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Characters 📅 2026-09-03 ⏱ 14 min read

Dead by Daylight All Survivors Database & Perk List

Complete database of every DBD survivor, including unique perks, release chapter, recommended builds, and beginner character selection advice with Teachable Perk unlock guide.

Survivor Character Overview

Dead by Daylight currently features 18+ playable survivor characters (including collaborations and original characters), each with three unique perks. Unlike killers, all survivors have identical base stats (movement speed, vault speed, etc.) — the only differences are unique perks and cosmetics.

💡 Important: A survivor's "strength" mainly depends on whether their unique perks are powerful. Once you level a survivor to 30/35/40 to unlock their Teachable Perks, other survivors can use those perks too. So prioritizing strong perk unlocks matters more than the character themselves.

Original Survivors

SurvivorRoleUnique Perks
Dwight FairfieldGen Rush / SupportLeader, Bond, Prove Thyself
Meg ThomasLooping / TransitionSprint Burst, Quick & Quiet, Adrenaline
Claudette MorelHealing / SurvivalSelf-Care, Empathy, Botany Knowledge
Jake ParkSupport / StealthIron Will, Calm Spirit, Saboteur
Nea KarlssonLooping / SurvivalBalanced Landing, Streetwise, Quick & Quiet

IP Collaboration Survivors

SurvivorCollaboration IPRole
Laurie StrodeHalloweenLooping / Counter
Ace ViscontiSpark of MadnessSupport / Luck
Bill OverbeckLeft 4 DeadRescue / Survival
Feng MinSpark of MadnessGen Rush / Looping
David KingA Lullaby for the DarkRescue / Bodyblock
Kate DensonCurtain CallLooping
Adam FrancisShattered BloodlineHealing / Gen Rush
Jane RomeroDarkness Among UsHealing / Support
Ash WilliamsAsh vs Evil DeadRescue / Meme
Leon S. KennedyResident EvilLooping / Rescue
Jill ValentineResident EvilGen Rush / Support
Cheryl MasonSilent HillSurvival / Looping
Nicolas CageNicolas CageAll-around / Fun

Survivor Role Classification

🔧 Gen Rusher

Core focus on speeding up generator repairs. Representative perks: Prove Thyself, Technician. For players who prefer quiet repairs and avoiding direct contact with the killer.

🏃 Looper

Core focus on attracting killer attention and buying time. Representative perks: Sprint Burst, Windows of Opportunity, Balanced Landing. For skilled players who enjoy mind games with the killer.

💊 Healer

Core focus on quickly healing yourself and teammates. Representative perks: Self-Care, Empathy, Botany Knowledge. For team-oriented players.

🆘 Rescuer

Core focus on safely and efficiently rescuing hooked teammates. Representative perks: Borrowed Time, We're Gonna Live Forever, Unbreakable. For players with good game sense.

🤝 Support

Core focus on providing team buffs and information. Representative perks: Leader, Prove Thyself, Calm Spirit. For team coordination players.

Beginner Survivor Recommendations

#1: Claudette Morel

Her unique perk 'Self-Care' allows healing without a med-kit, making it the best safety net for beginners. After getting hit, find a corner and heal yourself — significantly improving survivability.

#2: Meg Thomas

Her 'Sprint Burst' gives a brief sprint boost when starting to run — a godsend for transitioning and creating distance. One sprint when chased can safely get you to the next pallet zone.

#3: Dwight Fairfield

His 'Prove Thyself' gives repair speed bonuses when working with teammates — a core gen-rush perk. For players who enjoy team coordination and focused repairs.

⚠️ Unlock Advice: First level Claudette to 35 to unlock the Teachable version of 'Self-Care', so all survivors can use it. Then level Meg to unlock 'Sprint Burst'. These two perks are the foundation of almost every build.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many survivors are in DBD?

A: There are currently 18+ playable survivors, including original, IP collaboration, and original characters. New chapters typically introduce one new killer and one new survivor simultaneously.

Q: Do survivors have different stats?

A: No. All survivors have identical base movement speed, vault speed, pallet speed, healing speed, and other stats. The only differences are unique perks and cosmetic skins.

Q: Which survivor should a beginner play first?

A: We recommend Claudette Morel. Her Self-Care perk allows healing without a med-kit, significantly improving beginner survivability. Meg Thomas's Sprint Burst is second best — a transitioning godsend.

Q: What are Teachable Perks?

A: When each survivor reaches level 30/35/40, their unique perk appears as a 'Teachable' version in the bloodweb. Once unlocked, that perk appears in other survivors' bloodwebs. This is how all characters can use strong perks.

Q: Do collaboration survivors get removed?

A: Most collaboration survivors are permanently purchasable. A few collaborations (like Stranger Things) were briefly removed due to licensing but later returned. Purchased characters are never removed and can continue to be used.