View source for Dead Cells


{{About|the video game||Dead Cell (disambiguation){{!}}Dead Cell}}


{{Infobox video game
| image = Dead cells cover art.png
| caption = 
| developer = [[Motion Twin]]{{efn|Updates and downloadable content developed by Evil Empire since 2019.}}
| publisher = {{Ubl|Motion Twin|Playdigious{{efn|iOS and Android}}}}
| director = 
| producer =
| designer = {{Ubl|Sébastien Bénard|Mathieu Capdegelle}}
| programmer = {{Ubl|Sébastien Bénard|Mathieu Capdegelle|Pascal Péridont|Mathieu Pistol|Christophe Rautou}}
| artist = {{Ubl|Gwenaël Massé|Noémie Szmrzsik-Cohard|Thomas Vasseur}}
| writer = 
| composer = {{Ubl|Yoann Laulan|Thomas Chastagnol}}
| engine = 
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]|[[Linux]]|[[macOS]] |[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[iOS]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[PlayStation 5]]}}
| released = {{ubl|'''Windows''', '''Linux''', '''macOS''', '''Nintendo Switch''', '''PS4''', '''Xbox One'''|August 7, 2018|'''iOS'''|August 28, 2019|'''Android'''|June 3, 2020|'''PlayStation 5'''|June 29, 2023}}
| genre = [[Roguelike]], [[Metroidvania]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| title = Dead Cells
}}
'''''Dead Cells''''' is a 2018 [[roguelike]]-[[Metroidvania]]<!-- NOTE:Consensus on the talk page is to call it a roguelike-Metroidvania --> game developed by French independent developer [[Motion Twin]]. The player takes the role of an amorphous creature called the Prisoner. As the Prisoner, the player must fight their way out of a diseased island in order to slay the island's King. The player gains weapons, treasure and other tools through exploration of the [[Procedural generation|procedurally generated]] levels. ''Dead Cells'' features a [[permadeath]] system, causing the player to lose all items and other abilities upon dying. A currency called Cells can be collected from defeated enemies, allowing the player to purchase permanent upgrades.  

Production of ''Dead Cells'' began after Motion Twin planned development for a follow-up to their previous browser game ''[[Die2Nite]]''. The developers decided to replace the [[Cooperative video game|cooperative gameplay]] of ''Die2Nite'' with a [[Single-player video game|single-player]] experience focused around combat and action. They took inspiration from the Engineer [[character class]] from ''[[Team Fortress 2]]'', and remade ''Dead Cells'' into an action [[platform game]] where the player would utilize a variety of combinations of weapons and skills.

The game was released for [[Linux]], [[macOS]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] on August 7, 2018. A mobile port for [[iOS]] was released on August 28, 2019, and an [[Android (operating system)|Android]] port was released in 2020. A version for [[PlayStation 5]] was added on June 29, 2023. After release, the game was supported with several updates and [[Downloadable content|expansions]], with developmental duties handled by Evil Empire. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its combat and level design, with specific praise being directed towards the randomized levels and weapons. By June 2023, the game had sold over 10 million copies.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Dead cells jumping May 2022.gif|thumb|A [[GIF]] of the Prisoner using the jump and dodge mechanics to get behind a charging enemy.]]
''Dead Cells'' is a [[Side-scrolling video game|2D side-scrolling]] "roguevania", a combination of the [[roguelike]] and [[Metroidvania]] genres.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/dead-cells-early-access-announcement | title = 'Roguevania' Dead Cells comes to Steam Early Access on May 10 | first = Sam | last = Foxall | date = April 22, 2017 | access-date = May 12, 2017 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182946/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/dead-cells-early-access-announcement | archive-date = April 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=2018-07-10 |title=Dead Cells' 'roguevania' action launches August 7 |url=https://venturebeat.com/pc-gaming/dead-cells-roguevania-action-launches-august-7/ |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928011041/https://venturebeat.com/pc-gaming/dead-cells-roguevania-action-launches-august-7/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The player controls the Prisoner, an amorphous creature who journeys across an island full of mutated monsters.<ref name=":22" /> When the player dies, they lose all weapons and upgrades obtained in a playthrough, excluding a few permanent items.<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joshua |date=2018-08-09 |title='Dead Cells' Is the Gross, Addictive, and Quick Game You Need to Play This Week |url=https://www.gq.com/story/dead-cells-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212162855/https://www.gq.com/story/dead-cells-review |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}</ref> Weapons primarily include swords, bows, shields, and placeable [[Booby trap|traps]] that harm enemies that come near them. In combat, the Prisoner can dodge across the ground to avoid the attacks of enemies, or jump over the attacks. Dodging into an enemy's space allows the Prisoner to move through them and attack from behind.<ref name=":0" /> When falling from a height, the Prisoner can slam into the ground, allowing them to stun enemies, or allow the Prisoner to fall from heights without getting stunned themselves.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=August 17, 2018 |title=Dead Cells Guide: Weapons, Doors, And Tips We Wish We Knew Before Starting |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/dead-cells-guide-weapons-doors-and-tips-we-wish-we/2900-2201/#6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528195457/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/dead-cells-guide-weapons-doors-and-tips-we-wish-we/2900-2201/#6 |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

The game's combat is comparable to the ''[[Dark Souls]]'' series, with difficult enemies possessing certain behaviors the player can learn, and where frequent player-character death is a fundamental part of the game.<ref name="rps ea">{{cite news |last=Caldwell |first=Brendan |date=May 16, 2017 |title=Premature Evaluation: Dead Cells |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/05/16/dead-cells-review-early-access/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517115600/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/05/16/dead-cells-review-early-access/ |archive-date=May 17, 2017}}</ref> As they explore a series of [[Level (video games)|levels]] and fight the creatures within, the player can collect an in-game currency called Cells from defeated foes. Cells can be used to purchase permanent upgrades, such as potions that restore [[hit points]] or additional weapons that may be randomly obtained during a playthrough.<ref name=":16" /><ref name="rps ea" /> These Cells can only be spent at the end of a dungeon section; if the player dies before then, they lose all collected Cells.<ref name="usgamer">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Mike |date=March 11, 2017 |title=Dead Cells Is A Roguelike That Wants You to Use Death |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/dead-cells-is-a-roguelike-that-wants-you-to-use-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507020103/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/dead-cells-is-a-roguelike-that-wants-you-to-use-death |archive-date=May 7, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2017 |work=[[USGamer]] }}</ref> New upgrade options can be found by locating blueprints inside dungeons, which must be taken out of the level to be collected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frushtick |first=Russ |date=August 7, 2018 |title=Dead Cells beginner's guide |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/7/17649536/dead-cells-beginners-guide-cells-spend-how-to-gear |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510131048/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/7/17649536/dead-cells-beginners-guide-cells-spend-how-to-gear |url-status=live }}</ref>

Levels are [[procedurally generated]] by the merging of predesigned sections in a random configuration, creating dungeons with many different placements of enemies and items.<ref name="rps ea" /> Between dungeons, the player can obtain a limited number of mutations, benefits which grant unique bonuses to the Prisoner's capabilities that last until they die.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |date=August 7, 2018 |title=Tips For Playing Dead Cells |url=https://kotaku.com/tips-for-playing-dead-cells-1828166869 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510131048/https://kotaku.com/tips-for-playing-dead-cells-1828166869 |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us}}</ref> The player can reforge weapons during this time, giving the reforged weapons new effects during combat.<ref name=":15" /> Inside the dungeons, the player can find hidden Power Scrolls, which increase the Prisoner's hit points and improve the damage of weapons depending upon the tool's classification of Brutality, Tactics, or Survival.<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Edward |first=Rhy |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Dead Cells: 10 Things Beginners Should Do First |url=https://www.thegamer.com/dead-cells-starter-tips/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510131049/https://www.thegamer.com/dead-cells-starter-tips/ |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref> Dungeons can contain permanent upgrades called Runes, which allow for new methods of travel throughout levels. Runes can be obtained by defeating powerful Elite enemies,<ref name=":15" /> and each Rune requires the previous one in order to obtain the next.<ref name=":1" />

==Plot==
===Premise===
Taking place on an unnamed island, the player character is the Prisoner, an amorphous creature capable of possessing dead bodies located in the depths of the island. While the "head" of the Prisoner is immortal, the bodies it possesses are not, and "dying" will force the Prisoner to return to the Prisoners' Quarters to find another corpse. The Prisoner itself does not speak, limiting its interactions with [[non-player character]]s (NPCs) to gestures and body language alone. The player is occasionally shown the thoughts of the Prisoner through dialogue boxes.

===Story===
The Prisoner awakens in the depths of the island's prison, suffering from [[amnesia]]. A soldier encounters the Prisoner, and mentions that they can no longer die. The Prisoner tries to escape the prison, but their head is forced back to the depths as soon as its body is destroyed. Between subsequent escape attempts, the Prisoner learns that the island was once a mighty kingdom that fell when a plague known as "The Malaise" transformed most of the kingdom's citizens into mutated monsters.

After escaping the Prisoners' Quarters, the Prisoner decides to kill the island's reclusive King, believing that his death will cause something on the island to "change". While leaving the Quarters, the Prisoner meets with the Collector, a hooded figure that trades Cells in exchange for items and weaponry. After fighting through the island's Malaise-infected locales, the Prisoner reaches the King's throne room and succeeds in slaying the comatose monarch. However, the King's corpse violently explodes in the process, destroying the Prisoner's host body. The Prisoners' head crawls out from the burning fragments of the destroyed throne, where it exits the throne room through a fountain's drain. The drain leads back to the Prisoners' Quarters, where the resurrected Prisoner ponders the consequences of the King's death.

===''Rise of the Giant''===
The ''Rise of the Giant'' downloadable content expands the plot of ''Dead Cells'', providing the game with alternative endings. The Prisoner gains access to a new area of the island, the Cavern, which houses a titanic undead Giant. Upon his defeat, the Giant reveals that the Prisoner is actually the King himself, and blames him for the destruction of the kingdom. After defeating the [[Boss (video games)#Final boss|final boss]], the Prisoner can collect Boss Cells, in-game modifiers that are used to increase the difficulty of the game. If the player collects all five Boss Cells and reaches the throne room, they are able to gain access to an additional level called the Astrolab. At the top of the Astrolab, the Prisoner meets the Collector; he tells the Prisoner that he has been trading for Cells in order to create the [[Panacea (medicine)|Panacea]], the ultimate cure for the Malaise. Upon producing the Panacea and drinking it, the Collector goes mad and attacks the Prisoner. The Prisoner manages to ingest some of the Panacea before the Collector's defeat, which causes their host body to disappear. Disappointed with the Panacea, the head returns to the Quarters to possess another corpse.

When the Prisoner reaches the throne room again, they discover that the King's body has reappeared undamaged. The head of the Prisoner abandons its host body and attaches to the King's, restoring the Prisoner's memories and allowing him to speak. However, the King's body is infected with the Malaise, and he continues to the Astrolab to face the Collector. This time, upon the Collector's defeat, the Panacea cures the King and "binds his body and soul". The King returns to his throne, where he is confronted by a [[Doppelgänger|look-alike]] of the Prisoner intent on slaying him. The King and the look-alike battle each other in a duel.

===''The Queen and the Sea''===
''The Queen and the Sea'' downloadable content adds three additional levels to the game, as well as an alternative ending. The Prisoner finds a letter inviting them to a meeting in the sewers beneath the prison. When the Prisoner arrives, they meet an aquatic creature called the Fisherman, who offers them a way to escape the island through the kingdom's lighthouse. After the Prisoner finds the Lighthouse Key and meets the Fisherman again at the King's castle, the latter uses his boat to take the Prisoner to the lighthouse. Inside, the Prisoner accidentally knocks over a flaming chandelier, alerting three hostile warriors named Calliope, Euterpe, and Kleio, who are the servants of the island's Queen. The three chase the Prisoner to the top of the now-burning lighthouse, where the Prisoner defeats them in combat. The Prisoner enters the upper chambers of the lighthouse to light its beacon, but the Queen reveals herself and challenges them to a duel. The Prisoner defeats the Queen before throwing her off the lighthouse's balcony, causing an explosion that activates the structure's beacon. The Prisoner uses the beacon to attract a ship passing by the island.

==Development==
''Dead Cells''{{'}} developer [[Motion Twin]] had been developing games for the [[browser game|browser]] and [[mobile gaming]] market since 2001. The studio found that competition in the mobile market required more investment to make profitable games, and decided to switch focus to develop what they considered their "passion project", a game that was "something hardcore, ultra-niche, with pixel art and ridiculous difficulty" that they thought would be a potential risk for gaining player interest.<ref name="vb">{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/19/studio-abandons-free-to-play-web-and-mobile-games-for-passion-project-dead-cells/ | title = Studio abandons free-to-play web and mobile games for passion project: Dead Cells | first = Stephanie | last = Chan | date = April 19, 2017 | access-date = May 12, 2017 | work = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171019211620/https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/19/studio-abandons-free-to-play-web-and-mobile-games-for-passion-project-dead-cells/ | archive-date = October 19, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Initially, Motion Twin had set out to make a follow-up to their browser game ''[[Die2Nite]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hordes |url=https://deepnight.net/games/motion-twin/hordes/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Deepnight Games |language=en}}</ref> which was a cooperative [[tower defense]] game for up to forty players released in 2008; for most of the game, players would work together to form defenses around a town, and then during the game's night phase, wait to see if the town survived waves of attacks by zombies. Motion Twin wanted to have improve the sequel by allowing players to take actions and fight during the night phase, while implementing [[free to play]] mechanics. While this version worked well with large number of players, Motion Twin found it was not very exciting for single players. In 2014, they stripped down the game to a single-player experience between preparation and combat, and took it to an event called the Big Indie Pitch, where the idea came in second place in a contest. Motion Twin decided to remove the preparation phase and focus the game around constant action. The process of figuring out how to keep and work with combat elements took a year up through the end of 2015.<ref name="pcgamer dev">{{cite web |last=Macgregor |first=Jody |date=August 11, 2018 |title=Dead Cells is a perfect example of Early Access done right |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dead-cells-is-a-perfect-example-of-early-access-done-right/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812083820/https://www.pcgamer.com/dead-cells-is-a-perfect-example-of-early-access-done-right/ |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

To tighten the gameplay, Motion Twin took inspiration of the Engineer [[character class]] from ''[[Team Fortress 2]]'', where the use of turrets and other buildable items helps to strengthen the character's abilities, and remade ''Dead Cells'' into an action [[platform game]] where the player used weapons along with a variety of skills. They did not want players to get used to having a single weapon/skill combination that they used indefinitely, and arranged the roguelike elements to require the player to try out new combinations of weapons and skills as they progressed. Motion Twin's producer Steve Filby cited [[The Binding of Isaac (video game)|''The Binding of Isaac'']] as a significant influence, highlighting its item-driven gameplay. To give the player enough options, the developers crafted about 50 different weapons, using an iterative process in gameplay, graphics, and art to ensure each of these weapons exhibited unique animations or behavior.<ref name="gamasutra dev">{{cite web |last=Couture |first=Joel |date=July 7, 2017 |title=Designing each of the 50 weapons in Dead Cells to feel distinctive |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/designing-each-of-the-50-weapons-in-i-dead-cells-i-to-feel-distinctive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707214608/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/299848/Designing_each_of_the_50_weapons_in_Dead_Cells_to_feel_distinctive.php |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2017 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Motion Twin opted to use [[Steam (service)|Steam]]'s [[early access]] approach to both gauge player interest and to obtain feedback on game features.<ref name="vb"/> The team feared the stigma around [[indie game]]s at the time, fueled by industry speculation of an "indiepocalypse" where too many indie games would cause a collapse of the video game market around 2015, an event which never occurred.<ref name="gamasutra balance">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/325547/Tuning_Dead_Cells_to_appeal_to_players_both_fast_and_slow.php | title = Tuning Dead Cells to appeal to players both fast and slow | first = Carli | last = Velocci | date = August 31, 2018 | access-date = August 31, 2018 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-date = August 31, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180831113114/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/325547/Tuning_Dead_Cells_to_appeal_to_players_both_fast_and_slow.php | url-status = dead }}</ref> Motion Twin did not want to release too early within early access, and made sure the first version available, while about 30 to 40% complete, had tight combat and gameplay controls that players would appreciate.<ref name="pcgamer dev"/> This allowed the team to address balance issues, as the developers did not want to punish players for a specific style of play, and used feedback to address this.<ref name="gamasutra balance"/> Motion Twin planned for the game to spend about a year in early access before its full release, during which time the content was created and incorporated after player feedback on both bug reports and feature suggestions.<ref name="pcgamer dev"/> Lead designer Sébastien Bénard estimated that 40 to 50% of the features in the final game were drawn from feedback during early access.<ref name="gamasutra aug2018">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/how-player-criticism-helped-make-i-dead-cells-i-the-game-it-is-today | title = How player criticism helped make Dead Cells the game it is today | first = Samuel | last = Horti | date = August 1, 2018 | access-date = August 1, 2018 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190631/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/323234/How_player_criticism_helped_make_Dead_Cells_the_game_it_is_today.php | archive-date = August 1, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

The plot of ''Dead Cells'' was not intended from the beginning. Motion Twin felt that the addition of a story would take away from the action, and wanted to include the most basic narrative possible.  As the game progressed through early access, the developers decided to include a minor story after players found their world compelling. Over time, the plot was compiled into a half-French half-English document, and became more and more complex. Although the levels have a number of hints towards the story, Motion Twin withheld some of the details and utilized the nonlinear gameplay to keep the narrative vague, hoping players would piece together the story for themselves.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |date=2019-04-03 |title=The rich and mysterious story buried in 'Dead Cells' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-04-03-dead-cells-story-lore-interview-gdc-2019.html |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Release and expansions==
{{Video game timeline|2017=Early access|2018=''Dead Cells''|2019=''Rise of the Giant''|2020=''The Bad Seed''|2021=''Fatal Falls''|2022=''The Queen and the Sea''|2023=''Return to Castlevania''}}
The early access period was launched on May 10, 2017, with support for [[Windows]]. Additional support was added for [[macOS]] and [[Linux]] on June 26, 2018.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/06/26/dead-cells-mod-support/ | title = Dead Cells loots mod support, leaps onto Mac and Linux | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = June 26, 2018 | access-date = June 26, 2018 | work = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180626203305/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/06/26/dead-cells-mod-support/ | archive-date = June 26, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In November 2017, the game was released on [[GOG.com]] as part of their drive to provide an alternate way to purchase games that are in development.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 13, 2017 |title=In Development: Dead Cells |url=https://www.gog.com/news/in_development_dead_cells |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063910/https://www.gog.com/news/in_development_dead_cells |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |work=[[GOG.com]]}}</ref> In January 2018, Motion Twin announced their plans on console development for the [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Xbox One]], with a release predicted in August 2018 to correspond with the Windows' version leaving early access.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/25/16930122/dead-cells-consoles-ps4-switch-xbox-one-trailer | title = Dead Cells confirmed for PS4, Switch, Xbox One | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = January 25, 2018 | access-date = January 25, 2018 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012820/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/25/16930122/dead-cells-consoles-ps4-switch-xbox-one-trailer | archive-date = January 26, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-05-10-superb-roguevania-action-platformer-dead-cells-leaves-early-access-in-august | title = Superb "roguevania" action platformer Dead Cells leaves early access in August | first = Matt | last = Wales | date = May 10, 2018 | access-date = May 10, 2018 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180511091035/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-05-10-superb-roguevania-action-platformer-dead-cells-leaves-early-access-in-august | archive-date = May 11, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Motion Twin does not anticipate creating a sequel, and instead focused on adding a robust [[mod (video gaming)|modding system]] for the PC versions to allow players to expand the game following release.<ref name="gamasutra aug2018"/> ''Dead Cells'' was released on August 7, 2018, for Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.<ref name=":24" /> Retail editions were released in August 2018.<ref name=":24">{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/roguelite-action-platformer-dead-cells-launches-in-early-august-on-pc-and-consoles-511934.phtml | title = Roguelite action-platformer Dead Cells launches in early August on PC and consoles | first = Shannon | last = Lao | date = July 10, 2018 | access-date = July 10, 2018 | work = [[Destructoid]] | archive-date = August 20, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180820132009/https://www.destructoid.com/roguelite-action-platformer-dead-cells-launches-in-early-august-on-pc-and-consoles-511934.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/08/07/dead-cells-leaves-early-access/ | title = Dead Cells has now oozed out of early access | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = August 7, 2018 | access-date = August 7, 2018 | website = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180807142605/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/08/07/dead-cells-leaves-early-access/ | archive-date = August 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The base game included [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] integration at launch, allowing viewers, via the stream's chat, to influence the game, such as voting for which Power Scroll weapon class option the player should take.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=August 7, 2018 |title=Dead Cells' Twitch integration is great |url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/07/dead-cells-twitch-integration-is-great/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807174409/https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/07/dead-cells-twitch-integration-is-great/ |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |work=[[Venture Beat]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Motion Twin released a free [[downloadable content]] update to the game called ''Dead Cells: Rise of the Giant'' in mid-2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/huge-free-dead-cells-dlc-coming-this-spring/ | title = 'Huge' free Dead Cells DLC coming this spring | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = February 25, 2019 | access-date = February 25, 2019 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = February 26, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190226111220/https://www.pcgamer.com/huge-free-dead-cells-dlc-coming-this-spring/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The developers announced plans to port ''Dead Cells'' to mobile devices running [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]], modifying the game's interface to support touch controls as well as remote controllers. The iOS version was released on August 28, 2019, and the Android version was released on June 3, 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/07/dead-cells-ios-android/ | title = Indie hit 'Dead Cells' is coming to mobile this summer | first = Kris | last = Holt | date = May 7, 2019 | access-date = May 7, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = May 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190507154707/http://www.engadget.com/2019/05/07/dead-cells-ios-android/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |date=April 7, 2020 |title=Dead Cells is finally making its way to Android on June 3rd |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/7/21212412/dead-cells-android-release-date-june-2020-motion-twin |access-date=April 9, 2020 |website=The Verge |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215005110/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/7/21212412/dead-cells-android-release-date-june-2020-motion-twin |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Dead Cells launches on iOS with multiple input modes |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/08/28/dead-cells-launches-on-ios-with-multiple-input-modes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213103534/https://venturebeat.com/2019/08/28/dead-cells-launches-on-ios-with-multiple-input-modes/ |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 13, 2020 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref> The game's first paid expansion, ''Dead Cells: The Bad Seed'', was released on February 11, 2020, adding two new biomes, as well as a boss for early game content. The new content included weapons, enemies and game mechanics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wakeling |first=Richard |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Dead Cells The Bad Seed DLC Gets Release Date And New Trailer |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-cells-the-bad-seed-dlc-gets-release-date-and-/1100-6473184/ |access-date=January 29, 2020 |work=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129185243/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-cells-the-bad-seed-dlc-gets-release-date-and-/1100-6473184/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the same day, a new physical [[collector's edition|special edition]] of the game, the ''Prisoner's Edition'', was announced for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, which in addition to the game and DLC, includes the soundtrack, an art book, and a figurine of the player-character.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paget |first=Mat |date=February 11, 2020 |title=New Dead Cells Prisoner's Edition For Nintendo Switch, PS4 Announced |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-dead-cells-prisoners-edition-for-nintendo-swit/1100-6473573/ |access-date=February 11, 2020 |work=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704215227/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/best-playstation-deals-in-june-2021-ps5-and-ps4-deals-sales-and-prices/1100-6491051/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A second paid DLC expansion, ''Dead Cells: Fatal Falls'', was released on January 26, 2021, which added new levels, weapons, and a boss.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beckhelling |first=Imogen |date=January 12, 2021 |title=Dead Cells Fatal Fall DLC arrives later this month |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dead-cells-fatal-fall-dlc-arrives-later-this-month |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |accessdate=May 28, 2022 |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529010718/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dead-cells-fatal-fall-dlc-arrives-later-this-month |url-status=live }}</ref>

Around January 2019, Motion Twin started work on their next title while still developing ''Dead Cells''. When they expanded by hiring more developers, Motion Twin wanted to keep the ''Dead Cells'' development team to between eight and ten people to stay a manageable [[worker cooperative]]. The team then [[Corporate spin-off|spun-off]] a new studio called Evil Empire to help co-develop the game.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://egmnow.com/too-big-to-bail-why-dead-cells-creators-built-an-evil-empire/ | title = Too Big to Bail: Why Dead Cells' Creators Built an Evil Empire | first = Steven | last = Wright | date = September 16, 2019 | access-date = September 24, 2019 | magazine = [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | archive-date = September 25, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190925014902/https://egmnow.com/too-big-to-bail-why-dead-cells-creators-built-an-evil-empire/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Motion Twin released a free update on September 16, 2021, titled "Practice Makes Perfect" which added a training room, world map and many other quality of life changes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=September 17, 2021 |title=Dead Cells 'Practice Makes Perfect' Update Makes The Game Easier, But Only If You Want That |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/09/dead_cells_practice_makes_perfect_update_makes_the_game_easier_but_only_if_you_want_that |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213252/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/09/dead_cells_practice_makes_perfect_update_makes_the_game_easier_but_only_if_you_want_that |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> A free ''Everyone Is Here'' update released on November 22, 2021, which introduced character skins and mechanics based on characters from other indie games as "guest characters". These games included ''[[Hyper Light Drifter]]'', ''[[Guacamelee!]]'', ''[[Curse of the Dead Gods]]'', ''[[Blasphemous (video game)|Blasphemous]]'', ''[[Skul: The Hero Slayer]]'', and ''[[Hollow Knight]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/dead-cells-free-update-includes-six-game-crossover-next-week-3100271 | title = 'Dead Cells' free update includes six game crossover next week | first = Will | last = Nelson | date = November 19, 2021 | accessdate = November 21, 2021 | work = [[NME]] | archive-date = November 21, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211121031825/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/dead-cells-free-update-includes-six-game-crossover-next-week-3100271 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/dead-cells-everyone-is-here-update-guest-characters-hollow-knight-blasphemous-hyper-light-drifter/ | title = Dead Cells has a bunch of indie game guests with the Everyone is Here update | first = Jordan | last = Devore | date = November 22, 2021 | accessdate = November 22, 2021 | work = [[Destructoid]] | archive-date = November 22, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211122225653/https://www.destructoid.com/dead-cells-everyone-is-here-update-guest-characters-hollow-knight-blasphemous-hyper-light-drifter/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Motion Twin, the developers revealed the third paid expansion titled ''Dead Cells: The Queen and the Sea'', which released on January 7, 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thorn |first=Ed |date=January 6, 2022 |title=Dead Cells' latest DLC The Queen And The Sea is out now |language=en |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dead-cells-latest-dlc-the-queen-and-the-sea-is-out-now |access-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510131049/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dead-cells-latest-dlc-the-queen-and-the-sea-is-out-now |url-status=live }}</ref> Another free content update, ''Break the Bank'', released in March 2022. The update added a new level that can be randomly encountered while playing, which grants the player an opportunity to earn significant sums of gold.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/bank | title = Free Dead Cells update brings a money biome to the roguelike | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = March 31, 2022 | accessdate = April 2, 2022 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-date = April 2, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220402175121/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/bank | url-status = live }}</ref> On October 26, 2022, Motion Twin released a free [[boss rush]] update, which allows the Prisoner to fight the bosses of the game one after another in a new [[game mode]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=2022-10-25 |title=Dead Cells Is Getting A Free Boss Rush Update This Week |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/dead-cells-is-getting-a-free-boss-rush-update-this-week |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> A free ''Everyone is Here Vol. 2'' update in November 2022 added more homages to other indie games, including ''[[Terraria]]'', ''[[Hotline Miami]]'', ''[[Slay the Spire]]'', ''[[Shovel Knight]]'', ''[[Risk of Rain]]'', and ''[[Katana Zero]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/update-indie-crossover | title = Dead Cells update adds Terraria, Hotline Miami, Slay the Spire, more | first = Ken | last = Allsop | date = November 6, 2022 | accessdate = November 6, 2022 | work = [[PCGamesN]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/free-dead-cells-update-adds-goodies-based-on-hotline-miami-slay-the-spire-and-more | title=Free Dead Cells update adds goodies based on Hotline Miami, Slay the Spire and more | website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun | date=November 7, 2022 | last1=Wheeler | first1=C. J. }}</ref>

A fourth and final paid expansion, ''Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania'', was released on March 6, 2023. It features characters, weapons, and enemies from the ''[[Castlevania]]'' series, under license from [[Konami]].<ref>{{cite web | url  = https://www.eurogamer.net/dead-cells-is-getting-paid-castlevania-dlc-next-year | title = Dead Cells is getting paid Castlevania DLC next year | first = Matt | last = Wales | date = December 8, 2022 | accessdate = December 8, 2022 | work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> This expansion includes a secret level inspired by ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]'' and allows the player to play as Richter Belmont with a move set more akin to the ''Castlevania'' series.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/dead-cells-return-to-castlevania-dlc-will-let-you-play-as-richter-belmont | title = Dead Cells' Return to Castlevania DLC will let you play as Richter Belmont | first = Matt | last = Wales | date = February 23, 2023 | accessdate=  February 23, 2023 | work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> A port for the [[PlayStation 5]] was released on June 29, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2023-06-27 |title=Dead Cells' Free PS5 Upgrade Promises Next-Gen Features This Week |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/06/dead-cells-free-ps5-upgrade-promises-next-gen-features-this-week |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}</ref> With the game's 35th patch being released on August 19, 2024, Motion Twin and Evil Empire announced that they had stopped further creative work on ''Dead Cells''. Motion Twin had already transferred their development efforts towards their next game, ''[[Windblown]]'', and Evil Empire started work on their own new title. The companies stated that they will continue fixing bugs and making quality-of-life changes.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/update-35-end | title = Dead Cells update 35 marks the end for one of Steam's best roguelikes | first = Ken | last = Allsop  |date = February 9, 2024 | accessdate = February 9, 2024 | work = [[PCGamesN]] }}</ref>

[[Netflix]] released a mobile version on October 31, 2023.  This version is free but requires an active Netflix subscription to play, and includes all of the previously released DLCs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/dead-cells-netflix-edition-scares-its-way-to-a-halloween-release-date-152630472.html|title=Dead Cells: Netflix Edition scares its way to a Halloween release date|last=Bonk|first=Lawrence|work=[[Engadget]]|date=2023-10-25|accessdate=2024-09-14}}</ref>

==Reception==

{{Video game reviews
| MC = NS: 89/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-cells/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Dead Cells for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226051645/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/dead-cells |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 89/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-cells/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Dead Cells for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809030539/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dead-cells |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PS4: 87/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-cells/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Dead Cells for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809024238/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/dead-cells |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />XONE: 91/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-cells/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Dead Cells for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116191058/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/dead-cells |url-status=live }}</ref><br />iOS: 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-cells/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Dead Cells for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702065847/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/dead-cells |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="gi review">{{Cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dead-cells/one-of-the-best-roguelikes-to-date | title = Dead Cells | first = Andrew | last = Reiner | date = August 6, 2018 | access-date = August 11, 2018 | magazine = [[Game Informer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180811231326/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dead-cells/one-of-the-best-roguelikes-to-date | archive-date = August 11, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="gspot review">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dead-cells-review-rise-from-your-grave/1900-6416953/ | title = Dead Cells Review: Rise From Your Grave | first = Daniel | last = Starkley | date = August 6, 2018 | access-date = August 6, 2018 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180807001618/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dead-cells-review-rise-from-your-grave/1900-6416953/ | archive-date = August 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/11/dead-cells-review | title = Dead Cells Review | first = Brandin | last = Tyrrel | date = August 10, 2018 | access-date = August 11, 2018 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180811130320/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/11/dead-cells-review | archive-date = August 11, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all}}</ref>
| TA = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2019/08/28/dead-cells-iphone-review/ |title='Dead Cells' Review – Zombies, Kings, and Unstoppable Killing Machines |last=Wyndcliffe |first=James |date=August 29, 2019 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |access-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829133152/https://toucharcade.com/2019/08/28/dead-cells-iphone-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NLife = 9/10<ref name="Dead Cells Review (Switch)">{{cite web |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Review: Dead Cells (Switch) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/dead_cells |access-date=May 9, 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509183723/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/dead_cells |url-status=live }}</ref>
| EuroG = Recommended<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=2018-08-07 |title=Dead Cells review - one of the slickest dungeon-crawlers you'll ever play |language=en-gb |work=[[Eurogamer]] |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-08-06-dead-cells-review-one-of-the-slickest-metroidvanias-youll-ever-play |access-date=2022-12-10}}</ref>
| USG = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Mike |date=2018-08-06 |title=Dead Cells Review |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dead-cells-review |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=[[USgamer]] |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210141705/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dead-cells-review |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| Destruct = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=2018-08-06 |title=Review: Dead Cells |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-dead-cells/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en-CA}}</ref>
| HC = 93/100<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huertos |first=Alejandro Alcolea |date=2018-08-16 |title=Análisis de Dead Cells para Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One y PC |url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-dead-cells-nintendo-switch-ps4-xbox-one-pc-290695 |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=[[HobbyConsolas]] |language=es}}</ref>
| SN = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarrard |first=Chris |date=2018-08-06 |title=Dead Cells Review: Dying never felt so good |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/106608/dead-cells-review-dying-never-felt-so-good |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=[[Shacknews]] |language=en}}</ref>
| VG = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Joshua |date=2018-08-06 |title=Dead Cells review |url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/dead-cells-review/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=VideoGamer.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
| TELE = 4/5<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=2018-08-07 |title=Dead Cells review: Much more than a 2D Dark Souls |language=en-GB |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/reviews/dead-cells-review-much-2d-dark-souls/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
| TG = 4/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meer |first=Alec |date=2018-08-20 |title=Dead Cells review – lightning combat with a fatal attraction |url=http://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/aug/20/dead-cells-review-combat-fatal-attraction |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref>
| PSQ = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=2018-08-06 |title=Review: Dead Cells (PS4) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/dead_cells |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=[[Push Square]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
}}''Dead Cells'' received positive reviews from critics. The Xbox One version received  "universal acclaim", and the PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and iOS versions received "generally favorable" reviews according to [[review aggregator]] website ''[[Metacritic]]''. Brandin Tyrrel of ''[[IGN]]'' praised the game for its engaging gameplay premise, and randomized layout declaring "The placement and order of its levels are ''Dead Cells''{{'}} skeletal frame, but the ever-changing layouts and enemy and item placements are the blood that pumps through its heart."<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Tyrrel |first=Brandin |date=August 11, 2018 |title=Dead Cells Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/11/dead-cells-review |access-date=May 9, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509213959/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/11/dead-cells-review |url-status=live }}</ref> The action and combat of ''Dead Cells'' received acclaim as "distinct", "fluid", and "agile".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Dead Cells is the best Castlevania game in years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17655322/dead-cells-review-nintendo-switch-ps4-xbox-castlevania |access-date=May 11, 2022 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002614/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17655322/dead-cells-review-nintendo-switch-ps4-xbox-castlevania |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Vogel |first=Mitch |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Review: Dead Cells (Switch) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/dead_cells |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509183723/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/dead_cells |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=2018-08-06 |title=Review: Dead Cells (PS4) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/dead_cells |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621192039/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/dead_cells |url-status=live }}</ref> Reviewers compared the game to the ''[[Dark Souls]]'', ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'', and ''[[Castlevania]]'' series due to its difficulty and constantly changing levels, while giving specific praise to the visuals and sound design.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Chris |last1=Thursten |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Dead Cells review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dead-cells-review/ |access-date=May 9, 2022 |website=pcgamer |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127125512/https://www.pcgamer.com/dead-cells-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":17" /><ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=GameCentral |date=2018-08-08 |title=Game review: Dead Cells is another classic indie Metroidvania |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/08/dead-cells-review-random-inspiration-7812145/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Metro |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155601/https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/08/dead-cells-review-random-inspiration-7812145/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The plot of ''Dead Cells'' was criticized, with critics calling it lacking and vague.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McElroy |first=Justin |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Dead Cells review |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/19/15659584/dead-cells-review |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002614/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/19/15659584/dead-cells-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Dead Cells: The Kotaku Review |url=https://kotaku.com/dead-cells-the-kotaku-review-1828108795 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002614/https://kotaku.com/dead-cells-the-kotaku-review-1828108795 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Josh |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Dead Cells review |url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/dead-cells-review/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=VideoGamer.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123185138/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/dead-cells-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kirk Hamilton of ''[[Kotaku]]'' found the story disappointing, stating "Aside from some sparse [[worldbuilding]], the only story here is the story of moving forward, killing things, and gradually getting better at it". Some commentators considered progression beyond the first few hours as "nebulous", and the game's difficulty "callous".<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=2018-08-06 |title=Dead Cells review — the apotheosis of the Roguelike |url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/06/dead-cells-review-the-apotheosis-of-the-roguelike/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614233337/https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/06/dead-cells-review-the-apotheosis-of-the-roguelike/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":20" /> Chris Carter of ''Destructoid'' noted the game's difficulty, stating "There's those moments where you have a perfect run with all of the items you prefer. Then you get to a boss you've never seen before and bam&nbsp;– he smashes you to a pulp."<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |title=Review: Dead Cells |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-dead-cells/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002614/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-dead-cells/ |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA}}</ref>

Other critics drew attention to the permadeath feature as a rewarding system, as it provided the player with permanent upgrades, the opportunity to experience all of the game's content, and gain full knowledge of its systems.<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":21" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meer |first=Alec |date=2018-08-20 |title=Dead Cells review – lightning combat with a fatal attraction |url=http://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/aug/20/dead-cells-review-combat-fatal-attraction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626175557/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/aug/20/dead-cells-review-combat-fatal-attraction |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> Neal Ronaghan of ''Nintendo World Report'' enjoyed the permadeath feature, saying "Every run is engrossing and fun and when I die, the only thought rushing through my brain is to start over and try again, pushing as far past my previous run as I can."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ronaghan |first=Neal |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Dead Cells Review - Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/47928/dead-cells-switch-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002614/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/47928/dead-cells-switch-review |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=May 11, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>

===Sales===
About a year from its early access release, ''Dead Cells'' sold over 730,000 units,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/dead-cells-sales-numbers | title = This metroidvania indie game has sold 730,000 units in a year | first = Chris | last = Capel | date = May 1, 2018 | access-date = May 1, 2018 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501225716/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dead-cells/dead-cells-sales-numbers | archive-date = May 1, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all}}</ref> and exceeded 850,000 units just prior to its full release.<ref name="gamasutra aug2018"/> By May 2019, within ten months of its full release, ''Dead Cells'' had accumulated sales of two million units.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2019/05/23/indie-hit-dead-cells-sells-over-2-million-copies/ | title = Indie hit Dead Cells sells over 2 million copies | first = Mike | last = Minotti | date = May 23, 2019 | access-date = May 23, 2019 | work = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-date = May 23, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190523170359/https://venturebeat.com/2019/05/23/indie-hit-dead-cells-sells-over-2-million-copies/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In March 2021, ''Dead Cells'' had sold 5 million copies during the announcement of their third DLC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stockdale |first=Henry |date=2021-03-19 |title=Dead Cells Has Now Sold 5 Million Copies Worldwide |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/03/dead_cells_has_now_sold_5_million_copies_worldwide |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127054253/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/03/dead_cells_has_now_sold_5_million_copies_worldwide |url-status=live }}</ref> By June 2023, ''Dead Cells'' had sold over 10 million copies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dealessandri |first=Marie |date=2023-06-05 |title=From Dead Cells to reinventing retro IP: The untold story of Evil Empire |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/from-dead-cells-to-reinventing-retro-ip-the-untold-story-of-evil-empire |access-date=2025-10-03 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>

===Awards and accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Result
!Ref
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017
|2017 Ping Awards
|Best Indie Game
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":2">{{cite web |year=2017 |title=Nommés aux Ping Awards 2017 |url=http://www.ping-awards.com/2017-nominations.php |access-date=December 11, 2018 |work=Ping Awards |language=French |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005201/http://www.ping-awards.com/2017-nominations.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|''[[IGN]]'' Best of 2017
|Best Action Game
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=December 20, 2017 |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Action Game |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Action_Game |access-date=October 6, 2018 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127092545/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Action_Game |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="10" |2018
| rowspan="3" |[[2018 Golden Joystick Awards]]
|Best Indie Game
|{{Won}}
|<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Golden Joysticks 2018 nominees announced, voting open now |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ |access-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-date=October 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011022740/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Best Visual Design
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Andronico |first=Michael |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Golden Joystick Awards: Vote for Ultimate Game of the Year |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/golden-joystick-awards-ultimate-game-of-the-year,news-28386.html |access-date=November 14, 2018 |work=Tom's Guide |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114100612/https://www.tomsguide.com/us/golden-joystick-awards-ultimate-game-of-the-year,news-28386.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Ultimate Game of the Year
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":6">{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |date=November 16, 2018 |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2018 winners: God of War wins big but Fortnite gets Victory Royale |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2018-winners/ |access-date=November 16, 2018 |work=[[GamesRadar+]] |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181116184649/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2018-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[The Game Awards 2018]]
|Best Action Game
|{{Won}}
|<ref name=":7">{{cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=November 13, 2018 |title='God of War,' 'Red Dead Redemption II' Tie For Most Game Awards Noms |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/game-awards-nominees-1203027128/ |access-date=November 13, 2018 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113195202/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/game-awards-nominees-1203027128/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Best Independent Game
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":8">{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Christopher |date=December 6, 2018 |title=The Game Awards 2018: Here are all the winners |url=https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/2018/12/6/18130000/the-game-awards-winners-2018 |access-date=December 7, 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207114102/https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/2018/12/6/18130000/the-game-awards-winners-2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[Gamers' Choice Awards]]
|Fan Favorite Indie Game
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":9">{{cite web |last=Glyer |first=Mike |date=November 19, 2018 |title=2018 Gamers' Choice Awards Nominees |url=http://file770.com/2018-gamers-choice-awards-nominees/ |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=File 770 |archive-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200109022522/http://file770.com/2018-gamers-choice-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Australian Games Awards
|Independent Game of the Year
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":10">{{cite web |date=December 19, 2018 |title=Your 2018 Winners |url=https://www.australiangamesawards.com/news/ |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=Australian Games Awards |archive-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112043428/https://www.australiangamesawards.com/news/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|New York Game Awards
|Best Indie Game
|{{Won}}
|<ref name=":11">{{cite web |last=Keyes |first=Rob |date=January 3, 2019 |title=2018 New York Game Awards Nominees Revealed |url=https://screenrant.com/2018-new-york-game-awards-nominees/ |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=[[Screen Rant]] |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105150909/https://screenrant.com/2018-new-york-game-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":12">{{cite web |last=Meitzler |first=Ryan |date=January 23, 2019 |title=The New York Game Awards Reveals 2019 Winners; God of War Earns the Top Prize |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/the-new-york-game-awards-2019-winners/ |access-date=January 23, 2019 |work=DualShockers |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119063025/https://www.dualshockers.com/the-new-york-game-awards-2019-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards
|Control Design, 2D or Limited 3D.
|{{Won}}
|<ref name=":13">{{cite web |date=March 13, 2019 |title=2018 Awards |url=https://navgtr.org/2018-awards/ |access-date=March 5, 2020 |work=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers |archive-date=March 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190314083147/http://navgtr.org/archives/3601/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[15th British Academy Games Awards]]
|Original Property
|{{Nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=March 14, 2019 |title='God of War,' 'Red Dead 2' Lead BAFTA Game Awards Nominations |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-2019-nominees-1203163369/ |access-date=March 15, 2019 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=March 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190314185010/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-2019-nominees-1203163369/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" |2019
| rowspan="2" |[[SXSW Gaming Awards]]
|Excellence In Gameplay
|{{Nom}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref name=":14">{{cite web |last=Trent |first=Logan |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Here Are Your 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists! |url=https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2019/2019-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215051341/https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2019/2019-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=February 15, 2019 |work=[[South by Southwest]]}}</ref>
|-
|Most Promising New Intellectual Property
|{{Nom}}
|-
|Italian Video Game Awards
|Best Indie Game
|{{Nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web |date=April 11, 2019 |title=Italian Video Game Awards Nominees and Winners |url=https://italianvideogameawards.com/awards |access-date=May 25, 2019 |work=Italian Video Game Awards |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321193010/https://italianvideogameawards.com/awards |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2020
| rowspan="2" |Pégases Awards
|Best Mobile Game
|{{Won}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web |date=February 7, 2020 |title=All the categories (2020) |url=https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public |access-date=March 5, 2020 |work=Pégases Awards |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303182224/https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 10, 2020 |title=Pégases 2020 : La liste des vainqueurs par catégorie |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1191577/pegases-2020-la-liste-des-vainqueurs-par-categorie.htm |access-date=March 10, 2020 |work=[[Jeuxvideo.com]] |language=French |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318001745/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1191577/pegases-2020-la-liste-des-vainqueurs-par-categorie.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Best Game-as-a-Service
|{{Won}}
|}<!-- non-scored reviews
<ref name="verge review">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17655322/dead-cells-review-nintendo-switch-ps4-xbox-castlevania | title = Dead Cells is the best Castlevania game in years | first = Andrew | last= Webster | date = August 6, 2018 | accessdate = August 11, 2018 | work = [[The Verge]]}}</ref>
<ref name="eurogamer review">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-08-06-dead-cells-review-one-of-the-slickest-metroidvanias-youll-ever-play | title = Dead Cells review – one of the slickest dungeon-crawlers you'll ever play | first = Edwin | last = Evans-Thirlwell | date = August 6, 2018 | accessdate = August 11, 2018 | work = [[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>
<ref name="kotaku review">{{cite web |url = https://kotaku.com/dead-cells-the-kotaku-review-1828108795 | title=  Dead Cells: The Kotaku Review | first = Kirk | last =Hamilton | date = August 6, 2018 | accessdate = August 11, 2018 | work = [[Kotaku]]}}</ref>
-->

=== Legacy ===
In June 2023, developer Motion Twin announced that an animated series, titled ''Dead Cells: Immortalis'', was in the works by French animation studio Bobbypills, the studio behind their animated trailers, and was released on June 19th, 2024 by French animation network, ADN (Animation Digital Network) and lasted for 10 episodes. An English dub of the show was released on October 7.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/06/14/dead-cells-animated-series-premieres-next-year|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614165428/https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/06/14/dead-cells-animated-series-premieres-next-year|url-status=live|archive-date=June 14, 2023|title=Dead Cells Animated Series Premieres Next Year|last=Stewart|first=Marcus|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=June 14, 2023|access-date=June 14, 2023}}</ref> In August 2024, the roguelike [[first-person shooter]] ''[[Roboquest]]'' released an update featuring characters and items from ''Dead Cells'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Gavin |first=Sheehan |date=2024-08-18 |title=Roboquest Has Revealed New Details About Dead Cells Crossover |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/roboquest-has-revealed-new-details-about-dead-cells-crossover/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]]}}</ref> and in September 2025, [[BlazBlue|''BlazBlue Entropy Effect'']] added the Prisoner as a playable character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=2024-01-31 |title=BlazBlue Entropy Effect Getting Dead Cells Crossover, Couch Co-Op |url=https://gameinformer.com/2025/04/10/blazblue-entropy-effect-getting-dead-cells-crossover-couch-co-op |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2026, Evil Empire and Motion Twin were revealed to be co-developing on ''[[Castlevania: Belmont's Curse]]'' under license from Konami, following their prior collaboration on the ''Return to Castlevania'' expansion for ''Dead Cells''. ''Belmont's Curse'' is the first 2D [[Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] entry of the ''Castlevania'' franchise since ''[[Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia]]'' (2008), produced in commemoration of the series' 40th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |date=2026-02-12 |title=Dead Cells creators are making a new Castlevania game, because sometimes the world is just |url=https://www.polygon.com/castlevania-belmonts-curse-trailer-state-of-play-dead-cells/ |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harte |first=Charles |title=Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Made By Konami And The Dead Cells Devs, Launches In 2026 |url=https://gameinformer.com/state-of-play/2026/02/12/castlevania-belmonts-curse-made-by-konami-and-the-dead-cells-devs-launches |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{official|https://dead-cells.com/}}

{{Motion Twin}}
{{Castlevania series}}
[[Category:2018 video games]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) games]]
[[Category:Early access video games]]
[[Category:Evil Empire (company) games]]
[[Category:The Game Awards winners]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Metroidvania games]]
[[Category:Motion Twin games]]
[[Category:Netflix games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Playdigious games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5 games]]
[[Category:Retro-style video games]]
[[Category:Roguelike video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Soulslike video games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Video games about viral outbreaks]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]]
[[Category:Video games developed in France]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional islands]]
[[Category:Video games using procedural generation]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Dead Cells|access_date=2026-03-02}}