Looping & Kiting Killers

Master Dead by Daylight looping and kiting. Learn survivor techniques to extend chases, waste killer time, and utilize pallets and windows effectively.

Looping and kiting are fundamental survivor techniques in Dead by Daylight, designed to extend chases and waste the killer's time. By skillfully navigating the map's geometry, survivors can evade the killer, allowing teammates more time to complete generators and escape.

What is Looping?

Looping refers to the act of running around a central object or structure on the map (like a large rock, a generator, or a building) in a circular or semi-circular pattern. The goal is to force the killer to follow you around this loop, using pallets and windows to maintain distance and create obstacles.

Key Elements of Effective Looping:

• Pallets: These are your primary tools. Dropping a pallet in the killer's path can create a significant time delay. Knowing when to drop a pallet is crucial – dropping it too early might waste its potential, while holding onto it too long can lead to being caught.
• Windows: Windows offer another way to gain distance. Fast vaulting through a window and then circling back to vault through it again, or to another nearby window, can create extended chase sequences.
• Map Geometry: The layout of the map is your playground. Utilize corners, obstacles, and structures to break line of sight and force the killer to take longer routes.
• Momentum: Maintaining momentum is key. Running with speed allows for faster vaults and quicker transitions between loops.

Types of Loops:

• Single Pallet Loop: A simple loop around a single pallet. The survivor uses the pallet to create distance and then tries to reach another loop or escape.
• Window Loop: Utilizing a window vault repeatedly or in conjunction with other map elements.
• Tile Loops: These are areas with multiple pallets and windows, offering more complex and extended chase opportunities. Examples include the 'Jungle Gym' (a common structure with multiple windows and pallets) or 'God Pallets' (pallets that are very difficult for killers to break safely).
• The '3-Gen' Loop: In the late game, if the last three generators are close together, survivors might try to defend these generators by kiting the killer around them, forcing the killer to patrol a large area.

Kiting the Killer

Kiting is the broader concept of leading the killer on a chase, drawing them away from objectives or teammates. Looping is a specific method of kiting.

Effective Kiting Strategies:

• Conserve Resources: Don't drop every pallet you see. Save some for when the killer is close or when you need to create a significant gap.
• Predict Killer Movement: Try to anticipate where the killer will go. If they are a stealth killer, they might try to cut you off. If they are a chase-focused killer, they will likely follow your path.
• Use Your Environment: Don't just run in a straight line. Use obstacles to break line of sight and force the killer to adjust their path.
• Communicate with Teammates: If you're in a chase, your teammates should be working on generators. If you can kite for a long time, you're effectively buying them valuable time.
• Know When to Disengage: Sometimes, the best strategy is to break chase if you're in a bad position or if the killer has a strong advantage.

Perks that Aid Looping and Kiting:

• Lithe: Grants a speed boost after a fast vault, helping you extend chases.
• Sprint Burst: Provides a significant speed boost when you start running, allowing you to reach pallets and windows with more momentum.
• Balanced Landing: Grants a speed boost after falling from a height, useful for escaping after vaulting from elevated positions.
• Adrenaline: Heals you and grants a speed boost when the exit gates are powered, making late-game chases more survivable.

Practice and Map Knowledge

Mastering looping and kiting requires practice and a deep understanding of each map's layout. Learn the locations of pallets, windows, and strong looping structures. The more you play, the better you'll become at predicting killer movements and executing these life-saving techniques.