update · September 14, 2026
Dead by Daylight Preview Details 10.2.0 Perk Changes and Survivor Intent System
Dead by Daylight outlines 58 perk changes heading to the Public Test Build, featuring adjustments for Diminishing Returns alongside the debut of the Survivor Intent System.
Dead by Daylight is rolling out a massive perk update covering 58 different abilities alongside the debut of a new communication tool. Hitting the Public Test Build on September 15, update 10.2.0 targets perks that interact with Diminishing Returns, revamps general perks for newer players, and introduces pre-defined mid-match text messaging.
Diminishing Returns and Perk Adjustments
Update 10.2.0 touches 26 perks affected by Diminishing Returns, balancing abilities that previously bypassed or minimized the mechanic while buffing underused options. Do No Harm now heals 30, 40, or 50 percent faster based on Hook States, grants a 3 percent greater progress bonus on great skill checks, and increases skill check odds by 5 percent. Knock Out triggers when a survivor drops a pallet and moves 10 meters away, applying a 20 percent Hindered status for 3 to 5 seconds. The Hindered effect now ends early if the pallet breaks.
General Perks and Overhauls
In addition to Diminishing Returns adjustments, the developers are modifying 23 general perks to make them more viable in the broader meta and easier to understand for newer players. Tier I and Tier II values are brought closer to fully upgraded states for these general options. Another 9 perks that promote unhealthy playstyles or act oppressively outside Diminishing Returns are also targeted for changes.
Survivor Intent System
The Survivor Intent System makes its Public Test Build debut this week, allowing survivors to send and receive short pre-defined text messages mid-match to coordinate tasks like splitting up or calling an unhook. The feature is enabled by default with muting and anti-spam protections, and can be customized or disabled in the settings menu. A visual signifier now shows whether a player has the system disabled so teammates know who can see messages.
Why this patch matters
This update tackles long-standing perk balance issues while adding practical communication tools, giving players a chance to test major meta shifts on the PTB.