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Dead by Daylighthas a history of bringing iconic horror franchises into the Entity’s fog-filled realm, and so it is withSilent Hill’s towering tormentor, Pyramid Head, otherwise known as The Executioner. Arriving withCheryl Mason as part of theSilent HillDLC chapter forDead by Daylight, Pyramid Head offers players a unique playstyle with powers specific to him, allowing Killers to immediately entrap Survivors with his Rites of Judgement. To make the most of this power, however, players should equip complimentary perks that maximize their effectiveness.
This guide will walk players through themost effective buildsforThe Executioner inDead by Daylight, featuringteachable and non-teachable perksfor Killers of varying prestige levels.
Updated June 27, 2025 by Lewis Smyth:Pyramid Head has remained steadfast in Dead by Daylight, changing little over the years since his introduction. The updates to this guide feature new perks in more synergistic builds, alongside a new best add-ons list.
The Executioner: Best Beginner Build (2024)
Unlike some Killers, The Executioner’s base perks are fairly situational and less impactful in a typical game. Nevertheless, there are some abilities that can help a Pyramid Head player without teachable perks, witha build focused on remaining undetectedwithhis Trail of Torment power.
The Executioner: Best Build (2024)
Pyramid Head can be a difficult Killerto master, calling on players to successfully predict Survivor movements to efficiently down them with his Punishment of the Damned power. This build will help players determine a Survivor’s pathing from behind cover whilst simultaneouslyslowing generator repair speed.
The Executioner: Best Add-Ons
It’s no secret that Pyramid Head’s add-ons are some of the weakest inDead by Daylight. Not all of them are useless, however, and this guide will show playersthe best to use against Survivors.
Rites of Judgment linger on the ground and Torment Survivors who walk or run through them. Strategic Executioners can use these Rites to gain tracking information and quickly cage orkill Tormented Survivorswho are downed. The Lead Ringincreases the durationof these trails by 10 seconds.
Copper Ring
Dragging the Torment Trail along the floor is a good way to block resources and find Survivors who pass through their barbs. The Common Copper Ring simply allows you to use Rites of Judgment foran extra second.
Black Strap
Punishment of the Damned is any good Executioner’s main method of attack, striking Survivors from a distance of 8 meters. The Black Strap Add-On slightlyincreases this attack’s rangeby 0.5 meters.
Wax Doll
Commonly paired with the Black Strap, the Wax Doll increases the range of Punishment of the Damned by1 meter. Like other add-ons, the Wax Doll is linked to a particularly obtusepuzzle inSilent Hill 2.
Spearhead
An upgraded version of the Copper Ring, the Spearhead increases the duration of Rites of Judgment by1.5 seconds, giving you more time to zone Survivors and line up Punishment of the Damned shots.
Cinderella Music Box
Guardingpowerful Hex Totemsor generators with the Rites of Judgment can guarantee inflicting Torment on Survivors. The Cinderella Music Box increases the duration they stay on the ground by15 seconds.
Tablet of the Oppressor
Like the Spearhead and Copper Ring, the Rare Tablet of the Oppressor increases the duration of The Executioner’s power by2 seconds.
Mannequin Foot
In the same vein as the Lead Ring and the Cinderella Music Box, the Mannequin Foot increases the duration of Rites of Judgment by20 seconds. Keep in mind that there is a limited amount of trail that can be present on the map before it fades away, so be mindful of how much you use.
Burning Man Painting
To obtain the maximum Punishment of the Damned distance, use the Wax Doll with the Burning Man Painting, whichincreases its rangeby an extra 1.5 meters.
Crimson Ceremony Book
The Executioner’s Iridescent and Very Rare Add-Ons are all fairly niche and require efficient use of the Rites of Judgment – the sole exception is the Crimson Ceremony Book. This book acts like Sloppy Butcher, applyingHemorrhage and Mangedto Survivors hit by Punishment of the Damned for80 seconds.
