Removal or Rework of Perks

[heady warren]

Some of the perks are genuinely fun and add variety to different playstyles. However, locking them behind progression creates some issues. New players start at a disadvantage compared to veteran players, especially since some perks—like MaryJean’s Smoke Bomb—are extremely powerful. This gap makes it harder to attract and retain new players when existing ones already have everything unlocked and are running optimized meta builds for their neighbors.

Right now, it feels like some neighbors are overly reliant on specific perks and struggle without them. I’ve come up with two potential solutions to address this—let me know what you all think.

Reworking the perk system so its unlocked from the start and make neighbor leveling cosmetic based.

Removing the system entirely and making every characters kit universal. Maybe keep the variance in abilities just have them unlocked.

[velvet hound]

Most certainly agree! Not only do new players have to struggle with learning the game as is, playing at such a huge disadvantage will turn them away. In my experience, games that have a perk like progression systems do well in their respective communities but struggle to attract or maintain a high player base i.e killing floor 2. I think a rework of some sort around the perk system may be necessary. I firmly believe the perk system as is will overall have a dampening affect on the game in general. Make it to where no matter how long you been playing, new players are on the same playing field, and it is purely based off of skill, game knowledge, neighbor knowledge and experience! Games like league of legends fit this model and I think is part of the reason the 10+ year old game is still alive and kicking.

[left lily]

I dont think perks should be entirely removed, instead I think progression should be reworked

[hollow ravine]

Dead by Daylight had a decent progression system (Not sure if it still has).