Houndmaster Hunter (Dog Build)
The Houndmaster-specific build that maximizes his Search Command loop: find, send the dog, break gens.
The build
These four perks work together as a houndmaster killer setup. Each slot has a job; together they form a closed loop.
Barbecue & Chili
Bubba SawyerScourge Hook: Pain Resonance
Bubba SawyerTinkerer
Max Thompson Jr.Why it works
The Houndmaster's dog (Hound) can Search Command to find distant Survivors and damage them. Lethal Pursuer reveals all Survivor auras at the start - combine with Search to immediately locate the far one. Barbecue & Chili gives auras of distant Survivors on every hook, letting you always know where to send the dog. Tinkerer triggers Undetectable after breaking a Survivor from a gen repair - 8 seconds to reposition the dog, flank with the Houndmaster, and start a fresh chase. Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance adds passive regression. This build turns The Houndmaster into a constant map presence.
Difficulty & fun
Sources
- DBD Wiki Patch 9.6.0 - Houndmaster changes
- Behaviour Interactive Houndmaster guide
Related builds
Patch notes
Targeted at patch 10.0.0 (released 16 June 2026). The Slasher (Jason Voorhees) and his three launch perks appear in this build. We refresh this page after every major balance patch - if a perk has been nerfed or buffed since 10.0.0, the "Why it works" section is the first place we update.