Dead by Daylight has quite a few game mechanics that could make a difference for Survivors and Killers if used and understood correctly. The Obsession mechanic is one of them, which got introduced with Patch 1.2.1 along with the Shape (Michael Myers) and Laurie Strode.
The Obsession is a mechanic triggered by the presence of at least one Perk or Add-on using the mechanic. The Entity chooses a random Survivor to be the Obsession for the duration of the Trial. Only one Survivor can be the Obsession and is indicated by spider legs surrounding the Survivors icon.
That said, equipping an Obsession Perk either increases or decreases the chance of becoming the Obsession as a Survivor. If the Killer equipped a Perk that uses the Obsession mechanic, one Survivor will become the Obsession for the full duration of the Trial.
If a Perk states that it increases the chance to become the Obsession for the next Trial, it will increase the chance by 100%. On the other hand, if it says it decreases the chance, the chance of becoming the Obsession is reduced by 100%.
However, having a Perk that increases the odds of becoming the Obsession does not guarantee it being so. The same goes for decreased odds.
How to Become the Obsession in Dead by Daylight?
Being the Obsession could be useful if your Survivor has Perks that can take advantage of it, such as Object of Obsession.
To become the Obsession in Dead by Daylight, the player can equip Perks that increase the chance of becoming the Obsession. Running multiple Obsession Perks on a Survivor increases the odds of becoming the Killer’s Obsession at the start of the Trial.
But remember, it is also possible to become the Obsession, despite the fact that your Survivor has no Perks equipped. If both Killer and Survivors don’t run an Obsession Perk or Add-on, the Entity will not choose a Survivor being it.
However, there are a few Perks and Add-ons in Dead by Daylight that enable to become the Obsession during the Trial, such as Decisive Strike, Nemesis, and For the People.
Note: Decisive Strike is one of the best Perks for Survivors!
Here is a list of some Perks and Add-ons that allow Survivors to become the Obsession:
Decisive Strike:
Using whatever is at hand, you stab at your aggressor in an ultimate attempt to escape.
After being unhooked or unhooking yourself, Decisive Strike will become active and usable for 40/50/60 seconds.
While Decisive Strike is active, when grabbed by the Killer, succeed a Skill Check to automatically escape the Killer’s grasp and stun them for 5 seconds.
- Succeeding or failing the Skill Check will disable Decisive Strike.
- Successfully stunning the Killer will result in you becoming the Obsession.
Increases the odds of being the Obsession. The Killer can only be obsessed with one Survivor at a time.
“There’s nothing to be scared of.” — Laurie Strode
For the People:
You risk life and injury for others. For the People is only active while at full health.
Press the Active Ability button while healing another Survivor without a Med-Kit to instantly heal them from Dying to Injured, or from Injured to Healthy.
You become Injured and receive the Broken Status Effect for 110/100/90 seconds.
You become the Obsession. Reduces the odds of being the Obsession. The Killer can only be obsessed with one Survivor at a time.
“We can write our own story and decide how it really ends.” — Zarina Kassir
Nemesis:
You seek retribution on those who have wronged you. A Survivor who blinds you, or stuns you using a Pallet or Locker becomes your Obsession.
Anytime a new Survivor becomes the Obsession, they are affected by the Oblivious Status Effect for 40/50/60 seconds and their Aura is revealed to you for 4 seconds.
You can only be obsessed with one Survivor at a time.
“Only a fool would spit in a demon’s face and declare victory.” — Renjiro’s Doctrine
Unique Wedding Ring:
An engraved wedding ring that emerged from The Fog and resonates with an indescribable and incomprehensible energy.
- Reveals the Obsession’s Aura.
- Reduces the odds of being the Obsession.
Black Box:
A black cardboard box filled with photographs.
- You become obsessed with one Survivor.
- The Obsession starts the Trial in the Dream World and cannot wake up.
You can only be obsessed with one Survivor at a time.
Judith’s Journal:
A journal identified as owned by Judith M. Myers. Most of the pages are defaced with frightening and disturbing drawings.
- You become obsessed with one Survivor.
- Considerably increases the amount of Evil gained when Stalking your Obsession.
You can only be obsessed with one Survivor at a time.
What does it mean to be the Obsession?
Now that you know what the Obsession is and how to become it, what does it really mean to be it during the Trial.
The Obsession is a special Survivor indicated by spider legs around his icon. Being the Obsession does not change the primary goal of the Survivors, but the Killers. If the Killer runs Perks such as Dying Light or Save the Best for Last, he will ignore the Obsession.
If the Killer runs Dark Devotion, Dead Man’s Switch, Furtive Chase, Play with Your Food, or Remember Me, the Obsession is the main target, to take advantage of each Obsession Perk.
If another Survivor is the Obsession for the Trial, it could mean that he runs a Perk such as Decisive Strike, which increases the chance of becoming the Obsession.
How to find the Obsession?
If you play as the Killer and run Perks that require you to find the Obsession, it is crucial to find it as soon as possible. However, much like the unpredictability of locating the Hatch in a game, as there are up to four different Survivors, it can be hard to tell which one is your Obsession. The same level of intense focus and strategy you’d use to find the Hatch must be applied to identify your Obsession amidst the chaos.
Since Patch 4.5.0, the Killer can identify the Obsession Survivor by looking at the Survivor HUD. The Obsession is indicated by spider legs surrounding the Survivors icon. If the Killer enters a chase with the Obsession, the spider legs will start moving along with a sound notification.
