Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Dead Cells.
What is Dead Cells?
Dead Cells is a roguelite action-platformer where players control an amnesiac prisoner navigating a deadly, procedurally generated castle. The core gameplay loop involves dying, losing progress, and using collected resources to permanently upgrade abilities for future runs.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The player controls the Beheaded, an immortal prisoner seeking revenge against the Mad Prince who cursed them. Key figures include the Princess, the scientist known as The Architect, and various mutated guards serving as bosses throughout the castle.
Where should a newcomer start playing?
New players should begin in 'The Prisoner's Quarters' to learn basic combat mechanics like dodging, parrying, and using different weapons. It is recommended to focus on survival rather than speed until you understand the layout and enemy patterns.
What happens when I die?
Upon death, all items and progress from that specific run are lost immediately, except for Gold and Cells collected during the attempt. This currency allows players to unlock permanent upgrades at the Prisoner's Quarters before starting a new run.
How does the procedural generation work?
Each level is built from randomized rooms that change their layout every time a player dies or restarts. While the general progression of biomes remains consistent, the specific enemies, traps, and item placements are unique to each attempt.
What are Cells used for?
Cells are the primary currency dropped by enemies and bosses that can be spent at the Alchemist or Blacksmith to unlock new weapons, passive abilities, and movement upgrades. These unlocks persist across all future runs, making subsequent attempts easier.
Who is the final boss of the game?
The Mad Prince serves as the primary antagonist and final boss in the standard campaign, residing at the top of the Tower. Defeating him reveals more of the story regarding the curse and the true nature of the Beheaded.
Are there different difficulty modes?
Yes, players can toggle 'Easy Mode' to reduce enemy health and damage, or enable 'Hardcore' for increased difficulty without the ability to pause. There is also a separate 'Boss Rush' mode that tests combat skills against specific enemies.
What are Mutations?
Mutations are powerful passive perks that can be equipped in slots to grant unique effects like extra health, faster movement, or special attack modifiers. Players can hold multiple mutations simultaneously to create diverse build strategies.
How do I unlock new areas?
Progression is gated by defeating specific bosses who drop keys required to open doors leading to the next biome. Reaching the end of a run often unlocks new starting points or shortcuts for future attempts, streamlining exploration.