MetaDBD
EN

All killers

The Artist

The Artist

Difficulty: Intermediate · Patch 10.2.2, data from October 28, 2026.

A ranged-reconnaissance Killer, able to launch Dire Crows across the map to reveal and attack Survivors.

Power

Birds of Torment

Birds of Torment

Birds of Torment: 3 Dire Crows sent along a 7.5 m path; hit Survivors are swarmed.

Full power text

From a wellspring of eternal agony comes a swarm of darkness, a wild and ferocious murder of ink black crows.

Press and hold the Power button to charge Birds of Torment. Once fully charged, tap the Attack button to summon a Dire Crow. You can repeat the action quickly by continuously holding down the Power button and tapping the Attack Button again.

When at least one Dire Crow is summoned, it stays idle for a limited time. Spawning a new Dire Crow will extend the time the previously spawned Dire Crow stays idle.

Tap the Ability button to propel the Dire Crows into flight.

Dire Crows can inflict damage for a short distance when flying. This is indicated to the Killer by the Dire Crow's Flight Path.

Once a Dire Crow continues past the Flight Path, it will no longer inflict damage but can now pass through any obstacles and reveal nearby Survivors using Killer Instinct.

In this phase, Dire Crows will create a swarm around Survivors they hit, allowing the Killer to see the swarm's aura on the Survivor. The Survivor can repel the swarm by completing the Repel action or entering a locker. During this time, the swarm's aura is not shown to the Killer.

A Survivor being swarmed will receive damage if hit by a second Dire Crow.

Killer perks

  • Grim EmbraceGrim Embrace
  • Scourge Hook: Pain ResonanceScourge Hook: Pain Resonance
  • Hex: PentimentoHex: Pentimento

Builds

MetaHigh confidence
  • Lethal PursuerLethal Pursuer
  • Scourge Hook: Pain ResonanceScourge Hook: Pain Resonance
  • Dead Man’s SwitchDead Man’s Switch
  • Barbecue & ChiliBarbecue & Chili

Add-onsSevered HandsSevered HandsFestering CarrionFestering Carrion

This is the #1 Artist build. Dead Man's Switch was nerfed in 10.2.0 (2 s delay): if it underperforms, swap it for Grim Embrace.

BudgetHigh confidence
  • Scourge Hook: Pain ResonanceScourge Hook: Pain Resonance
  • Grim EmbraceGrim Embrace
  • Bitter MurmurBitter Murmur
  • Hex: No One Escapes DeathHex: No One Escapes Death

Add-onsThick TarThick TarFestering CarrionFestering Carrion

Artist's own Pain Resonance and Grim Embrace (untouched in 10.2) plus Bitter Murmur (buffed in 10.2.0) and NOED.

FunMedium confidence
  • DiscordanceDiscordance
  • OppressionOppression
  • SurveillanceSurveillance
  • Barbecue & ChiliBarbecue & Chili

Add-onsSevered HandsSevered HandsThick TarThick Tar

Hens' 'Stagger Shot' build: heavy gen info to send crows exactly where survivors are.

How to counter

  • A crow idles for 10 s then expires: avoid its path instead of crossing it.
  • After firing, ammo recharge runs from 5 s (1 fired) to 14 s (4): a wasted volley gives you time.
  • Repelling takes 8 s: do it under cover, out of reach of new crows.

Add-ons to know

  • Ink Egg
    Ink Egg+1 Dire Crow and idle timer -2 s.
  • Thorny Nest
    Thorny NestHaemorrhage and Mangled for 70 s after a crow hit.
  • Severed Hands
    Severed HandsSurvivors within 3 m of a swarmed Survivor are swarmed too.

Public numbers

  • Kill rate rank: #10

All builds · All killers