What Exactly *Is* the Sandwich in DbD?
The term “The Sandwich” describes a specific tactic that Killers use to secure kills, turning the game into a terrifying trap. It involves strategically positioning a Survivor between the Killer and an obstacle or a series of obstacles, effectively cutting off their escape routes. The ultimate goal is to force the Survivor into a position where they are easily caught, hooked, and ultimately sacrificed. Think of it like putting a slice of bread around a delicious, but trapped filling.
The core principle is the skillful manipulation of the environment. The Killer uses the map’s features – walls, hooks, pallets, and even other Survivors – to create a closed space. The Survivor, caught in the middle, is left with dwindling options, a desperate struggle against the inevitable. This strategy, when executed well, is a highly effective method of securing kills and putting immense pressure on the remaining Survivors. Its effectiveness hinges on map knowledge, timing, and the Killer’s ability to predict Survivor movements.
It’s a tactic rooted in the very fabric of Dead by Daylight’s gameplay, leveraging the limitations imposed by the maps themselves. While some might see it as cheap, it’s a legitimate strategy, and often a necessary one, in the intense power dynamic that characterizes the game. The effectiveness of the sandwich strategy varies, of course. It’s often most potent against solo queue players, who may have less coordination.
How to Execute the Sandwich from the Killer’s Perspective
Becoming a master of the sandwich requires a keen understanding of the game’s intricacies. Let’s break down the key elements from the Killer’s viewpoint:
Killer Selection: The Right Tool for the Job
Not every Killer is equally suited for sandwiching. Certain Killers, with their unique abilities and strengths, excel at this strategy. These are some notable examples:
- The Nurse: Her ability to blink through walls makes her exceptionally dangerous in enclosed spaces. She can easily teleport to cut off escape paths and quickly close the distance on a trapped Survivor. Nurse’s speed and ability to teleport let her sandwich quickly, and without having to worry about being juked at pallets.
- The Hag: The Hag’s traps create an immediate threat. Placing them strategically allows her to quickly teleport to any trapped survivor, creating a multi-pronged, inescapable death trap. Setting the traps around obstacles makes the sandwich that much easier.
- The Trapper: The Trapper excels at controlling space. Placing bear traps near obstacles, in doorways, or on potential escape routes provides ample opportunities to execute the sandwich. This makes the Trapper, in the right hands, a master of area denial.
- The Wraith: With his ability to go invisible, The Wraith can sneak up and close the distance very quickly. He can sneak around, and with his speed, sandwich survivors in a flash.
- The Spirit: The Spirit, with her phase-walking ability, can traverse obstacles and catch Survivors by surprise, which makes it easy to sandwich them.
Ultimately, the best Killer for the sandwich depends on your playstyle and the map.
Map Awareness and Strategic Positioning: The Foundation of Success
Map knowledge is paramount. Knowing the layouts, the key areas, and the common looping spots is crucial for identifying potential sandwich opportunities. Certain maps are naturally more conducive to this strategy. Look for:
- Tight Corridors: These offer limited escape paths, making it easier to corner Survivors.
- Areas with Numerous Obstacles: Walls, rocks, generators, and other objects can be used to hem in Survivors.
- Generators: Generators often create a focal point for both Killers and Survivors, leading to predictable movements that can be exploited.
- Shack Pallet: The shack pallet always offers a good sandwich option, but must be taken very carefully.
Pre-planning is key. Consider the map’s layout as you chase the survivors, anticipating their movements and the positions they’ll choose.
Using the Environment: Trapping the Prey
The environment is your ally. Here’s how to leverage it:
- Blocking Doors: Position yourself to block a door as the Survivor tries to escape.
- Using Walls and Obstacles: Force the Survivor to move in a predictable direction.
- Hook Proximity: A hook is the ultimate goal. Position yourself to force the Survivor near one.
- Pallets: Break them when necessary. The pallet is a great way to trap survivors.
Every element of the environment can be used to isolate and trap the Survivor.
Mind Games and Prediction: Reading Your Opponent
The sandwich isn’t just about physical positioning; it’s also about psychological manipulation. Think about what your prey will do. Anticipate their movements:
- Watch for Behavior: Identify the Survivor’s habits, their preferred looping spots, and their escape routes.
- Fake Actions: Feint as though you’re going one direction, and then double back. This can catch them off guard.
- Cut Them Off: Position yourself to intercept their escape attempts.
Mastering these techniques turns the sandwich from a strategy into a masterful art form.
Countering the Sandwich: Survival Tactics
As a Survivor, facing the sandwich can be terrifying. However, with the right tactics, you can survive.
Map Awareness and Team Communication: Information is Power
Knowledge is the first defense.
- Learn the Maps: Familiarize yourself with the layouts, especially the Killer’s typical patrol routes.
- Communicate: Share information with your team about the Killer’s location and potential sandwiching spots.
- Pay Attention: Watch the Killer’s movements carefully.
Communication is the most essential factor in a team survival scenario.
Looping Strategies and Pallet Usage: Buying Time and Space
Skillful looping can extend chases, allowing you to buy precious time.
- Good Looping: Master the art of running around obstacles, such as windows, pallets, and walls, to create distance between you and the Killer.
- Pallet Management: Use pallets strategically. Drop them when necessary to stun the Killer, but avoid wasting them unnecessarily.
- Windows: Learn how to utilize windows to loop around the Killer.
Perks for Avoiding and Countering the Sandwich: Choosing the Right Tools
Specific perks can greatly enhance your chances of survival:
- Dead Hard: This perk gives a moment of invulnerability. Can be used to vault over pallets and windows when the Killer is getting close.
- Sprint Burst: Provides a burst of speed, allowing you to quickly escape the Killer’s grasp or reach a safe zone.
- Lithe: After vaulting, gain a burst of speed for three seconds.
- Windows of Opportunity: This reveals the auras of nearby windows and pallets, making it easier to plan your escapes.
- Quick & Quiet: Reduces the noise of vaults, which might help you avoid the Killer.
These perks provide a crucial edge in tight situations.
Teamwork and Coordination: Working Together to Survive
Dead by Daylight is ultimately a team game.
- Un-Hooking: Rescue your teammates, taking a protection hit if necessary.
- Diversions: If a teammate is being targeted, draw the Killer’s attention to buy your teammate time.
- Heals: Heal teammates to keep them up and running.
The more effective your team is, the less likely the Killer is to catch someone in a sandwich.
Perks and Builds to Complement the Strategy (Killer)
To maximize the effectiveness of the sandwich strategy, consider these perks and builds:
- Agitation: Increases the speed at which you carry Survivors, making it easier to get them to a hook quickly.
- Iron Grasp: Increases your ability to get to the hook.
- Starstruck: Makes it so that, when you’re carrying a survivor, nearby survivors are affected with a weakened status.
- Insidious: Makes the Killer undetectable when standing still, which helps with surprises.
- Corrupt Intervention: A great stall perk, which could help set up some of those sandwiches.
Effectiveness and Limitations of the Strategy
The sandwich strategy is highly effective in the right circumstances, but it’s not without its limitations.
- Effectiveness:
- Less Experienced Survivors: Players who lack map knowledge or effective looping skills are easily caught.
- Uncoordinated Teams: Teams that fail to communicate or work together are more susceptible to the sandwich.
- Map Selection: Certain maps with tight corridors and many obstacles are ideal for sandwiching.
- Limitations:
- Skilled Survivors: Experienced Survivors can anticipate and counter the strategy.
- Open Maps: Maps with open areas offer fewer opportunities for sandwiching.
- Risk: Over-committing to a sandwich can cause the Killer to lose track of other survivors.
Conclusion
“The Sandwich” is a defining strategy in the world of Dead by Daylight, a testament to the game’s emphasis on tactical gameplay and environmental manipulation. Mastering it, or learning to counter it, will significantly enhance your experience. By understanding the core principles, the necessary Killer selection, map awareness, the use of perks, and team coordination, players can gain an edge in the brutal power dynamics of Dead by Daylight. Whether you’re the Killer or the Survivor, adapting to the sandwich strategy is key to a successful trial. Experiment, learn from your mistakes, and above all, enjoy the thrill of the chase.
