The Cannibal Rework Concept (Updated)
Introduction
I'm Leatherbilly, and I have 1,000 hours on Dead By Daylight; since virtually the beginning, I've mained the Cannibal. I am the owner of the Basement Discord for Leatherface mains, and I have the extensive experience necessary to elucidate the problems with this killer's performance.
Leatherface is an incredibly predictable killer as well as in impotent one; if he revs up, he can't catch up to you, and you can simply continue to loop him with impunity, even around simple large props with no pallets. He can't really get a diversity in threat, considering he's a human with a chainsaw, constraining his design space.
The solution I came up with is to keep survivors off-guard about specifically which build he is utilizing; instant revving? Movement speed? Pure pallet breaking utility? By introducing ambiguity to where his power lies in a given trial, perfectly optimal play becomes less possible, particularly if he does not tunnel one survivor. Importantly, this will NOT substantially affect low tier play, the one place Leatherface isn't under-performing, as they scarcely exploit his design's holes regardless.
Furthermore, a handful of baseline buffs facilitate the use of his chainsaw in such a way that he is not permanently outrun, and the frustrating and often glitchy Tantrum mechanic has been polished into a more source-material-friendly design. Instant rev-downs facilitate mind games which will again not impact lower level play, concentrating the buffs to higher level play where it's most needed.
Finally, his add-ons have been standardized to the conventions that BHVR has established with recent rework to promote a seamless integration into the game.
BASELINE CHANGES:
- Revving down the chainsaw (cancelling the charge-up) is now nearly instant
- Slightly increases the Chainsaw's movement speed
- The Cannibal no longer tantrums from touching a wall; instead, he tantrums at the end of his Chainsaw attack if he fails to hit a valid target (At least one survivor or pallet)
ADD-ON CHANGES
COMMON
Spark Plug: (Unchanged)
Worn Switch: An old tree branch used for violent reprimand. Slightly increases the Chainsaw's movement speed. Slightly increases the Chainsaw's charge time.
Chainsaw File: Slightly reduces the noise made by the Chainsaw. Slightly reduces the Cannibal’s terror radius.
Speed Limiter: Chainsaw does not automatically trigger the Dying State. Chainsaw attacks apply Deep Wounds. Get 50 % more Bloodpoints for Chainsaw Score Events in the Deviousness Category.
UNCOMMON
Primer Bulb: (Unchanged)
Knife Scratches: Slightly increases the Chainsaw's movement speed. Slightly increases the Chainsaw's charge time. Moderately increases acceleration when using the Chainsaw.
Homemade Muffler: Moderately reduces the noise made by the Chainsaw. Moderately reduces the Cannibal’s terror radius.
Long Guide Bar: (Unchanged)
Grisly Chains: The effect’s timer does not begin counting down until the survivor is unhooked/recovers from slugging.
RARE
Light Chassis: Moderately increases revving movement speed. Stacks.
Chili: Slightly increases the Chainsaw duration (One additional swing).
Beast’s Marks: Moderately increases the Chainsaw's movement speed. Slightly increases the Chainsaw's charge time. Considerably increases acceleration when using the Chainsaw.
Rusted Chains: The effect’s timer does not begin counting down until the survivor is unhooked/recovers from slugging.
Carburetor Tuning Guide: Moderately decreases the Chainsaw's charge time. Slightly reduces the noise made by the Chainsaw. Slightly reduces the Cannibal’s terror radius.
VERY RARE
Award-Winning Chili: Moderately increases the Chainsaw duration (Two additional swings).
Decompression Valve: This valve releases saw compression and allows for an easier start-up. Slightly decreases the Chainsaw's charge time. Moderately increases revving movement speed.
Two-Cycle Engine: A simpler, lighter and more powerful engine than the cumbersome and complex four-cycle engine, prioritizing performance over fuel efficiency. Considerably decreases the Chainsaw's charge time. Slightly decreases the Chainsaw duration (One less swing).
Begrimed Chains: The effect’s timer does not begin counting down until the survivor is unhooked/recovers from slugging.
Short Guide Bar: Lightens and improves the handling of the chainsaw. Slightly reduces the reach of the Chainsaw attack. Considerably increases revving movement speed. Slightly decreases the Chainsaw's charge time. Stacks.
ULTRA RARE
Full Chisel Chains: Square-cornered teeth allow for the more efficient cutting of “wood.” Hitting a survivor will reset the chainsaw attack duration. Slightly decreases revving movement speed. Slightly increases the Chainsaw's charge time.
Demolition Chains: A carbide-tipped demolition chain, durable under extended use for the destruction of “buildings.” Destroying a pallet with the Chainsaw will reset the chainsaw attack duration instead of ending it. Slightly decreases revving movement speed. Slightly increases the Chainsaw's charge time. (Whenever Leatherface resets his power, he must re-accelerate from his minimum speed.)
Comments
adding fake rev like billy has is a no brainer, it should be in the next hot fix instead of leaving leatherface busted for another year before they fix him (like with Freddy)
Wouldn't be the first time the devs are SCARED of actual red rank viable killers
The leatherface changes would be great because he needs a buff.
I like this! Would love to see more LF, that are not just campy boys.