Cheap Dead by Daylight: How to Play, Survive, and Thrive Without Breaking the Bank
The fog rolls in. The generator hums faintly in the distance. A crow caws. You’re alone — or so you think. Somewhere in the dark, They are watching.
Welcome to Dead by Daylight, the asymmetrical horror multiplayer game that’s equal parts adrenaline, strategy, and pure terror. Since its 2016 debut, this cult-favorite title has amassed millions of players worldwide — and for good reason. But here’s the catch: many newcomers assume that enjoying DbD fully requires deep pockets. Not true. Cheap Dead by Daylight isn’t an oxymoron — it’s a strategy. And in this guide, we’ll show you how to dive into the Entity’s realm without emptying your wallet.
What Does “Cheap Dead by Daylight” Really Mean?
When we say “cheap Dead by Daylight,” we’re not talking about knockoff versions or shady key resellers. We mean maximizing value, minimizing cost, and playing smart — whether you’re a Survivor dodging hooks or a Killer sharpening your machete. This includes:
- Buying the game at its lowest legitimate price
- Earning in-game currency without spending real money
- Choosing DLCs wisely — or skipping them entirely
- Leveraging free content, events, and community resources
The goal? To experience the full thrill of DbD — chases, escapes, mind games, and all — while keeping your bank account intact.
Buy Smart: Timing Is Everything
Dead by Daylight is rarely sold at full price — and you shouldn’t pay full price either. Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo Switch frequently offer deep discounts during seasonal sales (Summer, Winter, Halloween). Historical data shows prices dropping as low as 75% off — turning a
Pro Tip: Use price-tracking tools like IsThereAnyDeal or SteamDB to set alerts. Even better — wait for the annual “Labyrinth of Traps” or “Hallowed Blight” Halloween events, when the devs often bundle the base game with bonus cosmetics or Auric Cells.
Case in point: In October 2023, Steam offered Dead by Daylight: Ultimate Edition — including several DLC chapters — for under $15. That’s less than the cost of two movie tickets for hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Earn, Don’t Burn: Mastering In-Game Currency
Once you’re in the game, the real economy begins. DbD uses two currencies:
- Bloodpoints (BP) — earned through gameplay, used to level up characters and unlock perks
- Auric Cells (AC) — premium currency, purchasable with real money… but also earnable for free
Here’s the secret: you can earn Auric Cells without spending a dime. Complete daily and weekly rituals (challenges), reach Bloodweb tiers, and participate in limited-time events. During anniversary or seasonal events, Behavior Interactive often showers players with free AC — sometimes up to 300 cells (enough for a new character or two).
Example: The 2024 “Anniversary Event” rewarded players with 200 free Auric Cells just for logging in and completing five simple objectives — like healing a teammate or sabotaging a hook. That’s a free Killer or Survivor, no credit card required.
DLCs: What’s Worth It?
Let’s be honest — DbD has a lot of DLCs. Over 30 chapters, each adding a new Killer, Survivor, and map. But do you need them all? Absolutely not.
Stick to the essentials. Some DLCs offer stronger perks or more meta-relevant characters. For example:
- The Legion (CHAPTER 8) — introduces “Discordance,” a powerful Survivor perk
- The Demogorgon (Stranger Things Chapter) — great for beginners due to easy chase mechanics
- The Onryō (CHAPTER 25) — brings unique terror radius mechanics and map-altering abilities
But here’s the kicker: all DLC Survivors and Killers can be unlocked with Auric Cells — which, as we’ve established, you can earn for free. No need to pre-order or impulse-buy. Wait. Grind. Purchase wisely.
Case Study: A Reddit user documented their “Zero Dollar DbD Journey” — starting with the base game during a 75%-off sale, then unlocking The Trapper, Meg, and The Huntress entirely through earned Auric Cells over three months. Total spent? $5. Total fun? Priceless.
Free Is Still Fierce: Leverage Updates and Events
Behavior Interactive doesn’t just sell content — they give plenty away. Every major update includes free tiers in the Battle Pass, new events with unlockable cosmetics, and even free characters.
Remember The Artist (CHAPTER 23)? She was given free to all players during the “Forgotten Faith” event. Same with The Dredge in early 2024 — players who logged in during the event window received him at no cost.
Also, don’t sleep on the Chapter Rewards system. Even if you don’t buy a DLC, playing its associated Killer or Survivor enough will unlock exclusive charms, outfits, and add-ons — all for free.
Play Like a Pro (Without Paying Like One)
Skill > Spending. Always.