Dead by Daylight Purchase: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Buying & Maximizing Value
Imagine stepping into a fog-drenched forest, heartbeat pounding in your ears, as a masked killer stalks just beyond the treeline. You’re not watching a horror movie — you’re playing Dead by Daylight, one of the most immersive asymmetrical multiplayer horror games ever created. Since its 2016 debut, this adrenaline-fueled cat-and-mouse thriller has amassed millions of players worldwide — and for good reason. But before you dive into the fog, you need to understand how to make the Dead by Daylight purchase that suits your playstyle, budget, and long-term enjoyment.
Whether you’re eyeing the base game, a DLC chapter, or a cosmetic bundle, smart purchasing decisions can dramatically enhance your experience — and prevent buyer’s remorse. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: pricing tiers, what’s truly worth buying, seasonal deals, and real player case studies to help you spend wisely.
Understanding the Core Purchase: Base Game vs. Expansions
At its heart, the Dead by Daylight purchase begins with the base game. Priced around $19.99 USD (though often discounted), it includes four Survivors, four Killers, and a rotating selection of maps. For newcomers, this is more than enough to learn the ropes — and get hooked. The core gameplay loop — Survivors repairing generators to escape, Killers hunting them down — remains unchanged regardless of DLC ownership.
But here’s where things get interesting: Dead by Daylight thrives on its ever-expanding roster. As of 2024, there are over 30 Killers and 40+ Survivors — most locked behind paid DLCs or the in-game store. Each “Chapter” typically includes one Killer, one Survivor, and a new map — priced around $6.99 individually, or bundled in larger packs.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush into buying every new Chapter. Many players fall into the trap of FOMO (fear of missing out) with flashy new characters like The Artist or The Onryo. Instead, watch community tier lists, gameplay videos, or try characters during free weekends before committing.
The Myth of “Pay-to-Win” — And Why It Doesn’t Apply Here
One of the biggest concerns players have before a Dead by Daylight purchase is whether spending money gives competitive advantages. The short answer? No. All gameplay-affecting perks are unlockable through playtime. Cosmetic items — outfits, charms, weapon skins — are purely aesthetic. Even powerful Killer or Survivor characters can be countered with skill and knowledge.
Case Study: Sarah, a casual player, spent
Seasonal Sales, Bundles, and Where to Buy
Timing your Dead by Daylight purchase can save you 50–75%. Major platforms — Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and Nintendo eShop — host seasonal sales around Halloween, Black Friday, and Summer. During these events, the base game often drops to
Steam’s “Dead by Daylight Complete Collection” — which includes all Chapters up to its release date — frequently goes on sale for under
Avoid third-party key resellers. While tempting, gray-market sites often sell region-locked or revoked keys. Stick to official storefronts to protect your purchase.
In-Game Currency: Bloodpoints vs. Iridescent Shards vs. Auric Cells
Understanding Dead by Daylight’s three currencies is critical to maximizing your investment:
- Bloodpoints (BP): Earned through gameplay. Used to level up characters and unlock perks. Cannot be bought.
- Iridescent Shards (IS): Also earned through play (500 per level). Used to permanently unlock any Killer or Survivor — bypassing DLC purchases. Reaching Level 50 nets you enough IS to unlock 3–4 characters.
- Auric Cells (AC): Premium currency, purchasable with real money. Used for cosmetics, Battle Passes, and occasionally new characters.
Smart Strategy: Grind early levels to earn IS — unlock your first DLC character for free. Save Auric Cells for cosmetics or Battle Passes, which offer tremendous value (typically 50+ items for $10).
The Battle Pass: Is It Worth It?
Introduced in 2021, the Dead by Daylight Battle Pass (rebranded as “The Rift”) is a seasonal progression track. For 1,000 Auric Cells (~$10), you gain access to exclusive outfits, charms, and emotes across 50+ tiers.
Real Player Example: “Mira,” a mid-tier player, bought the “Forgotten” Rift. Over two months, she earned 3 legendary outfits, 5 ultra-rare charms, and bonus Bloodpoint boosts — content that would cost $40+ if bought individually. She called it “the best value purchase I’ve made.”