The Lich: Best Anti-Gen Rush Builds & Perks In Dead By Daylight

Hey guys! Just started playing The Lich in Dead by Daylight and having a blast, but those pesky gen rushers are really getting on my nerves. I’ve got about 10 hours in with him so far and I’m doing pretty well, but the gen speed is just insane sometimes. Right now, I’m running Scourge Hook and Sadako’s kicking gen perk, but I’m looking for some more anti-gen rush builds to really put the pressure on those survivors. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Understanding the Gen Rush

First, let's dive into what a gen rush actually is. Gen rushing is a strategy used by survivors where they prioritize completing generators as quickly as possible, often neglecting other objectives like healing or totems. This tactic can be incredibly effective, especially if the killer isn't applying enough pressure early in the game. As The Lich, you've got some cool abilities, but if gens are popping left and right, it can feel like you're fighting a losing battle. To counter this, you need a build that slows down generator progress, disrupts survivor efficiency, and allows you to control the map effectively.

The Core Problem with Gen Rushing

The core problem with gen rushing is the speed at which generators can be completed. A coordinated team of survivors can knock out gens in a matter of minutes, leaving you scrambling to catch up. This is why it’s crucial to have perks that specifically address generator progress. Perks that regress generators, block them, or simply make them take longer to complete are your best friends in these situations. Remember, every second you buy is a second closer to hooking a survivor and applying more pressure.

Why The Lich Needs Anti-Gen Rush Builds

The Lich, while a formidable killer, doesn't have innate abilities that directly counter gen rushing like some other killers might. This means you need to rely more on perks and strategic gameplay to slow things down. His power is more focused on map control and mobility, which is great for chasing and catching survivors, but less so for preventing gens from being completed. Therefore, an effective anti-gen rush build is essential for maximizing your potential with The Lich and turning those frustrating matches into satisfying wins.

Must-Have Perks for Anti-Gen Rush Builds

When it comes to building an effective anti-gen rush loadout for The Lich, there are several perks that stand out. These perks either directly slow generator progress, give you information about survivor locations, or punish survivors for focusing solely on generators. Let's break down some of the top contenders.

Pop Goes the Weasel

Pop Goes the Weasel is a classic anti-gen perk that's almost always a solid choice. After hooking a survivor, the next generator you kick will instantly lose 25% of its total progress. This can be a huge setback for survivors working on a nearly completed generator. The key to using Pop Goes the Weasel effectively is to hook a survivor and then immediately head towards the most progressed generator. This requires good map awareness and a sense of where survivors are likely working.

The great thing about Pop Goes the Weasel is its immediate impact. Unlike some perks that require survivors to make mistakes, this one is entirely in your control. You hook someone, you kick a gen, and boom – progress is gone. It's a reliable way to apply pressure and keep the survivors on their toes. For The Lich, who can traverse the map quickly, this perk is especially valuable because you can often get to a generator in time to make use of the effect.

Corrupt Intervention

Corrupt Intervention is another fantastic option, especially in the early game. At the start of the trial, the three generators furthest from you are blocked for 2 minutes, preventing survivors from working on them. This buys you crucial time to find survivors and start the chase without the immediate threat of gens popping. Corrupt Intervention forces survivors to come closer to you, making them easier to find and pressure.

This perk is particularly effective on maps with strong generator setups, where the generators are clustered together. By blocking the furthest gens, you force survivors into a smaller area, making it easier to patrol and apply pressure. For The Lich, this early-game slowdown is invaluable, giving you the breathing room you need to establish control. The two-minute duration is usually enough time to get a hook or two, putting the survivors on the defensive.

Deadlock

Deadlock is a newer perk that has quickly become a favorite among killers. Whenever a generator is completed, the generator with the most progress is blocked for 30 seconds. This prevents survivors from immediately jumping onto the next generator and keeps the pressure on. Deadlock is excellent for maintaining control throughout the match, especially in the mid-to-late game when generators are starting to be completed.

What makes Deadlock so effective is its consistency. It triggers automatically whenever a generator is finished, meaning you don’t have to think about activating it. It’s a passive way to slow down generator progress and can really disrupt the flow of the game for survivors. For The Lich, who benefits from a slower-paced game, Deadlock is a great addition to any anti-gen rush build. The 30-second block can be just enough time to win a chase or apply pressure elsewhere on the map.

Building a Synergistic Perk Loadout

Now that we've covered some of the top individual perks, let's talk about how to combine them into a synergistic loadout. The key to a strong anti-gen rush build is having perks that complement each other and cover different aspects of gen control. Here are a few build ideas to get you started.

The Early Game Pressure Build

This build focuses on shutting down generator progress early and snowballing your advantage. It combines perks that block generators and give you an initial edge.

• Corrupt Intervention: Blocks the furthest generators at the start of the trial.
• Deadlock: Blocks the generator with the most progress whenever a generator is completed.
• Pop Goes the Weasel: Regresses generators significantly after a hook.
• Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance: Another strong option for early-game regression, especially if you can get survivors to spawn near scourge hooks.

This build is designed to put the survivors on the back foot from the beginning. Corrupt Intervention forces them into your area, while Deadlock and Pop Goes the Weasel punish them for making progress. Scourge Hook: Pain Resonance adds another layer of pressure, making survivors think twice about working on generators near scourge hooks. This combination can lead to early hooks and snowball into a win.

The Mid-to-Late Game Control Build

This build is all about maintaining pressure as the game progresses. It uses perks that consistently slow down generator progress and punish survivors for rushing.

• Deadlock: Blocks the generator with the most progress whenever a generator is completed.
• Pop Goes the Weasel: Regresses generators significantly after a hook.
• Thanatophobia: Increases generator repair time for each injured, dying, or hooked survivor.
• Jolt: Generators within a certain radius explode when you down a survivor.

This build excels at keeping the survivors stressed and slowing down their progress throughout the game. Deadlock and Pop Goes the Weasel continue to provide consistent regression, while Thanatophobia makes it harder for survivors to complete generators while injured. Jolt is a great way to punish survivors for working on generators near chases, adding another layer of pressure. This build is perfect for matches that go the distance, giving you the tools to control the pace and secure the win.

Gameplay Strategies for Anti-Gen Rush Builds

Having the right perks is only half the battle. You also need to employ effective gameplay strategies to maximize their potential. Here are some tips for playing The Lich with an anti-gen rush build.

Early Game Pressure

In the early game, your priority should be finding survivors and getting hooks. Use the information from your perks, like Corrupt Intervention, to your advantage. Patrol the areas that aren't blocked and try to intercept survivors moving towards generators. Getting an early hook can set the tone for the entire match.

Prioritize High-Progress Generators

When patrolling, focus on the generators with the most progress. These are the ones that pose the biggest threat. If you see a generator that's close to completion, make it a priority to pressure the survivors working on it. Kicking the generator with Pop Goes the Weasel can set them back significantly and buy you valuable time.

Mind Game at Loops

As The Lich, you have good mobility, but survivors can still loop you effectively if you aren't careful. Try to mind game survivors at loops by doubling back, faking your direction, or using your power to cut them off. The more efficiently you can end chases, the more time you'll have to pressure generators.

Apply Consistent Pressure

The key to countering gen rushing is consistent pressure. Don't let the survivors breathe. Keep patrolling, keep chasing, and keep hooking. The more pressure you apply, the less time they'll have to focus on generators. If you can keep them injured and distracted, you'll significantly slow down their progress.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with gen rushers as The Lich can be frustrating, but with the right build and strategy, you can turn the tables and dominate your matches. Experiment with different perk combinations, find what works best for your play style, and remember to apply consistent pressure throughout the game. Good luck, and have fun in the Fog!