning curve and often encounter paywalls for optimal characters and perks. Overall, the game is characterized by a heavy emphasis on grinding, which can detract from the enjoyment for many players.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Progression seems fair and not grindy; you get your perks quickly enough, at least in my experience.”
- “The leveling system is fun and not too grindy, while providing perks that help you but do not automatically win games simply because you have better perks.”
- “This game is so pay to win and grindy; don't buy it because half the killers and survivors in the game cost real money.”
- “On the other hand, the core content gets buried under massive grinding and pay-to-play barriers, toxic mechanics, and bad matchmaking.”
- “Also forgot to mention that the grinding feels like a chore and does not even feel fun. You'll get around 20k bloodpoints after every average game, which is nothing and takes forever to level up all your characters.”
story
2,842 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
80%
8%
The story aspect of "Dead by Daylight" is generally viewed as minimal and lacking depth, with many players noting that the game does not focus on a cohesive narrative. While each character has a backstory that adds some lore, the gameplay primarily revolves around repetitive objectives without a significant overarching plot. Some players appreciate the individual character stories and the emergent narratives that arise during matches, but overall, the consensus is that the game is not story-driven and could benefit from a more structured narrative or campaign mode.
- “Each match feels like a heart-wrenching story in itself, with players bearing witness to moments of tragic heroism and devastating loss.”
- “This game has a great story if you pay attention and connect a few dots.”
- “The story behind survivors and the killers makes you more indulged in the game than ever.”
- “Couldn't care about the plot or the character backstories.”
- “The game is no longer an indie cult hit and instead a cash grab menace with zero direction in both gameplay and lore/story.”
- “This game is like a slasher flick movie with no plot whatsoever.”
optimization
1,708 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
50%
33%
The optimization of "Dead by Daylight" has received significant criticism from players, with many reporting persistent performance issues such as frame rate drops, stuttering, and lag, particularly on lower-end systems and consoles. While some users note improvements over time, the overall sentiment is that the game remains poorly optimized, often requiring high-end hardware to run smoothly, and lacking sufficient graphical options for customization. Many players express frustration over the developers' focus on new content rather than addressing these ongoing optimization problems.
- “While it could be argued you don’t need optimal perks, the poor matchmaking makes it feel as if you have to be optimized at any rank or risk losing to a team that will be running optimal perks.”
- “Optimization - great no issues for me and for reference I am running a RX 5600 XT, it's not CPU intensive.”
- “The graphics and the stability of the performance of the game has been a blessing, especially for mid-tier hardware.”
- “This game is poorly optimized whenever it comes to custom keybinds, as in most of them not working or not activating when pressed, of course if this happens to someone else it may happen to be a keyboard issue and not an in-game issue.”
- “The game is now so poorly optimized that you *will* die in game due to rubber-banding among other issues.”
- “The performance issues really knock the game down the ladder for me but it's undeniably got a lot of exciting gameplay.”
atmosphere
1,698 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
42%
2%
The atmosphere in *Dead by Daylight* is widely praised for its chilling and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of horror through detailed environments, eerie sound design, and a tense ambiance that keeps players on edge. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke feelings of dread and suspense, making each match feel like a unique horror experience, although some players note that the initial fear can diminish over time. Overall, the game's atmospheric design is considered one of its standout features, contributing significantly to its appeal among horror enthusiasts.
- “The game's graphics and sound design create a haunting atmosphere that immerses you completely.”
- “The atmosphere is expertly crafted, with eerie sound design and chilling visuals that set the stage for high-stakes gameplay.”
- “The atmosphere in 'Dead by Daylight' is meticulously crafted, delivering a genuinely creepy vibe that horror fans will appreciate.”
- “The game's atmosphere is hauntingly eerie, with each map feeling like a unique horror movie setpiece.”
music
1,558 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
67%
3%
The music in "Dead by Daylight" is widely praised for its ability to enhance the game's horror atmosphere, with unique chase themes for each killer that heighten tension and immersion. Players appreciate the chilling sound design and the way the music intensifies during critical moments, although some find it repetitive over time and express a desire for more volume control options. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant aspect of the game's appeal, contributing to memorable and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
- “Each level feels unique and has its own personality, with vibrant graphics and catchy music that stays with you long after you put the controller down.”
- “The sound design is particularly noteworthy, with heart-pounding chase music and unsettling ambient noises that enhance the horror experience.”
- “The chilling sound design and haunting background music only enhance the overall atmosphere, giving you goosebumps as you try to survive or hunt down your victims.”
- “The soundtrack fails to capitalize on opportunities to heighten suspense or punctuate key moments, resulting in a missed opportunity to enhance the game's horror elements.”
- “The game’s music is also bland and generic, and does not fit the horror theme of the game.”
- “The music is repetitive as well, but I mean the game looks cool and that's about it.”
replayability
1,406 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
48%
2%
Dead by Daylight is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its diverse roster of killers and survivors, unique abilities, and a variety of maps and perks that create a fresh experience in each match. Players appreciate the game's constant updates and new content, which further enhance its replay value, making it a compelling choice for both solo and multiplayer sessions. However, some users note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, and balancing issues may affect the overall experience.
- “Replay value: 10/10 with so many perk combinations and random maps, no two games are the same.”
- “From its ever-expanding roster of killers and survivors to its diverse array of maps, perks, and customization options, the game offers a virtually endless well of replayability.”
- “With its tense gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and endless replayability, it stands as a shining example of the horror genre done right.”
- “I understand that this can lead to more variety and replayability, but for me, the whole system feels too convoluted and hard to get back into after breaks.”
- “No matter what they add to the game, the gameplay stays the same; there's just no replayability in Dead by Daylight (DBD).”
- “The game is supposed to have replay value, but when it's the same premise over and over again, it starts to get boring more and more.”
monetization
1,216 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
57%
38%
The monetization model of "Dead by Daylight" has been widely criticized as excessively greedy and predatory, with many players feeling that it resembles a free-to-play game despite its initial purchase price. Reviewers frequently mention the overwhelming presence of microtransactions, including costly DLCs and cosmetic items, which contribute to a frustrating grind for new players and create a sense of being nickel-and-dimed. Overall, while the gameplay is often praised, the aggressive monetization practices have led to significant dissatisfaction within the community.
- “The fact that Behaviour has gotten away with keeping Dead by Daylight's base price the same, despite having a far more egregious monetization model than most free-to-play games is depressing.”
- “If DBD were free to play, I'd be able to excuse this a bit more, but the fact it is a priced game with monetization even more aggressive than other live service games on the market rubs me the wrong way.”
- “The inclusion of aggressive monetization practices, such as the excessively high prices of skins, seems discordant with the fact that the game already has an entry cost.”
- “The fact that behavior has gotten away with keeping Dead by Daylight's base price the same, despite having a far more egregious monetization model than most free-to-play games is depressing.”
- “If DBD were free to play I'd be able to excuse this a bit more but the fact it is a priced game with monetization even more aggressive than other live service games on the market rubs me the wrong way.”
- “Great idea with horrible execution, has the monetization model of a free-to-play game despite not being free, 95% of good perks are locked behind a paywall, worst community I have ever seen in any online game.”
emotional
1,016 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Dead by Daylight" is a complex tapestry of highs and lows, with players experiencing a wide range of feelings from joy and camaraderie to frustration and despair. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, whether through heartwarming moments with teammates or the stress of facing toxic players and challenging gameplay. While some players find solace in the community's wholesome interactions, others express feelings of emotional turmoil and mental exhaustion, making it a game that can be both deeply engaging and emotionally taxing.
- “Every time I play this, I want to cry.”
- “In every chase, every narrow escape, and every cruel twist of fate, the game delivers a heart-wrenching experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.”
- “Dead by daylight is a sobering reminder of how video games can transcend mere entertainment to become profound emotional experiences.”
character development
180 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
43%
6%
Character development in "Dead by Daylight" is often viewed as minimal, with some players noting a lack of depth in character progression and development mechanics. However, the game excels in character design, showcasing a variety of visually compelling and unique characters, particularly among the killers and survivors, which enhances the overall horror atmosphere. While the lore and backstories of characters add some context, the gameplay experience can be marred by technical issues and a toxic community, leading to mixed feelings about the game's character development aspects.
- “The character development is also really rewarding and you can change it up when you want to and develop different characters.”
- “Story: unlike most other multiplayer games, Dead by Daylight gives context to its matches and really puts a fun spin on the survival horror genre. Each survivor has a well-made backstory that usually ties them either to the killer or the maps they launched with, and the character designs alone say quite a bit about the people you're playing as.”
- “The attention to detail in both the environment and character design adds an extra layer of immersion, making every game session feel like a horror movie come to life.”
- “Between the toxic players, constant bugs and discrepancies in the game and character design, and just the repetitive gameplay in nearly every lobby, I would say it's not worth the time, unless you are prepared to no-life the game to perfect your skills.”
- “There are currently masses of the community who are losing character progress, hundreds of hours in character development and progression vanishing just for logging in... there are no written warnings in the game that warn of a bug that has apparently been out for months, which wipes all of your progress.”
- “You could almost say the devs sold out, or no longer can call themselves developers of games and more costume and character designers, nothing to do with developing gameplay mechanics or refinement.”