The Cenobite - better known as Pinhead - is Dead by Daylight’s chain-wielding killer from Hellraiser. He uses Possessed Chains to injure survivors from range, and the Lament Configuration box to create Chain Hunts that pressure the entire team. Pinhead excels at map control, slowdown, and denying survivor actions.
Pinhead is one of the most complex killers in the game with a high skill ceiling. He rewards smart box control, good chain aim, and understanding when to commit to chases vs when to pressure the box. Let’s break down how to play him effectively.
The Cenobite’s Power: Summons of Pain
The Cenobite has two main abilities: Possessed Chain (ranged attack) and Lament Configuration (box mechanics).
Possessed Chain (M2)
What it does: Pinhead shoots a chain projectile that binds survivors and slows them down.
How it works:
- Hold M2 to aim (you enter aim mode, move slower)
- Release M2 to shoot a chain in a straight line
- If the chain hits a survivor, they’re bound by chains
- Chains slow survivors and block actions (vaulting, dropping pallets, healing)
- Survivors must break free by looking around and breaking chains (takes ~3 seconds)
- Chains can be broken by environment (hitting walls, objects)
- You can shoot up to 3 chains at a survivor before they break free
Key uses:
- Stopping survivors at loops
- Preventing pallet drops and window vaults
- Slowing survivors in chases
- Zoning survivors into bad positions
- Interrupting actions (healing, gen repairs, etc.)
Key concept: Possessed Chain is a zoning and chase tool. Use it to deny survivor actions and force hits.
Lament Configuration (The Box)
What it does: A box spawns on the map. If survivors don’t solve it within ~45 seconds, a Chain Hunt begins that chains all survivors automatically.
How it works:
- The Lament Configuration box spawns at a random location on the map
- A white aura shows the box’s location (only visible to Pinhead after 15 seconds)
- Survivors can pick up the box and solve it (takes 6 seconds)
- If the box isn’t solved within ~45 seconds, a Chain Hunt begins
- During Chain Hunt, chains automatically spawn and attack all survivors constantly
- Chain Hunt ends when a survivor solves the box
- When a survivor solves the box, Pinhead gets a sound notification and can teleport to them
Chain Hunt:
- Chains spawn constantly and attack all survivors
- Survivors are slowed, hindered, and can’t do actions efficiently
- Chains break on environment, but new chains spawn immediately
- Survivors MUST solve the box to end Chain Hunt
- Chain Hunt is EXTREMELY oppressive
Teleporting to box solver:
- When a survivor solves the box, Pinhead can press M2 to teleport to them
- You appear within ~16 meters of the box solver
- You have a brief moment to hit them before they can react
Key concept: The box is Pinhead’s slowdown tool. Survivors waste time solving it, or Chain Hunt forces them off gens entirely.
Box Mechanics Explained
Understanding the box is critical to playing Pinhead effectively.
Box Spawn and Timer
- The box spawns at a random location at the start of the match
- After 15 seconds, Pinhead can see the box’s aura (white)
- Survivors can see the box’s aura immediately if they’re within 32 meters of it
- The box has a timer (~45 seconds) before Chain Hunt begins
- Picking up the box pauses the timer temporarily, but the timer resumes if the survivor stops solving
- Solving the box takes 6 seconds and resets the timer
Chain Hunt
Chain Hunt is Pinhead’s most powerful mechanic.
What Chain Hunt does:
- Chains automatically spawn and attack ALL survivors every few seconds
- Chains slow survivors, break their actions, and hinder movement
- Chains must be broken by survivors (waste time)
- New chains spawn immediately after being broken
- Survivors can’t do gens, heal, or repair efficiently
- Chain Hunt continues until someone solves the box
Why Chain Hunt is strong:
- Massive slowdown - survivors can’t do objectives
- Applies pressure to the ENTIRE team at once
- Forces survivors to drop everything and solve the box
- You can pressure survivors while Chain Hunt is active
How to trigger Chain Hunt:
- Let the box timer run out (don’t let survivors solve it)
- Down the survivor holding the box (this triggers Chain Hunt immediately)
Box Control Strategy
Protecting the box is Pinhead’s core strategy.
When you see the box aura:
- Note its location
- Patrol toward it
- If a survivor picks it up, chase them
- Down them before they solve it (triggers Chain Hunt)
- Or teleport to them when they solve it
When to let survivors solve the box:
- You’re in a good chase and about to down someone
- You’re far from the box and can’t reach it in time
- You want to teleport for a free hit (let them solve, then teleport)
When to protect the box:
- Chain Hunt is about to start (let it start for massive pressure)
- You can reach the box solver before they finish
- You want to deny the solve and keep timer pressure
Possessed Chain Strategy
Possessed Chain is Pinhead’s chase tool. Use it to deny loops and force hits.
When to Use Chains
At loops:
- Survivor is running around a jungle gym or short loop
- Shoot a chain to slow them down
- Follow up with M1 for a hit
At pallets:
- Survivor is running to a pallet
- Shoot a chain to prevent them from dropping it
- They’re forced to keep running (no pallet drop)
At windows:
- Survivor is running to a window
- Shoot a chain to prevent them from vaulting
- They’re stuck in the loop with no escape
In the open:
- Survivor is running in a straight line
- Shoot chains to slow them down
- Close distance and M1
Interrupting actions:
- Survivors healing, repairing, or cleansing totems
- Shoot a chain to interrupt them
- They have to break the chain and restart the action
Chain Shooting Tips
Lead your shots: Chains have travel time. Aim where survivors WILL be, not where they ARE.
Shoot multiple chains: You can shoot 3 chains total before survivors break free. Shoot 2-3 chains to maximize slowdown.
Use environment to your advantage: Chains break on walls, but survivors have to break them manually in open areas.
Fake chain shots: Aim to charge a chain, survivors dodge, you cancel and M1 them.
Chain at pallet drops: Shoot a chain RIGHT as they’re about to drop a pallet. They can’t drop it and are forced to leave the loop.
Early Game Strategy
Pinhead’s early game is about finding survivors and managing the box.
Opening sequence:
- Patrol gens - Find survivors quickly
- Note the box location - After 15 seconds, you see the box aura
- Chase normally - Use Possessed Chains at loops
- Watch for box pickup - If someone picks up the box, decide: commit to chase or protect box?
- Trigger Chain Hunt if possible - Down the box holder or let timer run out
Goal: Get Chain Hunt active as quickly as possible. Chain Hunt is your strongest tool for slowdown.
Mid-Game Strategy
Mid-game is where Pinhead shines with Chain Hunt pressure.
Chain Hunt management:
- Let Chain Hunt run as long as possible
- Pressure survivors while they’re chained
- Survivors are forced to solve the box or be unable to do gens
Box control:
- When a survivor picks up the box, patrol toward them
- Down them before they solve it (keeps Chain Hunt active)
- Or let them solve and teleport for a free hit
Chain usage:
- Use Possessed Chains liberally in chases
- Chain survivors at loops to force hits
- Interrupt heals and gen repairs with chains
Snowball potential:
- Chain Hunt applies pressure to the entire team
- Down survivors while they’re dealing with chains
- Chain multiple downs together
Endgame Strategy
Pinhead is decent endgame with chains and box pressure.
Box at exit gates:
- If Chain Hunt is active endgame, survivors struggle to open gates
- Chains interrupt gate opening constantly
Chain survivors at gates:
- Use Possessed Chains to slow survivors opening gates
- Interrupt the action repeatedly
Teleport plays:
- If a survivor solves the box endgame, teleport to them
- Free hit and potential down
NOED synergy:
- If you run NOED, Pinhead becomes terrifying endgame
- One hit downs + chains = unstoppable
Best Perks for Pinhead
Pinhead wants perks that help him slow gens, track survivors, and capitalize on his box pressure.
Top Tier Perks
Hex: Plaything - Each survivor you hook gets their own Hex totem. They’re Oblivious (can’t hear Terror Radius) and Cursed until they cleanse it. Forces survivors to waste time cleansing totems. Synergizes with Pinhead’s slowdown.
Hex: Pentimento - When survivors cleanse totems, you can rekindle them for powerful effects (gen slowdown, healing slowdown, etc.). Pairs perfectly with Plaything.
Deadlock - Blocks the gen with most progress for 30 seconds when a gen completes. Buys you time to pressure other areas and manage the box.
Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance - Hooking on scourge hooks regresses the gen with most progress. Strong slowdown for Pinhead.
Strong Perks
Hoarder - Get notified when survivors pick up items (including the box). Shows you exactly when someone picks up the box. VERY strong on Pinhead.
Lethal Pursuer - See all survivors at the start for 9 seconds. Find your first chase quickly and start box pressure.
Corrupt Intervention - Blocks the 3 farthest gens for 120 seconds. Gives you time to get Chain Hunt active.
Hex: Ruin - Gens not being repaired regress at 200% speed. Pinhead applies pressure well with Chain Hunt, so Ruin gets value.
Pop Goes the Weasel - After hooking, kick a gen to regress it by 30%. Reliable slowdown.
Barbecue & Chili (BBQ) - See survivors’ auras after hooking. Shows you where to patrol and where the box is being solved.
Sample Builds
Hex Build (Best for Pinhead):
- Hex: Plaything
- Hex: Pentimento
- Deadlock
- Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance
Box Control Build:
- Hoarder
- Deadlock
- Hex: Ruin
- Lethal Pursuer
Slowdown Build:
- Hex: Ruin
- Pop Goes the Weasel
- Deadlock
- Corrupt Intervention
Beginner Build:
- Hoarder
- Corrupt Intervention
- Barbecue & Chili
- NOED
Best Add-Ons
Pinhead’s add-ons modify his chains, box mechanics, and Chain Hunt.
Top Tier Add-Ons
Iridescent Lament Configuration (Pink - Ultra Rare) - Survivors who solve the box become Exposed for 30 seconds. Lets you teleport and one-shot them. Extremely strong.
Engineer’s Fang (Pink - Ultra Rare) - Survivors hit by Possessed Chains are injured. Makes chains deal damage instead of just slowing. VERY strong for chases.
Impaling Wire (Purple - Very Rare) - Chains inflict Mangled and Hemorrhage. Survivors heal slower and leave more blood.
Original Pain (Purple - Very Rare) - Increases chain duration considerably. Chains last longer, giving you more time to close distance.
Strong Add-Ons
Larry’s Remains (Green - Rare) - Survivors solving the box are Oblivious for 30 seconds. Makes it easier to catch them after teleporting.
Chatterer’s Tooth (Green - Rare) - Reduces Chain Hunt chain spawn interval. Chains spawn more frequently during Chain Hunt. More oppressive.
Bentwood Box (Yellow - Uncommon) - Slightly increases chain duration. Budget version of Original Pain.
Flickering Television (Yellow - Uncommon) - Reveals survivors’ auras within 16 meters when they pick up the box. Helps you track box holders.
Avoid These Add-Ons
Lament Configuration (Brown - Common) - Slightly increases box solving time. Effect is too minor to matter.
Ominous Seal - Slightly increases Chain Hunt chain spawn time. You WANT chains to spawn faster, not slower. Avoid.
Sample Add-On Combos
Exposed Build: Iridescent Lament Configuration + Original Pain (Exposed on solve + longer chains)
Damage Build: Engineer’s Fang + Impaling Wire (chains injure + Mangled)
Chain Hunt Build: Chatterer’s Tooth + Original Pain (faster chain spawns + longer chains)
Budget Build: Bentwood Box + Flickering Television (longer chains + box tracking)
Playing Against Good Survivors
Good survivors make Pinhead work harder, but he’s still strong with the right adjustments.
They solve the box quickly: Some survivors prioritize the box and solve it before Chain Hunt starts. That’s fine - they’re wasting time and you can teleport for a free hit.
They dodge your chains: Good survivors juke chains. Lead your shots better and mix in M1 attacks.
They drop the box in corners: Some survivors pick up the box and drop it in corners to deny you Chain Hunt. Patrol toward the box and pick it up yourself (yes, you can pick it up).
They chain break efficiently: Survivors who break chains quickly minimize Chain Hunt pressure. Down them while they’re breaking chains.
They split on gens during Chain Hunt: Even during Chain Hunt, coordinated teams can power through gens. Pressure hard and use chains to interrupt repairs.
They’re in a SWF: Comms let them coordinate box solving and chain breaking. Counter by protecting the box and triggering Chain Hunt early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not protecting the box: The box is your strongest tool. Don’t ignore it. Patrol toward box solvers.
Missing chain shots: Practice your aim. Chains are harder to land than other ranged attacks.
Always teleporting to box solvers: Sometimes it’s better to let them solve and patrol gens. Don’t autopilot teleport every time.
Not using Chain Hunt: Some Pinhead players never let Chain Hunt start. Chain Hunt is EXTREMELY strong. Let it happen.
Chaining in the open: Chains are weaker in open areas (survivors break them easily). Use chains at loops and obstacles.
Not using M1: Pinhead has a basic attack. Don’t only rely on chains. M1 when appropriate.
Camping the box: Don’t stand on the box. Patrol toward it, but don’t camp it. You need to apply gen pressure too.
Map-Specific Tips
Indoor Maps (The Game, Lery’s, Midwich, RPD) - Strong for Pinhead. Tight corridors make chains harder to break. Box is harder to find. Chain Hunt is oppressive.
Open Maps (Coldwind, MacMillan, Autohaven) - Decent for Pinhead. Chains break more easily in open areas. Focus on box control and Chain Hunt.
Large Maps (Mother’s Dwelling, Red Forest) - Rough for Pinhead. Huge maps mean harder box control. Run slowdown perks.
Multi-Level Maps (The Game, Midwich) - Good for Pinhead. Box can spawn on different floors. Chain Hunt is strong on multiple levels.
Corn Maps (Coldwind Farm) - Mixed. Corn blocks vision but doesn’t break chains. Chains work through corn.
Why Play Pinhead?
Pros:
- Built-in slowdown (Chain Hunt)
- Map-wide pressure (Chain Hunt affects all survivors)
- Ranged attack (Possessed Chains)
- Teleport ability (to box solvers)
- Strong anti-loop (chains deny vaults and pallets)
- High skill ceiling
- Unique and fun playstyle
Cons:
- High skill floor (hard to learn)
- Chains can be broken by environment
- Survivors can solve box before Chain Hunt starts
- Requires good aim and box management
- Weak if survivors prioritize box
- Complex power with multiple mechanics
Advanced Tips
Pick up the box yourself: If a survivor drops the box, you can pick it up and carry it. This denies survivors from solving it. Drop the box in a corner to protect it.
Chain during box solving: If a survivor is solving the box, shoot chains at them to interrupt. They have to start over.
Chain Hunt + hook camping: If Chain Hunt is active and someone’s hooked, survivors struggle to save efficiently. Chains interrupt unhooks.
Fake teleports: When someone solves the box, DON’T teleport. Survivors expect you to teleport and play scared. Stay on gens and pressure.
Chain at unhooks: Shoot chains at survivors unhooking. Interrupt the unhook or slow the rescuer.
Use box aura to track survivors: When you see someone pick up the box, you know their general area. Use this to patrol efficiently.
Chain Hunt timing: If you’re about to hook someone and Chain Hunt is about to start, wait. Hook them AFTER Chain Hunt starts for maximum pressure.
Environment chains: Shoot chains so they wrap around objects. This makes them harder to break.
Final Thoughts
The Cenobite is one of Dead by Daylight’s most complex and rewarding killers. He combines ranged attacks, map-wide pressure, and slowdown into a unique and oppressive playstyle.
Pinhead rewards smart box management, good chain aim, and understanding when to commit to chases vs when to protect the box. Master these and you’ll dominate matches.
Practice your chain shots, learn to control the box, and embrace Chain Hunt. Pinhead has a steep learning curve, but once you understand him, he’s incredibly satisfying and strong.
Good luck, and may your chains always bind your victims.
Last Updated: Patch 9.3.0 - November 2025