This Dead by Daylight guide details optimal builds for The Shape (Michael Myers), categorized by perk teachability and including add-on recommendations. While considered a weaker Killer, recent buffs make effective strategies viable.

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• Best Non-Teachable Build (2025)
• Best Build (2025)
• Best Add-Ons (2025)

The Shape, Dead by Daylight's first licensed Killer, is a formidable stalker, eliminating Survivors one by one. This guide offers builds for players of all skill levels. Updated January 13, 2025, to reflect recent game balance changes.

The Shape: Best Non-Teachable Build (2025)

This build compensates for The Shape's lack of access to other Killers' perks. It prioritizes efficient chase management and endgame dominance.

• Save the Best for Last (The Shape): Reduces cooldown on basic attacks based on hitting non-Obsession Survivors.
• 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.
• Sloppy Butcher (General Perk): Slows healing and regresses healing progress.

The Shape: Best Build (2025)

This build emphasizes generator control and early-game aggression, addressing The Shape's weaknesses.

• Lethal Pursuer (The Nemesis): Provides initial Survivor aura reading.
• Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance (The Artist): Destroys the most progressed generator when hooking different Survivors.
• Deadlock (The Cenobite): Blocks the most progressed generator after completion.
• Coup de Grâce (The Twins): Increases lunge range with generator completions.

The Shape: Best Add-Ons (2025)

Memorial Flower

Increases stalking speed, a valuable asset for The Shape.

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

Significantly boosts stalking gain rate.

Hair Bow

Increases the threat level during Evil Within III. Effective when paired with J. Myers Memorial.

Tombstone Piece

Allows instant downs of Survivors upon reaching Evil Within III, regardless of hook state. The Shape's strongest add-on.

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, negating the need for stalking before downs. However, significantly reduces stalking rate.