Access PTB in Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight’s **Public Test Build (PTB)** offers PC players on Steam an exclusive opportunity to experience upcoming game updates, new killers, survivors, maps, and balance changes before they reach the live servers. This testing phase helps developers refine content based on community input, ensuring a polished release.

Why Participate in the PTB?

Joining the PTB lets you dive into experimental features that shape the future of Dead by Daylight. Test powerful new killers with unique abilities, explore redesigned maps, or try perks that could redefine survivor strategies. Your gameplay data and feedback directly influence final adjustments, making you a key part of the development process.

PTB sessions typically last a few weeks, aligning with major patches like chapter launches or mid-season updates. Progress made in PTB, such as bloodpoints or unlocks, often carries over partially to your main account via snapshots, but cosmetics and levels reset upon release.

• Early Access: Play new content days or weeks before everyone else.
• Feedback Impact: Report bugs and suggest balance tweaks via official forums.
• Risk-Free Testing: Separate from live servers, so no impact on your ranked matches.

Platform Requirements and Limitations

The PTB is **Steam-exclusive**, meaning console players on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch cannot participate. Epic Games Store users also miss out, as Behaviour Interactive limits testing to Steam for technical reasons.

Ensure your Steam client is updated to the latest version. Older clients may fail to load beta options, requiring a full restart or reinstall.

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining the PTB

Opting into the PTB is straightforward and takes under five minutes. Behaviour Interactive announces PTB availability via the Dead by Daylight forums, Steam news, and social channels. Always check the official PTB thread for the latest branch password, if required.

1. Open Steam Library: Launch Steam and navigate to your Library tab. Locate **Dead by Daylight** in the games list.

2. Access Properties: Right-click the game icon and select Properties from the context menu.

3. Navigate to Betas: In the Properties window, click the Betas tab (sometimes labeled Game Versions & Betas).

4. Enter Password (If Needed): Some PTBs require a code like “DbdPublicTest”. Paste it into the text field, then click Check Code.

5. Select Branch: From the dropdown under “Beta participation,” choose public test – External Branch or Public Test Build. If no options appear, verify the PTB is live via forums.

6. Download Update: Steam will queue the PTB download, replacing your live version temporarily. File size varies but expect 20-50 GB.

7. Launch and Play: Once installed, the game title shows [public test]. Restart Steam if issues arise.

Screenshot your progress before switching, as PTB snapshots main account data but not all items transfer perfectly.

Navigating the PTB Interface and Features

Upon launching, the PTB mirrors the live game but highlights new content with banners or menus. Expect dedicated queues for testing new killers or maps, plus developer notes on changes.

Key differences include:

• Unpolished animations or audio for fresh assets.
• Temporary buffs/nerfs marked as “test values.”
• Feedback prompts in menus linking to BHVR forums.

Use custom matches or public lobbies to grind bloodpoints efficiently. PTB often boosts XP rates to encourage extensive testing.

Submitting Feedback and Reporting Issues

Your input is crucial. Head to the official Dead by Daylight forums under the PTB section for dedicated threads on killers, perks, and bugs.

Best Practices:

• Record gameplay clips of glitches.
• Provide detailed repro steps: “On map X, killer Y’s power fails when…”
• Rate balance on a scale and explain why.
• Use the in-game bug reporter for crashes.

Behavior Interactive prioritizes high-impact reports, often hotfixing PTB issues mid-test.

How to Exit the PTB and Return to Live Servers

When the test ends or you’re ready to switch back:

1. Right-click Dead by Daylight in Steam > Properties > Betas.
2. Select NONE – Opt out of all beta programs from the dropdown.
3. Steam downloads the live version automatically.
4. Restart Steam for UI sync.

Note: Uninstalling doesn’t revert; always use the beta opt-out.

Common PTB Problems and Fixes

Players often encounter hurdles. Here’s a troubleshooting table:

PTB History and Future Expectations

Since its introduction, PTBs have tested iconic chapters like Stranger Things and Silent Hill crossovers, allowing balance tweaks based on millions of test matches. Future PTBs may expand to mobile or consoles, but Steam remains the focus.

Track announcements on the BHVR forums or Steam news for the next branch—typically tied to patch notes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is PTB free?
A: Yes, if you own Dead by Daylight on Steam. No extra cost.

Q: Does PTB affect my main account?
A: No direct impact, but bloodpoints may transfer via snapshots.

Q: Can I play with friends on live servers during PTB?
A: No, PTB is separate—you must opt out to join them.

Q: How long do PTBs last?
A: Usually 2-4 weeks, announced in forums.

Q: What if I’m on Epic Games?
A: No PTB support currently; request via forums.

Maximizing Your PTB Experience

To get the most out:

• Join early for uncrowded queues.
• Experiment with risky builds.
• Stream or share clips to build hype.
• Compare PTB vs. live in spreadsheets for feedback.

PTB participation fosters a collaborative community, directly improving Dead by Daylight’s longevity as a top multiplayer horror title.