The Ghoul - Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul - is Dead by Daylight’s tentacle-wielding killer who uses his Kagune to attack at range and dash at survivors. He unleashes his Kagune tentacles to hit survivors from a distance, performs Demon Dash lunges to close gaps, and absorbs energy from hooks to power up. The Ghoul excels at ranged attacks, mobility, and capitalizing on his Kagune’s versatility.
The Ghoul rewards good aim, dash timing, and understanding Kagune management. Let’s break down how to master him.
The Ghoul’s Power: Kagune
Ability: The Ghoul manifests his Kagune (red crystalline tentacles) to attack survivors at range and perform powerful dashes.
Kagune Manifestation (M2)
How it works:
- Press M2 to manifest your Kagune
- Four red tentacles extend from your back
- While manifested, you can use Kagune attacks
- Kagune has a power meter (depletes when attacking)
- Power meter recharges when not manifesting
Kagune meter:
- Full meter allows ~10 seconds of continuous Kagune use
- Using attacks depletes the meter
- Meter recharges when Kagune is not manifested
- Empty meter forces Kagune to demanifest
Key concept: Kagune is your attack tool. Manifest it to attack, demanifest to recharge.
Kagune Strike (M1 while Kagune manifested)
How it works:
- While Kagune is manifested, press M1 to attack
- Tentacles lash forward in a medium-range arc (~6 meters)
- Hitting a survivor damages them (injures or downs)
- Kagune attacks are FASTER than normal M1 attacks
- Can hit through some obstacles and over short loops
Kagune Strike details:
- Range: ~6 meters (longer than normal M1)
- Hit detection: Wide arc in front of you
- Can hit through dropped pallets
- Slightly faster than normal M1
Key concept: Kagune Strike is a ranged attack. Use it at loops to hit survivors over obstacles.
Demon Dash (Hold M2 while Kagune manifested)
How Demon Dash works:
- While Kagune is manifested, hold M2 to charge Demon Dash
- Charging takes ~1 second
- Release M2 to dash forward at high speed (~200% / 8.0 m/s)
- Dash lasts ~2 seconds or until you attack
- You can steer slightly during the dash
- Hitting a survivor during dash damages them
Demon Dash details:
- Extremely fast movement during dash
- Can be used to:
- Close distance quickly
- Dash through loops
- Hit survivors running away
- Limited steering (slight left/right turns)
- Depletes Kagune meter significantly
Key concept: Demon Dash closes gaps instantly. Use it to catch up to survivors or cross the map.
Absorption Mechanic
How Absorption works:
- When you hook a survivor, you can absorb from the hook
- Approach a hook with a survivor on it
- Press M2 to absorb
- Absorption grants bonuses:
- Kagune meter refills completely
- Kagune attacks gain increased range temporarily
- Movement speed increased slightly for 30 seconds
Absorption strategy:
- Absorb after every hook when possible
- Refills your Kagune power instantly
- Gives you temporary buffs
Key concept: Hooking survivors powers you up. Absorb from hooks for buffs.
Playing The Ghoul: The Strategy
The Ghoul’s gameplay loop is:
- Manifest Kagune when approaching survivors
- Use Kagune Strike at loops to hit through obstacles
- Use Demon Dash to close distance or cross map
- Hook survivors and absorb for power refill and buffs
- Repeat
Key concept: You’re using Kagune for ranged attacks and dashes, absorbing to refill power.
Kagune Strike Strategy
Kagune Strike is your anti-loop tool.
When to Use Kagune Strike
At loops:
- Survivors looping jungle gyms, LT-walls, short tiles
- Kagune Strike reaches over loops (~6 meters)
- Hit survivors through gaps in loops
At pallets:
- Survivors at dropped pallets
- Kagune Strike hits through the pallet
- Damage them without breaking pallet
At windows:
- Survivors vaulting windows
- Kagune Strike hits them during vault
In the open:
- Survivors running away
- Kagune Strike has longer range than M1
- Hit them from ~6 meters away
Kagune Strike Tips
Lead your attacks:
- Kagune Strike has a slight windup
- Aim where survivors WILL BE, not where they ARE
Hit through obstacles:
- Kagune Strike can hit through some low obstacles
- Use it at loops to bypass walls
Manage power meter:
- Each strike depletes your meter
- Don’t spam strikes continuously
- Demanifest to recharge when needed
Demon Dash Strategy
Demon Dash is your mobility and chase tool.
When to Use Demon Dash
Closing distance:
- Survivors running away in straight lines
- Dash to catch up instantly (200% speed)
Crossing the map:
- Use Demon Dash to travel between gens quickly
- Much faster than walking
At loops:
- Dash around loops to cut off survivors
- Forces them into bad positions
After hooks:
- Hook someone, absorb for full meter
- Demon Dash to opposite side of map
- Maximum pressure
Demon Dash Tips
Charge before pursuing:
- Start charging Demon Dash while chasing
- Release when you have line of sight
Steer carefully:
- You can turn slightly during dash
- Don’t dash into walls
Combine with Strike:
- Dash close to survivor
- Immediately Kagune Strike
- Quick damage
Watch meter:
- Demon Dash depletes meter significantly
- Make sure you have enough power before dashing
Absorption Strategy
Absorption refills your power and grants buffs.
When to Absorb
After every hook:
- Hook a survivor
- Immediately absorb from the hook
- Full Kagune meter + buffs
Before long chases:
- If you’re about to chase someone far away
- Absorb from a nearby hook first
- Full power for the chase
Before using Demon Dash:
- Demon Dash costs a lot of power
- Absorb first for full meter
- Dash across map with full power
Absorption Buffs
Full Kagune meter:
- Your power is instantly refilled
- Can use Kagune attacks and dashes immediately
Increased range:
- Kagune Strike range increases temporarily (~7-8 meters)
- Hit survivors from farther away
Movement speed:
- You move slightly faster for 30 seconds
- Easier to catch survivors
Key concept: Absorption is a huge power spike. Use it after every hook.
Early Game Strategy
The Ghoul’s early game is about using Kagune to get hits.
Opening sequence:
- Find survivors - Patrol gens
- Manifest Kagune - Prepare for chase
- Kagune Strike at loops - Hit through obstacles
- Hook and absorb - Refill power and gain buffs
- Demon Dash to next target - Fast map pressure
Goal: Get first hooks quickly with Kagune attacks, then absorb for power.
Mid-Game Strategy
Mid-game is where The Ghoul dominates with Kagune and Absorption.
Kagune spam:
- Use Kagune Strike at every loop
- Hit survivors through pallets and windows
- End chases quickly
Absorption buffs:
- After every hook, absorb
- Full power + buffs
- Chase is much stronger
Demon Dash pressure:
- Dash between gens
- Apply pressure across the map
Snowball potential:
- Absorption buffs make you stronger
- Each hook powers you up more
- Dominate late game
Endgame Strategy
The Ghoul is strong endgame with Kagune and Absorption buffs.
Kagune Strike at gates:
- Survivors opening gates
- Kagune Strike hits them from range
Demon Dash to gates:
- Dash between gates to check them
- Very fast mobility
Absorption power:
- If you have hooks, absorb for buffs
- Full power for endgame
Best Perks for The Ghoul
The Ghoul wants perks that capitalize on Kagune and absorption.
Top Tier Perks
Hex: Ruin - Gens not being repaired regress at 200% speed. The Ghoul applies pressure with Demon Dash, so Ruin gets value.
Barbecue & Chili (BBQ) - See survivors’ auras after hooking. Shows you where to Demon Dash next.
Corrupt Intervention - Blocks the 3 farthest gens for 120 seconds. Gives you time to use Kagune.
Save the Best for Last (STBFL) - Recover faster after basic attacks. The Ghoul benefits from STBFL with Kagune Strikes.
Strong Perks
Pop Goes the Weasel - After hooking, kick a gen to regress it by 30%. The Ghoul can Demon Dash to gens quickly.
Deadlock - Blocks the gen with most progress for 30 seconds when a gen completes. Buys you time.
Lethal Pursuer - See all survivors at the start for 9 seconds. Find them and use Kagune immediately.
Sloppy Butcher - Survivors heal slower. Keeps them injured longer.
Sample Builds
Slowdown Build (Best for The Ghoul):
- Hex: Ruin
- Corrupt Intervention
- Barbecue & Chili
- Deadlock
Chase Build:
- Save the Best for Last
- Barbecue & Chili
- Pop Goes the Weasel
- Lethal Pursuer
Beginner Build:
- Corrupt Intervention
- Barbecue & Chili
- Lethal Pursuer
- NOED
Best Add-Ons
The Ghoul’s add-ons modify Kagune range, Demon Dash speed, and Absorption buffs.
Top Tier Add-Ons
Iridescent Kagune (Pink - Ultra Rare) - Absorption grants Exposed status to all survivors for 45 seconds. One-hit downs after absorbing. VERY strong.
Crimson Scale (Purple - Very Rare) - Considerably increases Kagune Strike range. Much easier to hit survivors.
Black Reaper Mask (Purple - Very Rare) - Considerably increases Demon Dash speed. Extremely fast dashes.
Strong Add-Ons
Centipede Kagune (Green - Rare) - Moderately increases Kagune Strike range. Budget version of Crimson Scale.
Kakuja Form (Green - Rare) - Moderately increases Demon Dash speed. Budget version of Black Reaper Mask.
RC Cell Vial (Yellow - Uncommon) - Slightly increases Kagune meter recharge rate.
Quinque Steel (Yellow - Uncommon) - Slightly increases Absorption buff duration.
Avoid These Add-Ons
Damaged Kagune - Slightly reduces Kagune Strike range. You WANT more range, not less. Avoid.
Sample Add-On Combos
Exposed Build: Iridescent Kagune + Crimson Scale (Exposed after absorption + long range)
Range Build: Crimson Scale + Centipede Kagune (extremely long Kagune Strike range)
Speed Build: Black Reaper Mask + Kakuja Form (extremely fast Demon Dash)
Budget Build: Centipede Kagune + Kakuja Form (decent range + decent dash speed)
Playing Against Good Survivors
Good survivors make The Ghoul work harder.
They predrop pallets: Good for The Ghoul. Kagune Strike hits through pallets.
They hold W: Survivors running in straight lines. Counter with Demon Dash (200% speed).
They avoid hooks: Survivors stay away from hooks you can absorb from. Counter by hooking and absorbing immediately.
They split on gens: The Ghoul has good mobility with Demon Dash. Use it to patrol quickly.
They’re in a SWF: Comms let them coordinate. Counter by using Kagune pressure and Demon Dash mobility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not manifesting Kagune: Manifest Kagune in chases. Don’t chase with normal M1.
Depleting meter completely: Manage your meter. Don’t spam attacks until empty.
Not absorbing after hooks: Always absorb after hooking. It refills power and grants buffs.
Missing Kagune Strikes: Practice your aim. Lead your attacks.
Wasting Demon Dash: Don’t dash randomly. Use it to close distance or travel.
Not using Kagune Strike at pallets: Kagune hits through pallets. Always use it.
Ignoring Absorption buffs: Absorption gives you increased range and speed. Use it after every hook.
Map-Specific Tips
Indoor Maps (The Game, Lery’s, Midwich, RPD) - Strong for The Ghoul. Tight corridors make Kagune Strike deadly. Demon Dash works well indoors.
Open Maps (Coldwind, MacMillan, Autohaven) - Decent for The Ghoul. Kagune works at loops. Demon Dash covers open areas quickly.
Large Maps (Mother’s Dwelling, Red Forest) - Still good for The Ghoul. Demon Dash covers huge maps quickly.
Multi-Level Maps (The Game, Midwich) - Good for The Ghoul. Kagune works on all floors. Demon Dash travels between levels.
Why Play The Ghoul?
Pros:
- Ranged Kagune Strike (hits through pallets)
- Demon Dash mobility (200% speed)
- Absorption buffs after hooks
- Iconic Tokyo Ghoul character
- Strong anti-loop
- Good map pressure
Cons:
- Kagune meter management required
- Demon Dash depletes meter quickly
- Requires good aim
- 110% base speed (slow without Kagune)
- Absorption requires hooks
Advanced Tips
Kagune Strike at every pallet: Hits through pallets. Don’t break, just strike.
Absorption spam: Absorb after EVERY hook. Full power + buffs.
Demon Dash mobility: Use Demon Dash to cross map between gens. Maximum pressure.
Iridescent Kagune dominance: With Iridescent Kagune, Absorption gives Exposed. One-hit downs for 45 seconds.
Crimson Scale range: With Crimson Scale, Kagune Strike reaches 7-8 meters. Hit survivors from far away.
Black Reaper Mask speed: With Black Reaper Mask, Demon Dash is EXTREMELY fast. Catch survivors instantly.
Lead Kagune Strikes: Predict survivor movement. Aim where they’ll be.
Combine Dash + Strike: Demon Dash close to survivor, immediately Kagune Strike. Quick damage.
Manage meter carefully: Don’t spam until empty. Demanifest to recharge.
Learning Curve and Practice
The Ghoul has a moderate learning curve.
Hours 0-10: Learning Kagune timing. Understanding Demon Dash. Managing power meter.
Hours 10-30: Kagune Strike improving. Landing dashes consistently. Winning matches.
Hours 30-60: Comfortable with The Ghoul. Absorption buffs used effectively. Dominating most matches.
Hours 60+: Ghoul main. Perfect Kagune aim. Unstoppable with Absorption buffs.
Practice tips:
- Practice Kagune Strike aim (lead your shots)
- Use Demon Dash for mobility
- Absorb after every hook
- Manage power meter carefully
- Watch Tokyo Ghoul streamers
Final Thoughts
The Ghoul (Ken Kaneki) is one of Dead by Daylight’s most unique killers with his Kagune tentacles and Demon Dash. He rewards good aim, meter management, and capitalizing on Absorption buffs.
The Ghoul dominates with ranged Kagune attacks and fast Demon Dash mobility. Master your Kagune, absorb after every hook, and embrace the ghoul power.
Practice your strikes, dash strategically, and dominate with Kagune superiority.
Good luck, and may your Kagune always strike true.
Last Updated: Patch 9.3.0 - November 2025