The Hag (The Witch) Strategy Guide - Dead by Daylight

on

With The Hag, Dead by Daylight introduced a unique killer that plays very differently from others in the roster. Instead of relying on speed or direct pursuit, The Hag specializes in map control, traps, and psychological pressure. This guide explains her abilities, core mechanics, and effective strategies for both new and experienced players.

The Hag – Abilities Overview

Basic Attack

The Hag does not use a conventional weapon. Instead, she relies on close-range attacks, making positioning and timing especially important when chasing survivors.

Phantasm Traps (Special Ability)

The Hag’s defining mechanic is her ability to place Phantasm Traps on the ground using her power button (M2).

  • Traps appear as simple markings on the floor

  • They can be placed on surfaces such as dirt, wood, or stone

  • When a survivor gets close, the trap activates and creates a phantasm illusion

This illusion:

  • Produces audio cues and visual effects

  • Briefly distracts or pressures the survivor

  • Allows The Hag to teleport to the trap location if she is within 32 meters

The Hag can maintain up to 10 traps at once, and a trap slot is restored whenever one is triggered.

Core Gameplay Strategy with The Hag

The Hag introduces a slower, more methodical playstyle focused on territory control rather than constant chasing.

Size and Movement

The Hag is smaller than most killers, which comes with advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

  • Easier to hide behind terrain

  • Survivors may have difficulty locating her position in tall grass or tight areas

Cons

  • Limited visibility over obstacles

  • Requires strong map awareness

Use this to your advantage by approaching from unexpected angles rather than moving directly toward survivors.

Effective Trap Placement

Good trap placement is essential for success:

  • Place traps near generators, where survivors must interact

  • Set traps near hooks to apply pressure after a survivor is captured

  • Position traps in doorways, narrow paths, and high-traffic areas

When a trap is triggered, you have two choices:

Option 1: Teleport Immediately

  • Useful if you are not currently engaged elsewhere

  • Be aware there is a short delay after teleporting before you can move

Option 2: Use the Trap as Distraction

  • Survivors may assume you are teleporting

  • Allows you to approach from another direction and apply pressure indirectly

Counterplay and Survivor Awareness

Survivors who notice trap markings can disable them using a flashlight. However, traps are often difficult to spot during active gameplay.

As a survivor, decisions must be made quickly:

  • Stay in place and risk teleport pressure

  • Move away and possibly reveal your position

This uncertainty is one of The Hag’s strongest tools.

General Killer Tracking Tips

These mechanics apply to all killers, including The Hag:

Scratch Marks

  • Running survivors leave visible trail indicators

  • These appear on floors, walls, and terrain

  • Use them to track movement paths

Environmental Indicators

  • Birds react when survivors move nearby

  • Stationary birds often indicate hidden survivors

Audio and Visual Alerts

  • Failed skill checks

  • Generator interactions

  • Fast vaults over obstacles

  • Trap activations (for The Hag)

Learning to read these signals is key to efficient map control.

Totems and The Hag’s Perks

The Hag’s perks revolve around the Hex Totem system, which introduces additional objectives for survivors.

There are up to 5 totems per match, and survivors must locate and cleanse them to remove hex effects.

Ruin

  • Alters generator repair skill checks

  • Causes progress regression on failed checks

  • Remains active until its associated totem is destroyed

Devour Hope

  • Activates when survivors are rescued while you are far away

  • Grants increasing bonuses as rescues occur

  • Effects last only while the hex totem remains active

The Third Seal

  • Temporarily reduces survivors’ ability to read teammate locations

  • Applies when survivors are hit

  • Effect is removed once the associated totem is destroyed

Final Tips for Playing The Hag

  • Focus on area denial, not long chases

  • Protect key objectives with traps

  • Use illusions strategically to create uncertainty

  • Combine perks that reward patience and map awareness

The Hag excels when matches slow down and survivors are forced to make difficult decisions. Mastering her requires planning, anticipation, and disciplined positioning—but in the right hands, she is one of the most effective control-based killers in Dead by Daylight.

Related Articles:

Totems in Dead by Daylight

Comments

Post a Comment