This Dead by Daylight guide details optimal builds for The Shape (Michael Myers), categorized for varying player skill levels. Note that Michael Myers remains a relatively weak killer, but these builds aim to maximize his effectiveness. Recent buffs in Patch 8.4.0 have improved his viability.

Quick Links

• Best Non-Teachable Build (2025)
• Best Build (2025)
• Best Add-Ons (2025)

The Shape, Dead by Daylight's first licensed Killer, is a formidable stalker. His power lies in building ferocity by tracking Survivors before striking. This guide covers both teachable and non-teachable perk builds.

The Shape: Best Non-Teachable Build (2025)

This build compensates for The Shape's lack of access to other Killers' perks. It utilizes inherent strengths to maximize efficiency.

• Save the Best for Last (The Shape): Hitting non-Obsession Survivors grants tokens, reducing basic attack cooldown. Hitting the Obsession costs tokens.
• Hex: No One Escapes Death (General Perk): Exposes all Survivors after the final generator is completed, providing a haste effect until the Hex Totem is cleansed.
• Bitter Murmur (General Perk): Reveals Survivor auras near completed generators; reveals all auras after the final generator is completed.
• Sloppy Butcher (General Perk): Slows healing and regresses healing progress with each basic attack.

The Shape: Best Build (2025)

This build emphasizes generator control and early-game aggression, mitigating The Shape's weaknesses.

• Lethal Pursuer (The Nemesis): Provides initial Survivor aura reading, enhancing overall aura-reading duration.
• Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance (The Artist): Damages generators when Survivors are hooked on white Scourge Hooks.
• Deadlock (The Cenobite): Blocks the most progressed generator after completion.
• Coup de Grâce (The Twins): Increases lunge attack range based on completed generators.

The Shape: Best Add-Ons (2025)

These add-ons significantly impact The Shape's gameplay.

Memorial Flower

Increases stalking rate by 11%, a valuable boost to his slow stalking speed.

Dead Rabbit

Reduces Terror Radius in Evil Within II but increases it in Evil Within III. Use with caution, ideally alongside perks that modify Terror Radius.

J. Myers Memorial

Grants a 25% bonus to stalking gain rate. Often paired with the Tombstone Piece.

Hair Bow

Increases the threat level during Evil Within III. Effective when paired with the J. Myers Memorial add-on.

Tombstone Piece

Allows an instant kill on any Survivor upon reaching Evil Within III, regardless of hook state. Superior to Judith’s Tombstone due to the lack of a speed debuff.

Lock of Hair

Adds 40 seconds to Evil Within III and increases the stalk rate for Evil Within III. A viable alternative to the Hair Bow.

Fragrant Tuft of Hair

Grants infinite Evil Within III despite a significant reduction in stalking rate. Allows for consistent instant downs.