Dead by Daylight killer tier list (September 2026)

Who are the best killers in Dead by Daylight right now? See our updated tier list!

a monster killing a survivor holding a burning weapon in Dead by Daylight
a monster killing a survivor holding a burning weapon in Dead by Daylight

  • Primary Subject: Dead by Daylight (Chapter 41: Chorus of Sin - September 2026)
  • Key Update: The meta remains dominated by high-mobility killers, with The Judgment (Killer) & Aurora Stardotter (Survivor) recently joining a massive roster of 44 killers, that was added last August 25, 2026, after the Public Test Build.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: 2026-09-23
  • Quick Answer: The Nurse, The Blight, and The Hillbilly are the S-tier killers for September 2026, offering the best map pressure and lethality in the current meta.

Looking for the top-tier killer in Dead by Daylight right now? Our Dead by Daylight killer tier list (September 2026) lists all worth acquiring killers to help you out! With the meta constantly shifting through balance changes with the current patch Patch 10.1.2 that was released last September 8, 2026, new killers, perks, and player strategies, the strongest pick can change pretty quickly.

Some killers can dominate a match when played by someone who knows their power inside and out, while others struggle to apply pressure against experienced survivors. So, if you’re deciding who to unlock, practice, or bring into your next trial, let’s break down where each killer stands right now and which ones are really worth your time.

With 44 killers now and 54 survivors in the roster and balance patches constantly shaking things up, knowing which killers bring the heat. From insane mobility and map pressure to solid chase potential can create a different 4K (four-kill) and a disappointing match.

Dead by Daylight Killers tier list - ranked best to worst (September 2026)

We've separated the tiers into five for this Dead by Daylight killer tier list. While some mid-to-low Killers are in the game, it's best to simplify them by five tiers so you can understand which Killers have few redeeming qualities.

Meanwhile, some fall into the middle bracket, with big strengths and weaknesses. The top tier, too, has weaknesses, but they pale compared to their strengths.

Dead By Daylight killers tier list

S

The Nurse
The Blight
The Hillbilly
The Spirit
The Ghoul

A

The Huntress
The Xenomorph
The Executioner
The Mastermind
The Lich
The Dark Lord
The Animatronic
The Slasher
The First
The Krasue
The Artist

B

The Judgment
The Houndmaster
The Unknown
The Singularity
The Oni
The Plague
The Knight
The Nemesis
The Dredge
The Good Guy
The Wraith
The Nightmare
The Trickster
The Cenobite

C

The Legion
The Deathslinger
The Hag
The Twins
The Pig
The Clown
The Doctor
The Ghost Face
The Demogorgon
The Onryo
The Cannibal

D

The Trapper
The Shape
The Skull Merchant

The list is based on a few subjects, including:

  • Map Control
  • Lethality
  • Snowball (slugging, etc)
  • Map Pool Versatility
  • Perk Builds
  • Add-Ons
  • Power

Our Dead By Daylight tier list will be updated as much as possible, with the latest characters added, The Judgment (Killer) & Aurora Stardotter (Survivor) as part of the "The Life Road" DBD chapter 41.

How Does Today’s Meta Impact Killer Rankings?

The current meta in Dead by Daylight for September 2026 favors mobility, map-wide pressure, and strong anti-loop/persistence abilities. Killers who excel at those traits are rising to the top. The Nurse, The Blight, and The Hillbilly killers are still dominating the meta as it is still on the S+ tier due to their reliability, they have traditional survivor defenses and can cross the map quickly while applying constant pressure

Otherwise, killers with slower tactics, older mechanics, and map denial cannot outsmart survivors with strong perks and improved escape/heal/counterplay options. And because of that, the killer meta always shifts, some former staples down in the rankings, while high-mobility or high-pressure killers dominate.

What is Dead by Daylight?

Dead by Daylight is a deceptive game, revealing its depth as you play more. You will feel the thrill of being a killer while chasing down survivors or being a survivor trying to escape from forces that hunt you down, which makes it a fresh and nerve-wracking experience.

So there you have it; that's all you need to know about the best (and worst) Killers to use in Dead by Daylight. Check back regularly to see how your build could be improved. Elsewhere, feel free to also check out our survivors perks tier list, as well as the newest Dead By Daylight codes to redeem.

Tune in the next day for another update! We also have other information about the game with our Dead By Daylight guides hub and all the information on Dead By Daylight's one of its deadliest killers, The Unknown!