Best VPN for Dead by Daylight in 2024

Even with middling reviews at launch, Dead by Daylight (or DBD for short) amassed a huge cult following and became one of the most beloved horror survival games to date. However, even with huge popularity among regular players and streamers, this project still faces huge safety and connectivity issues. These pack game-breaking lags, high ping, inconsistent servers, and online security risks.

According to the DBD community, there is a quick and easy fix. A VPN for Dead by Daylight is a foolproof way to enhance the game’s notoriously shoddy protections against cyber attacks. Additionally, a speedy VPN service can easily solve connection problems and unlock global Dead by Daylight server locations in just a few clicks.

So which provider offers the best Dead by Daylight VPN? Stick around and find out more about the best tools for the job and a few tips’n’tricks to get the best DBD experience.

Best VPNs for Dead by Daylight

1. NordVPN

   The best overall for Dead by Daylight
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   DBD VPN with the widest country selection
   9.5
3. ExpressVPN

   Security-focused VPN for DBD
   8.4
4. CyberGhost VPN

   Dead by Daylight VPN with tons of servers
   8.9

Why do you need a Dead by Daylight VPN?

With rapid growth, especially in the Twitch streaming scene, the game’s popularity invited a lot of unwanted guests in the form of hackers. As a matter of fact, Dead by Daylight DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks became extremely prevalent, targeting streamers and their audiences alike. As pointed out by many community members, all evidence leads to a pretty prominent DBD IP leak problem.

But what if I told you that a top-class VPN is more than just a security tool? The complaints about DBD lagging have been and still are running rampant to this day and a virtual private network might just be your salvation. And that’s not all. You might want to incorporate a VPN into your daily Dead by Daylight play sessions to:

• Reduce lag. VPNs allow you to connect to servers closest to your desired DBD region, resulting in significantly smoother, lower latency matches so you can finally play lag-free.
• Stop DDoS Attacks. Top VPNs hide your real IP address to fully protect you from annoying denial-of-service attacks that can wreck your entire connection and sabotage gameplay.
• Bypass throttling. Numerous Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are infamous for controlling internet speeds depending on what you’re doing. Using an encrypted VPN connection helps you stop ISP throttling and boost your internet speeds by connecting to a server nearby.
• Improve online security. VPNs completely encrypt your online traffic and provide you with a different IP address. This helps avoid potential hacking exploits both in and out of the game and prevents notorious DBD IP leak issues.
• Try global game servers. Most games nowadays assign you the game server according to your detected IP, and Dead by Daylight is no exception. Connecting the VPN to other regions will open up whole new DBD communities for you to play with and against.

Top VPNs for Dead by Daylight: overview

1. NordVPN – the fastest and safest Dead by Daylight VPN
2. Surfshark – DBD VPN with the widest country selection
3. ExpressVPN – Dead by Daylight VPN with potent security
4. CyberGhost – flexible and cheap VPN for DBD

We tested 23 VPNs to find the top options for Dead by Daylight. After intense Black Fog trials monitoring speeds, server stability, and leak protection, 5 survivors stood out. They provide the expansive networks, robust security, and multi-platform support needed for an optimal Dead by Daylight experience.

Take a closer look at the Top 5 VPNs that will take your DBD gameplay to the next level.

1. NordVPN – the ultimate VPN for Dead by Daylight

NordVPN is by far the best VPN for Dead by Daylight, providing unmatched speeds and extensive server coverage. With 7000+ RAM-only servers across 118+ countries in all Dead by Daylight regions, you can seamlessly switch between game servers for peak performance. NordVPN uses the proprietary NordLynx protocol to deliver incredibly smooth, low-latency Dead by Daylight gameplay, even during congested peak hours.

By choosing this provider, you also get robust all-around security and uncompromised privacy benefits. It safeguards against DDoS attacks and routes only your gaming traffic through VPN servers using split tunneling. As a nice free bonus, NordVPN Meshnet allows you to create secure private networks for LAN gaming with friends.

NordVPN offers dedicated apps for all major platforms, plus gaming consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, when installed on your router. Test it risk-free first with a 7-day free trial through Google Play. After that, continue with a 74% discount if you grab an exclusive NordVPN coupon code. You can start completely risk-free, as every subscription comes protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fast and secure Dead by Daylight VPN

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Dead by Daylight, providing unlimited simultaneous connections and lightning-fast WireGuard protocol to keep your survivor squad secured. Software-Defined Networking optimizes performance further by routing traffic through a unified network instead of single VPN tunnels.

With over 3200 RAM servers in 100+ countries, including every Dead by Daylight region, Surfshark offers expansive coverage and optimal speeds. It also provides a well-rounded security package with an independently audited no-logs policy. Surfshark ensures seamless compatibility across personal computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles through router installation.

Step up your Dead by Daylight experience today with a 86% deal on Surfshark using the latest promo codes. Jump in confident with a 30-day money-return guarantee protecting every VPN subscription. You can also test the service first with a 7-day trial through mobile app stores to try the service completely free for more than a month.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. ExpressVPN – versatile and safe VPN for DBD

With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN provides reliable worldwide Dead by Daylight connections secured by advanced AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. Its independently audited no-logs policy boosts privacy further while the Lightway protocol enables fast and extremely stable speeds without sacrificing security.

Useful features include Stealth servers to bypass VPN blocks, split tunneling for custom connections, and Threat Manager to block trackers and threats while browsing. Apps for major devices plus a router applet simplify unlimited device setup. However, only 8 simultaneous connections are allowed without the help of a router.

With premium privacy, global coverage, and enhanced security, ExpressVPN is an excellent, albeit expensive VPN for protecting your Dead by Daylight connections. Although pricey, it’s 48% off if you snatch ExpressVPN coupons currently available for grabs. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day risk-free trial.

For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost – budget-friendly and versatile DBD VPN

With over 11700 servers across 100+ countries, CyberGhost is a valuable Dead by Daylight VPN addition, delivering exceptional speeds and great IP security. It uses 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch to ensure user privacy and anonymity even if a VPN connection drops.

CyberGhost offers the fast WireGuard protocol but also OpenVPN and IKEv2 for additional flexibility. Specialized high-speed servers for gaming are your best bet to crush lag spikes and jumpy ping meter. Dedicated IP servers also cover all areas matching every Dead by Daylight game region.

With plentiful connections, dedicated servers, and uncompromising security, CyberGhost is an outstanding VPN for enhancing your Dead by Daylight experience. Even though it’s already budget-friendly, CyberGhost deals offer up to 84% off for even greater savings. It provides a 45-day money-back guarantee - the longest in the industry - to try the service risk-free.

For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

Best VPN for Dead by Daylight: comparison

Speed is the king when gaming online and NordVPN is second to none if you’re aiming to be the top dog. Savage speeds, maximum security, and versatile features are sure to supercharge your Dead by Daylight gameplay. The icing on the cake? NordVPN brings tremendous value, offering premium performance at an excellent price.

How we tested the best Dead by Daylight VPNs

Finding a top-notch Dead by Daylight VPN is a cinch when you know the key factors to look for. After testing 23 of the most popular VPNs out there, we've narrowed the list down to the cream of the crop. In the hunt for the best of the best, we searched for VPNs that could deliver these must-haves for DBD players:

• Global reach. Connection points across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond are essential for minimizing the distance between you and the servers. We picked gaming VPNs controlling large server fleets to give you the lowest latency possible.
• Blazing speeds. With gaming, speed is everything. Modern protocols like WireGuard minimize sluggishness by limiting the speed loss that comes with any intermediary such as a VPN. All of our top contenders have proven themselves to be lightning-fast and among the swiftest VPNs available.
• Multi-platform compatibility. Dead by Daylight has a diverse player base across PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch, and mobile. So, we made sure to find VPNs that play nice across all major platforms. The more devices supported, the better.
• Uncompromised security. Doxxing, DDoS attacks, IP leaks - VPNs with essentials like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and zero log policies offer protection against these hazards and more. Our top recommendations are the most secure VPNs and check all the necessary security boxes.
• Bang for the buck. When it comes to price, cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better value. Our handpicked VPNs for Dead by Daylight give you the most security, speed, features, and performance for your dollar. Better yet, most offer free trials or money-back guarantees.

Dead by Daylight servers

When playing Dead by Daylight, you can't pick a specific server unless you create a private custom game. Otherwise, matchmaking assigns you a server automatically based on ping. Solo players get matched to their closest regional server with the lowest ping. Groups get matched based on the party leader's lowest ping server equivalent.

Some Dead by Daylight servers may be down at times. You can check the current Dead by Daylight server status on third-party online tools that track server outages. Unfortunately, Behaviour Interactive doesn’t share such info on the official Dead by Daylight Twitter account. Knowing if an outage is regional can save you from unnecessary headaches and may help avoid lengthy queue times once the game is up again.

With servers spread worldwide, most players can expect a reasonably low ping. However, parties may want to coordinate their Dead by Daylight server locations when playing cross-region. Dead by Daylight has servers located in 8 locations globally:

Lastly, server capacity can impact queue times during peak hours or new content releases. While rare, overloaded servers can make Dead by Daylight laggy too. If you’re experiencing unbearable queues, a quick VPN connection may help you try other servers while your local one is hangin’ on a hook.

How to change server region on Dead by Daylight

Since you can’t manually pick the game server to connect to, there are two ways to change the server you play on. The first way is the easiest one if you have friends playing in other regions. If you join a lobby with a party leader from another location, you’ll be assigned a server with the lowest ping on their end.

On the other hand, this may be inconsistent if your comrades play at different times or you don’t have friends to play with. Here, the VPNs come to your rescue with their IP spoofing magic. However, while PC and mobile users can pick and choose pretty freely, console players should only look for router-compatible VPNs. To change your Dead by Daylight server using a virtual private network, follow these steps:

1. Get your hands on a top VPN for Dead by Daylight. Our best pick is NordVPN, now 74% off
2. Download and install the chosen VPN client on your device. If you’re setting up a VPN connection for your console, follow our guide on how to install a VPN on a router.
3. Open the app and connect to a server in one of Dead by Daylight regions. Remember, connecting to servers closer to your actual location will result in less lag.
4. Launch the game. The game will automatically connect to DBD servers with the best ping to your VPN server.
5. Enjoy unlimited access to all Dead by Daylight server regions!

Unlock global DBD servers

Tips on how to fix lag in Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight is well known for its lag issues, with frequent frame rate drops and high ping disrupting the gameplay. However, there are a number of actions savvy players can take to smoothen out the internet connection and combat frustrating lag problems in the game. Try these before your next game session:

• Use a wired connection. Wired ethernet connections always provide more stable and faster internet speeds, which reduces DBD lag spikes. If possible, avoid Wi-Fi connections if you notice any speed and ping inconsistencies.
• Close any background programs. Online applications and downloads eat up your internet bandwidth like crazy. Shutting down resource-heavy programs ensures your full internet speed is available for smooth Dead by Daylight gameplay.
• Adjust graphics settings. Lowering resolution or other graphically intense settings can lessen the strain on your system and computer resources tied to lag.
• Update graphics drivers. Installing the latest GPU drivers can optimize performance, fix bugs causing lag, and improve overall game stability.
• Connect to a closer server. Being matched with geographically distant players causes increased latency and lag, so connect to servers closest to your physical location.
• Encrypt your internet traffic. Some internet service providers limit their customers’ connection speeds depending on their online activities. The most secure VPNs, like NordVPN, shield your connection from ISP throttling to increase internet speeds and reduce ping.

Can I use a free VPN to play Dead by Daylight?

Free VPNs spell trouble for Dead by Daylight - security holes stay in place while lagging multiplies from throttled speeds and tiny data limits. They also jeopardize your security and privacy by logging user activity, lacking robust encryption, and sometimes even distributing malware disguised as legit VPN solutions.

The severe restrictions, shoddy security, and risks inherent to free VPNs far outweigh any benefits of the invisible price tag. With your gameplay, safety, and personal data on the line, free VPN services simply prove an unacceptable trade-off and should be avoided if possible.

If your goal is improving your DBD experience, a way superior approach is leveraging free trial VPNs combined with their money-back guarantees. For instance, NordVPN provides a 30-day refund guarantee, allowing you to test the service completely free for more than a month before going any further. In return, you get premium speeds, top-class security, and maximum privacy.

Try NordVPN risk-free today

Conclusion

Trying to survive the Entity's Realm in Dead by Daylight without taking precautions can turn a fun bloodhunt into a frustrating lag fest. Inconsistent latency, ISP throttling, and surprise DDoS attacks can ambush your gameplay with disruptive lag spikes and lost internet connections.

Shielding yourself from these hazards and powering through connection issues are easy by equipping a well-rounded VPN. After testing dozens of options, our top recommendation is NordVPN. Its top-class security, extensive network, and speedy connections give you the power to crush lag, unlock more game regions, and deflect cyber attacks. Wield premium connectivity protection and charge boldly into Dead by Daylight matches with maximum speeds and a safer virtual environment.

Have you tried playing Dead by Daylight with a VPN? Ever been hit with sudden DBD lag spikes or DDoS attacks? Let us know your experience by leaving a comment!

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FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN with Dead by Daylight?

Yes, VPNs are completely legal to use with DBD. Employing any of the best Dead by Daylight VPNs can reduce annoying lag and protect you from notorious DBD DDoS attacks. In fact, many players in the community recommend such tools to avoid IP leaks and keep latency in check.

Can a VPN reduce lag on Dead by Daylight?

Yes, A VPN connection can reduce DBD lag in a couple of ways. If your internet service provider is guilty of throttling your connection, a VPN can bypass it through advanced encryption. In some scenarios, connecting to a server near you, your party leader, or the local game server may reduce lag as well.

How to change server location on Dead by Daylight?

There are two ways to switch Dead by Daylight servers. First, you can join player parties from other regions to play on their local servers. The second one requires a VPN connection to other Dead by Daylight server locations. Keep in mind that changing the DBD server region may introduce more lag.

What is the best VPN for Dead by Daylight?

NordVPN stands as the ultimate VPN for Dead By Daylight. Enjoy unwavering speed, lower ping, servers in 118+ countries, and top-tier privacy features for a safer gaming experience. Moreover, its top-grade security toolkit ensures your data safety throughout your online escapades.