Quick answer
New player wants to understand killer warning signs and chase reads.
What the terror radius tells you
The terror radius is the warning area around most killers. Survivors usually hear a heartbeat that grows more urgent as the killer gets closer, but stealth powers and perks can change what you hear.
- Do not leave a safe generator every time you hear a faint heartbeat.
- Look for teammate injuries, chase icons, and map sounds before panicking.
- Expect exceptions from stealth killers, perks, and special powers.
What the red stain tells you
The red stain appears in front of most killers and helps survivors read the killer facing direction at loops. Killers can also hide, swing wide, or moonwalk to make that information harder to trust.
- Use the red stain to decide whether to keep running or cut back.
- Do not stare at the stain so long that you run into objects.
- As killer, learn when your stain gives away your path.
How to practice the read
Start with simple tiles. Watch the killer position, listen to the heartbeat, then look forward before turning. Good chase reads combine sound, camera control, and route planning.
- Practice looking behind you on straight paths only.
- Use windows and pallets after confirming the killer path.
- If the killer hides their stain, leave the tile earlier.
Does every killer have a normal terror radius?
No. Killer powers, perks, and statuses can reduce, hide, or change warning information, so treat the heartbeat as one clue rather than a guarantee.
Why do killers walk backward at loops?
They may be hiding the red stain so the survivor misreads which side they will come from.