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Is dead by daylight fun for survivors? a critical look

Dead by Daylight: A Challenge in Survivor Gameplay | Is It Just Not Fun Anymore?

By

Derek James

Sep 20, 2025, 10:22 AM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

3 minutes of duration

A group of survivors strategizing in Dead by Daylight, looking worried while a killer lurks nearby.
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A growing number of players are raising concerns over the enjoyment of playing as survivors in Dead by Daylight. Many report feeling frustrated with their escape rates and the overall balance of the game, with some claiming it heavily favors killers.

Survivors Face Increasing Challenges

Players express that finding success as a survivor feels increasingly rare. One user stated, "Itโ€™s hard to enjoy a game when you know youโ€™re just going to lose every single match." They emphasize that escaping usually only happens when the killer makes mistakes, which is an unsustainable way to enjoy the game.

In discussions across various forums, several themes emerge regarding survivor gameplay:

  • Expectations vs. Reality: Many players feel pressured to view every match as a potential loss, leading to a disheartening gaming experience.

  • Solo Queue Limitations: The solo queue dynamic is deemed particularly tough, with some asserting it requires a massive time commitment to learn maps and killer strategies.

  • Game Balance Concerns: A significant portion of players points to balance issues, noting how killer advantages make winning as a survivor more difficult.

"It genuinely boggles my mind how people disagree with me here. How is this game survivor-sided in anyone's mind?"

Quotes From the Community

Many players echo similar sentiments. One shared, "The average escape rate is roughly 40%. If youโ€™re losing more than 3 out of 5 games, youโ€™re performing below average." Another expressed, "It sucks because killer queues are still pretty bad because of this, but I understand why so many survivors donโ€™t feel like playing the game."

Mixed Sentiments Persist

The overall mood seems negative toward survivor gameplay, with passionate calls for adjustments and improvements. Yet some players continue to enjoy the game despite challenges. One noted, "Not having a good day? Donโ€™t jump on DBD. That simple."

Key Insights:

  • โ–ฝ Many survivors feel the game is heavily skewed in favor of killers.

  • โ€ป "If youโ€™re playing solo - yes itโ€™s pretty miserable" - Commentor

  • โ–ณ The average escape rate for solo players is approximated at 40%.

As the debate rages on, the future of Dead by Daylight's gameplay balance remains uncertain. Will developers address these concerns, or is this the new norm for survivors? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Survivors in Dead by Daylight

Thereโ€™s a good chance that developers will respond to the growing concerns from survivors. As frustration mounts within the community, improvements might be made to balance survivor gameplay. Players have suggested enhancements like better team coordination tools and increased visibility on killer abilities, which could foster cooperation rather than a solo struggle. Experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that developers will implement significant changes, especially considering the game's competitive scene is tied to player retention. If tweaks do occur, it may rejuvenate the gaming experience for survivors, possibly leading to a more balanced dynamic in matches and improving escape rates in the process.

A Connection to the Evolution of Competitive Sports

A striking parallel can be drawn to the evolution of competitive sports, particularly basketball, where a select few teams often dominated the league due to strategic advantages. Similar to the current state of Dead by Daylight, where survivors feel overwhelmed, past basketball players claimed the rules heavily favored dominant teams. Over time, the introduction of key rule changes leveled the playing field, allowing for a fairer competition. In this way, Dead by Daylightโ€™s developers face a similar challenge: they must innovate and adapt gameplay to ensure all playersโ€”both killers and survivorsโ€”can enjoy the thrill of competition anew. Just as in sports, the true test lies not just in winning but also in how enjoyable and engaging the game remains for everyone involved.