Dead Cells

Dead Cells

August 6, 2018
Motion Twin SARL
4.7/5.0(15,508 reviews)

Genres

ActionAction

Themes

fantasydarkmysterioussurvivalexploration

Mechanics

procedural-generationpermadeathcombatexplorationplatformingcollectiblespuzzle-solvingmetroidvania

About This Game

Dead Cells is a roguevania, Motion Twin's fusion of roguelike runs with Metroidvania structure, set on a cursed, procedurally rebuilt island. Each death sends the player back to the start with their loadout stripped, yet permanent gains, new weapons, mutations, and traversal abilities, mean the interconnected map keeps opening up across attempts. The pull is the combat: fast, fluid, side-on action with a forgiving panic roll and a deep pool of weapons that reward aggression and quick reads.

Critics treat it as a genre benchmark, and players echo that with an overwhelmingly positive Steam standing. The split is about endurance: the same loop that feels electric early can wear thin, and the climb toward the harder boss cells becomes a grind for some. Six years of free and paid updates, capped by the well-received Return to Castlevania crossover, kept it deep. A standout for anyone chasing tight combat and run-to-run variety, less so for players who tire of repetition.

Platforms

PS4
PS5

Multiplayer

Single Player Only

Game Information

ESRB Rating:ESRB Teen

Gameplay

Modes
Single player
Perspective
Side view

Time to Beat

Rushed:6h
Main story:23h
Completionist:100h

Player Reviews

Great

Players seem overwhelmingly positive about Dead Cells, highlighting its addictive gameplay, rewarding combat mechanics, and replayability. While some reviews point out frustrations with difficulty and repetitiveness, the majority reflect a high level of enjoyment and recommendation for the game.

Pros

  • Addictive gameplay and smooth combat mechanics
  • Replayability and variety of items/gear
  • Beautiful pixel graphics and engaging soundtracks
  • Randomized levels and environments keeps the game fresh
  • Satisfying difficulty progression that rewards skill

Cons

  • Game can be repetitive in its mechanics over time
  • Some players find it overly difficult or frustrating
  • Certain areas in the game are criticized for being too challenging or tedious
  • Pacing of progression can feel slow for some players
  • Some dislike the crossovers and references to other games

Based on 204 reviews from playstation, steam

Screenshots

Gameplay Video

[WR] Dead Cells - Fresh File Speedrun in 8min 15sec NEW WORLD RECORD! (current wr)

DLC & Editions

Dead Cells: Rise of the Giant
Dead Cells: Rise of the Giantdlc
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevaniadlc
Dead Cells: Fatal Falls
Dead Cells: Fatal Fallsdlc
Dead Cells: The Queen and the Sea
Dead Cells: The Queen and the Seadlc
Dead Cells: The Bad Seed
Dead Cells: The Bad Seeddlc
Dead Cells: Action Game of the Year
Dead Cells: Action Game of the Yearbundle
Dead Cells: Medley of Pain Bundle
Dead Cells: Medley of Pain Bundlebundle
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Bundle
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Bundlebundle
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Editionbundle
Dead Cells+
Dead Cells+bundle
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania - Signature Edition
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania - Signature Editionbundle

Dead Cells — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dead Cells worth playing?
Dead Cells has a great reception from players, holding an average score of 4.7 out of 5 across 15,508 reviews.
How long does it take to beat Dead Cells?
Dead Cells takes around 23 hours for the main story and about 100 hours to fully complete.
Is Dead Cells included with PlayStation Plus?
Yes — Dead Cells is part of the PlayStation Plus Extra game catalogue, so subscribers on that tier can play it at no extra cost.
Is Dead Cells single-player or multiplayer?
Dead Cells supports single player.
What platforms is Dead Cells available on?
Dead Cells is available on PS4 and PS5.
When did Dead Cells release?
Dead Cells released on August 6, 2018.
What is Dead Cells's age rating?
Dead Cells carries an ESRB rating of ESRB Teen.