This Dead by Daylight guide details optimal builds for The Shape (Michael Myers), categorized by perk type and including add-on recommendations. Updated January 13, 2025, to reflect recent game changes.
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The Shape, Dead by Daylight's first licensed Killer, is a formidable stalker. His power lies in his relentless pursuit, culminating in swift eliminations. This guide covers both teachable and non-teachable perk builds for players of all skill levels.
The Shape: Best Non-Teachable Build (2025)

This build compensates for The Shape's lack of access to other Killers' perks. It utilizes efficient chase management and endgame dominance.
- Save the Best for Last (The Shape): Hitting non-Obsession Survivors grants tokens (-4% cooldown reduction per token, max 32%). Hitting the Obsession costs two tokens.
- Hex: No One Escapes Death (General Perk): After the final generator, Survivors are Exposed, and the Killer gains a 4% Haste effect until the Totem is cleansed.
- Bitter Murmur (General Perk): Reveals Survivor auras near completed generators; reveals all auras after the final generator.
- Sloppy Butcher (General Perk): Basic attacks inflict Mangled and Hemorrhage, slowing healing and regressing unfinished healing.
The Shape: Best Build (2025)

This build prioritizes generator control and early-game aggression, addressing The Shape's weaknesses.
- Lethal Pursuer (The Nemesis): Reveals all Survivor auras for nine seconds at the start; extends all aura-reading by two seconds.
- Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance (The Artist): Four tokens; hooking different Survivors on white Scourge Hooks destroys the most progressed generator (25% regression).
- Deadlock (The Cenobite): Blocks the most progressed generator (25 seconds) after each generator completion.
- Coup de Grâce (The Twins): Two tokens per completed generator; use one to increase lunge range by 80%.
The Shape: Best Add-Ons (2025)
Memorial Flower

A common rarity add-on offering an 11% stalking speed increase.
Dead Rabbit

Reduces Terror Radius in Evil Within II (-25%), but increases it in Evil Within III. Use with caution, ideally alongside perks that modify Terror Radius.
J. Myers Memorial

Provides a flat 25% bonus to stalking gain rate. Often paired with Tombstone Piece.
Hair Bow

Increases the threat level during Evil Within III. Effective when paired with J. Myers Memorial.
Tombstone Piece

Instantly downs any Survivor upon reaching Evil Within III, regardless of hook state. The Shape's strongest add-on.
Lock of Hair

Adds 40 seconds to Evil Within III and increases its stalk rate. A viable alternative to Hair Bow.
Fragrant Tuft of Hair

Grants infinite Evil Within III despite a significant (-200%) reduction in stalking rate. Allows for consistent insta-downs.