iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Dead by Daylight is worth trying if you want an asymmetric online horror game in which one player hunts and four others cooperate to escape. Its strongest reasons to play are sharply different roles, repeatable matches, character progression, and a large pool of unlockable content. The trade-offs are equally clear: you need an internet connection and platform-appropriate online access, the accumulated systems can be difficult to learn, editions and add-ons require careful checking, and moving progress between platforms is not frictionless. Use the checklist below to decide whether the game and a particular edition fit your setup.
What Dead by Daylight actually is
Each match places one player in the Killer role and up to four players in Survivor roles. The Killer’s objective is to track and stop the Survivors; the Survivors cooperate while trying to evade the Killer and escape. PlayStation’s official description presents the choice as becoming an unstoppable Killer or one of four Survivors attempting to avoid a gruesome death. That structure is the game’s defining design feature, not a conventional team-versus-team shooter format.
The Xbox store lists online multiplayer for two to five players, online co-op for two to four, cross-platform multiplayer, and cross-generation play. Those are storefront capabilities rather than an independent assessment of match quality or balance. They do, however, explain why your platform, subscription status, and friends’ devices matter before you buy.
How the two sides differ
| Role | What the official descriptions establish | What that means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Killer | One player hunts the Survivors and tries to prevent their escape. | You are responsible for the match’s pursuit pressure rather than coordinating as one member of a four-person team. |
| Survivor | Up to four players try to evade the Killer and escape. | You can play cooperatively, but your decisions are made under pressure from a human opponent. |
The appeal of this contrast is an editorial inference from the match structure: players who enjoy switching between predator and prey get two fundamentally different perspectives in one game. Whether that feels exciting or stressful depends on your taste and on how much time you are willing to spend learning the systems.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The main advantages
Two genuinely different ways to play
Role contrast is more than a cosmetic choice. A Killer and a Survivor read the same match from opposite priorities, so learning one side does not automatically make you expert on the other. Someone looking for a multiplayer game with a distinct identity may find that more compelling than another objective-based shooter. If you only want one stable role and dislike adapting to unfamiliar rules, the same design can feel like extra work.
Matches are naturally replayable
The four-versus-one format creates repeatable encounters rather than a fixed campaign. Human opponents make each chase, escape attempt, and team decision situational. No established universal queue time, win rate, toxicity level, or performance benchmark is provided, so those should not be treated as guaranteed benefits or drawbacks. The defensible point is narrower: the opposing roles and multiplayer format are built for repeated online matches.
Character progression gives experimentation a purpose
Official console descriptions mention character-specific progression and unlockable customization. That can give a returning player a reason to try another character, build, or role instead of treating every match as an isolated round. Progression is not automatically a benefit for everyone: players who prefer a small, simple ruleset may see the number of characters and unlock paths as clutter.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Cross-play can widen your group of friends
Behaviour’s cross-play FAQ says supported platforms can match with one another. This is useful when friends own different consoles or play on PC, but “cross-play” does not mean every platform feature or entitlement is interchangeable. Keep cross-play enabled if you want the broadest eligible matchmaking pool. If you disable it, Behaviour says you will be matched only with people on the same platform who also disabled cross-play, and matchmaking may take longer.
The game is still being developed
In a March 19, 2026 PC Gamer interview, Behaviour Interactive senior creative director Dave Richard said the studio was preparing major system changes and placing more emphasis on quality-of-life work. He described the problem candidly: “We’re preparing big system changes because after 10 years, our game has become increasingly difficult to enter, to understand, and it’s becoming dense for some players, so we want to make sure that it’s more accessible.” That is a developer’s description of the direction, not proof that every planned improvement has already shipped.
Richard also said, “It’s a bit of a trial,” while discussing experiments with chapter formats and a greater quality-of-life focus. PC Gamer’s report on the 2026 Year 10 roadmap described three new Killers rather than four, while still planning four major chapters. It also covered testing a chapter built around a rework, a map, and a Survivor. Those plans indicate ongoing iteration, but future schedules can change.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
PC Gamer’s June 2026 anniversary coverage described possible future additions including 1v1 and zombie modes and a visual overhaul. The shown assets were reported as work in progress. Do not assume those features are live unless a current official patch note confirms them.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The drawbacks to weigh before buying
You depend on online services
This is an online multiplayer purchase, not a self-contained offline game. The PlayStation product page states that online play is required and that PlayStation Plus is required for online play. The Xbox listing identifies online multiplayer capabilities. Requirements can differ by platform, store region, account type, and current policy, so check the store page for the device and country you will actually use.
If your internet access is intermittent, or you are buying specifically for solo offline play, the online requirement is a decisive limitation. A subscription requirement is separate from the game’s purchase price and may recur according to your platform’s terms.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The accumulated systems can be hard to enter
Ten years of chapters, characters, progression, perks, maps, and customization create a substantial amount to learn. Richard’s “increasingly difficult to enter” assessment supports treating onboarding complexity as a real concern, while stopping short of saying the game is objectively too hard for everyone. New players should expect to learn through explanations, practice, and repeated matches rather than understanding every interaction immediately.
A sensible approach is to begin with one role, learn the basic match objective, and add characters and systems gradually. Buying a large bundle does not remove the need to understand the underlying rules; it can increase the amount of information presented at once.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minutePaid editions and add-ons make the menu complicated
Current PlayStation and Xbox storefronts show multiple editions and many separately purchasable add-ons. Edition names, contents, prices, and availability change by territory and over time. The existence of optional in-game purchases does not establish that every add-on is required to enjoy the base game. It does mean you should inspect the exact contents of a bundle before paying, especially if you want particular characters or chapters.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Do not compare a standard edition with a deluxe or anniversary bundle by headline price alone. Confirm the platform, region, included characters, included chapters, currency, and whether an item is a permanent entitlement or a limited promotion. The PlayStation US page currently shows PS4 and PS5 editions, including a base game and a 10th Anniversary Edition; the Xbox US store lists Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. These are examples of current listings, not guarantees for every country.
Cross-progression has important exceptions
Behaviour’s account rules make linking a consequential decision. Once platform accounts are synced, they cannot be unsynced, so read the current official FAQ before merging accounts. Nintendo Switch has special restrictions: Auric Cells remain tied to the platform, downloadable content can share from other platforms to Switch but not from Switch to other platforms, some items are platform-exclusive, and settings do not sync.
That matters if you might move from a console to PC, replace a console generation, or use Switch as a secondary device. Cross-play lets you play with people on other platforms; it does not promise that every purchase, currency balance, cosmetic, or setting follows you everywhere.
A practical platform and purchase checklist
Answer these questions before selecting an edition:
- Which platform and store region will you use? Confirm the exact device, generation, and country storefront. Listings and entitlements are not universal.
- Do you already own the base game? If so, compare only the upgrade or add-on content you lack instead of buying a duplicate edition.
- What online access does your platform require? On PlayStation, the store page says online play requires PlayStation Plus. Check the corresponding current rule for Xbox, PC, or Switch.
- What does the selected edition contain? Read the itemized list of chapters, characters, cosmetics, currency, and platform versions. Do not infer contents from an edition name.
- Where do your friends play? Cross-play supports supported-platform matchmaking, but leave it enabled if you want to avoid the narrower pool created by disabling it.
- Could you change platforms later? Review Behaviour’s current cross-progression rules before syncing, with particular care if Nintendo Switch is involved.
| Decision factor | What to verify | Why it changes the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Platform compatibility | Supported console generation, PC option, cloud listing, and local store region | The same title can have different editions and entitlements across storefronts. |
| Online access | Required subscription and account conditions | The game depends on online services; subscription rules are platform-specific. |
| Edition contents | Included chapters, characters, cosmetics, and currency | A higher-priced bundle is useful only if its contents match what you want. |
| Cross-play | Friends’ platforms and whether everyone will keep cross-play enabled | Disabling it restricts matchmaking to same-platform players who also disabled it and may lengthen waits. |
| Cross-progression | Sync rules, platform-bound currency, exclusive items, and unsync limitations | Linking accounts is consequential, and some purchases do not transfer in both directions. |
What the available rating can—and cannot—tell you
The PlayStation Store showed 4.1 stars out of five from 145K ratings when observed on October 13, 2026. That is a live storefront average and count, not a representative survey, a guaranteed experience, or a universal verdict. Ratings can help you gauge broad interest, but they cannot answer whether your preferred role, friends’ platforms, subscription situation, or tolerance for a dense learning curve makes the game a good fit.
Who is most likely to enjoy it?
A good fit
- You want an online game built around a one-versus-four pursuit structure.
- You enjoy alternating between distinct roles instead of repeating one character type.
- You are comfortable learning a long-running live-service game in stages.
- Your friends use supported platforms and can keep cross-play enabled.
- You value progression and customization enough to investigate what each edition includes.
A poor fit
- You need a reliable offline mode or do not want a platform subscription for online play.
- You want a small, settled ruleset with little onboarding.
- You expect every DLC purchase, currency balance, cosmetic, and setting to transfer automatically between platforms.
- You are choosing a bundle without checking its regional contents.
- You are relying on claims about universal queue times, performance, balance, or toxicity that are not established by the available evidence.
Bottom line: buy the right version, not every version
Dead by Daylight’s case is strongest when its asymmetric design matches your taste: one human hunts while up to four others cooperate under pressure, with progression and customization giving the long-running game more to explore. Its costs are practical rather than mysterious—online dependence, a dense accumulated system, a changing paid-content catalog, and account-transfer limits. Start with the base game or the smallest edition that contains what you actually want, confirm your platform’s online requirement, keep cross-play on if your group spans devices, and read the current cross-progression rules before linking accounts. That process makes the purchase decision more predictable without pretending the game suits everyone.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
