With Dead by Daylight: Alien on the horizon, players have been trying out the beta version of the Xenomorph alongside Ripley on the Public Test Build. The design for this killer is just as unnerving as its film counterpart, but the Xenomorph is not just a scary face. The Xenomorph is equipped with a loadout befitting of its deadly hunter instincts. Whether you’re looking for a new main or just keen to try out DbD’s newest addition, this guide will take you through all you need to know about Xenomorph’s unique Power, Perks, and potential builds.
Dead by Daylight: Xenomorph Guide
Dead by Daylight: Alien Xenomorph Unique Power
Runner Mode is Xenomorph’s unique Power which was initially described as “allow[ing] the Killer to walk on four legs and become stealthier, reducing its Terror Radius considerably.” However, as those who have been playing the PTB can attest, his power offers a bit more than that. During Runner Mode, Xenomorph has a special called Tail Attack. It has a strong range and a ‘flick and drag’ style of movement similar to Nemesis’ Tentacle Attack. Xenomorph is in Runner Mode by default for 35 charges until hit by a Turret.
The Xenomorph also has the ability to travel across the map through a tunnel system. Is anyone else getting Demogorgon flashbacks?
The key difference is that the Xenomorph can access an entire submap, which the killer can only enter or exit through Control Stations. So, in practice, this affords the same level of mobility as the Nightmare or the Dredge as you’re only able to teleport to certain pre-established spots around the map. This is also of benefit to the Killer as it momentarily deactivates Turrets and helps speed Runner Mode cooldown.
Dead by Daylight: Alien Xenomorph Unique Perks
The Xenomorph has unique perks which are a combination of informational, aura-revealing, and survivor debuffs.
Rapid Brutality
“You can no longer gain Bloodlust.
Hitting a Survivor with a basic attack gives you 5% haste for 8/9/10 seconds.”
Alien Instinct
“This perk activates when you hook a Survivor.
You see the aura of the farthest injured Survivor for 5 seconds and that Survivor is oblivious for 16/18/20 seconds.”
Ultimate Weapon
“When you open a locker, this perk activates for 30 seconds.
Survivors entering your Terror Radius scream and reveal their position and gain Blindness for 30 seconds. This perk then goes on cooldown for 40/35/30 seconds.”
Dead by Daylight: Alien Xenomorph Build Ideas
While you’re likely still getting to grips with the Xenomorph’s three core teachable perks, there are a number of general perks and teachables from other Killers that could provide powerful cohesion with Xenomorph’s playstyle. Consider these when experimenting to find your perfect Xenomorph build:
Sloppy Butcher (General)
“Basic attacks cause the Mangled and Hemorrhage status ailments, slowing down healing by 25% and regressing healing progress when left unfinished.”
This perk puts extra pressure on the survivors to heal promptly, leaving them less available to set up defensive Turrets or progress generators.
Hex: No One Escapes Death (General)
“Once the Exit Gates are powered, if there is still a Dull Totem remaining on the Map, Hex: No One Escapes Death activates and lights it:
Increases your Movement speed by 2/3/4 %.
Survivors suffer from a permanent Exposed Status Effect.”
Not only is this just a really punishing end-game Killer perk, it also works well with Xenomorph’s Power. No more watching helplessly from the other side of the map at the red glow of a door opening; Xenomorph can close even the widest gaps in a chase and down survivors just as they thought they were on the home stretch.
Make Your Choice (The Pig)
“When a Survivor rescues another from a Hook at least 48/40/32 metres away from you, Make Your Choice triggers and applies the Exposed Status Effect on the rescuer for 60 seconds. Make Your Choice has a cool-down of 60 seconds.”
The aura revealing and exposure of this perk combined with Xenomorph’s map traversal abilities will make survivors regret ever considering being altruistic.
BBQ & Chilli (The Cannibal)
“A deep bond with The Entity unlocks potential in one’s Aura-reading ability. After hooking a Survivor, all other Survivors’ Auras are revealed to you for 4 seconds when they are farther than 40 metres from the Hook. Each time a Survivor is hooked for the first time, gain a stack-able 25% bonus to all Bloodpoint gains, up to a maximum of several percent.”
Another great aura-revealer, allowing you to target survivors which happen to be evading the action.
Of course, the best way to arrive at your best Xenomorph build is through trial and error. So boot up the PTB on Steam or try him out when Dead by Daylight: Alien releases August 29, 2023.
Dead By Daylight is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, and Switch.
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