- Dead Cells, a top-rated roguevania game, is coming to Xbox Game Pass.
- The game features tough combat, permadeath, and nonlinear progression.
- Players unlock new paths, weapons, and abilities with each run.
- Dead Cells has been praised for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay.
- It offers over 90 weapons and spells, plus endless replayability.
Dead Cells: A Masterpiece Coming to Xbox Game Pass
Dead Cells, the critically acclaimed roguevania game, is making its way to Xbox Game Pass, offering players an opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated games in recent years. With its challenging gameplay, nonlinear progression, and endless replayability, Dead Cells has garnered widespread praise and is a must-play for fans of action-packed games.
What is Dead Cells?
Developed by Motion Twin, Dead Cells puts players in control of a failed alchemic experiment navigating a sprawling, ever-changing island. The game combines the exploration and progression of a Metroidvania with the high-stakes challenge of a roguelike. Players must face tough but fair combat, permadeath, and a variety of enemies, all while honing their skills to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The game’s standout features include:
- Roguevania Gameplay: Explore an interconnected world with branching paths and unlockable skills, all while dealing with the constant threat of permadeath.
- 2D Souls-lite Action: Engage in tough but fair combat with over 90 unique weapons and spells, including swords, bows, whips, grenades, and turrets.
- Nonlinear Progression: Choose your path based on your playstyle, build, or mood, unlocking new areas and abilities as you progress.
- Exploration: Discover secret rooms, hidden passages, and breathtaking landscapes as you traverse the cursed island.
Why Dead Cells Stands Out
Dead Cells has been praised for its tight controls, challenging yet rewarding gameplay, and innovative design. The game’s permadeath mechanic means there are no checkpoints—players must either defeat the final boss in one go or start over. However, progress is not entirely lost; players retain unlocked paths, weapons, and abilities, allowing for new strategies and builds with each run.
Customization is another key aspect of Dead Cells. Players can use mutations and scrolls to tailor their character’s abilities, creating a unique experience every time they play. The game’s emphasis on skill development ensures that players improve with each attempt, turning once-daunting challenges into manageable tasks.
Critical Acclaim
Since its release, Dead Cells has received widespread acclaim from both critics and players. Its Metacritic score reflects its status as one of the highest-rated games of 2025, making it a standout title in the Xbox library. The game’s combination of fast-paced action, strategic depth, and replayability has solidified its place as a modern classic.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass
The addition of Dead Cells to Xbox Game Pass is a significant win for subscribers. The service continues to expand its library with high-quality titles, and Dead Cells is no exception. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into its rich, challenging world.
Dead Cells is more than just a game—it’s an experience that tests your skills, patience, and creativity. With its arrival on Xbox Game Pass, a new wave of players will get to explore its roguevania world, master its combat, and uncover its secrets. Don’t miss the chance to play one of the most celebrated games of the year.
Sources: Motion Twin, Metacritic