Dead by Daylight is not a free-to-play game — it’s a paid asymmetric horror multiplayer title from Behaviour Interactive that normally costs around $19.99 USD on PC. Any site advertising a “100% free download” outside an official storefront is not distributing it legally, and installing files from those sites is one of the most common ways to pick up malware. The good news: there’s a free trial weekend program, frequent deep sales, and the game is regularly featured on subscription services. This guide covers the official install steps, system requirements, and honest pros and cons.
How to Get Dead by Daylight on PC (Official Steps)
- Go to the official storefront: Steam or the Epic Games Store — both sell the genuine version.
- Search for “Dead by Daylight” and open the store page for the base game (character DLCs are sold separately).
- Click Buy Now, complete checkout, and the game will download straight into your library.
- Alternatively, if you already have Xbox Game Pass for PC, open the Xbox app, search Dead by Daylight, and click Install — no extra purchase required.
- Once installed, launch it and complete the tutorial to learn both the Survivor and Killer roles before jumping into a match.
Ways to Play Dead by Daylight for Free or Cheap
- Xbox Game Pass (PC/Console): Dead by Daylight has appeared in the Game Pass library, making it playable at no extra cost for subscribers.
- Free weekends: Behaviour Interactive periodically runs free trial weekends on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
- Seasonal sales: The base game regularly drops 60–80% off during Steam and Epic sales.
- PlayStation Plus: Occasionally featured in the PS Plus catalog rotation for subscribers.
System Requirements for Dead by Daylight on PC
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-4170 or equivalent | Intel Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 6 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB | NVIDIA GTX 1660 or better |
| Storage | ~40 GB free space | SSD strongly recommended |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 12 |
Pros and Cons of Dead by Daylight
✅ Pros
- Unique 4-vs-1 asymmetric horror gameplay unlike most multiplayer shooters
- Huge roster of licensed horror-movie killers and survivors
- Regular seasonal events, chapters, and free content updates
- High replay value thanks to constantly shifting map layouts and perks
❌ Cons
- Licensed character DLC packs add up in cost if you want them all
- Steep learning curve for both Killer and Survivor roles
- Matches can feel repetitive after extended play sessions
- Toxic player behavior and cheating can affect match quality
Dead by Daylight Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC (Windows)
Buy once on Steam or the Epic Games Store, or play free with an active Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription.
🎮 Xbox
Available on the Microsoft Store and included with Xbox Game Pass.
🎮 PlayStation
Purchase directly from the PlayStation Store; occasionally featured in the PS Plus catalog rotation.
🕹️ Nintendo Switch
Available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop with cross-play support.
📱 Mobile (iOS/Android)
A separate free-to-play mobile version is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Play Dead by Daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dead by Daylight actually free to download?
No. Dead by Daylight is a paid game priced around $19.99 on PC. It’s included with Xbox Game Pass and occasionally free to try during trial weekends, but there’s no legitimate free full-game download outside those channels.
Is it safe to download Dead by Daylight from third-party “free download” sites?
No. Only download from Steam, the Epic Games Store, the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, or Nintendo eShop. Third-party sites offering cracked installers commonly bundle malware.
Can I play Dead by Daylight without buying it?
Yes — through an active Xbox Game Pass subscription, during official free trial weekends, or via the separate free-to-play mobile version.
Does Dead by Daylight have single-player mode?
No, Dead by Daylight is built entirely around online 4-vs-1 multiplayer matches.
What platforms is Dead by Daylight available on?
PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile (iOS/Android as a separate free app).
This page is written for informational purposes to help you find the official, safe way to play Dead by Daylight. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.