Dead Cells: The Rogue-Lite Board Game

Scorpion Masqué, Devir, Frosted Games · Board game · 2024
8.2 Ludopedia 7.6 BGG 1–4 · best 3 Solo 45 min Weight 2.4/5
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8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Loved the Dead Cells video game? This board game brings the roguelite adrenaline to the table in an addictive cooperative experience! Get ready to explore, die, and evolve.

Highlights
  • Faithful roguelite experience
  • Exciting cooperative play
  • Addictive game loops
  • Permanent progression
Keep in mind
  • Death is part of the game
  • Learning curve involved
  • Requires adaptation
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the frantic universe of Dead Cells with this board game that captures the essence of the acclaimed roguelite! In Dead Cells: The Rogue-Lite Board Game, you and up to three friends embark on a cooperative journey through an island full of dangers and twists. With each playthrough, the island transforms, ensuring that exploration is always a new and exciting challenge. The goal? Explore biomes, face hordes of grotesque enemies, and yes, die... many times! But don't despair, as death is part of the cycle: you will resurrect with the chance to use collected 'Cells' to acquire permanent mutations, making your character stronger for the next loops.

Each beheaded hero possesses unique abilities and a deck of action cards that you'll manage carefully. In each combat, choosing a single card will determine the fate of the three fight phases. Resource management is crucial, as your health is limited and the island is full of traps and monsters. Upon dying, you can spend your precious Cells to purchase permanent upgrades, such as new action cards, equipment, or even increase your vitality. Or perhaps throw them into a mysterious well? With each loop, you can advance deeper, unlock new paths, and face challenging bosses, while previously explored biomes become even more dangerous. It's an addictive cycle of exploration, combat, and improvement, perfect for those who enjoy constant challenges and the thrill of a roguelite.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

7 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Misc: Made by Panda Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Boss Battle
Publisher Scorpion Masqué, Devir, Frosted Games, Lavka Games
Designer Antoine Bauza, Corentin Lebrat, Ludovic Maublanc, Théo Rivière
Artist Laure de Chateaubourg, Paul Vérité, Robin Lagofun, Xavier Gueniffey Durin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,506owners
2,114wishlist
176want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many people can play Dead Cells: The Rogue-Lite Board Game?
The game is for 1 to 4 players, so you can play solo or with friends!
How long does a game session take?
A game session typically takes about 45 minutes, which is great for quick sessions or fitting into a game night.
Do I need to have played the video game to understand the board game?
Not necessarily! The game is designed to be accessible, but fans of the video game will recognize and appreciate the references and atmosphere.
Is the game difficult?
Dead Cells is known for being challenging, and the board game maintains that characteristic. Death is part of learning and progression, so expect to face difficulties.
Is it a campaign game or one-shot games?
It combines elements of both! You play in repeating cycles, but with permanent progression (mutations) that affects subsequent games, reminiscent of a legacy or campaign game.
Is the game cooperative or competitive?
It's fully cooperative! All players work together against the challenges presented by the game.

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