Dead by Daylight tier list, June 2026 killers ranked

An updated June 2026 Dead by Daylight tier list ranks every killer from S to D and evaluates each character’s base kit, required learning curve and map impact. The list assesses powers such as teleportation, ranged attacks, stealth, mobility and aura-reading, and notes whether a killer needs deep map knowledge or precise execution to perform well.

Top-tier and high A-tier entries include The Spirit, The Ghoul and The First (Henry Creel/Vecna). The Spirit is rated S-tier for fast movement in spirit form and strong audio- and environment-based tracking when used with timing. The Ghoul appears high in A for sustained mobility and chase pressure, with an internal QTE and power-sustain mechanics cited as limits on absolute dominance. The First is placed just below S-tier; his visible mist trail, teleportation and a vine attack that can slow, injure or apply Worldeater tokens are noted alongside a long Undergate teleport cooldown and a reliance on map knowledge. The First’s Rampage perk grants up to a 13% Haste boost when breaking pallets and walls while stunned.

Range and utility factor into several high placements. The Huntress remains a strong option for players who convert ranged hatchet hits into quick downs. The Xenomorph is rated A-tier for underground tunnel mechanics that provide early aura-reading of footsteps and generators. The Lich is noted for a four-spell wheel that can move through obstacles, block paths, send damaging projectiles or reveal auras. Dracula (The Dark Lord) is highlighted for shape-shifting between bat, wolf and vampire forms, combining tracking, short teleports and ranged fire attacks.

A broad middle pack spans A- and B-tier. The Executioner is noted for Rites of Judgement, Torment and Final Judgment mechanics that can enable instant kills in the second hook phase. The Singularity’s biopods allow remote surveillance, Slipstream effects and teleportation between pods. The Krasue’s secondary flying form uses a projectile Leech attack and requires precise aim. The Animatronic uses security-room doors for mobility and a throwing-axe trajectory that has a sharp drop-off. The Mastermind (Wesker) applies infection with Virulent Bond, creating an alternate state that can be removed with First Aid Spray. Nemesis expands power with T-Virus infections and zombie alerts. The Trickster’s Showstopper throws many blades but slows the killer while aiming. The Artist sends crows to damage or reveal survivors.

B- and C-tier placements list killers with niche tools, setup requirements or counterplay. The Houndmaster uses a hound, Snug, to latch and slow survivors. The Unknown deploys UVX pods that can weaken or force survivor movement and places Hallucinations that act as teleport points. The Knight summons Guards that break pallets and pressure generators. The Doctor’s Carter’s Spark applies Madness to reveal and slow players. The Plague spreads infection and can corrupt healing pools. The Deathslinger reels survivors with a harpoon to apply Deep Wound. The Legion’s Feral Frenzy increases speed but requires multiple hits to down a survivor. The Hag places Phantasm Traps that teleport her to triggered locations.

D-tier entries include The Cannibal (Leatherface), The Shape (Michael Myers) and the Demogorgon. Leatherface’s sweeping chainsaw attacks are telegraphed and carry heavy cooldowns. The Shape requires staged stalking to reach full strength and relies on timing for tiered bonuses. The Demogorgon retains niche mechanics tied to the Upside Down and vertical map play that demand practice to convert into consistent results.

The list notes availability and DLC as practical factors: many killers discussed require purchase through the in-game store or chapter DLC, while a subset are included in the base game. The June 2026 update references a January 2025 rework to Freddy Krueger that added Dream Pallets and Dream Snares and moved him into the low A-tier. The tier list is presented as an assessment of base-kit strength and typical match impact and states that match outcomes depend on player skill, perk choices and map knowledge.