Surviving in Dead by Daylight isn’t just about running and hiding; it’s about making smart decisions and optimizing your gameplay. Here are 30 common mistakes survivors make and how to fix them to become a better player.

1. Lack of Confidence

DBD can seem scary, but remember, the killer is just another player. Stay calm and don’t panic, as panic leads to mistakes.

2. Not Helping Teammates

Leaving teammates to struggle on the hook instead of saving them can cost you the game. If needed, trade hook stages (one-for-one) to prevent a teammate from reaching the struggle phase.

3. Wasting Pallets

Don’t instantly drop pallets. Loop the killer around them first to maximize their effectiveness before throwing them.

4. Not Looking Behind You

Keep track of the killer’s movements. Looking behind you helps determine if you need to vault, drop a pallet, or keep running.

5. Not Using a Full Loadout

Always equip an item and an offering. Even a brown toolbox is better than nothing.

6. Unlocking the Wrong Perks First

Prioritize unlocking the strongest perks (like Dead Hard, Borrowed Time, or Prove Thyself) before fun or niche ones.

7. Wasting High-Rarity Items

Just because an item is purple or red doesn’t mean it’s better. Some green items (like the Commodious Toolbox) outperform their higher-tier counterparts.

8. Overspending in the Bloodweb

Prioritize perks over items. Spend as little as possible to progress faster.

9. Spending Auric Cells on Non-Licensed Characters

Use Iridescent Shards for non-licensed survivors and save Auric Cells for licensed ones (like Laurie Strode or Cheryl Mason).

10. Messing Up Pallet & Flashlight Saves

For a successful save, time your action right after the killer’s pickup animation ends.

11. Not Watching DBD Content Creators

Watching experienced players can teach you techniques and strategies you wouldn’t think of on your own.

12. Not Using Corners Properly

Position yourself on the corner of a loop to maximize visibility and predict the killer’s path.

13. Not Being Productive

Always be working on something: a generator, healing, rescuing, or cleansing totems. Wasting time is detrimental.

14. Three-Genning Yourself

Avoid leaving the last three generators too close together, as this makes it easy for the killer to patrol them.

15. Being Selfish

Take hits for injured teammates and don’t always play just for yourself.

16. Not Prioritizing Hook Saves

A healthy survivor with the fewest hook states should go for the unhook, especially if the killer is camping.

17. Opening Exit Gates Too Soon

Leave exit gates at 99% until the team is safe to prevent starting the Endgame Collapse prematurely.

18. Cleansing Dull Totems for No Reason

Don’t waste time cleansing unless it’s to disable a Hex perk like No One Escapes Death (NOED).

19. Not Using Exhaustion Perks Correctly

Always bring one exhaustion perk (Sprint Burst, Dead Hard, Balanced Landing, or Lithe). Don’t equip more than one since they share a cooldown.

20. Throwing God Pallets Early

God pallets (like Shack Pallet) should be saved for later in the game instead of being used right away.

21. Walking at the Start of the Game

Run to a generator immediately. The killer usually spawns far away from survivors.

22. Vaulting or Dropping a Pallet After Being Hit

Use the speed boost after being hit to gain distance instead of wasting it at a window or pallet.

23. Staying in the Same Loop After Being Hit

Take advantage of the speed boost and run to another loop instead of staying where you got hit.

24. Prioritizing Healing Over Generators

Sometimes it’s better to finish a generator before healing, especially if the killer has regression perks.

25. Not Adapting to the Killer’s Perks

Pay attention to the killer’s playstyle and perks. If they have Ruin, tap gens instead of committing.

26. Forcing Yourself Out of the Trial

Stay away from the exit gate if teammates need help so you don’t get forced out by the killer.

27. Crouching Near a Camping Killer

If you’re healthy, don’t just crouch and wait. Either attempt the save or go do something productive.

28. Not Leaving a Loop When Possible

If you have enough time to reach a better loop, do it instead of committing to a weaker structure.

29. Using Self-Care, Urban Evasion, or Sprint Burst Inefficiently

Self-Care wastes time, Urban Evasion slows you down, and Sprint Burst should be used actively, not hoarded.

30. Not Playing Killer to Learn Survivor Mechanics

Playing killer will give you insight into their strategies and help you understand their weaknesses.

By correcting these mistakes, you’ll become a much better survivor and help your team secure more escapes. Happy surviving!