Dead By Daylight Pig Buffs Which Killers Need Attention
Dead by Daylight, the asymmetrical horror game that pits survivors against terrifying killers, recently rolled out some much-anticipated buffs for one of its iconic characters: The Pig. This stealthy killer, known for her Reverse Bear Traps and ambush tactics, has long been considered underpowered by many in the community. The buffs have sparked a wave of excitement and discussion, raising the question: which other killers in Dead by Daylight deserve similar attention?
The Pig's Buffs: A Step in the Right Direction
Before diving into which other killers need buffs, it's important to understand what changes The Pig received and why they matter. The developers at Behaviour Interactive focused on addressing some of The Pig's core weaknesses, particularly her reliance on add-ons and the inconsistency of her Reverse Bear Traps. One of the most significant buffs was to the Reverse Bear Traps themselves. Previously, survivors could sometimes remove traps relatively quickly, rendering The Pig's power ineffective. Now, the traps have been adjusted to provide more consistent pressure, forcing survivors to prioritize removing them and potentially diverting their attention from generators. This change alone significantly increases The Pig's ability to slow down the game and apply pressure.
Another key buff targeted The Pig's ambush ability, known as 'Ambush Dash'. This allows The Pig to crouch and move stealthily before launching a quick attack. The cooldown on this ability has been reduced, making it more viable in chases and allowing The Pig to surprise survivors more effectively. This increased mobility and the element of surprise make her a more formidable opponent in various situations. Moreover, certain add-ons that were previously considered essential for The Pig's viability have been adjusted or reworked, making her less reliant on specific builds. This adds more flexibility to her playstyle, allowing players to experiment with different strategies and perk combinations. These buffs collectively address some of the major concerns players had about The Pig, making her a more balanced and competitive killer in the current meta. The changes have not only improved her overall power level but also made her more enjoyable to play, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and diverse killer roster.
Killers in Need of Buffs: A Look at the Underdogs
With The Pig receiving much-needed improvements, the spotlight now shifts to other killers in Dead by Daylight who could benefit from similar attention. Several killers in the game's roster struggle to compete effectively against experienced survivors, often requiring specific add-ons or highly optimized builds to stand a chance. Let's examine some of these killers and why they are considered underpowered:
1. The Clown: A Laughter Lost in the Fog
The Clown, with his creepy demeanor and unique power, has a dedicated following, but his in-game performance often falls short. His power, 'The Afterpiece Tonic', allows him to throw bottles of gas that slow down survivors and impair their vision. While this can be effective in certain situations, the gas clouds are easily avoided by skilled players, and the effect is relatively short-lived. One of the main issues with The Clown is his lack of map pressure. Unlike killers with strong mobility powers, The Clown struggles to quickly traverse the map and interrupt generator progress. This can make it difficult for him to apply consistent pressure and control the pace of the game. His chase potential is also limited, as survivors can often outmaneuver him in loops and open areas. To make The Clown more viable, Behaviour Interactive could consider several changes. Buffing the duration or potency of the gas cloud effects would make his power more impactful. Additionally, giving him some form of mobility or map presence tool would help him keep up with faster-paced games. Perhaps an add-on or a base-kit ability that allows him to briefly increase his movement speed after throwing a bottle would make him a more formidable threat. These changes could help him overcome his current weaknesses and make him a more competitive killer.
2. The Legion: A Frenzy That Fails to Frighten
The Legion, a group of teenage killers sharing a single body, has a unique power called 'Feral Frenzy'. This allows them to vault over pallets and windows at high speed and inflict the 'Deep Wound' status effect on survivors. While Feral Frenzy can be effective for quickly traversing the map and finding survivors, it has several limitations that hinder The Legion's overall performance. One of the biggest drawbacks is that The Legion cannot down survivors while in Feral Frenzy. They can only apply the Deep Wound status effect, which requires survivors to mend themselves or risk being downed when the timer expires. This means that The Legion often has to chase survivors multiple times to secure a down, giving survivors ample time to complete generators. Another issue is that Feral Frenzy ends prematurely if The Legion attacks a survivor who is already injured, leaving them vulnerable and often resulting in a lost chase. To improve The Legion, Behaviour Interactive could consider allowing them to down survivors while in Feral Frenzy, perhaps with certain add-ons or under specific conditions. Alternatively, they could rework the Deep Wound mechanic to make it more threatening, such as increasing the timer or applying additional negative effects. Addressing these core issues would make The Legion a more consistent and dangerous killer.
3. The Trapper: A Tortoise in a Hare's Race
The Trapper, one of the original killers in Dead by Daylight, relies on placing bear traps to hinder and injure survivors. While a well-placed trap can be devastating, The Trapper's setup-heavy playstyle often struggles in the fast-paced modern meta. The Trapper's biggest weakness is his early game. He needs time to set up his traps, which leaves generators vulnerable and allows survivors to gain an early advantage. Experienced survivors can also disarm or avoid traps relatively easily, rendering The Trapper's power ineffective. Additionally, The Trapper's lack of mobility makes it difficult for him to respond to distant generators or chase survivors across the map. To bring The Trapper up to par, Behaviour Interactive could consider several changes. One option is to allow him to carry more traps at the start of the trial or to replenish traps more quickly. This would reduce the time he spends setting up and allow him to apply pressure sooner. Another possibility is to give him some form of mobility, such as a short-range teleport or a speed boost after setting a trap. These changes would help The Trapper compete more effectively and make his traps a more consistent threat.
Community Suggestions and Potential Solutions
The Dead by Daylight community is filled with passionate players who have their own ideas about how to balance the game and improve underpowered killers. Many players have suggested various changes for killers like The Clown, The Legion, and The Trapper, as well as other struggling characters. Some common suggestions include:
- Reworking add-ons: Many add-ons in the game are either underpowered or too situational, making them less appealing than other options. Reworking these add-ons to provide more consistent benefits could increase the viability of certain killers.
- Adjusting base powers: Some killers' base powers are simply not strong enough to compete against experienced survivors. Buffing these powers, either by increasing their effectiveness or reducing their cooldowns, could make a significant difference.
- Adding new mechanics: Introducing new mechanics or abilities to underpowered killers could give them a unique edge and make them more appealing to play. This could involve adding new ways to interact with the environment or giving them new tools to control the map.
Behaviour Interactive has shown a willingness to listen to community feedback and make changes to improve the game's balance. The buffs to The Pig are a testament to this, and many players are hopeful that other underpowered killers will receive similar attention in the future.
The Importance of a Balanced Killer Roster
Maintaining a balanced killer roster is crucial for the long-term health and enjoyment of Dead by Daylight. When some killers are significantly stronger than others, it can lead to repetitive gameplay and a lack of diversity in matches. Players may feel forced to play certain killers to be competitive, while others are left by the wayside. A balanced roster, on the other hand, encourages experimentation and allows players to choose killers that match their playstyles and preferences. This not only makes the game more enjoyable but also adds variety to the gameplay experience. Moreover, a diverse killer roster keeps the game fresh and exciting for both survivors and killers. Survivors have to adapt to different playstyles and strategies, while killers have a range of options to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This creates a more dynamic and engaging experience for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Dead by Daylight?
The buffs to The Pig have sparked a renewed sense of optimism in the Dead by Daylight community. Players are eager to see which other killers will receive attention in future updates and how these changes will impact the game's meta. Behaviour Interactive has a challenging task ahead of them in balancing the game's ever-growing roster of killers and survivors. However, by listening to community feedback and continuing to make thoughtful changes, they can ensure that Dead by Daylight remains a compelling and enjoyable experience for years to come. The future of Dead by Daylight looks bright, with the potential for even more exciting changes and additions on the horizon. As the game continues to evolve, the focus on balancing the killer roster will be crucial for maintaining a healthy and diverse community. With the recent buffs to The Pig as a positive example, players are hopeful that other underpowered killers will soon receive the attention they deserve, leading to a more balanced and engaging gameplay experience for everyone.
The buffs to The Pig in Dead by Daylight are a welcome change that addresses some of her core weaknesses and makes her a more competitive killer. This raises the important question of which other killers in the game deserve similar attention. Killers like The Clown, The Legion, and The Trapper struggle to compete against experienced survivors and could benefit from adjustments to their powers, add-ons, or mechanics. Maintaining a balanced killer roster is essential for the long-term health and enjoyment of Dead by Daylight, and the community is hopeful that Behaviour Interactive will continue to prioritize this goal in future updates. As the game continues to evolve, balancing the diverse cast of killers and survivors will remain a key factor in ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience for all players.