Dead by Daylight fans, particularly those fond of playing the killer role, eagerly anticipate the arrival of new hunters Chucky and Tiffany on November 28, 2023. This upcoming update sparks excitement in the community and draws attention from Chucky and Tiffany fans. Dead by Daylight, a highly popular asymmetrical horror game released in 2016, is not the sole representative of its genre. If you’ve played it, you may be familiar with Identity V, a similar genre game released two years later.
Dead by Daylight and Identity V share many similarities, with some asserting that Identity V is a carbon copy of Dead by Daylight. Comparisons between the two games often lead to debates about which is better, considering their similarities and differences. However, before delving into the comparisons, let’s address the confusion and questions surrounding Identity V being labelled as a copy of Dead by Daylight.
Is Identity V a Carbon Copy of Dead by Daylight?
According to Identity V Wiki, Identity V is not a copy of Dead by Daylight – but the truth is, it is inspired by Dead by Daylight. Identity V was first created as a mini project called ‘Dangerous Game’ during the early stages of its development. Later, the Dead by Daylight team, Behaviour Interactive, collaborated with NetEase to develop and create this game. This also makes sense as to why both games share quite a number of similarities.
Similarities of Dead by Daylight and Identity V
1. The Escape Mechanism
It’s undeniable that the winning strategy in these games remains essentially the same. In Dead by Daylight, survivors are tasked with locating and repairing five generators scattered across the map to secure their escape. Meanwhile, in Identity V, survivors must decode five ciphers on the map, triggering the activation of two Exit Gates for their getaway.
Both Dead by Daylight’s generators and Identity V’s ciphers challenge players’ concentration with timed calibrations during the repair process. Having a teammate alongside accelerates the task, as do specific survivor perks in Dead by Daylight and certain survivor traits in Identity V. Upon the completion of fixing generators or decoding ciphers, they are highlighted with a distinctive signal.
2. The Narrative of Characters
The characters in Dead by Daylight and Identity V are not mere avatars; they each carry unique backstories and motivations, adding depth to the gaming experience. Some characters draw inspiration from real-life figures, such as Identity V’s Jack the Ripper and Dead by Daylight’s Clown, which were both influenced by American serial killer John Wayne Gacy.
Notably, the appearance and abilities of Killers in Dead by Daylight reflect their past lives, mirroring the Survivors in Identity V, whose traits and backgrounds are intricately tied to their cultural origins and occupations before being drawn into the perilous scenarios of the game.
3. Perks and Traits
Dead by Daylight and Identity V employ a comparable system of perks and traits. Killer and Hunter Perks in Dead by Daylight and Identity V serve to restrain, pursue, instil fear, and track down survivors across the map. Similarly, Survivor Perks in Dead by Daylight and Survivor Traits in Identity V, along with their Intrinsic Personas, enable players to kite more effectively, rescue strategically, contain threats, and expedite generator or cipher repairs.
As a side note: despite community discussions, it’s important to clarify that Identity V’s Flywheel and Dead by Daylight’s Dead Hard are not identical; they share similar effects for similar purposes in games with analogous objectives. For Dead by Daylight enthusiasts comparing the two, it’s reassuring to know that Dead Hard hasn’t undergone significant nerfs like Flywheel.
Related: All Maps in Dead by Daylight in 2023
4. Customising Your Main Character
In the realm of horror games where the characters often meet gruesome fates, Identity V and Dead by Daylight provide players with the opportunity to personalise their favourite Hunters, Killers, and Survivors.
In Identity V, accessories enable Hunters and Survivors to alter the visual effects of their skills or carrying motions, while skins offer the chance to change their outfits. Similarly, in Dead by Daylight, Killers and Survivors can don different attires. It’s important to note that alterations in appearance have no impact on actual gameplay in either game. Instead, they serve the purpose of enhancing personal aesthetics and customising the main character.
5. The Hunt
The Hunters in Identity V and Killers in Dead by Daylight are designed to be terrifying. While their aesthetics alone can evoke discomfort, the fear they instil goes beyond their appearance. Both Hunters in Identity V and Killers in Dead by Daylight possess a Terror Radius (Known as the ‘fear radius’ in Identity V). The impact of this radius varies depending on the specific Hunter or Killer, but it generally induces fear in survivors. This fear manifests as a heartbeat audible only to the survivor, influencing their interactions with the objects in their surroundings.
Also Read: Dead by Daylight Split-Screen: Can You Play It?
The Differences of Dead by Daylight and Identity V
Dead by Daylight and Identity V both feature similar settings in terms of overall gameplay and character configurations. However, despite the apparent similarities, each game has unique elements that set it apart and serve as distinctive selling points. This holds true for both Dead by Daylight and Identity V.
1. Background Story
One notable distinction between Dead by Daylight and Identity V is found in their background stories. Dead by Daylight’s narrative revolves around The Entity, an eldritch horror drawn to extreme violence, which coerces killers — often individuals with a history of serial murder or tragic victims — to carry out its commands. Conversely, Identity V’s main story is narrated through the perspective of ex-novelist Detective Orpheus. He is commissioned to locate Mr. Reichenbach’s missing daughter, but the plot thickens as he discovers and reads mysterious diaries within Oletus Manor.
2. Overall Atmosphere
The ambience in Dead by Daylight is undeniably more chilling and evokes a greater sense of horror in comparison to Identity V. As an 18+ game, Dead by Daylight embraces a darker and gloomier atmosphere, featuring ample gore and profanity. On the other hand, Identity V opts for a milder tone, removing excessive blood and violence, making it more suitable for younger gamers with a rating of 12+.
3. Game Artstyle
Identity V tends toward a macabre and gothic aesthetic, evident in the design of survivors with button eyes, drawing inspiration from the movie “Coraline”. In contrast, Dead by Daylight opts for a more realistic perspective, emphasising eerie and ominous settings that capture the essence of horror.
Also Read: Is Dead by Daylight on Game Pass?
Here’s a Little Bit About Asymmetrical Games
It is important to note that Dead by Daylight is not the first asymmetrical game that came onto the market. Asymmetric games have existed since the early days, evident in titles like G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike on the Atari 2600 and even Duck Hunt, featuring asymmetric multiplayer. Another notable example is Left 4 Dead 2, where a team of human survivors faces off against a team of zombies. However, it is undeniable that Dead by Daylight stands out as one of the genre’s successful games, often cited by audiences as a prime example when discussing this gaming genre.
Dead by Daylight and Identity V, Which One Is Better?
When comparing Dead by Daylight and Identity V, the inevitable question arises: Which one is better? In terms of the overall background story, Identity V takes the lead with its well-crafted narrative. While both games feature a multiplayer 4 vs 1 dynamic, Identity V integrates clues and tips to advance the overarching storyline, whereas Dead by Daylight focuses exclusively on the 4 vs 1 aspect.
However, when it comes to horror elements and art designs, Dead by Daylight excels, offering a more terrifying experience. This doesn’t diminish Identity V’s achievements in this aspect; rather, it caters to a younger target audience. There are numerous aspects to compare, but both games have unique qualities that cater to different audiences, fostering a continued appreciation for what each game brings.