To beat the game you’ll have to master 2D souls-like combat with the ever present threat of permadeath looming. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.

Roguelike, Rogue-lite, roguelike-like, rogueschmike! The world needs more of these and we'd like to present for your consideration, the RogueVANIA. This means an interconnected world that you unlock progressively through exploration and battling bosses, with death replacing backtracking. Each death will unlock more of the world and you’ll begin to understand the scale of the choices in front of you. Sick of the stinking sewers? Why not go over the ramparts? It’s your skill, playstyle and of course the loot you find that will determine your choice your path.

But don’t think this will be a walk in the park. Pattern based monsters, and demanding boss fights will force you to fight cautiously and build your strength. Every weapon has its own unique feel and rolling and dodging will become second nature as you learn to manage the mobs of monsters that will overwhelm the unprepared. Tough, but fair.

Tired of the violence and death? Explore a bit, take a stroll, enjoy the view from the ramparts, find a secret room. Thomas and Gwen, our graphic artists, never miss an opportunity to impress with their pixelart and shape a world that you’ll want to explore. You might even learn a little more about the lore of the place, who knows?

Motion Twin and Evil Empire unleashed a wave of details for the upcoming Dead Cells DLC The Queen & The Sea today, alongside a new trailer granting fans the first look at the extraordinary challenges they will face when it launches on Jan. 6 on PC and consoles ($4.99).

The most ambitious update to Dead Cells yet, The Queen & The Sea introduces two gorgeous but formidable new Biomes for players to explore, an array of death-dealing new weapons, and of course, an incredibly powerful new boss to conquer. Tying together the narrative introduced in the first two DLCs (Fatal Falls & The Bad Seed), The Queen & The Sea DLC expands the world of Dead Cells and presents to fans the most complete version of the game to date.

The Queen & The Sea DLC takes place within two brand new Biomes: The Infested Shipwreck and The Lighthouse. Parallel to the High Peak Castle and Throne Room levels, the new Biomes introduce players to a rotten shipwreck where you will be hunted by eldritch horrors (of course) through the bowels of this spooky and haunted old vessel. The second Biome, The Lighthouse, introduces vertical exploration of a soaring tower in which players will scramble upward as fast as they can to outrun rising flames while simultaneously fending off highly skilled warriors who want nothing more than to end your run. This final Biome is as epic and refreshing as it is challenging.

And because we can’t introduce new Biomes without also introducing a horrific new Boss, an all-new and unexpectedly elegant character makes its debut at the top of The Lighthouse. Introducing The Queen. And so that you are greeted afresh and without expectation, we’re not going to say anything more about her until after launch. You’re welcome.

To combat the new enemies and challenges you’ll encounter, The Queen & The Sea introduces a new evolving pet to add to your arsenal and nine deadly new weapons. Your new pet, the Leghugger, is an evolving, summonable creature who feeds by attacking your enemies until it slowly transforms into its stronger adult state which is … well, kind of awesome, we think. Among the new weapons in the DLC is a Hand Hook that throws enemies into walls, The Abyssal Trident, which is a hidden treasure in the depth of the shipwreck attainable by a secret side quest, and The Queen’s Rapier, a powerful weapon that slices through reality. Plus, tons of new outfits and secrets to unlock. And yes, you can now throw a living shark at mobs in Dead Cells.

Since this DLC is closing a new story arc, it’s also the perfect opportunity for newcomers to discover Dead Cells and its universe, and that’s why a complete Bundle “Road to the Sea” including the base game and the complete DLC trilogy is available at $32.99 - an incredible savings for all Dead Cells content featured at 50% off.

Additionally, for those who own the base game a DLC pack bundle will be on sale featuring all three DLCs for $11.99. 

Key Features:

• RogueVania: The progressive exploration of an interconnected world, with the replayability of a roguelike and the adrenaline pumping threat of permadeath.
• Souls-like combat: Pattern-based bosses and minions, weapons and spells with unique gameplay. Make do with what you have and don’t forget to roll.
• Nonlinear progression: Unlock new levels with every death and explore undiscovered parts of the castle as you prepare for the inevitable bosses.
• Exploration: Secret rooms, hidden passages, charming landscapes. Death is now your way of backtracking.

Dead Cells is currently available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC for $/€24.99.