The big Dead Cells sale is the best time to try out the flawless roguelike

Choosing the best roguelike game on Steam is difficult, as there are Slay the Spire, The Binding of Isaac, Risk of Rain 2, FTL Faster Than Light, and the upcoming (and very promising) Hades 2, among others. But in terms of pure gameplay satisfaction and replay value, Dead cells could be just the thing. Combining slick, fast-paced action platforming and souls-like combat with a wealth of different builds and some impeccable DLC, Dead Cells is an absolute must-play. And a Steam sale means now is a great time to do it.

To celebrate the launch of the first episode of the Dead Cells animated series, there’s a big discount on one of the best roguelike games I’ve ever played. And don’t just take my word for it – with an overwhelmingly positive 97% Steam rating from over 130,000 players, Dead Cells is an experience you definitely need to try out.

At its core, Dead Cells is first and foremost an action game, and it offers some of the most satisfying 2D combat you’ll ever find. Precise jumping and dodging, clear cues and feedback on enemies, and a wide variety of weapons and tools ensure that even in the most difficult boss battles, you always feel fully in control of your destiny. With branching paths to explore, additional abilities to unlock, and a whole host of gear to add to your item pool, there’s always something new to keep you coming back for the next playthrough.

I really can’t recommend Dead Cells enough. If you have a penchant for action platformers, you need to experience how clean and engaging each blow feels. If you love the build variety of a good roguelike, you won’t be disappointed. Claymores, rapiers, whips, hammers, bows, spears, shields, and even boots to kick your enemies into walls – and that’s just the beginning. Add in grenades, turrets, magic, and a variety of ways to combine abilities (I’m always a fan of oil + fire), and you can be sure that no two runs will be the same.

Building on that, there’s a wealth of delicious DLC add-ons that are all well worth your time, culminating in the awesome “Return to Castlevania” crossover that brings Dracula and his iconic minions into Dead Cells as an optional biome pair. Each expansion pack is also included in the Steam sale in case you’re a long-time player who hasn’t bought them yet, or you can grab them all along with the base game at a hefty discount.

Dead Cells is 50% off on Steam until Wednesday 26th June, so you’ll only pay $12.49 / £10.99 for your copy, down from $24.99 / £21.99. You can also get the Medley of Pain pack with the base game and all DLC for $23.55 / £20.68 – that’s 53% off the regular price of $49.95 / £43.96. Simply go here to take advantage of the offer.

If you’re curious to see what developer Motion Twin is working on next, we’ve got all the latest details on a potential Windblown release date and everything else we know so far. Alternatively, you can check out some of the best indie games of 2024 to discover plenty more worth your time.

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