Dead Cells is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer combining roguelike and Metroidvania design. Players control the Prisoner, an immortal creature that possesses corpses and fights through procedurally generated levels filled with mutated enemies. Combat centers on melee weapons, bows, traps, and dodging, with enemy patterns that reward careful observation. Death is permanent for each run, stripping the player of most collected items, though an in-game currency called Cells allows for purchasing upgrades that persist between attempts. Levels are assembled from pre-designed sections in randomized configurations, and progression through the game unlocks new traversal abilities via collectible Runes.
About the story
The Prisoner, an amorphous creature capable of possessing dead bodies, awakens in the depths of an island prison with no memory. A soldier tells the Prisoner they can no longer die. Through repeated escape attempts, the Prisoner learns that the island was once a powerful kingdom brought to ruin when a plague called "The Malaise" transformed most of its citizens into mutated monsters. After escaping the prison depths, the Prisoner resolves to kill the island's reclusive King, believing that his death will change something on the island. Fighting through plague-infested regions, the Prisoner reaches the throne room and slays the comatose monarch, only for the King's corpse to explode violently, destroying the Prisoner's host body. The head crawls through a fountain drain that leads back to the prison, where the cycle begins again.
Platforms
Android iOS Linux Mac Switch PC PS4 PS5 XONEGenres
Adventure Indie PlatformThemes
Action Fantasy
Languages: Spanish (Spain) and 13 more
| Interface | Audio | Subtitles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese (Brazil) | |||
| Russian | |||
| Spanish (Spain) | |||
| Turkish | |||
| Chinese (Simplified) | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | |||
| English | |||
| French | |||
| German | |||
| Italian | |||
| Japanese | |||
| Korean | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal) | |||
| Polish |
Media
Critic Reviews
XboxEra
By Jesse NorrisDead Cells is an all-time classic. As part of Xbox Game Pass it is one of the easiest recommendations I’ve ever made on this site/channel. It is tough but fair. It finds that perfect balance of teaching you as you fail, and you will find yourself thinking “Just one more run” time and time again as the hours pass by.
Forever Classic Games
By Alex McCumbersEven years after the initial release, even after games are starting to cite Dead Cells as their main inspiration, this game is surprisingly good.
Cat with Monocle
By Brian ParaMasterfully crafted pixel-based visuals, replayability galore, and great controls make Dead Cells a must have for fans of the roguevania genre. For everyone else, be prepared for endure countless deaths, but know that you’ll feel like a badass by the end. Docked or on the go, Dead Cells earns itself a solid 4 meows!
GameOctane
By Beau SeversonDead Cells is one of the first games I feel has pushed the rogue-like action platformer since Rogue Legacy, a classic in its own right. Definitely find this game on PC or Switch.
Digital Trends
By Diego Arguello‘Dead Cells' is a chaotic, punishing, and rewarding indie game that cannot be missed.
