Dead by Daylight – Quick Skull Merchant Guide and Tips

This is a common scenario in Dead by Daylight. The situation typically unfolds like this: The Killer, often referred to as the SM, enters the match and immediately focuses on patrolling the three closest generators. As a Survivor, you’re left wondering whether the Killer is simply AFK or inexperienced.

However, your suspicions are confirmed when you spot Skully, the Killer, positioned among those three generators, with three Demogorgon portals set up around each one. In such a situation, disconnecting from the match seems like the most sensible decision.

But what if you, like me, appreciate playing as the Killer but not employing this particular playstyle? If that’s the case, then this guide is tailored to your needs.

Recommended Builds

Let’s delve into the recommended builds for Skulletta, each tailored to different playstyles and strategies. Here are my top picks:

Chase Merchant

• Save the Best for Last (Shape Perk)
• Jolt (Universal Perk)
• Sloppy Butcher (Universal Perk)
• Rapid Brutality (Xenomorph Perk)
• Add Ons: Geographical Readout & Randomized Strobes

This build adopts a high-risk, high-reward approach, emphasizing a hit-and-run playstyle. It’s surprisingly effective if you’re skilled as a Killer, allowing you to snowball a losing match quickly. If survivors stick together and act altruistically, this build can spell the end for them. It’s both extremely fun and deadly.

Stealth Merchant

• Hex Plaything (Cenobite Perk)
• Dark Devotion (Plague Perk)
• Monitor and Abuse (Doctor Perk)
• Trail of Torment (Executioner Perk)
• Add Ons: Brown Noise Generator & Ultrasonic Trap Speaker

This build stands as one of my personal favorites in the entire game. Strangely viable, especially on indoor maps, it allows you to sneak up on survivors effectively. Skulletta’s relatively small size and quietness make her excellent at ambushing survivors. It’s not uncommon for survivors to be caught off guard while attempting to sabotage your drones.

Endgame Build

• Sloppy Butcher (Interchangeable with STBFL or Monitor and Abuse)
• No Way Out (Trickster Perk)
• Hex NOED (Interchangeable with any of the Nightmare’s Perks)
• Rancor (Spirit Perk)
• Add Ons: Same as Chase Build

This build promises a lot of fun and various outcomes, but most of the time, you’ll secure at least one kill during your endgame assault. Survivors rarely expect the Endgame build from a Skulletta. Play the game normally throughout the first five generators, then ramp up the pressure when the fifth generator pops, starting with the obsession if possible. Skulletta excels at Exit Gate Duels.

Hex Defense Build

• Hex: Thrill of the Hunt (Universal Perk)
• Hex: Undying (Blight Perk)
• Hex: Pentimento (Artist Perk)
• Hex: Devour Hope (Hag Perk)
• Add Ons: Brown Noise Generator & Vital Targeting Processor

This build is quite straightforward. Keep the focus on the hex totems, which will either force survivors to cleanse them (revealing that you’ve locked them down) or risk losing the game by staying on generators. Skulletta is arguably the best Hex killer in the game and can create some really potent Hex perk combinations. Experiment and try different approaches to suit your playstyle.

Skulletta has even more builds at her disposal, with options like a Vault Queen build, pure Anti-Healing, Aura Reading, Status Effect Builds, Anti-Exhaustion builds, and even a Hex build that obstructs pallets and windows. The latter one can be particularly nasty. Like any Killer, she can also benefit greatly from gen regression builds. Get creative and adapt to your preferred playstyle.

Strategies and Tactics

The primary reason to consider using the 3-gen strategy with this killer is when there are only 1-2 generators left to complete, and the match is close, with a desire to secure a 4k (four kills). If you are skilled enough, executing a last-minute 3-gen strategy against an already injured survivor team can bring the match to a swift conclusion. However, it’s crucial to employ this approach judiciously and responsibly. While I’m willing to tunnel survivors for a victory, I’m not aiming for an exhausting hour-long match. Achieve your 1-2 kills and proceed.

For more in-depth insights and strategies related to this killer, I recommend checking out the content created by Youtuber Bazazell. In his videos, he discusses two alternative tactics that prove highly effective and don’t rely on the 3-gen strategy. Personally, I implement these tactics in my games, and they consistently yield positive results. In my opinion, this killer rewards your ability to comprehend and predict survivor movements and positions, making experience a valuable asset. While she can be suitable for beginners, it’s important not to give up on her after a few rough matches, as some might dismiss her prematurely. Skully stands out among killers due to her wide range of playstyle options and versatility.

M1 Killer Techs

These tips can be applied to almost any killer, but they are particularly relevant to pure M1 Killers, like Skully. These advanced techniques can significantly improve your performance in Dead by Daylight:

1. Unpredictability – In Dead by Daylight, unpredictability is key. Avoid walking in a straight line when chasing survivors. Think of the game as a kind of “fighting” game, and being unpredictable is crucial. Surprise survivors by taking unconventional routes and approaching from unexpected angles. Be a predator and keep them guessing.
2. Reads – Pay close attention to the survivor’s behavior in the first 10-20 seconds of a chase. Are they consistently vaulting windows, throwing down pallets, or using other tactics? Try to predict their moves. If you sense that the chase will be long and unproductive, consider breaking it off. However, try to force the survivor to use a couple of pallets before doing so.
3. Moonwalks – Utilize moonwalking as an effective mind game. This works especially well at high walls, T and L-shaped loops, and any location where you can break the line of sight. Listen carefully to the survivor’s movements, and use moonwalking to confuse and intimidate them. Your ability to anticipate survivor actions is crucial for success as an M1 Killer at high MMR.
4. Cutting off the Angles – Instead of blindly following survivors, focus on following the loops. Stay close to the corners and cut off their path. For example, if the survivor is on the left side of your screen and running towards your right, move in that direction to intercept them. If they change direction and head back to your left, you’ve successfully cut off their angle. This tactic can force survivors into using unsafe pallets and loops. Remember that killers are slightly faster than survivors, making this strategy essential to master.
5. Timing your Lunges – Skully’s lunge may feel longer than other M1 killers, possibly due to her speed or animation. With practice, you’ll develop a sense of when to lunge at a survivor. Take the shots when you have a good chance of landing them. Using the strategies mentioned above, Skully becomes a formidable threat in chases, even if some players underestimate her.

These intermediate to advanced tips can help you become a more skilled M1 Killer and improve your Dead by Daylight gameplay.

Skulletta Insights You Might Not Be Aware Of

Survivor Tracking – When your drone is monitoring survivors and they are either locked on or trapped by claw traps, you gain a 3% haste status effect for each survivor under these conditions. This effect can stack with other sources of haste, making it a potent tool.

Claw Traps – If a survivor attempts a fast vault over a downed pallet with a claw trap, the pallet will instantly shatter. This synergy with the base kit Dissolution can create unfavorable situations for survivors caught in the traps.

Multi-Level Drones – In cases where there’s a generator located above the basement, you can strategically place a drone in the basement to effectively control that area. This tactic can be especially punishing on indoor maps, with Lery’s being a prime example. While Midwich might be considered her best map, Skulletta doesn’t truly have any weak maps to contend with.

Breaking Survivor Norms – This advice applies to all killers; don’t feel obligated to follow the survivor rulebook. Most survivors may harbor resentment towards your mere existence, so prioritize your own success in the game. Worrying too much about survivor opinions can detract from your enjoyment and cost you potential victories. Unless you’re intentionally adopting a friendly approach, focus on making decisions that work to your advantage.

Skulletta’s Skill Ceiling – While Skulletta is considered a mid-tier killer at best, don’t be afraid to employ advanced strategies to secure wins. She may not be as straightforward as some believe, particularly when avoiding the common 3-gen strategy. Utilizing her effectively does require a level of strategic thinking, but it’s important not to prolong the game with a tedious 3-gen approach. Instead, aim to improve your skills.

I could delve into more details about this killer and explore various possibilities with her, but for the sake of brevity, this is a condensed summary of my experiences as a dedicated Skulletta main. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or if there are any aspects I might have missed.

Personally, Skulletta is my favorite killer in the game, and I’ve found a strong connection with her. It’s worth noting that I initially started with Myers, which may explain my preference for M1 killers. Nevertheless, I believe she’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to grasp the game’s mechanics and equally suitable for experienced killers to showcase their knowledge and skillset.