Summary
Asymmetrical horror darlingDead by Daylighthas seen its roster of Killers evolve massively over the years. When the game debuted there were only three, but with numerous chapter releases from BHVR–both of original Killers and those from iconic horror franchises–the roster has swelled by dozens.
Original Killers like Nurse and Trapper brush shoulders with classic characters like Michael Myers, Pinhead, and Leatherface, and with every new character introduced, there’s a host of new strategies and counter-strategies to learn. For years, fans have salivated at the thought of certain beloved franchises joining the game. Here are some of themost iconic KillersthatDead by Daylightshould add next.
Updated on September 16th, 2024, by Mara Cowley:DbD retains its crown as the most popular asymmetrical horror game, thwarting any other titles that dare attempt to seize their crown. BHVR likely owes its popularity to securing many horror licenses, fromHalloweentoResident EviltoSaw. In more recent times, players saw the release of theCastlevaniachapter, coming with a new survivor and a new Killer with thenext DbD Killerstill to be confirmed as of this time. But in light of the recent arrival of Dracula, it’s time to revisit this article to showcase newDbD Killer ideas.
26Death Angel
A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Placeis one of the best modern horror movies soon to be given a third installment, and even its owngame based on this popular IP. In a world where deadly aliens hunt based on sound, survivors have learned to live as quietly as possible, but sometimes, things don’t always go to plan. This is especially true of their movie, with the Abbot family expecting another baby.
Sound is also an integral part of the gameplay inDead by Daylight. Survivors will listen out for the Killer’s terror radius, while Killers may use the sound of breathing or running to track down especially elusive Survivors. This particular dynamic of the gameplay makes it the perfect hunting ground for a Death Angel to come and claim the Survivors' lives, making further use of the noises they produce while fleeing for their lives.
25Tall Man
Phantasm (1979)
Though an oldie,Phantasmis still a goodie, following the horrifying exploits of the Tall Man, the very fitting moniker the main antagonist of the movie is given. Though he looks like an ordinary, albeit very tall, human, the Tall Man still invokes plenty of fear with his stature, silence, and the flying sphere he uses against his victims.
Having a ranged weapon is not something new to the world ofDead by Daylight,and as such the Tall Man would feel right at home alongside the likes of the Huntress and the Artist.
24Blade
Blade (1998)
If there is room for Dracula, surely there is room for one more iconic vampire. Though Blade might be a suitable choice for a Survivor given his antihero status, who knows how the Entity might warp this vampire-killing vampire for its own nefarious purpose?
From an era when Marvel wasn’t enmeshed with the MCU,Bladeis one of the darker movies in their library, and as such is the best option for a Marvel crossover. With supernatural strength, mastery over martial arts, and enhanced senses, Blade makes short work of any unlucky enough to be his prey.
23The Invisible Man
The Invisible Man (1993)
Part of the Universal Monsters that includes famous movie killers and creatures such as Dracula and, the Mummy and Frankenstein, The Invisible Man is a classic 30s flick based on the novel by HG Wells. Dr. Jack Griffin spends most of the movie wrapped in bandages, his eyes obscured by dark sunglasses, leaving many people wondering what exactly he is hiding. Turns out, he had mastered the art of invisibility.
The unsettling and iconic appearance of the Invisible Man would undoubtedly be a welcome yet frightening addition to the Killer roster, and his invisible nature opens the doors for some terrifying stealth capabilities.
22Norman Bates
Psycho (1960)
A Hitchcock classic, people would be hard-pressed to find someone who has never seen this classicblack-and-white horror movie. The infamous shower scene has become so ingrained in the minds of the few who haven’t seen the movie all the way through, and the name Norman Bates still strikes fear into hearts.
A man who takes the phrase ‘Momma’s Boy’ to the extreme, the unsettling and disturbing relationship between Norman and his mother causes him to kill her ten years before the events of the movie, starting his career as a killer early, which makes him a seasoned and deserving Killer forDbD.
21Harry Warden (The Miner)
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
The80s was a renaissance of fantastic horrormovies, with killers such as Freddy Kreuger and Pinhead slashing their way onto people’s screens. My Bloody Valentine was another slightly less popular but still bloody fantastic slasher, making the interesting and unique decision to set the movie on Valentine’s Day, an unexplored holiday in horror. Teens throw a Valentine’s party and garner the wrath of Harry Warden or the Miner as he would be known in-game.
Slasher kills always make an excellent addition to the Killer roster, as they always have a devoted base of fans that would love nothing more than to see them in the game and are of course adept at tearing their way through swathes of victims.
20Megan
M3GAN (2022)
Megan, orM3GANas she is known by to creators, is the stuff nightmare is made of. Starting off as a dream toy for kids everywhere, she quickly devolved into a nightmare for Cady and her toy-maker Aunt Gemma who designed her as a way to help raise a child she wasn’t prepared for. Her uncanny valley appearance combined with impressive strength and resilience makes her a doll to be feared as much asChucky.
Seeing her sprinting on all fours across the map is a sight that would have Survivors blood-curdling in terror, and there is much potential in her character in terms of Killer powers and abilities. She could have a secondary run speed like the Xenomorph, or use her technological know-how to disrupt gen-repairing survivors.
Outlastgained notoriety as one of the greatest FPS horror games of all time, based in the decrepit Mount Massive Asylum that was home to many terrifying creatures. Chris Walker was one such inhabitant, an intimidating tower of muscle and brutality. The sections in which players had to stealth around him undetected were undoubtedly among the tensest moments.
With his strength, speed, and fear factor in his design, Chris Walker would be a perfect choice if BHVR is looking to add an unstoppable juggernaut to their game. With any asylum map already in the game, all they would need to do is slap in anOutlastcoat of paint.
18Valak
The Nun (2018)
The Conjuringmovie series is probably modern horror’s biggest mover universe, following sensationalized stories of real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. In each movie, the paranormal power couple is faced with terrifying demonic entities, with Valak being among one of the scariest. So much so, that Valek received spin-offs withThe Nun. Though Annabelle is probably more well-known, there are plenty ofchoices for killer dolls, but no killer Nuns.
Her eerie ability to manipulate her surroundings to a terrifying effect means that Survivors might not know if the Nun is really there, or if she is just playing a trick. Being able to surprise unsuspecting Survivors with jump-scares fits perfectly with her character, and would make her a terrifying inclusion in the roster ofDead by DaylightKillers.
17The Pale Man
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Ask anyone who has seen Pan’s Labyrinth what they remember of the movie, and they will say it’s the terrifying Pale Man. A tall humanoid creature with sagging skin and a monstrous appetite, its most striking, and horrifying, feature is the eyeballs, which instead of being placed in the face are instead placed in the palms of its hands. Though The Pale Man played only a brief part in the movie, its presence lives on far after its ephemeral scene.
The Pale Man could undoubtedly terrify even the most hardcore fans of the game as it shambles after them, seeing through the palm of its hands. Its removable eyes could act as an aura-reading ability that gives it the greater potential to track down unlucky victims.
