PTB suggestion – Experimental rework for Invocations (Weaving Spiders) and interest from a niche com
Hello,
I’m writing this post not to ask for a direct buff or an immediate change, but to suggest a limited PTB experiment around Invocations, and more specifically Weaving Spiders.
The goal is not to make Invocations meta, but to explore whether a clearer and more decision-based risk/reward structure could allow this type of gameplay to exist without negatively impacting game balance.
Why this topic?
There is a real niche within the community that genuinely enjoys:
Invocations
Boons
and, more broadly, perks with a strong identity and high risk / high reward gameplay
These players are not necessarily looking for optimal meta efficiency, but for meaningful strategic choices, clear sacrifices, and mechanics that create memorable moments.
At the moment, Invocations are very rarely used, not because of a lack of interest, but because:
their cost is extremely punishing
their activation conditions are very rigid
and their drawback is permanent, even after a successful activation
This makes it feel like ritual-based gameplay has been sidelined, despite the fact that a portion of the community is still very attached to it (similarly to how Boons were received early on, despite their initial issues).
Proposal: targeted PTB test (Weaving Spiders)
I would like to suggest a purely experimental PTB test, with no commitment for live release, using the following parameters:
1. Activation
10 seconds to activate
Cannot be activated while injured
Fixed and identifiable location (basement / visible circle)
Clear notification for both killer and survivors
Usable only once per match
2. Bonus (unchanged)
All generators require 10 fewer charges to be completed
(The bonus is intentionally strong, which is why the cost must be clear and meaningful.)
3. Drawback
The invoker immediately have 1 hook state
Removal of permanent Broken
No full progress reset that feels overly punishing
The player consciously chooses to pay a heavy cost for a strong macro reward.
This is a deliberate strategic decision, not a hidden trap.
Why a PTB makes sense here
A PTB test would allow the team to answer very concrete questions:
Would players actually use Invocations if the cost is clear and voluntary?
At what point in the match would it be activated (early / mid / late)?
Would killers perceive the trade as understandable rather than frustrating?
Would the mechanic remain niche without becoming oppressive?
Even if the conclusion is that it doesn’t work, the PTB would still provide valuable data on a gameplay system that is currently almost unused.
Conclusion
Invocations (like Boons at their introduction) have a strong identity, but currently lack a healthy risk/reward framework.
A limited PTB test could help determine whether this kind of gameplay can exist without becoming meta, while still respecting the pacing of Dead by Daylight.
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
and thank you for continuing to consider structured community feedback.
Comments
I'm afraid the Weaving Spider isn't the invocation that needs huge buffs. Surely it's not meta but treacherous crows is literally perk to troll team
This isn't an upgrade; it's a proposal to rework the summoning system. It's an interesting gameplay mechanic, but underutilized and poorly balanced. The goal is for this system to apply to all summons, as there are people who enjoy its perks and use them. There's a clear balancing issue, and I'm proposing a solution. However, it's true that Tricherous Crow really needs it more.
I'd like to see treacherous crows reworked as well, but do think the suggestion on this post is interesting/worth testing out.