How to Build a Dead by Daylight Collection: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Collectors

Quick answer

Start by setting a monthly budget and choosing one or two categories you actually care about, such as apparel or soundtracks. Buy one anchor piece first, store everything safely, then add rare items only when you have space and a plan. This keeps your Dead by Daylight collection focused and avoids duplicate purchases.

Building a Dead by Daylight collection is less about buying everything at once and more about deciding what you want to see on your shelf or wear. The game has spawned apparel, soundtracks, accessories, and print material, so without a plan it is easy to spend too much on items that do not fit your space or taste.

This guide walks you through five steps, from setting a budget to displaying your first pieces. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid, so you can start collecting DBD without regret.

Step 1: Set a budget and define your collecting goal

Before you buy anything, decide how much you can spend each month and what kind of collector you want to be. Some fans focus on wearable merch like hoodies and caps, while others prefer display items such as soundtracks or notebooks. Write down your goal so you can measure every purchase against it.

A common mistake is buying every discounted item you see because it feels like a deal. That leads to clutter and regret. Instead, set a hard monthly limit and stick to it. If you are not sure where to start, pick one category that matches your daily life, like apparel if you wear graphic tees, or soundtracks if you have a record player.

• Checkpoint: Can you name your top two categories without hesitation? If not, spend a week browsing before buying.

Step 2: Choose your first anchor piece

Your anchor piece is the item that defines your collection and gives you a reference for future buys. For many new collectors, a hoodie or a soundtrack is a good anchor because it is useful and visually represents the game. For example, the Dead By Daylight x The Walking Dead Retro Hoodie features Rick Grimes and Michonne with retro-inspired graphics, so it works as both a wearable and a display piece when not worn.

If you prefer music, the Dead By Daylight Soundtrack (Foil Cover) is a Record Store Day exclusive with a foil cover. It ships from Canada and requires special packaging, so it will arrive separately from other purchases. That detail matters if you are ordering multiple items and expect one box.

• Common mistake: Buying a rare item first before you know your storage situation. Start with something you can store or wear immediately.

Step 3: Set up storage and protection

Collectibles need a safe home. For apparel, keep hoodies and caps away from direct sunlight and fold them rather than hanging to avoid stretching. For vinyl soundtracks, store records vertically in a cool, dry place and keep the foil cover in a protective sleeve if you plan to display it.

The Dead by Daylight - Laptop Sleeve is a practical example of storage you can use daily. It comes in two sizes, 13-inch and 15-inch, with the 13-inch measuring 13 1/2 inches long, 10 1/2 inches wide, and 5/8 inch high. That gives you a clear idea of whether your laptop fits. A common mistake is guessing sizes and ending up with a sleeve that is too tight.

• Checkpoint: Measure your laptop and your shelf space before ordering any storage item.

Step 4: Display your collection without damaging it

Display is where your collection becomes personal. Use shelves away from windows, and rotate items every few months so nothing fades. If you have a cap like the Dead by Daylight – Death is not an escape cap, you can hang it on a wall hook or place it on a shelf. Its distressed, vintage look and antique brass snap buckle mean no two are exactly alike, so it stands out as a display piece.

For soundtracks, consider a dedicated record stand or a frame for the cover. A common mistake is stacking heavy items on top of vinyl, which can warp records over time. Keep heavy objects off your records and give each piece a little breathing room.

• Common mistake: Displaying items in direct sunlight. Fading is permanent and reduces both enjoyment and value.

Step 5: Expand with rare and limited items

Once you have a stable base, you can add limited or out-of-print pieces. The Dead By Daylight Soundtrack Volume 2 (Black Splatter - USA Record Store Day Exclusive) is a leftover copy of a long out-of-print release. It ships from Canada and is fulfilled by Return to Analog Records, so it will ship separately from other purchases. The tracklist includes songs like "Darkness Among Us" and "Hiding," which makes it a strong addition if you enjoy the game's music.

A common mistake is buying rare items without checking shipping details. Because these ship separately, you may pay extra shipping or wait longer. Factor that into your budget and plan your purchases so you are not surprised.

• Checkpoint: Before buying a rare item, confirm the shipping origin and whether it ships separately.

Your five-step DBD collecting plan

1. Set a budget and goal: Decide on a monthly spending limit and pick one or two categories that match your interests, such as apparel or soundtracks. Checkpoint: Write your budget and categories down before you browse.
2. Buy one anchor piece: Choose a hoodie, soundtrack, or cap that represents your collection and is useful to you. Avoid rare items until you have storage ready. Common mistake: Buying a rare item first without a safe place to keep it.
3. Set up storage: Store apparel folded and away from sunlight. Keep vinyl vertical and use protective sleeves. Measure for laptop sleeves before ordering. Checkpoint: Measure your laptop and shelf space before buying storage.
4. Display safely: Use shelves away from windows and rotate items. Avoid stacking heavy objects on records. Hang caps or place them on shelves. Common mistake: Direct sunlight causes permanent fading.
5. Add rare items last: Expand with limited releases like the Volume 2 soundtrack, but check shipping origin and separate shipping details first. Checkpoint: Confirm shipping costs and timing before buying rare pieces.

Product facts to guide your first buys

• Dead By Daylight x The Walking Dead Retro Hoodie: Features Rick Grimes and Michonne with retro-inspired graphics and iconic imagery from AMC's The Walking Dead. A wearable anchor piece that doubles as display when not worn, and appeals to fans of both franchises.
• Dead By Daylight Soundtrack (Foil Cover): Long out-of-print USA Exclusive Record Store Day release with a foil cover. Requires special packaging and ships separately from other purchases. Ships from Canada. Plan for separate shipping and extra care if you order multiple items. The foil cover needs protection from scratches.
• Dead by Daylight – Death is not an escape cap: Washed-out, vintage dad hat with embroidered tagline, distressed one-of-a-kind look, and antique brass snap buckle. No two are exactly alike. A unique display or wearable piece that adds character without needing a large space.

Start with a budget and one anchor piece, store everything safely, and add rare items only when you have space and a plan. Your Dead by Daylight collection will grow better when it reflects what you actually enjoy.