Most common folk in DbD will run a flashlight in order to attempt saving their fellow rats. That is a very efficient and clean way to do the deed. HOWEVER, these are the reasons why FLASHBANG is the superior version of a flashlight. And yes, obviously fire crackers count as flashbang-y objects too, since they have the same function and timing.

• STEALTHIER/ SAFER
  
• MORE SUCCESSFUL
  
• UNEXPECTED
  
• STRAIGHT UP EDGY AND COOL

As stated above, the flashbang benefits from qualities that a flashlight lacks. Let us quickly touch upon each of the 4 points stated previously.

STEALTHIER/ SAFER: A flashbang is stealthier and safer than a flashlight. The MAIN observation here is that a flashlight limits you to an angle that you must set up for. On the other hand, a flashbang can come from any angle, as long as it is dropped in front of the killer, since it has no beam range to calculate and place. So it is a given that stealth is easier to achieve and results are more likely to be satisfactory.

MORE SUCCESSFUL: Since we know many of our mates die against walls, flashbang isn't limited by that. Unlike a flashlight, the flashbang can save in that situation too. Just throw it in the killers face, right against the wall and BOOM!

UNEXPECTED: While most killers look around and expect someone to have a flashlight, very few actually consider the possibility of getting banged. So the element of surprise really comes in clutch when trying to effortlessly get the save. You'll be like a NINJA.

STRAIGHT UP EDGY AND COOL: People tend to appreciate a BANGER, since it's a very sexy and badass move to pull outta nowhere. So you instantly become cool in anyone's eyes. Finally, something to make you special and unique, like you always longed to be.

There are obviously endless ways to bang. But I will showcase some of my personal favorites and some of the ones I find to be most efficient.
They are as follows:

• Pick-up bang
  
• Hook/Corners bang
  
• Generator bang
  
• Locker bang
  
• CJ Tech

Originally posted by author:

Pick-up bang

My favorite way and one of the best ways to get a flashbang save is upon pick-up. It is actually very simple. There are a few different cues you can look for, depending on what suits your style best:

• Firstly, the timing cue. The right time to drop the bang is 1 second into the 3 second pick up animation.
  
• Secondly, the sound cue. Drop the bang the moment you hear the survivor grunt.
  
• Thirdly, the visual cue (my personal choice). Right as the picked survivor reaches the killer's hip level, drop the bang and snatch that save.

Originally posted by author:

Hook/Corners bang

Hook bangs and corner/doorway bangs are pretty much centered around the same mechanic.
Flahsbang is a relatively quiet item to use, which means the killer can easily miss the audible giveaway.

Unlike the above strat, this time the survivor will fully be on the killers shoulder. All you have to do is be sneaky and drop it when not in the killers line of sight, right before the killer approaches the area. For example, right as the killer is coming around the corner.

This strat is a bit harder to achieve, which makes it less safe than pick up saves. But with practice, it is of course doable.

Originally posted by author:

Generator bang

The generator bang is also applicable to windows, pallets, totems or chests. For this one, the survivor will get grabbed off the action they were performing, and you will have to drop your bang right as the killer adjusts the survivor on their shoulder.

Originally posted by author:

Locker bang

The locker bang is also fairly simple to get. There are two scenarios:

• Locker grab save: The survivor gets fully grabbed out of the locker. You need to drop the bang according to an audible and a visual cue. The first indicator, the audible one, is the moment you hear the locker begin to close. As for visual, it is when the killer is hoisting the survivor on their shoulder.
  
• Locker slow vault: The survivor slow vaults inside or outside of a locker. Here, you need to drop the bang right as the killer begins to readjust the survivor on their shoulder.

Originally posted by author:

CJ Tech

After you stun the killer with a pallet and the survivor ends up on the killers side, you vault it in their face. This should force them to pick up the survivor instead of break the pallet, which allows for you to drop the flashbang in their face, based on pick-up bang timing.

Additionally, the CJ is also possible out of a locker. This means the downed survivor needs to crawl against a locker. You hop inside the locker and as the killer approaches, you vault out and force the pick up animation. As that happens, you drop the flashbang based on pick-up bang timing.

Aside from the obvious perk that you need in order to bang in the first place, aka Leon's Flashbang perk, there are some perks that might make the whole operation run smoother:

Originally posted by author:

Urban Evasion - really improves the stealth element and movement is more convenient

Originally posted by author:

Light-Footed - makes a huge difference; killers often hear survivors running around them; this perk makes you fully quiet and really throws off the killer concerning your whereabouts

Originally posted by author:

Sprint Burst- keeping a safe distance can be important when trying to maintain your stealth; Sprint Burst will provide the necessary speed to ensure that even when playing safe, you get your save

Originally posted by author:

Background Player- similar to sprint burst, but very much focused on saves; will provide great speed and safety; however, I prefer Sprint Burst, since it is a good chase perk too

My personal banger build includes Light-Footed, Urban Evasion and Sprint Burst. However, these perks are only recommended for the highest success rate.
While these all help improve your banging abilities, realistically, all you need to run is simply Flashbang.

If you finished absorbing the guide, you should be initiated in BANGING and soon enough become a valuable, rare to encounter, DbD banger.

I appreciate any support, points or remarks you guys might drop in the comments section.

Master Dodo signing out.

uWu