In Dead by Daylight, Iridescent Shards are an essential currency that allows players to unlock a variety of valuable in-game items. From purchasing teachable perks and characters to cosmetics and shrine items, Iridescent Shards play a key role in progression and customization. However, earning them can feel slow if you’re not optimizing your playtime. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can follow to earn Iridescent Shards fast without spending money. By understanding how the system works and which methods are most efficient, you can significantly speed up the process and get the rewards you want faster.
Understanding Iridescent Shards
What Are Iridescent Shards?
Iridescent Shards are a non-premium currency in Dead by Daylight. Unlike Auric Cells, which are purchased with real money, Iridescent Shards are earned through gameplay. You can use them to unlock characters, teachable perks from the Shrine of Secrets, and even some cosmetic items.
How You Earn Iridescent Shards
Shards are awarded based on your player level progression, not Bloodweb levels. As you play and gain XP, your player level increases, and each time you level up, you’re rewarded with Iridescent Shards. Reaching level 100 resets your level back to 1 but increases your Devotion tier. The more you play, the more Shards you earn over time.
How to Get Iridescent Shards Fast
1. Play More Matches Efficiently
The fastest way to earn Iridescent Shards is by playing matches both as Survivor and Killer. Each match you play gives XP, which translates directly into player level progress.
- Matches that last longer usually give more XP.
- Survivors earn more XP from escaping, repairing generators, and helping teammates.
- Killers earn XP from hooking survivors, chasing, and performing sacrifices.
Play with focus going AFK or farming without engagement significantly reduces your XP gain per match.
2. Prioritize Daily Rituals
Daily Rituals are short tasks that offer Bloodpoints, but completing matches while doing them also gives solid XP. Some rituals encourage you to try out different roles or perks, keeping gameplay varied while helping level up faster.
- Try to finish your Daily Rituals each day to get both Bloodpoints and efficient match XP.
- Replace rituals that are too hard or time-consuming with easier ones (once per day).
3. Grind Efficiently During Events
Seasonal events such as Anniversary or Halloween events often boost XP or include temporary bonuses like double Bloodpoints. These events don’t directly double Shards, but because they encourage longer or more engaging play, you tend to earn more XP per session.
- Play during XP multiplier weekends.
- Join community challenges that increase global match activity and XP totals.
These windows are ideal times to push for new Devotion tiers and accumulate Shards faster than usual.
4. Focus on Longer Matches
XP earned per match is based not only on your actions but also on time spent in the match. Longer matches generally yield more XP, so don’t rush to finish objectives or kills too quickly.
- As a Killer, allow chases and gameplay to flow naturally rather than slugging early.
- As a Survivor, avoid escaping at the first opportunity unless needed stay to heal teammates, finish generators, or totem cleanse.
5. Use XP Boosters (Indirectly)
Dead by Daylight doesn’t have a direct XP booster item for sale, but some special events or offerings indirectly help you play longer or in more engaging ways that maximize XP.
- Offerings like Bloody Party Streamers can encourage full matches.
- XP is influenced by engagement, so anything that keeps you active in a match indirectly boosts Shards.
While not a quick fix, optimizing your builds and loadouts for survival and activity can improve your average XP per match.
Extra Tips to Speed Up Iridescent Shard Farming
Switch Between Survivor and Killer
Sticking to only one side of the game can slow your progress. If queues are long on one side, switch to the other to keep playing without delay. Killers tend to have shorter queue times, which means more matches in less time and more XP.
Join Friends or Communities
Playing with friends or joining a Dead by Daylight Discord or community can increase match coordination and efficiency. Good teammates can help you escape more often or complete objectives quicker, which translates to more XP per hour.
Set Goals for Level Resets
Each time you hit level 100, you gain a Devotion level and reset to level 1. Each level gives a fixed number of Iridescent Shards. Try to set personal weekly goals like reaching level 50 or Devotion +1 by a certain date. This keeps progress focused and helps track your farming efficiency.
Track Your Match XP
After each match, check your XP total. Try different strategies and see which roles, perks, or playstyles give you the best results. Over time, you’ll identify your own most efficient farming method for Shards.
How Many Iridescent Shards Do You Get?
The amount of Iridescent Shards earned per level scales with your total Devotion. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Level 1-50: 300 Shards per level
- Level 51-100: Up to 600 Shards per level at high Devotion levels
- Devotion increases: Reset to Level 1 but keep higher XP scaling for more Shards
That means over time, your shard gain becomes more efficient as your Devotion climbs. It’s worth committing to long-term progression if you’re serious about unlocking premium items for free.
What to Spend Iridescent Shards On
1. Shrine of Secrets
One of the best uses for Iridescent Shards is buying teachable perks from the Shrine of Secrets. These perks become available for all characters once purchased, helping you build your ideal loadout without leveling specific characters.
2. Unlocking Characters
Many non-licensed characters (original to Dead by Daylight) can be unlocked using Shards. This saves real money and lets you access new perks and playstyles.
3. Cosmetics (Limited)
Some cosmetics are purchasable with Iridescent Shards. While not all skins are available this way, a decent selection of character outfits and charms are accessible for free if you have the currency.
Farming Iridescent Shards fast in Dead by Daylight isn’t about shortcuts it’s about smart, consistent gameplay. Focus on playing full, engaging matches, complete daily rituals, and take advantage of events and XP-boosting strategies. Rotate between Killer and Survivor, track your XP gains, and aim for long match durations to maximize rewards. Over time, your Shard total will grow, and you’ll be able to unlock everything from powerful perks to new characters and stylish cosmetics. With persistence and the right approach, you’ll never run out of ways to earn Iridescent Shards effectively.