Summary
Dead By Daylighthas 146 survivor perks to choose from, and they can shape how players will want to approach a trial. Perk builds can range from the most stock standard meta loadout to the most ridiculous gimmick setup. However, some survivor perks have remained extremely consistent and viable in the meta for a long period of time.
This is due to their core function being an essential part of each trial, thus providing guaranteed value regardless of what happens in a game. Over the years, these survivor perks have solidified their stance in the meta. It is quite unlikely that any of these perks can fall off the pedestal of viability in the future as the positives they bring to the table are too good to pass up.
Aura-reading
Effect
The auras of allies are revealed within a radius of 20/28/36 meters.
Bond is one of the 12 original unique survivor perks that was introduced during the game’s launch. While it has never been the best perk, it has always remained a viable option for new and veteran players. Bond’s effect is quite simple and provides exceptional information.
Knowing what other survivors in the trial are up to can help players strategize their game plan and play accordingly. A bond is also asafe option for survivors to use, as players will always get maximum value out of it. It is highly unlikely Bond becomes a top-three survivor perk in the game, but it is also never going to be outside the realm of viability.
Anti-slugging
Unlock the ability to recover from the dying state once per match. Additionally, recovery speed is increased by 25/30/35%.
Unbreakable is the go-to choice forplayers to counter slugging,which is when the killer downs the survivors but doesn’t hook them. A killer that slugs is quite frustrating to go up against, and Unbreakable makes sure that doesn’t happen for a brief while.
If used correctly, Unbreakable can turn the tides of the trial. It has been a very popular perk ever sinceBill was introduced to the game. Much like the other perks on this list, the core mechanic of Unbreakable is extremely valuable in the given scenario. This is why it is unlikely that this perk completely falls out of the meta.
When a survivor is on the hook, Kindred activates and provides the following benefits:
Kindred has never been a meta-breaking perk ever since its inception. However, it has always been a reliable perk that provides incredible value for solo queue players. The ability to see what other players are doing, as well as ensureif the killer is campingmakes it a very consistent perk that always gets some amount of use in a match.
While Bond provides more consistent strength, Kindred can help the entire team in specific circumstances. Ultimately, this is a perk that has always maintained a strong spot in the meta for plenty of years, making it unlikely that it ever falls out of grace.
Exhaustion
Gain a 50% Haste bonus for three seconds when running, provided the Exhausted status effect is not active. Sprint Burst inflicts Exhaustion for 60/50/40 seconds after being used.
Sprint Burst is another one of the 12 original unique survivor perks in the game and has been in the meta ever since the game’s release. The alterations to the exhaustion mechanic over the years have not affected the power level of this perk all too much.
It is an extremely simple yet effective perk that is impossible to be useless in any game. Getting a head start on the killer in any chase is a boon in various situations. It can be the difference between getting caught and surviving a chase. It is unlikely Sprint Burst ever becomes a mediocre exhaustion perk as it is easy to use with a supremely powerful effect.
It allows players to see the auras of breakable walls, pallets, and windows within a radius of 24/28/32 meters.
At the time of its release,Windows of Opportunitywas an average perk. However, the changes to the perk in Patch 5.3.0, which removed the cooldown after vaulting while being chased, catapulted into the meta. Since then, it has continued to hold its ground as an excellent perk.
Windows of Opportunity makes surviving significantly easier as players can plan out chases efficiently. It is unlikely that the developers will revert the changes as the perk isn’t game-breaking or frustrating to go against since good killers can still end chases quite fast. However, Windows of Opportunity is a versatile perk that will always provide value in any trial, regardless of the outcome.
Anti-tunneling
Off The Record activates for 60/70/80 seconds after being unhooked or by unhooking yourself. It grants the following benefits:
Off The Record cannot be used once the exit gates are powered.
Off The Record is the best anti-tunneling perkinDead by Daylight.The amount of effects it provides is ludicrous and guarantees players have a decent chance at providing some value in the trial. While it was a mediocre perk at the time of its release, the change it received in Patch 6.1.0 skyrocketed it to a meta perk ever since.
The addition of Endurance for the duration of Off The Record makes it immensely powerful in any circumstances. Unless players have a really lucky day, being hooked and getting unhooked is a guarantee. The additional benefit of having this perk activating up to twice in a trial (before the exit gates are powered) is the cherry on top. Unless Off The Record sees a dramatic change that warps its core mechanic, it is guaranteed to stay in the meta.
Performing a Rushed Vault triggers Lithe, which grants 50% Haste for 3 seconds. This causes the player to be Exhausted for 60/50/40 seconds, during which Lithe cannot be used.
Lithe has been the best Exhaustion perk in the game ever since Dead Hard’s downfall. While the latter is still decent, it has been the subject of numerous nerfs, which makes it quite unreliable in the meta. Lithe, on the other hand, has been a top-tier perk ever since its release.
Its activation is very easy and naturally happens in an average game ofDead By Daylight.Therefore, players can be assured that Lithe can provide them with decent value at worst. Most Exhaustion perks, barring Dead Hard, rarely get changed, so it is safe to bet on Lithe continuing to be a meta perk for years to come.
