Mastering Skull Merchant in Dead by Daylight 2025

Hey DBD fans! 😊 As a long-time Dead by Daylight player, I've been obsessed with the Skull Merchant since her debut in 2023. Fast forward to 2025, and she's still a beast in trials with some cool tweaks from recent patches. Her unique drone-based power makes her a nightmare for survivors, and I've racked up countless sacrifices using her. Let me break down how to dominate with her, from power mechanics to killer builds—all based on my personal grind. Trust me, once you get the hang of her, you'll be hooking survivors like a pro! 💀🔥

How The Skull Merchant's Power Works

As a killer, I start each trial with four drones, and pressing the power button lets me place one anywhere. After a few seconds, it activates and does amazing things. If I stay in its radius for two seconds, I get the Undetectable status effect—no red stain or terror radius, perfect for sneaking up! 🕵️‍♀️ When survivors enter the area, a charge-up circle appears on my HUD behind their picture. Once full, they become Exposed, meaning I can down them in one hit even if they're healthy. This lasts 60 seconds after they leave. If no survivors are around, the drone goes passive with moving beams; if detected, it reactivates. Survivors can deactivate it by hitting buttons in order, but that gives them a Claw Trap. Here's a visual of her in action:

Tips To Play The Skull Merchant Effectively

Playing her efficiently took me some trial and error, but these tips changed my game. Most survivors bolt when I place a drone to avoid exposure—so I watch their movements closely to catch them fleeing tiles. Since she has no ranged attacks, spots like the shack or jungle gyms are tough. That's where drones shine: force survivors out by placing one there. Her power is killer for generator defense. I often drop a drone right beside a gen; survivors must remove it to work, revealing their location. Then I can replace it! Also, use the Undetectable effect smartly. If I'm heading to a gen with survivors, I place a drone slightly away to get stealthy and ambush them. Indoor maps? Even better for surprises! Check out this camping strategy:

Best Build For The Skull Merchant in 2025

With perks unlocked at prestige three for any killer, I've tested tons, but this build is my go-to for Adriana Imai. It synergizes perfectly with her drone play:

Here's how it looks in action:

Perk Synergies To Boost Your Game

Skull Merchant's teachable perks get insane with combos. I love experimenting, and these are gold:

With Thwack!

Thwack reveals auras for 4 seconds when I hook a survivor and kick something. Synergies:

• Lethal Pursuer: Extends aura reads by 2 seconds—now I see them for 6 seconds! Perfect for post-hook hunts.

• Brutal Strength: Kicks walls/pallets faster, making Thwack worth the time.

• Iron Maiden: Punishes locker hiders by exposing them.

• Starstruck: Exposes nearby survivors when carrying, downing them quick after a hook.

Visual aid:

With Leverage

Leverage reduces healing speed by 5% per token (up to 10) after hooks. Combos:

• Dying Light: Adds 3% repair/heal/sabotage reduction per hook. Stacks for 8% total heal slowdown—brutal!

• Barbeque & Chili: Reveals faraway survivor auras post-hook, helping me find injured ones fast.

• Bloodhound: Tracks blood easily, ideal for chasing injured survivors.

See it here:

With Game Afoot

Game Afoot gives 5% Haste for 10 seconds when chasing the Obsession and kicking things. Obsession transfers on hit. Synergies:

• Nemesis: Transfers Obsession if stunned—easier than basic attacks!

• Brutal Strength: Faster pallet breaks mean I catch up quicker with Haste.

• Bamboozle: Forces pallet drops, activating the perk more often.

• Hubris: Exposes survivors for 20 seconds if they pallet stun me—down them in one hit!

In action:

Wrapping up, Skull Merchant is a versatile killer in 2025's meta. Practice drone placement and perk combos, and you'll crush trials. Happy hunting! 💪🎮