As a dedicated player with over 1500 hours of gameplay, my journey through the fog of Dead by Daylight (DBD) has been both thrilling and frustrating. This asymmetric survival horror game, developed by Behaviour Interactive, pits four survivors against one powerful killer in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Despite its longevity and consistent updates, there are areas where DBD could still improve to enhance the player experience.

Gameplay

Playing as a survivor offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping escapes and tense hide-and-seek moments. While solo queue is engaging, the game truly shines when played with friends (Survive with Friends). However, solo players would benefit greatly from an improved in-game communication system akin to the quick text message feature in the mobile version. This addition would help coordinate strategies and enhance the solo queue experience.

The killer experience is equally exhilarating, with each killer offering unique abilities and playstyles. However, the game has some balance issues, with certain killers being notably overpowered. The developers are aware and actively work on rebalancing, but the process is often slow, leaving the game unbalanced for extended periods.

Content and Updates

One of the strongest aspects of DBD is its frequent updates. The game consistently introduces new killers, survivors, maps, and cosmetics, along with regular map reworks. This steady stream of content keeps the game fresh and brings players back even after taking breaks. The developers provide a clear year roadmap, allowing players to anticipate upcoming updates.

However, the game badly needs a new mode. A 2 vs 8 mode, for instance, would be a refreshing change and has been a long-standing request from the community. After more than seven years, the introduction of a new mode would revitalize the gameplay and attract both new and returning players.

Community and Support

The DBD community is vibrant and passionate, with developers often listening to player feedback. However, the game is prone to hackers, and the response time to reports is disappointingly slow. My personal experience with reporting cheaters showed that it can take months for any action to be taken, undermining the trust in the game's anti-cheat measures.

Graphics and Performance

The recent transition to Unreal Engine 5 was highly anticipated but ultimately underwhelming. While it promises potential for future improvements, the current graphics could use significant upgrades to meet modern standards.

Screenshots, Images in Courtesy of Behaviour Interactive Inc.

Practice and Learning

DBD provides an excellent tutorial for beginners and a practice lobby to play with bots. This feature is invaluable for players looking to familiarize themselves with new killers or survivors in a safe environment.

Conclusion

Dead by Daylight has undergone significant improvements over the years, with continuous updates and community engagement. Its core gameplay remains addictive, whether you're playing short sessions or diving deep into marathon gaming. However, the game needs faster-balancing updates, a new game mode, and improved anti-cheat measures to maintain and grow its player base. Additionally, taking full advantage of Unreal Engine 5 could elevate the game's visuals, making it more appealing to new players. Despite its flaws, DBD remains a unique and captivating experience in the horror gaming genre.

This preview was written by Frank
If you enjoy reading reviews on Steam, you might already know his work. If you'd like to get in touch with Frank, feel free to contact us. 

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