This Dead by Daylight guide details optimal builds for The Shape (Michael Myers), categorized for various player skill levels. It includes both teachable and non-teachable perks, and is updated for 2025.
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The Shape, Dead by Daylight's first licensed Killer, is a terrifying stalker known for his relentless pursuit. This guide provides builds to maximize his effectiveness. Recent buffs in Patch 8.4.0 have significantly improved his viability.
The Shape: Best Non-Teachable Build (2025)
This build compensates for The Shape's lack of access to other Killers' perks. It uses readily available perks to create a strong, albeit less mobile, strategy.
- Save the Best for Last (The Shape): Reduces cooldown on basic attacks based on hitting Survivors (excluding the Obsession).
- Hex: No One Escapes Death (General Perk): Exposes all Survivors after the final generator is completed.
- Bitter Murmur (General Perk): Reveals Survivor auras near completed generators. Crucial for endgame.
- Sloppy Butcher (General Perk): Slows healing and regresses progress.
The Shape: Best Build (2025)
This build focuses on generator control and early-game aggression, addressing The Shape's weaknesses.
- Lethal Pursuer (The Nemesis): Provides initial aura reading of all Survivors, improving early-game pressure.
- Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance (The Artist): Destroys the most progressed generator after hooking different Survivors.
- Deadlock (The Cenobite): Blocks the most progressed generator after completion.
- Coup de Grâce (The Twins): Increases lunge range after generator completions.
The Shape: Best Add-Ons (2025)
These add-ons significantly enhance The Shape's abilities.
Memorial Flower
Increases stalking speed. A solid common add-on.
Dead Rabbit
Reduces Terror Radius in Evil Within II but increases it in Evil Within III. Use strategically with other perks affecting Terror Radius.
J. Myers Memorial
Provides a substantial boost to stalking gain rate.
Hair Bow
Increases the threat level during Evil Within III. Excellent paired with J. Myers Memorial.
Tombstone Piece
Allows an instant kill on any Survivor upon reaching Evil Within III. Extremely powerful.
Lock of Hair
Extends Evil Within III duration and increases stalk rate. A viable alternative to Hair Bow.
Fragrant Tuft of Hair
Grants infinite Evil Within III, sacrificing stalking speed. Provides consistent insta-downs.