7 Games like Dead by Daylight that you should try

Dead by Daylight is one of the most recognizable examples of asymmetrical online games. Released by Behaviour Interactive in 2016, the game had a rocky start before it hit its stride. Nowadays, it’s one of the most recognizable games in the genre, complete with a large library of collaborations with famous horror and fantasy franchises. The premise is simple – one player takes on the role of a Killer, while four others play as Survivors. Dropped into nightmarish locations, the Killer has to hunt down and sacrifice all players, while the rest need to evade long enough to unlock the gates and escape.

The game boasts a large library of characters to pick from, both original and licensed. Firmly set in the horror genre, there are many games that you can play to get a similar feel to playing DBD. From other asymmetrical games to horror co-op games, our list offers seven alternatives that you can try.

✓ At a glance

Some of the best games like Dead by Daylight include:

• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
• Deceit 2
• Evil Dead: The Game
• The Outlast Trials
• Phasmophobia
• Devour
• Identity V

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

• Release Date: 18th August 2023
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
• Genre(s): Action, Horror, Multiplayer

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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was released during the summer of 2023, as an homage to the classic 1974 movie. Just like Dead by Daylight, the game is an asymmetrical PVP horror game in which one player takes on the role of the Slaughter family member, while four other players play as their victims. The goals remain the same – either capture all victims as the Family or manage to escape as the Victim. The game features all of the recognisable characters from the movie, including Anna Flores, Sonny, Sissy, and of course, the iconic Leatherface. Each character comes with their own set of abilities, plus ways to customise them further. There are several character and cosmetic DLCs too, while the game itself costs around $40.

Deceit 2

• Release Date:
• Platform(s): Unknown
• Genre(s): Unknown

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When talking about asymmetrical horror games, Deceit 2 throws a fun wrench into the usual formula. Successor to Deceit, the sequel refined all aspects of the original. Released by World Makers in 2023, Deceit 2 pits nine players against each other, trapped in a remote abandoned location. Secretly, random two players are the Infected – wolves in sheep’s clothing. The rest need to find out who the infected are and ritually remove them. Meanwhile, when the realm turns into a nightmare, the Infected transform and hunt the other players. The game is full of intricate mechanics, puzzles, roles, and items to help one or the other side fulfil their goals. It’s a social deduction game with high stakes, where misdirection and communication are key. Best of all, Deceit 2 is free to play on Steam.

Evil Dead: The Game

• Release Date: May 13, 2022
  • – 13 May 2022 (PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch)
• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
• Genre(s): Action

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Another iconic movie-related game has made it on our list. Evil Dead: The Game was released in 2022 and developed by Saber Interactive. While in many ways similar to DBD, there are several differences that make Evil Dead a different beast to play. For one, there is a variety of game modes to choose from. From single-player mode to DBD-like asymmetrical, PVP, and even a battle royale mode called Splatter Royale. Players can take on the roles of iconic characters including Ash (complete with his chainsaw and Boomstick), Arthur, and many recognizable Deadites. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of DLC content too, while the base game costs $30 on Steam.

The Outlast Trials

• Release Date: 31st December 2020
  • – 31 December 2020 (PC)
• Platform(s): PC
• Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Horror, Indie

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The Outlast Trials represents a departure from the other games in the Outlast franchise, bringing a co-op multiplayer component into the horrifying series. Officially released in early 2024, The Outlast Trials can be played solo but truly shines in a group of up to four players. Each gets to pick a character with their own set of abilities and useful tools and gadgets. The Murkoff corporation has abducted you and other survivors, placing you in a facility to conduct an experiment. The goal is to find all the clues, survive, and ultimately leave the premises. Standing in your way will be different monsters, each with their specific behaviour patterns. Unlike DBD, these antagonists will be AI-controlled, but that doesn’t make them any less scary. The Outlast Trials is available on Steam for around $40.

Phasmophobia

• Release Date: September 18, 2020
• Platform(s): PC
• Genre(s): Action, Horror, Indie

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While on the topic of horrifying games, Phasmophobia is an excellent co-op choice with friends. Taking another departure from asymmetrical gameplay, Phasmophobia’s evil entities are also AI-controlled. You play the role of paranormal investigators, gathering at a haunted location to identify the entity and drive it away. You will have to gather clues to find out what is haunting the place, piecing them together and using various gadgets to help you. However, the more you meddle, the more the entity will grow aggressive over your presence. It starts slow, then builds up into full-on haunts, disabling lights, causing hallucinations, and outright chasing the investigators. And if you’re looking for an extra-spooky challenge, the game is also available in VR mode. You can get it on Steam for around $15.

Devour

• Release Date: 28th January 2021
• Platform(s): Unknown
• Genre(s): Unknown

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Our next game represents a mix between Dead by Daylight and Phasmophobia. Devour is a horror game released in early 2021. While the graphics can seem dated for the time, the gameplay is anything but. It is an up to four-player co-op game in which you’re cultists trapped in a mansion and hunted by other dead cultists and other monstrosities, all bent on sacrificing you… or worse. The difficulty rises the longer you spend at the location. Meanwhile, you have to exorcise the demons or find a way to escape the premises. There’s even a levelling system, increasing your rank in the cult and unlocking new perks. This game also supports VR gameplay and is available on Steam for only $5.

Identity V

• Release Date:
• Platform(s): Unknown
• Genre(s): Unknown

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Identity V may look like an outlier on our list, simply because it’s a mobile game. Often described as family-friendly Dead by Daylight, it deserves the moniker on the grounds that Behaviour Interactive, DBD’s devs, worked with NetEase during Identity V’s development. The art style is nowhere near as gruesome as most on our list, but bearing clear parallels to the movie Coraline. Just like DBD, this game is also an asymmetrical 1v4 where you can play as different characters with their own sets of abilities. The matches are far quicker than you may be used to, and more appropriate to a mobile game. However, Dead by Daylight’s DNA can be seen through and through. While only available through mobile app stores, it’s possible to play the game on PC too with the help of an emulator.