DbD Nightmare Update Incoming

Dead by Daylight's Nightmare Receives a Major Rework

Freddy Krueger, also known as The Nightmare, is getting a significant overhaul in an upcoming Dead by Daylight patch. This rework aims to address player concerns about his current weakness and bring him more in line with his iconic horror persona, enhancing his competitive viability.

The core change involves the ability to seamlessly switch between Dream Snares and Dream Pallets, granting The Nightmare greater tactical flexibility. Dream Snares are updated to move at 12 m/s, traversing walls and stairs (but not ledges), with a 5-second cooldown. Their effect varies depending on whether the Survivor is asleep or awake: asleep Survivors are hindered for 4 seconds, while awake Survivors receive a 30-second increase to their sleep meter.

Dream Pallets now explode on activation after 1.5 seconds, dealing damage within a 3-meter radius. Hitting a sleeping Survivor inflicts injury, while hitting an awake Survivor adds 60 seconds to their sleep timer.

The Nightmare's teleportation abilities are also enhanced. He can now teleport to any generator (completed, blocked, or endgame) within the Dream World, or to within 12 meters of any healing Survivor. Teleporting near a Survivor reveals them via Killer Instinct for a short duration and increases their sleep meter. The teleport cooldown is reduced to 30 seconds from 45, and cancellation is no longer possible. Crucially, healing Survivors in the Dream World are now continuously revealed by Killer Instinct (lingering for 3 seconds after stopping), making them easier targets for The Nightmare's teleportation. Sleeping Survivors can use any Alarm Clock to wake up, but each clock then enters a 45-second cooldown.

Key Changes Summarized:

• Swap Ability: Switch freely between Dream Snares and Dream Pallets.
• Dream Snares: 12 m/s speed, wall and stair traversal, 5-second cooldown, unique effects based on Survivor sleep state.
• Dream Pallets: Explode on activation, inflicting damage and varying sleep meter effects.
• Teleport: Teleport to any generator or healing Survivor in the Dream World; reduced cooldown, no cancellation. Healing Survivors are revealed via Killer Instinct.
• Alarm Clocks: Can be used by sleeping Survivors to wake up, but enter a 45-second cooldown afterwards.

While the Add-ons are being adjusted to encourage creative builds, The Nightmare's perks remain unchanged, potentially to maintain design fidelity. The impact of these changes on The Nightmare's overall gameplay and competitive standing remains to be seen, but the current Public Test Build (PTB) already showcases these significant improvements.