1v1 General Rule

Status

● Active

Version

1.3

Effective date

2026-10-04

Change history

• 1.3 — 2026-10-04: Added the killer cosmetics restriction.
• 1.2 — 2026-10-04: Clarified survivor chase-timer endings by disconnecting or hatch escape.
• 1.1 — 2026-09-30: Relocated to the shared game-modes reference section and generalized scope beyond Symmetric.
• 1.0 — 2026-06-21: Initial publication of the general 1v1 symmetric rule.

The shared general rule for 1v1 game modes (Symmetric, Asymmetric, and future 1v1 formats). It applies to every killer across those modes. Per-mode and per-killer detail (maps, win conditions, perk and add-on limits) lives in each game mode’s own balancing pages, which complement this rule.

Killer ping

The killer must hold a stable connection below 60 ms for the trial to count. Persistent high ping or instability is handled as a remake.

Starting a round

Summary

The round follows the common “crouch and response” starting convention at Killer Shack.

Each round must begin at Killer Shack. The survivor chooses one of the shack’s two doorways and takes position there. The killer must take position at the opposite doorway. The survivor has the right to choose which doorway they use before the round begins.

Once both players are in position, the killer must nod to indicate they are ready before starting. The survivor then gives the start signal by performing one quick crouch. Upon seeing the signal, the killer must immediately perform the designated start response.

The designated start response—such as missing a basic attack or using the killer’s power—is specified in the applicable per-killer rule.

Starting the chase timer

The chase timer starts when the survivor performs the start signal. If the killer does not perform the designated response, or performs it noticeably late, the players must reset and repeat the starting procedure.

Basic Rules

• No map resources may be used or broken before the start of a round (including generators, chests, etc.).
• You may not influence the map layout before the start of a round (for example, bamboozling a window).
• You may not close the hatch.

Killer cosmetics

Killers may use only their initial cosmetic or its bloody version. All other cosmetics are prohibited.

Don’t stay hidden rule

Survivors may not stay hidden to earn chase time:

• Survivors may not walk, crouch, or stand still for more than 15 seconds at a time while outside the killer’s line of sight. After 15 seconds of walking, crouching, or standing still, they must run for at least 5 seconds.
• If a survivor has been outside the killer’s line of sight for more than 15 seconds and outside the killer’s terror radius for more than 15 seconds, they must immediately make a loud-noise notification.
• These timers reset when the killer interacts with an object on the map (for example, by breaking a pallet).

Rule Enforcement

If a rule violation occurs (except as listed below), the non-offending player may replay that round.

• Exception:
  • Don’t stay hidden rule

If there is a dispute, video evidence must be presented.

Chase time compensation

• All additional time earned by violating the “Don’t stay hidden rule” is deducted from the survivor’s chase time.
• The violating state is cleared when any of the following occurs:
  • the pursuit restarts
  • the killer enters the Undetectable state

In particular, stealth killers may claim a violation only after their stealth ability ends.

Ending the chase timer and surrender

The survivor may end their chase timer by disconnecting or escaping through the hatch. Neither outcome causes the survivor to lose the current round.

The killer may surrender by disconnecting once achieving their applicable win condition is no longer possible.

A killer surrender causes the killer to lose the current round. It does not forfeit the entire match.

Applies to

• DBD 1v1 Symmetric Ranked
• DBD 1v1 Asymmetric Ranked

1v1 Symmetric Ranked Game mode overview

Per-killer balancing 1v1 Symmetric Ranked per-killer balancing overview