Summary

  • Dead Cells' final update, "The End is Near," will be released on August 19, marking the end of new content for the popular roguelike game.
  • Update 35 will introduce new Curse additions, Anathema, three new enemy types, weapons, and customization options, while also addressing balance changes.
  • Motion Twin's decision to end updates for Dead Cells has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment while others look forward to future adaptations.

Launching in 2018, Dead Cells quickly became a household name with roguelike fans everywhere, but now, six years later, the Motion Twin and Evil Empire title will see its final batch of new content in Update 35, coming on August 19. This won't come as a surprise to those who learned in February that Dead Cells wouldn't be receiving any more new updates, but either way, it still marks the end of a long and successful era.

Over the years, Dead Cells received countless updates and add-ons, keeping its content fresh and its players at the forefront. Coupled with free and paid expansions, Dead Cells initially launched on PC after a prosperous run in Steam's Early Access program before then swinging onto the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. Due to its fast-paced combat and heart-racing level of challenges, the Motion Twin game quickly rose to the top of the ranks as one of the best action roguelike games of its time.

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At the start of the year, the developers announced that they would not be providing further Dead Cells updates. Taking to the game's Steam Support page, Motion Twin said that Update 35 would be its final one, which also includes mobile device support. The long-running indie studio poured out gratitude towards its dedicated fanbase but reassured players that even though it was the end of its updates for the game, Dead Cells would continue in many other ways, referring to a board game adaptation and a currently in development animated series. Simply titled "The End is Near," Update 35 has been confirmed as the final patch and is due to roll out to all players on August 19.

Dead Cells Final Update Will Arrive On August 19

In the post on Twitter, Motion Twin revealed that The End is Near will launch in only three weeks time on August 19. This final free update will include three new Curse additions, as well as Anathema, which allows players to deal heavy AOE damage at the cost of becoming cursed. If the current number of enemies wasn't enough, Update 35 will come with three new types to contend with and also a host of new weapons. There will also be balance changes for The Bank, as well as options to customize a new head. Even though Motion Twin has promised to keep working on Dead Cells bugs and quality-of-life issues on all platforms, the former lead designer criticized the studio's decision to leave Dead Cells behind, saying the company is disregarding the desires of loyal players and employees.

It certainly is a sad time for the game's dedicated fanbase, but the artistic talents of its community show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. A Dead Cells enthusiast showcased their love for the title by displaying an impressive colored pencil drawing of Dead Cells' main protagonist, The Beheaded.

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Dead Cells

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Roguelike
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
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Released
August 7, 2018
ESRB
T For Teen Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Motion Twin
Publisher(s)
Motion Twin
Engine
Heaps.io
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Dead Cells puts you in control of a failed alchemic experiment trying to figure out what's happening on a sprawling, ever-changing and seemingly cursed Island. Tough but fair combat, responsive controls, challenging foes, permadeath and of course, the emergency panic roll to get you out of trouble, make for a demanding, visceral and cathartic action game.

Experience a Roguevania, mixing an interconnected world, branching paths and unlockable skills with the constant adrenaline-pumping threat of permadeath. No checkpoints. You either vanquish the final boss in one go, or you try again. However, you keep some of your progress for successive runs; new paths you’ve unlocked, access to new levels, mutations, abilities and weapons.

Speaking of weapons, Dead Cells features a plethora of ways to slay your enemies. A large variety of swords, bows and of course spells, but also whips, grenades and turrets, each one with its own unique twist. Plus, mutations and scrolls allow you to build and customize your character differently with each and every run.

At the end of the day though, it’s YOUR skills as a player that matter most! Roguelites are about constantly sharpening your skills, until what was an insurmountable obstacle becomes a walk in the park. Patience, you’ll get better!… eventually.

Genre(s)
Roguelike
How Long To Beat
15 Hours
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
File Size Xbox Series
2 GB (November 2023)