Dead by Daylight: What fixes can we expect in the Skull Merchant?

The Skull Merchant in Dead by Daylight has been a contentious figure since her introduction, primarily due to her ability to extend matches in ways that frustrate Survivors. Despite two previous reworks, the dissatisfaction among players has persisted, leading the developers to announce a third rework slated for 2025.

Issues with the Skull Merchant

The core of the controversy lies in the Skull Merchant's capacity to deploy Drones that can dominate large sections of the map. These Drones scan Survivors and apply various debuffs, creating a drawn-out gameplay experience that many find unpleasant. This has led to a significant portion of the player base disconnecting upon facing her, indicating the extent of her unpopularity.

Developer Response

Recognizing the ongoing community frustration, the developers have acknowledged that they are not satisfied with the current state of the Skull Merchant. They have promised more substantial changes in her third rework, though specific details about these changes have yet to be disclosed.

Speculation on Rework Changes

Given the long timeline before the update, players are speculating on what the rework might entail:

• Adjustment of Drone Mechanics: Some believe the rework might alter the status effects she can apply or receive when placing Drones.
• Complete Overhaul: Others hope for a more radical change, such as the removal of her Drones entirely and the introduction of a new ability set that transforms her into a fundamentally different Killer.

Community Reactions

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions:

• Support for the Rework: Many players are relieved that the developers are finally addressing the issues with the Skull Merchant, hoping for a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
• Opposition from Skull Merchant Mains: Some players, particularly those who main the Skull Merchant, feel that the previous reworks have already nerfed her enough. They argue that the problem lies with Survivors' unwillingness to adapt to her mechanics, rather than with her design.

Conclusion

The third rework of the Skull Merchant aims to address longstanding community grievances and improve the overall gameplay experience. While the specifics of the changes are still under wraps, the extended timeline indicates that the developers are taking a comprehensive approach to ensure that the rework effectively addresses the current issues. In the meantime, the Dead by Daylight community will continue to speculate and debate the future of this controversial Killer.