Introduction
The fog rolls in, the entity hungers, and within the ever-shifting landscapes of Dead by Daylight, a new terror stalked the trials. The Knight, a master of area denial and strategic pursuit, has arrived, bringing with him a unique form of power: his Guards. These formidable entities, each with their own distinct roles, are the heart of The Knight’s power, and understanding their abilities, particularly their speed and patrol mechanics, is paramount for both Killers and Survivors alike. This article dives deep into the intricate dance between The Knight and his Guards, providing a comprehensive guide to mastering their strengths and surviving their relentless pursuit. The key to victory, whether you’re playing as or against The Knight, hinges on a solid understanding of the speed and patrol abilities of these spectral enforcers.
Introducing The Knight’s Guards
Before delving into the nuances of speed, let’s establish a fundamental understanding of what makes The Knight’s Guards so impactful. The Knight doesn’t wield a traditional weapon; instead, he commands three unique Guards, each summoned to enforce his will. These Guards are not merely cosmetic; they are integral components of The Knight’s strategy, allowing him to control zones, apply pressure, and cut off survivors’ escape routes. Their mere presence fundamentally alters the dynamics of a trial.
There are three distinct types of Guards in The Knight’s arsenal: the Assassin, the Carnifex, and the Jailer. The *Assassin* is the most nimble of the three and prioritizes chasing survivors immediately. The *Carnifex* focuses on breaking pallets and generators, creating obstacles and disrupting survivor efforts. Finally, the *Jailer* excels at locking down areas and forcing survivors out of hiding, making them easy prey for The Knight himself. These Guards work in tandem, often overlapping their actions to create devastating combos, all while their actions revolve around their speed and ability to move across the map.
The ability to summon these Guards isn’t instantaneous; it requires a strategic moment and a valid trigger. The Knight must initiate the summoning by interacting with specific objects or circumstances. This could involve breaking a pallet, kicking a generator, or simply being within proximity of a survivor. Once the summoning is initiated, The Knight is temporarily locked in place while he assigns a patrol. The cooldown timer that follows, where the Killer is unable to summon the guards again, determines how frequently the Killer can create these patrols. This delicate balance of timing and cooldown management is a vital part of playing the Killer, and these timings play a major role in determining the outcome of a trial.
Guard Speed and Movement Unveiled
The efficiency with which The Knight can traverse the map is directly tied to his Guards’ speed and how efficiently they move. Understanding these fundamental speeds is crucial for both sides.
Basic Guard Speed
The base speed of The Knight’s Guards is notably important in understanding their efficacy. This base speed will vary slightly from Guard to Guard. Generally, the Guards possess a movement speed that allows them to efficiently track down survivors. This speed places them somewhere between the Survivor’s base speed and the Killer’s. While not the fastest on the map, their speed combined with their ability to traverse the map and initiate chases makes them a constant threat, especially when supported by the Knight himself.
Patrol Speed and Distance
The patrol speed, and more importantly the patrol distance, significantly shapes The Knight’s impact on the map. The distance a Guard will patrol is determined by various factors, most prominently the initiating object or survivor, and any add-ons that modify the patrol’s range. This distance is critical, and Killers should carefully place patrols to maximize map control. The speed at which the Guards traverse the patrol path is also important; the faster they move, the more rapidly they can respond to threats and cover ground.
Special Abilities Affecting Speed
There are special abilities and add-ons available for The Knight that will allow the Guards to move around faster, or to extend their patrol. These add-ons can be very potent, providing increased patrol speed or extending the patrol range, turning a good strategy into a truly terrifying one. Using add-ons that augment guard speed is a direct way to enhance The Knight’s already formidable power, making it even more difficult for survivors to escape their grasp. Strategic add-on selection, combined with clever patrol placement, separates a skilled Knight from a novice.
The Intricacies of Patrol Mechanics
The way the Guards move across the map is more complex than just following a straight path. The patrol pathing, the AI behavior and their reactions, and the total duration of a patrol are all critical elements of the Knight’s strategy.
Patrol Pathing
Guards don’t simply wander aimlessly; they utilize a pathing system to seek and engage survivors. When summoned, the Guard locks onto a specific target, such as a pallet or a generator. After interacting with that object, the guard will then set out along the designated patrol route. The selection of the patrol path can vary; however, there is typically a degree of randomness in play. The Guard will then move throughout the specified distance, patrolling from the original trigger object to any other areas in proximity. This “lock-on” mechanic, where the Guard’s attention is focused on a specific trigger, is the very essence of The Knight’s gameplay and the primary way that the killer uses their powers to exert pressure on the map.
Guard AI Behavior
The AI that governs the Guards is surprisingly nuanced. Their behavior is not completely predictable, adding a layer of complexity to the strategy of both sides. The Guards react differently depending on survivor actions. For example, if a survivor sprints directly into their path, the Guards will immediately begin a chase. If a survivor is hidden, the Guards will continue to search within the patrol zone, forcing the survivor into the open.
The Patrol’s Duration
The duration of a patrol isn’t fixed. It fluctuates depending on various circumstances. When a chase begins, the patrol duration is extended. If a survivor evades the chase, the Guard might remain in the area for a short time. Therefore, knowing the patrol’s length is an important way to avoid patrols. Using this knowledge, survivors can plan their actions accordingly. A good Killer will often modify their strategy based on how long the patrol continues and the outcomes of the chase.
Strategic Plays: The Knight’s Perspective
Mastering The Knight requires more than just summoning Guards; it calls for a deep understanding of patrol placement, add-on choices, and how to leverage the Guards’ abilities to achieve victory.
Utilizing Guard Speed
The Knight’s ability to use the Guards to their full advantage is critical. Intelligent Guard placement is vital. Rather than simply sending Guards out blindly, the Killer needs to strategize how to control the map, set up traps, and cut off escape routes. The Killer can use the Guards to block off loops, preventing survivors from easily outmaneuvering them. Placing Guards near generators will force survivors to deal with the pressure or risk being caught in the open. The Killer can also use the guards as part of a chase; once the chase begins, the other guards can be used to help the killer.
Patrol Placement
Knowing where to place the patrols is key. For example, a skilled Knight will anticipate survivor movements and place Guards strategically around commonly used loops. The Killer can set up patrols near generators, to prevent survivors from making progress. The most advantageous positions for the Guards will differ between each map, so the Killer should learn the layout of each map and how survivors use the map to their advantage.
Add-on Choices
Add-ons can dramatically amplify The Knight’s power. The Killer can enhance the speed, patrol duration, or the overall effectiveness of the Guards. The Killer can customize the type of guards that are active, and modify the actions of each guard. These can all be used together to create a very dangerous set of powers.
Strategic Plays: Surviving The Knight
Surviving against The Knight demands a proactive approach, requiring survivors to adapt, evade, and utilize their knowledge of patrol mechanics to survive.
Recognizing Guard Paths
One of the first steps to surviving against The Knight is recognizing the paths of the Guards. Survivors should pay close attention to how the Guards move across the map, what areas they patrol, and how long their patrols typically last. This can be done by watching the guards, or by learning how to use the killer’s power. A strong knowledge of the map layout and how the Killer plays will make it much easier to recognize patrol routes.
Countering Guard Behavior
Survivors need to learn how to deal with the Guards. If a chase begins, use the environment to your advantage. The Killer should expect survivors to use pallets to gain distance from the Killer. The Survivor should then bait the Guards into chasing, drawing them away from generators and other objectives. Survivors also have the option of simply evading the Guards. With a good use of line of sight, the survivor may be able to escape without any chase at all.
Map Awareness
Map awareness is crucial. Survivors need to be aware of their surroundings, anticipate patrol routes, and utilize escape routes. The Survivor should utilize hiding spots whenever they can. Hiding and dodging the patrols is often the best way to keep the pressure off of the team.
Conclusion: Mastering the Spectral Summons
The Knight’s Guards are the cornerstone of his power, and understanding their speed, patrol dynamics, and how they interact with the environment is crucial. Mastering this requires a blend of strategic play, anticipating survivor movements, and adapting to each trial’s unique circumstances. Whether playing as The Knight or surviving against him, the key to success is a deep comprehension of how the Guards move, hunt, and ultimately, control the battlefield. Understanding and adapting to the speed and patrol mechanics is the key to winning in Dead by Daylight.
Call to Action
Now that you’ve gained insight into the intricacies of The Knight and his Guards, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Try playing as The Knight, experiment with different strategies, and see how the Guards can shape your gameplay. Or, face The Knight in the Fog, analyze his tactics, and develop your own strategies to outsmart him. Share your experiences, tips, and tricks with the Dead by Daylight community. The game is constantly evolving, and the best players are those who learn and adapt. Happy hunting!
