If you’ve been playing The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game (based on the influential 1974 film of the same name) you know that it’s entirely addictive. Though, considering that the game is a product of the team responsible for the cinematic-like multiplayer horror game Friday the 13th, it was ultimately bound to make a bold impression on the horror community anyway.

Now, months after its release, the game only continues to evolve through the promising additions of new maps, skins, characters, and content, so we’re still completely invested in fighting for survival or bringing total brutality (depending on our mood). And whether you’re a longtime player looking to try out a new build or even a TCM rookie wanting to jump into the game without knowing where to start, we’ve got you covered. So what are a few of our recommended perks for Victim gameplay? 

Jump Start

In the words of Mooski (or Doja Cat while playing Little Nightmares), she a runner, she a track star — and with the victim perk “Jump Start,” you can be too. Since the game has since chosen to nerf “Choose Flight” (RIP), it’s been crucial for the cardio crew to work on an alternative route, which, in all sincerity might have been resolved courtesy of “Jump Start” with an effect that reduces stamina consumption on dashing by up to 50%.

That’s practically like having two stamina bars as-is, and it helps for lengthy chases when you’re playing a character like Sonny or Connie. We approve!

Extra Drip

Healing is a big part of survival in the TCM game, but it also happens to be limited. So if you end up in a match with someone who wastes health (iykyn) or a Sissy who wants to poison as much as possible, you can end up in a bind.

With “Extra Drip,” a victim can turn a small healing into a full heal, or you can use its effect to help prevent death in a sprint to an exit, traps, etc. This one is also important for those who might expect to take heavy damage as a victim (looking at you Ana).

Fast Hands

“Fast Hands” is strictly a Danny or Virginia perk, but it’s easily one of the best when played correctly — because while equipped and in decent proximity of a family member, the character can essentially cut through locks with ease (like a slightly nerfed Connie ability).

The perk can also come in handy if you’re close to an escape — grapple — and use the stun time to finish off a lock. Obviously, it works better with others assisting for a distraction or stun, but it can and has been done as a solo victim too. Also, for those family-mains with complaints, anyone with this perk doesn’t have access to “No Sell” or “Jump Start,” so it’s not like you’re necessarily guaranteed success with it equipped anyway. But to be transparent, it’s the adrenaline of this build that makes it worth the risk.

No Sell

If you’re not big on stealth, it’s always a smart idea to increase a character’s toughness which directly correlates with health and survivability. With the perk “No Sell,” its holder gains an Ana-esque talent which allows them to negate up to 80% of the first three hits taken which can be the difference between life and death.

So if you’re going up against Leatherface or a Johnny, this one is your best bet at sticking around a little bit longer.

Stunt Double

Unfortunately for “Stunt Double,” it doesn’t seem like the perk gets enough love from players. However, for those who do utilize the underrated perk, its holder takes little to no damage from a well jump. And it’s possible to distract family members by similarly jumping out of a window to widen the playing field.

We can’t even begin to tell you how many chaotic matches we’ve survived due to this one — and we’re probably keeping it equipped to Sonny permanently.

Empowered

Do you like to get a little scrappy when you play a horror game? Then you probably need “Empowered.” For those who win a grapple with a family member, there’s a massive boost in health and stamina which can be a total lifesaver and a crucial distraction for team members to make a move.

There are also several perks that you can pair it with to make the fighting even more effective if that’s the route you’re interested in. Still, on its own, it’s definitely more than enough to become a favorite perk for Julie, Ana, and Leland.