As you might know, Dead by Daylight’s META has been an ongoing topic of discussion for some time. Since the arrival of our SBMM system (skill-based matchmaking, also commonly referred to as “MMR/Matchmaking Rating”) we have heard concerns about an absence of variety within matches, with perk repetition often cited as a primary grievance.
While a META inevitably develops in every online game, a specific group of Killer and Survivor perks have become predominant in many trials. As these perks are notably strong compared to the rest of the perk pool, certain builds can feel completely outmatched in the face of a well-optimized META build. Some players have noted that running a META loadout is the only way to keep up with their opponent, thereby continuing the cycle of META vs. META – especially at the highest SBMM levels.
Upon analysing our own data, we found statistical evidence that a number of perks were favored across the board, with a notable few essentially being staples of high-level play. So, what are Dead by Daylight’s META Perks? We’ve compiled a list of several – though not all – of the main contenders, given that many of our highest-level players use them on a consistent basis.
KILLER PERKS
BBQ & Chili
Corrupt Intervention
Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance
Hex: Ruin
Pop Goes the Weasel
*Please note that "Locked" refers to a perk slot with no perk equipped.
SURVIVOR PERKS
Dead Hard
Borrowed Time
Decisive Strike
Iron Will
Self-Care
Our findings – based on factors such as internal data and community feedback – led to some interesting conclusions about playstyles. Killer players tended to stack their loadouts with generator regression perks, while Survivors favored “second chance” perks that impede Killer progression. This reinforces concerns voiced by players of both Killer and Survivor, namely generator repair speed and being singled out, respectively. Though there are many available perks equipped to counter those situations, the efficacy of the META has proven undeniable.
Please know that we have heard your concerns and feedback on this topic. We’re extremely excited to announce that we have been working on a substantial update aimed at increasing perk variety and viability for players of all skill levels. While the release date is subject to change, we're hopeful that this update will arrive as soon as this summer.
What’s planned for this update? At the risk of giving too much away, it may very well take the crown as the most substantial one in Dead by Daylight history. Nearly 40 perks (exact number to be confirmed), including all the META Perks listed above, will undergo changes. “It’s an intentional attempt to shake things up,” explains Matt S, Dead by Daylight’s Design Director. “There have been adjustments to certain controversial perks in the past, but this is the biggest collection of perks being changed at once.”
Trust us, we’d absolutely love to lift the curtain on what’s coming. For now, rest assured that we’re hard at work ensuring this massive collection of perk changes arrives in-game sooner than later. We hope news of this upcoming update inspires players to try new builds, discover interesting synergies, and experiment with a variety of playstyles. And don't forget – you’ll soon have the option to save three build loadouts, so why not make use of it!
To all the players and content creators who actively take the time to read every Patch Note post or Developer Update, thank you. We hope you enjoyed this one, and make sure to keep a watchful eye for more details closer to the projected release.
In the meantime, enjoy trying out The Dredge, Haddie Kaur, and all the new perks from the Roots of Dread Chapter, now available in the PTB.
Catch up on more upcoming features revealed during the 6th Anniversary Broadcast:
See you in The Fog!
The Dead by Daylight Team
