The Xenomorph - the iconic Alien - is Dead by Daylight’s tunnel-traversing killer who uses underground tunnel networks to travel across the map and enters Crawler Mode for enhanced chasing abilities. It can use its tail attack to hit survivors from range and must manage Control Station turrets that survivors place to slow it down. The Xenomorph excels at map pressure, anti-loop, and surprise attacks from tunnels.
Xenomorph rewards tunnel management, tail attack precision, and knowing when to use Crawler Mode. Let’s break down how to master it.
The Xenomorph’s Power: The Perfect Organism
Ability: The Xenomorph has three main mechanics - Tunnel Network travel, Crawler Mode, and tail attacks.
Tunnel Network (M2 near tunnels)
How it works:
- Tunnels spawn around the map (10+ tunnel entrances)
- All tunnels are connected underground
- Press M2 near a tunnel entrance to enter the tunnel
- While underground, you can see all tunnel exits
- Select an exit and emerge from it
- You emerge in Crawler Mode
Tunnel details:
- Traveling through tunnels is FAST (~2 seconds to cross map)
- You can see survivors’ auras above ground while in tunnels (if they’re near tunnel exits)
- Survivors can see tunnel entrances (they glow)
- Tunnels provide map-wide mobility
Key concept: Tunnels give you incredible map pressure. Travel across the map instantly.
Crawler Mode (Enhanced State)
How Crawler Mode works:
- You automatically enter Crawler Mode when emerging from tunnels
- You can manually activate Crawler Mode by holding M2 (no tunnel required)
- In Crawler Mode:
- You move slightly faster
- You can use Tail Attack (ranged attack)
- You see scratch marks and blood more clearly
- You make different sounds (hissing)
Exiting Crawler Mode:
- Missing a Tail Attack exits Crawler Mode
- Getting stunned by a Control Station turret exits Crawler Mode
- Manually canceling exits Crawler Mode
- Attacking with M1 exits Crawler Mode (after the attack)
Key concept: Crawler Mode is your chase power. Use it for tail attacks and enhanced tracking.
Tail Attack (M2 in Crawler Mode)
How it works:
- While in Crawler Mode, press M2 to perform a Tail Attack
- Your tail swings forward in a long-range arc
- Range: ~6 meters
- Hitting a survivor damages them (injures or downs)
- Missing exits Crawler Mode immediately
Tail Attack details:
- Can hit through dropped pallets
- Can hit through some small obstacles
- Has a windup time (~0.5 seconds)
- Missing is VERY punishing (exits Crawler Mode)
Key concept: Tail Attack is a ranged attack that hits through pallets. Don’t miss.
Control Station Turrets (Survivor Counterplay)
Survivors can place Control Station turrets to counter the Xenomorph.
How turrets work:
- Control Stations spawn around the map (4 total)
- Survivors can take turrets from stations
- Survivors place turrets on the ground
- Turrets detect the Xenomorph within 5 meters
- When detected, turrets FLAME you (damage you)
- Flame damage removes Crawler Mode
- You can destroy turrets with M1
Turret mechanics:
- Each station has 1 turret
- Stations recharge turrets after 45 seconds
- Turrets have limited range (5 meters)
- Turrets must “see” you (line of sight)
How to counter turrets:
- Destroy turrets when you see them
- Approach turrets from behind (they have blind spots)
- Use M1 to destroy them (don’t waste Tail Attack)
- Some add-ons help counter turrets
Key concept: Turrets remove Crawler Mode. Destroy them or avoid them.
Playing Xenomorph: The Strategy
Xenomorph’s gameplay loop is:
- Enter tunnels for map pressure
- Emerge near survivors in Crawler Mode
- Use Tail Attack to hit survivors at loops
- Destroy turrets that survivors place
- Travel through tunnels constantly
- Repeat
Key concept: You’re constantly traveling through tunnels and using Crawler Mode for chases.
Tunnel Network Strategy
Tunnel travel is Xenomorph’s map pressure tool.
When to Use Tunnels
To pressure distant gens:
- Enter tunnels
- Travel to a tunnel near a gen with progress
- Emerge in Crawler Mode and attack survivors
After hooking:
- Hook someone
- Enter tunnels
- Travel to opposite side of map
- Pressure distant gens
To surprise survivors:
- Survivors don’t always see you enter tunnels
- Emerge near them unexpectedly
- Attack in Crawler Mode
To check multiple areas quickly:
- Enter tunnels
- Check multiple tunnel exits for survivor auras
- Emerge where survivors are
When NOT to Use Tunnels
Mid-chase when you’re about to hit:
- Don’t enter tunnels if you’re about to down someone
- Finish the chase first
When survivors are right next to you:
- Entering tunnels takes time
- Just chase normally
When turrets are near tunnel exits:
- Turrets near exits will flame you immediately
- Destroy turrets first, then use tunnels
Crawler Mode Strategy
Crawler Mode is Xenomorph’s chase power.
When to Activate Crawler Mode
At loops:
- Activate Crawler Mode when chasing at loops
- Use Tail Attack to hit through pallets
After emerging from tunnels:
- You’re automatically in Crawler Mode
- Use it to chase survivors immediately
When tracking injured survivors:
- Crawler Mode shows blood and scratch marks more clearly
- Use it to track survivors
Tail Attack Usage
At pallets:
- Survivors at dropped pallets
- Use Tail Attack to hit through the pallet
- This is Xenomorph’s primary anti-loop
At windows:
- Survivors vaulting windows
- Use Tail Attack during their vault animation
- Hit them mid-vault
In the open:
- Survivors running in straight lines
- Use Tail Attack for range
When to NOT use Tail Attack:
- When you’re not confident you’ll hit (missing exits Crawler Mode)
- When M1 is faster (survivor right next to you)
Early Game Strategy
Xenomorph’s early game is about using tunnels to find survivors.
Opening sequence:
- Enter tunnels - Travel underground
- Check tunnel exits - Look for survivor auras
- Emerge near survivors - Exit in Crawler Mode
- Tail Attack - Hit them at loops
- Travel through tunnels - Pressure multiple gens
Goal: Use tunnels to find and hit survivors quickly. Build pressure.
Mid-Game Strategy
Mid-game is where Xenomorph dominates with tunnel pressure.
Tunnel spam:
- Enter tunnels constantly
- Travel between gens
- Emerge and attack survivors everywhere
Crawler Mode chases:
- Chase survivors in Crawler Mode
- Use Tail Attack at pallets
- Don’t miss (missing exits Crawler Mode)
Turret management:
- Destroy turrets survivors place
- Clear turrets before using tunnels nearby
Snowball potential:
- Xenomorph can pressure multiple areas quickly with tunnels
- Get downs across the map
Endgame Strategy
Xenomorph is strong endgame with tunnel pressure.
Tunnels to exit gates:
- Travel through tunnels to check both gates
- Emerge in Crawler Mode and attack
Tail Attack at gates:
- Survivors opening gates are stationary
- Easy Tail Attack hits
Control Station turrets endgame:
- Destroy any turrets near gates
- Don’t let turrets stop your Crawler Mode
Best Perks for Xenomorph
Xenomorph wants perks that help capitalize on tunnel pressure and Tail Attacks.
Top Tier Perks
Hex: Ruin - Gens not being repaired regress at 200% speed. Xenomorph applies massive pressure with tunnels, so Ruin gets insane value.
Lethal Pursuer - See all survivors at the start for 9 seconds. Find them immediately and tunnel to their location.
Barbecue & Chili (BBQ) - See survivors’ auras after hooking. Shows you where to tunnel next.
Corrupt Intervention - Blocks the 3 farthest gens for 120 seconds. Gives you time to use tunnels and find survivors.
Strong Perks
Pop Goes the Weasel - After hooking, kick a gen to regress it by 30%. Xenomorph can tunnel to gens and kick them.
Deadlock - Blocks the gen with most progress for 30 seconds when a gen completes. Buys you time.
Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance - Hooking on scourge hooks regresses the gen with most progress.
Sloppy Butcher - Survivors heal slower. Keeps them injured longer.
Ultimate Weapon - Survivors within 16 meters scream when you open a locker. Xenomorph can use this with tunnel exits. This is Xenomorph’s teachable perk.
Sample Builds
Slowdown Build (Best for Xenomorph):
- Hex: Ruin
- Corrupt Intervention
- Deadlock
- Lethal Pursuer
Information Build:
- Lethal Pursuer
- Barbecue & Chili
- Ultimate Weapon
- Pop Goes the Weasel
Beginner Build:
- Corrupt Intervention
- Lethal Pursuer
- Barbecue & Chili
- NOED
Best Add-Ons
Xenomorph’s add-ons modify tunnel speed, Crawler Mode, Tail Attack, and turret interactions.
Top Tier Add-Ons
Alien Instinct (Pink - Ultra Rare) - Survivors within 6 meters of tunnel entrances have their auras revealed. You always know when survivors are near tunnels. VERY strong for tunnel ambushes.
Shard of Glass (Purple - Very Rare) - Considerably reduces Crawler Mode activation time. Enter Crawler Mode much faster.
M41A Ammunition (Purple - Very Rare) - Considerably increases Tail Attack range (from 6 meters to ~8 meters). Easier to land hits.
Facial Trauma (Pink - Ultra Rare) - Survivors hit by Tail Attack are Oblivious for 60 seconds. They can’t hear your Terror Radius.
Strong Add-Ons
Alien Saliva (Green - Rare) - Moderately increases Tail Attack range. Budget version of M41A Ammunition.
Peacock Feather (Green - Rare) - Moderately reduces tunnel travel time. Faster map mobility.
Severed Limb (Yellow - Uncommon) - Slightly increases Tail Attack range.
Drake Crest (Yellow - Uncommon) - Slightly reduces tunnel travel time.
Avoid These Add-Ons
Molted Skin - Slightly reduces Crawler Mode movement speed. You WANT to be faster, not slower. Avoid.
Sample Add-On Combos
Tunnel Ambush Build: Alien Instinct + Peacock Feather (see survivors near tunnels + fast travel)
Range Build: M41A Ammunition + Alien Saliva (very long Tail Attack range)
Speed Build: Shard of Glass + Peacock Feather (fast Crawler Mode + fast tunnels)
Budget Build: Alien Saliva + Drake Crest (decent range + decent tunnel speed)
Playing Against Good Survivors
Good survivors make Xenomorph work harder.
They place turrets everywhere: Turrets remove Crawler Mode. Counter by destroying turrets and approaching from blind spots.
They predrop pallets: Good. Use Tail Attack to hit through dropped pallets.
They avoid tunnel areas: Survivors stay away from tunnel entrances. Counter by emerging unpredictably.
They bait Tail Attacks: Survivors juke to make you miss. Counter by being patient with Tail Attacks.
They’re in a SWF: Comms let them coordinate turret placements. Counter by destroying turrets aggressively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing Tail Attacks: Missing exits Crawler Mode. Only use Tail Attack when confident.
Not using tunnels enough: Tunnels are your map pressure. Use them constantly.
Ignoring turrets: Turrets remove Crawler Mode. Destroy them when you see them.
Entering Crawler Mode unnecessarily: Crawler Mode is for chases. Don’t activate it randomly.
Not checking tunnel exits for auras: You can see survivors near tunnel exits. Use this to find them.
Wasting time underground: Don’t spend too long in tunnels. Travel and emerge quickly.
Using Tail Attack at point-blank range: M1 is faster when survivors are right next to you.
Map-Specific Tips
Indoor Maps (The Game, Lery’s, Midwich, RPD) - VERY strong for Xenomorph. Tunnels work perfectly indoors. Tail Attack is deadly in tight corridors.
Open Maps (Coldwind, MacMillan, Autohaven) - Decent for Xenomorph. Tunnels provide excellent mobility. Tail Attack works at loops.
Large Maps (Mother’s Dwelling, Red Forest) - Still strong for Xenomorph. Tunnels cover huge maps instantly.
Multi-Level Maps (The Game, Midwich) - Great for Xenomorph. Tunnels connect all floors. Emerge on any level.
Why Play Xenomorph?
Pros:
- Excellent map pressure (tunnel network)
- Strong anti-loop (Tail Attack through pallets)
- Iconic Alien aesthetic
- Crawler Mode is satisfying
- Good on most maps
- Unique tunnel gameplay
Cons:
- Countered by turrets
- Missing Tail Attack is very punishing
- Requires good aim
- Turret placement can be frustrating
- Some survivors find turrets tedious
Advanced Tips
Tunnel spam: Enter tunnels constantly. Maximum map pressure.
Tail Attack at pallets: Primary anti-loop. Hit through dropped pallets.
Destroy turrets aggressively: Don’t let turrets stop your Crawler Mode.
Approach turrets from behind: Turrets have blind spots. Use them.
Alien Instinct dominance: With Alien Instinct, you always know when survivors are near tunnels. Ambush them.
Crawler Mode patience: Don’t miss Tail Attacks. Be patient and aim carefully.
Tunnel exit mind games: Check multiple tunnel exits, emerge unpredictably.
Track in Crawler Mode: Blood and scratch marks are clearer. Use for tracking injured survivors.
M41A Ammunition range: With range add-ons, Tail Attack is VERY long. Hit survivors from far away.
Learning Curve and Practice
Xenomorph has a moderate learning curve.
Hours 0-10: Learning tunnel system. Understanding Crawler Mode. Missing Tail Attacks.
Hours 10-30: Tunnel travel improving. Landing some Tail Attacks. Winning matches.
Hours 30-60: Comfortable with Xenomorph. Tail Attacks landing consistently. Dominating most matches.
Hours 60+: Xenomorph main. Perfect tunnel usage. Unstoppable Tail Attacks.
Practice tips:
- Use tunnels constantly (map pressure)
- Practice Tail Attack aim (don’t miss)
- Destroy turrets when you see them
- Learn tunnel locations on each map
- Watch Xenomorph streamers (Otzdarva)
Final Thoughts
The Xenomorph is one of Dead by Daylight’s most unique killers with its tunnel network and Crawler Mode. It rewards map knowledge, Tail Attack precision, and strategic tunnel usage.
Xenomorph dominates with tunnel mobility and anti-loop Tail Attacks. Master the tunnel network, land your Tail Attacks, and embrace the Alien hunt.
Practice your aim, travel constantly, and dominate with the perfect organism.
Good luck, and may your hunts be successful.
Last Updated: Patch 9.3.0 - November 2025