Leatherface, also known as The Cannibal, has long been a controversial killer in Dead by Daylight. For years, he was considered one of the weakest characters, often dismissed as a lesser version of The Hillbilly. However, after a much-needed overhaul, Leatherface now has a more refined kit that allows for devastating chases and high-pressure gameplay. While he still has some limitations, the improvements to his power and add-ons have significantly increased his viability.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to play Leatherface effectively, what his strengths and weaknesses are, and which perks and add-ons will help you make the most of his brutal playstyle.

Understanding Leatherface’s Power

Leatherface wields his infamous Chainsaw Sweep, a power that allows him to charge forward and instantly down any survivors in his path. Unlike The Hillbilly, who has a single high-speed chainsaw dash, Leatherface gets up to three chainsaw charges that can be chained together in rapid succession. This allows him to extend his reach in chase scenarios and down multiple survivors at once.

The key mechanics of his chainsaw include:

• Three Chainsaw Charges – You can use multiple charges back-to-back, allowing for extended chases.
• Token Management – Each charge has a recovery time. Using all three too quickly can leave you vulnerable.
• Tantrum Mode – If you hit an object, you’ll enter a wild tantrum where Leatherface flails his chainsaw uncontrollably. This not only slows you down but also leaves you open to counterplay.
• Lethal Against Grouped Survivors – Unlike The Hillbilly, who excels at speed, Leatherface’s chainsaw is best used to pressure groups of survivors. If multiple survivors are unhooking or healing in one area, a well-timed chainsaw sweep can cause absolute chaos.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong Anti-Loop Potential: Leatherface can easily break pallets and force survivors into bad positions with his chainsaw.
• Multi-Kill Potential: His chainsaw allows him to down multiple survivors in one sweep, making him extremely effective at punishing clustered survivors.
• Good Base Kit Pressure: Even without add-ons, his chainsaw provides strong map control and chase potential.
• One of the Best Endgame Killers: His ability to camp a hooked survivor with his chainsaw makes him an incredibly dangerous killer in the final stages of a match.

Weaknesses:

• Struggles Against High Mobility Survivors: If survivors are spread out, he lacks map-wide pressure compared to killers like The Hillbilly or Nurse.
• Punishing Tantrum Mechanic: If you bump into walls or objects, you lose valuable time and control over chases.
• Limited Map Control: Since he doesn’t have any teleportation or mobility perks built into his power, he can be out-positioned by strong teams.

How to Play Leatherface Effectively

To master Leatherface, you need to be aware of spacing, positioning, and timing. His chainsaw can either be an overwhelming tool of destruction or an awkward liability, depending on how well you use it. Here are some key strategies:

1. Learn How to Time Your Chainsaw Charges

Using all three chainsaw charges immediately isn’t always the best idea. Instead, try spacing out your charges so that you can catch survivors off guard mid-loop. Proper timing ensures that you maximize distance and avoid wasting your ability on missed swings.

2. Use Tantrum Mode to Your Advantage

While hitting objects with your chainsaw can be punishing, you can actually use Tantrum Mode strategically. If you anticipate missing a chainsaw sweep, positioning yourself so that the tantrum hits a survivor can still deal damage. However, this should only be a last resort.

3. Pressure Survivors in Tight Spaces

Leatherface excels in indoor maps and enclosed areas where survivors have fewer escape options. If you force survivors into a dead zone and activate your chainsaw, they have little chance of escape. This makes maps like The Game or Lery’s Memorial Institute extremely favorable.

4. Face Camping as a Last Resort

Leatherface has a notorious reputation for camping hooked survivors, as his chainsaw can immediately down anyone who tries to unhook in front of him. While this tactic can work, it’s not always the best way to secure kills. Instead, focus on patrolling generators and using your chainsaw to apply pressure across the map.

Best Perks for Leatherface

Leatherface benefits most from perks that enhance his chase potential and slowdown pressure. Here are some of the best options:

• Barbecue & Chili – After hooking a survivor, you see the auras of survivors far away and gain bonus bloodpoints. This is an excellent tracking perk that helps you move between chases efficiently.
• Enduring – Reduces stun time from pallets, allowing you to recover faster and continue applying pressure.
• Spirit Fury – After breaking two pallets, the next one that stuns you is immediately destroyed. This makes loops much less effective against Leatherface.
• Save the Best for Last – Each hit on a non-obsession survivor reduces attack cooldown. This allows Leatherface to recover faster from regular hits, making him more effective in close combat.
• Dark Devotion – Transfers your terror radius to the obsession when you hit them, allowing for stealth plays with your chainsaw.
• Tinkerer – When a generator reaches 70% progress, you gain Undetectable for a few seconds. This can let you sneak up on survivors for an unexpected chainsaw attack.

Best Add-ons for Leatherface

Leatherface has received significant improvements to his add-ons, making some of them extremely viable:

• Begrimed Chains – Survivors hit with the chainsaw drop their items and have their auras hidden while downed.
• Iridescent Flesh – Consumes all three chainsaw charges for a massive, extended chainsaw dash. Risky but powerful in the right hands.
• Carburetor Tuning Guide – Increases chainsaw movement speed and reduces charge time, making it easier to land hits in chase.
• Award-Winning Chilis – Reduces tantrum duration and increases charge recovery speed, making missed swings much less punishing.

Final Thoughts: Is Leatherface Worth Playing?

Leatherface’s rework has turned him from one of the weakest killers into a solid mid-to-high-tier choice. While he still suffers from map control limitations and a harsh punishment system for missing attacks, his new chainsaw mechanics give him far more chase potential than before.

For new players, Leatherface can feel clunky due to the reliance on perfect spacing and timing. However, for those who enjoy a brutal, aggressive, and straightforward killer, he is an incredibly satisfying choice. His ability to down multiple survivors in one chainsaw sweep makes him an excellent pick for high-pressure situations, particularly in the late game.

Overall, if you’re looking for a killer who excels in close-range combat and high-damage potential, Leatherface is now a far more rewarding character to master than ever before.