Yes, Dead by Daylight runs on Nintendo Switch

Dead by Daylight is available on Nintendo Switch as a full port of the game. You can buy it from the Nintendo eShop and play it on your Switch in handheld mode, tabletop mode, or docked to a TV. The game works the same way as it does on other platforms — you play as either a killer hunting survivors or as a survivor trying to escape — though the Switch version has some technical differences from PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions.

The game is not free. You pay a one-time purchase price through the Nintendo eShop, and the price varies by region. After that, you own the game and can play the base experience without paying more, though the game also sells cosmetic items and DLC chapters separately if you want additional killers, survivors, or cosmetics.

Key Takeaways

  • Dead by Daylight is a paid game on the Nintendo eShop, not a free download, and you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to play online matches.
  • The Switch version runs at lower resolution and frame rate than PC or console versions, which affects how smoothly the game plays during fast-paced chases.
  • You can play solo against AI-controlled killers in single-player mode without an online subscription, but multiplayer matches require Nintendo Switch Online.
  • DLC chapters, cosmetics, and the battle pass are sold separately and cost additional money beyond the base game purchase.

How the Switch version performs compared to other platforms

The Switch version runs at 1080p resolution when docked and 720p in handheld mode, at 30 frames per second. PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X versions run at 60 frames per second or higher, which means the action on screen moves twice as smoothly. During intense chases where the killer is close behind you, that difference is noticeable — your character's movements feel less responsive, and it is harder to predict where the killer will go next.

Load times are also longer on Switch. When you start a match or load into a new area of the map, you will wait several seconds longer than players on newer hardware. This does not affect gameplay once you are in a match, but it does mean more downtime between rounds.

The Switch version is still playable and receives the same updates as other platforms, so you get new killers, survivors, and map changes at the same time. The core game is identical — only the visual smoothness and speed differ.

What you need to play online

To play multiplayer matches against other players, you need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This is a separate subscription from the game itself. Nintendo Switch Online costs money per month or per year, depending on which plan you choose, and covers online play for all games on your Switch, not just Dead by Daylight.

If you do not have Nintendo Switch Online, you can still play the game in single-player mode against AI-controlled killers. This mode lets you learn the maps and practice survivor skills without facing real players, but you cannot earn progression toward cosmetics or the battle pass in single-player mode.

DLC and cosmetics on Switch

Dead by Daylight sells additional content beyond the base game. DLC chapters add new killers and survivors to the game, and each chapter costs money. Some chapters are tied to licensed horror franchises like Resident Evil or Stranger Things, while others are original to Dead by Daylight.

You can also buy cosmetics — skins and outfits for killers and survivors — through the in-game store. These are purely visual and do not change how the game plays. The game also has a battle pass that unlocks cosmetics and other rewards as you play, and you can pay to unlock the premium version of the battle pass for additional rewards.

All of these purchases are optional. You can play the base game with the killers and survivors that come with it and never spend money on DLC or cosmetics.

Storage space and download size

Dead by Daylight takes up significant space on your Switch. The base game is roughly 25 to 30 GB depending on updates, which is larger than many Switch games. If you have a Switch with 32 GB of internal storage, you will need a microSD card to install it — the internal storage alone is not enough.

A microSD card of at least 64 GB is recommended if you plan to install Dead by Daylight alongside other games. You can buy microSD cards from most electronics retailers, and they are inexpensive compared to the cost of the game itself.

Cross-play and account linking

Dead by Daylight supports cross-play, which means Switch players can be matched with players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox in the same matches. Your progression is tied to your Behaviour Online account, not your Nintendo account, so if you play Dead by Daylight on multiple platforms, you can link them to share your cosmetics and progression across all versions.

To set this up, you create a Behaviour Online account, link your Nintendo account to it, and then link any other platforms you play on. This is optional — you can play on Switch without linking to other platforms if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Dead by Daylight on Switch without Nintendo Switch Online?

You can play the single-player mode against AI killers without a subscription, but you cannot play online multiplayer matches. Most of the game's content is in multiplayer, so a subscription is necessary for the full experience.

Is Dead by Daylight free on Switch?

No, it is a paid game. You buy it once from the Nintendo eShop, and then you own it. Nintendo Switch Online is a separate subscription required for online play.

Will my cosmetics transfer if I play on other platforms?

Yes, if you link your Behaviour Online account to your Nintendo account and then link it to your other platform accounts. Cosmetics and progression will sync across all linked platforms.

How much storage do I need for Dead by Daylight?

The game is about 25 to 30 GB, so you will need a microSD card if your Switch has only 32 GB of internal storage. A 64 GB card gives you room for Dead by Daylight and other games.

Does the Switch version get the same updates as PC and console versions?

Yes, the Switch version receives the same killers, survivors, maps, and balance changes as other platforms, though sometimes with a slight delay. The core game stays current across all versions.