Quick Answer: The Dead by Daylight Public Test Build (PTB) is exclusively available to players on the Steam platform. If you notice missing progress while playing the PTB, do not worry; this is intentional because the test environment uses a snapshot of your account taken several days prior to the build's release.
Prerequisites & Requirements
- Steam Account: You must own Dead by Daylight on the Steam platform, as the PTB is not available on consoles, the Epic Games Store, or the Microsoft Store.
- Active PTB Period: You can only opt into the test build when Behaviour Interactive has an active PTB session live.
How to Access the Dead by Daylight PTB (Step-by-Step)
- Open Steam Library: Launch your Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- Access Properties: Right-click on Dead by Daylight in your game list and select Properties from the context menu.
- Select Betas Tab: In the Properties window, click on the Betas tab on the left-hand sidebar.
- Choose the Build: Locate the dropdown menu under "Beta participation" and select Public Test Build from the list.
- Download and Play: Steam will automatically begin downloading the necessary files for the PTB. Once finished, you can launch the game to access the test environment.
Choose the next step for your situation
| Your situation | Evidence-backed next step |
|---|---|
| Accessing the Public Test Build (PTB) | The PTB is currently only available to players on the Steam platform. |
| Joining the PTB via Steam | Right-click Dead by Daylight in Steam library, select Properties, go to Betas, and select Public Test Build from the list. |
| PTB option not appearing in Steam | If the option does not appear, it is likely that a PTB build is not currently live. |
| Apparent progress loss on PTB | This is intentional; the PTB uses a snapshot of your live account from several days in the past. |
| Switching back to the live version | Once you switch back to the live version, your progress will be returned to the state it was in before opting into the PTB. |
Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't Panic Over Progress: It is completely normal to see older character levels or missing items when you first log into the PTB. Because the build uses a snapshot of your account from several days in the past, your most recent live-game achievements will not be reflected here.
- Restoring Live Progress: Your live account remains untouched. Once you switch your Steam settings back to the standard version of the game, your progress will immediately return to the state it was in before you opted into the PTB.
- Check for Live Status: If you do not see "Public Test Build" in the Betas dropdown menu, it is not a technical error. It simply means that no PTB session is currently active.
Troubleshooting & Edge Cases
If you are unable to find the PTB option, ensure your Steam client is fully updated. If the option is missing, verify that a PTB is currently scheduled by checking official Dead by Daylight social media channels or the news section of the game's support portal. If you encounter technical crashes or errors while inside the PTB, remember that this is a testing environment and bugs are expected; you can report these through the official support channels provided by Behaviour Interactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access the PTB on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch?
No. The Public Test Build is currently restricted exclusively to the Steam platform.
Will my progress on the PTB carry over to the live game?
No. Any progress, Bloodpoints, or items earned while playing on the PTB are contained within the test environment and will not transfer to your live account.
Why is the PTB option missing from my Steam menu?
If the option is not visible, it indicates that a PTB build is not currently live. You will need to wait for the next scheduled testing period to participate.
Guide Verification & Support
All steps, policies, and compatibility rules in this guide are verified against official developer documentation and platform policies. If you encounter an unresolved account or billing issue, contact official support directly.