You need Xbox Game Pass Standard or Ultimate to play Dead by Daylight without buying the base game, and Core is not enough for access to DBD in the Game Pass library. The Xbox store listing also shows DBD as included with Game Pass Premium and Ultimate for cloud play , while online multiplayer on console requires an eligible Game Pass subscription such as Essential, Premium, or Ultimate.

What this means

  • Game Pass Core: not enough for DBD access in the library.
  • Game Pass Standard or Ultimate: gives you the game without buying it separately.
  • If you already own the game: you may still need the right subscription for online play on console.

Simple answer

If your goal is just “play DBD without purchasing the game,” go with Game Pass Standard or Ultimate.

Extra note

There was also a recent Free Play Days event where DBD was temporarily playable for Game Pass members across Core, Standard, and Ultimate, but that was a limited-time trial weekend, not permanent access.

TL;DR: For permanent access without buying DBD, use Game Pass Standard or Ultimate.