If you have sunk hundreds of hours into Dead Cells and need something new to scratch that same itch, you are in the right place. Games like Dead Cells share a specific magic: fast, responsive combat mixed with procedurally generated runs that keep every session feeling fresh. Our team has played through dozens of roguelikes and metroidvanias to find the ones that truly capture that same adrenaline-pumping loop.
Dead Cells set a high bar when it launched in 2018, blending roguelike run-based progression with metroidvania exploration and some of the tightest 2D combat ever made. Motion Twin created something special, and the game has only grown since then with multiple DLC expansions, including the Castlevania crossover. But after you have beaten every boss and unlocked every weapon, you need your next challenge.
In this guide, we cover 15 games like Dead Cells that share its core DNA, from fast-paced roguelikes with permadeath mechanics to atmospheric metroidvanias with deep exploration. Whether you play on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or mobile, there is something here for you. No, Dead Cells 2 has not been announced as of 2026, but these alternatives will more than fill the gap.
Table of Contents
What Makes Dead Cells So Addictive?
Before diving into recommendations, it helps to understand exactly what makes Dead Cells tick. That way, you can spot which alternatives will hit the same notes for you.
Dead Cells is a roguelike-metroidvania hybrid. Each run drops you into procedurally generated levels where you fight through enemies, collect weapons and gear, and face brutal bosses. When you die, you lose most of your stuff, but permanent upgrades carry over between runs. This loop creates a satisfying sense of gradual power growth even as individual runs stay challenging.
The combat is the real star here. Dead Cells features some of the most fluid, responsive 2D combat in any game. Attacks feel instant, dodges are precise, and the variety of weapons (from broadswords to crossbows to traps) means every run can play completely differently. Add in tight platforming, hidden areas, and a gorgeous pixel art style, and you have a game that is genuinely hard to put down.
The games on this list share at least some of these qualities. Some focus on the roguelike run structure, others nail the fluid combat, and a few capture the metroidvania exploration. Let us get into the picks.
15 Best Games Like Dead Cells in 2026
Here are our top recommendations, ranked by how closely they match the Dead Cells experience. We have played each of these extensively and compared them against Dead Cells across combat feel, run variety, difficulty curve, and overall replayability.
1. Hades
Hades is probably the most obvious pick on this list, and for good reason. Like Dead Cells, it is a fast-paced roguelike where each run throws you through procedurally arranged rooms full of enemies, and death sends you back to the start with only permanent upgrades preserved. The isometric perspective is different from Dead Cells’ side-scrolling view, but the moment-to-moment combat hits that same satisfying rhythm of dodge, strike, and combo.
What sets Hades apart is its narrative. Where Dead Cells keeps story minimal, Hades weaves an ongoing story directly into the roguelike loop. Each death advances character relationships and reveals new dialogue, so even failed runs feel meaningful. The weapon variety is excellent too, with six distinct weapon types that each offer multiple upgrade paths through Boon selections from Greek gods.
The difficulty scales beautifully. You can add Heat levels to increase challenge after your first clear, similar to Dead Cells’ Boss Stem Cell system. If you loved the build variety and tight combat of Dead Cells, Hades delivers on both fronts with the bonus of a story that actually respects your time. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
2. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight trades the roguelike structure for a traditional metroidvania, but its combat feel is remarkably close to Dead Cells. Both games feature precise 2D action where every hit matters, and both reward you for learning enemy patterns rather than simply overpowering them. The art style is gorgeous hand-drawn animation instead of pixel art, but the atmosphere is equally dark and immersive.
The key difference is progression. Hollow Knight uses a fixed map with permanent upgrades rather than procedural runs, so you keep everything you find. This makes it less replayable in the traditional roguelike sense but far more satisfying for exploration. The world of Hallownest is massive, packed with secrets, hidden paths, and optional boss fights that will test even veteran Dead Cells players.
Combat starts simple and grows more complex as you unlock spells, nail arts, and charm combinations that change your playstyle. The boss design is outstanding, and some of the late-game and optional bosses rival Dead Cells’ hardest encounters. If the metroidvania half of Dead Cells is what hooked you, Hollow Knight is essential. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
3. Blasphemous
Blasphemous leans hard into the dark, punishing side of games like Dead Cells. This is a 2D action-platformer with pixel art that is frankly stunning, depicting a nightmarish world inspired by Spanish Catholic imagery. The combat is methodical and brutal, with each sword swing carrying real weight and each enemy posing a genuine threat.
Unlike Dead Cells, Blasphemous is not a roguelike. It is a linear action-platformer with fixed levels and permanent progression. But the combat feel is remarkably similar, especially the dodge-and-counter rhythm and the variety of execution moves you can perform. Boss fights are the highlight, requiring pattern memorization and precise timing just like Dead Cells’ toughest encounters.
The game received substantial post-launch support, including a free DLC that added new areas, enemies, and a New Game Plus mode. A sequel, Blasphemous 2, launched in 2023 and expands on the original with more weapon variety and exploration. If you want something that matches the dark atmosphere and challenging combat of Dead Cells without the roguelike structure, Blasphemous delivers. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
4. Skul: The Hero Slayer
Skul: The Hero Slayer is probably the closest game to Dead Cells on this entire list in terms of raw gameplay feel. It is a 2D roguelite with fast combat, procedurally generated runs, and a progression system where you unlock permanent upgrades between attempts. Sound familiar? The core loop is almost identical, but Skul adds its own twist with a head-swapping mechanic that completely changes your abilities.
In Skul, you can equip different skulls that transform your character into different fighter types, each with unique attack patterns and skills. This creates incredible build variety. One run you might play as a brawler with rapid melee combos, and the next you are a ranged spellcaster. The variety keeps things fresh across dozens of runs, much like Dead Cells’ weapon system.
Difficulty ramps up nicely, with Dark Abilities and combo systems that reward skilled play. The pixel art style is clean and readable even during chaotic fights. Reddit users consistently rank Skul alongside Astral Ascent as the top Dead Cells alternatives. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
5. Astral Ascent
Astral Ascent is another 2D roguelite that Reddit players consistently praise as one of the best games like Dead Cells. Developed by Hibernian Workshop, it features gorgeous hand-drawn art, fluid movement, and spell-based combat that feels genuinely different from most roguelikes while maintaining that same fast, responsive feel Dead Cells players love.
Instead of weapons, Astral Ascent focuses on spell combinations. You build your loadout from a pool of 40+ spells across four elements, and the synergies between spells create wildly different builds each run. The four playable characters each have distinct playstyles, adding even more variety. Runs are structured around four distinct worlds, each with unique enemies and a challenging boss.
The game received the Prisms Update in 2024, which added new content and balance changes, and the developers continue to support it. If you enjoyed Dead Cells for its build variety and fast-paced runs, Astral Ascent is absolutely worth your time. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
6. Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse of the Dead Gods takes the roguelike formula and shifts the perspective to top-down, but it keeps the tight, skill-based combat that makes games like Dead Cells so compelling. You explore a procedurally generated temple, fight through rooms of enemies, collect weapons and relics, and face brutal bosses. Death resets your run, but you keep some meta-progression upgrades.
What makes this game unique is the curse system. As you progress, you accumulate curses that add negative effects to your run, forcing you to adapt your strategy. It adds a layer of risk-reward decision-making that Dead Cells players will appreciate. The weapon variety is strong too, with dual-wielding mechanics and combos that feel satisfying to execute.
The combat is deliberate and timing-based, with dodge rolls and parries that reward precision. It is slightly slower than Dead Cells but no less engaging. If you want a roguelike with a different perspective but the same satisfying loop of risk, reward, and gradual mastery, Curse of the Dead Gods is a strong pick. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
7. Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2 makes a bold choice that sets it apart from every other game on this list: it is fully 3D. But do not let that scare you off. The core roguelike loop of runs, death, and meta-progression is pure Dead Cells DNA. Each run drops you onto an alien planet where you fight through procedurally generated stages, collect items that stack and combine, and face a final boss.
The item system is where Risk of Rain 2 shines. Items stack multiplicatively, and the combinations can get absurd. You might end a run with 50+ items creating a character that fires homing missiles every time you take a step. It is chaotic and wonderful. The difficulty also scales over time within each run, creating genuine tension as you decide whether to push forward or rush to the exit.
Post-launch support has been extensive, with the Survivors of the Void and Seekers of the Storm expansions adding new characters, items, and stages. The game also supports co-op multiplayer, which is a rare treat in this genre. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
8. Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon is a top-down roguelike that trades swords for guns, but the dodge-and-shoot rhythm will feel familiar to any Dead Cells veteran. The game is built around tight rooms full of bullets where you need to dodge roll through enemy fire, manage your limited ammo, and find synergies between the hundreds of guns and items you can discover across runs.
The difficulty is genuine. Enemies hit hard, ammo is limited, and boss patterns require memorization. But like Dead Cells, mastery feels earned. The more you play, the better you understand enemy behavior, and runs that once felt impossible become manageable. The pixel art style is charming and readable, even during the most chaotic encounters.
The game has received substantial updates since launch, including the Advanced Gungeons and Draguns expansion. A sequel, Exit the Gungeon, offers a different take on the formula. If the precision combat and pattern memorization of Dead Cells appeal to you, Enter the Gungeon is a must-play. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
9. Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter shares Dead Cells’ commitment to tight, responsive combat in a beautiful pixel art world. This is an action-RPG rather than a roguelike, with a fixed world to explore and permanent upgrades to find. But the combat feel is where the connection lies: every attack, dash, and gun shot feels precise and satisfying, rewarding players who master the timing.
The game tells its story entirely without words, relying on environmental storytelling and visual cues. This creates an atmosphere of mystery that draws you forward, much like exploring Dead Cells’ island for the first time. The combat encounters escalate beautifully, introducing new enemy types and attack patterns that keep you on your toes throughout the adventure.
Dashing is the core mechanic, and stringing together dashes, slashes, and ranged attacks into fluid combos feels incredible. The boss fights are highlights that test everything you have learned. If you loved Dead Cells for its combat precision and beautiful pixel art, Hyper Light Drifter is a perfect match. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
10. Katana ZERO
Katana ZERO distills the Dead Cells combat experience into rapid, one-hit-kill encounters that are over in seconds but require dozens of attempts to perfect. Each level presents a series of rooms where you must kill every enemy without taking a single hit. Die once, and the entire room resets. It is punishing, but the instant respawns keep you in the action.
The time-manipulation mechanic sets Katana ZERO apart. You can slow time, predict enemy attacks, and plan your approach before committing. This adds a tactical layer that Dead Cells does not have, making each encounter feel like a puzzle as much as a fight. The neon-soaked pixel art and synth soundtrack create an atmosphere that is distinct from Dead Cells but equally stylish.
Runs are short, making this ideal for players with limited time, something forum users specifically request. A single level takes 10 to 20 minutes once you know the patterns. The story is surprisingly engaging too, with branching dialogue choices. Available on PC, Switch, and Xbox.
11. Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors might seem like an odd inclusion, but it captures the same “one more run” addictiveness that makes Dead Cells so hard to put down. It is an auto-battler roguelike where your character attacks automatically and you focus on movement and build decisions. Each run lasts 30 minutes, and the progression system keeps unlocking new characters, weapons, and stages.
The weapon evolution system creates build variety similar to Dead Cells’ weapon combos. Finding the right combination of items to trigger an evolution feels rewarding, and watching your screen fill with projectiles as your build comes together is deeply satisfying. The difficulty ramps smoothly, with later stages and challenge modes providing genuine tests of skill.
Post-launch support has been incredible, with multiple free DLC expansions adding content from other indie games. The game is also available on virtually every platform, including mobile where it is free. If the progression loop and build variety of Dead Cells hooked you, Vampire Survivors scratches that same itch in shorter sessions. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, and Android.
12. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a metroidvania that shares Dead Cells’ emphasis on fluid movement and precise platforming, though it trades punishing difficulty for emotional storytelling. The combat is lighter than Dead Cells, but the movement system is where the real depth lies. By the end of the game, you are chaining bashes, dashes, and glides into sequences that feel like playing a rhythm game.
The bash mechanic deserves special mention. It lets you launch off enemies and projectiles, turning hazards into movement opportunities. It is one of the most satisfying mechanics in any platformer, and mastering it feels as rewarding as nailing a perfect dodge in Dead Cells. The hand-painted art style is breathtaking, creating one of the most visually stunning 2D games ever made.
The Definitive Edition adds new areas and abilities that flesh out the experience. Its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, adds more combat depth with a proper weapon and shard system that Dead Cells fans will appreciate. Available on PC, Switch, and Xbox.
13. Dreamscaper
Dreamscaper is a roguelite that connects its mechanics to narrative in a clever way: you play as Cassidy, a young woman navigating her subconscious through combat encounters that represent her emotional struggles. During the day, you build relationships in town. At night, you fight through procedurally generated dream levels. The day-night cycle creates a rhythm that sets it apart from other games like Dead Cells.
The combat is fast and satisfying, with melee and ranged options plus dodge mechanics that feel responsive. Weapon variety keeps runs interesting, and the ability system allows meaningful build customization. Boss fights are creative, often representing emotional themes through their mechanics.
Difficulty scales well, with multiple tiers that unlock as you progress. The meta-progression through relationship building in the waking world adds a layer that Dead Cells does not have. If you want a roguelike with emotional depth alongside the action, Dreamscaper is a unique experience. Available on PC and Switch.
14. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania DLC
If you are looking for games like Dead Cells because you have already beaten the base game, do not overlook the Return to Castlevania DLC. This is not a separate game, but it adds enough content to feel like one. The DLC brings two new biomes, Castlevania-inspired enemies, 14 new weapons including the iconic Vampire Killer whip, and three boss fights against Dracula and Death.
The DLC integrates seamlessly into the main game, with new paths branching off existing levels. The Castlevania remixes of Dead Cells’ soundtrack are excellent, and the attention to detail in recreating the Castlevania aesthetic within Dead Cells’ art style is impressive. It is the most substantial DLC the game has received.
If you loved Dead Cells but felt you had seen everything, this DLC reignites that experience. It is worth revisiting even if you set the game down months ago. Available on all platforms where Dead Cells is sold.
15. Windblown
Windblown is the newest game on this list and carries a special distinction: it is developed by Motion Twin, the same studio that created Dead Cells. Released in early access in 2024, Windblown takes the fast-paced roguelike formula and shifts it to 3D with a vibrant, animated art style that is distinctly different from Dead Cells’ dark pixel aesthetic.
The combat retains that signature Motion Twin fluidity. Attacks chain smoothly, dashes feel responsive, and the weapon variety encourages experimentation across runs. The game introduces a card-based upgrade system that adds strategic depth to build decisions. Each run feels distinct because the combination of weapons, cards, and enemy layouts creates genuine variety.
As an early access title, Windblown is still growing, with regular updates adding new content and refining mechanics. If you want the spiritual successor to Dead Cells from the creators themselves, this is it. Available on PC via Steam.
Best Games Like Dead Cells by Platform
Not every game on our list is available on every platform. Here is a quick breakdown to help you find the right game for your setup.
Best for PC
PC players get access to everything on this list, plus the benefit of mod support for games like Risk of Rain 2 and Hollow Knight. If you play on PC, start with Hades, Skul: The Hero Slayer, and Windblown for the closest Dead Cells experience.
Best for Nintendo Switch
Switch owners have excellent options. Dead Cells itself runs beautifully on Switch, and so do Hollow Knight, Hades, and Enter the Gungeon. These four alone would keep you busy for months. For portability, Vampire Survivors is a perfect quick-session game.
Best for Mobile (iOS and Android)
Mobile options are more limited, but there are some strong picks. Vampire Survivors is free on both iOS and Android and plays remarkably well on touchscreen. Hades is available through Netflix Games on mobile. Dead Cells itself has an excellent mobile port on both platforms. For a native mobile roguelike experience, Skul: The Hero Slayer launched on mobile in 2026.
Difficulty Progression: Where to Start After Dead Cells
One of the most common questions on forums is which game to tackle next based on skill level. Here is a rough difficulty guide based on our experience with each title.
If you found Dead Cells challenging but manageable, start with Hades or Skul: The Hero Slayer. Both have smooth difficulty curves that ease you in before ramping up. Hades especially does a great job of making early runs feel winnable while still offering challenge through its Heat system.
If you want something similar in difficulty to Dead Cells, go for Hollow Knight, Astral Ascent, or Enter the Gungeon. These games demand precision and pattern memorization but reward persistence. They sit right in that sweet spot where difficulty feels fair rather than punishing.
If you crushed Dead Cells on Boss Stem Cell 4 and want something harder, Blasphemous on its highest difficulty, Katana ZERO’s speedrun modes, and Hyper Light Drifter’s boss rush will push your skills to the limit. These are the games that separate good players from great ones.
FAQs
Will there be a Dead Cells 2?
As of 2026, Motion Twin has not announced Dead Cells 2. The studio has stated that the Return to Castlevania DLC was the final major update for Dead Cells, and they are now focused on Windblown, their new roguelike project. Evil Empire, the studio that handled several Dead Cells DLCs, has moved on to other projects as well. There are no official plans for a direct sequel.
How many hours does it take to beat Dead Cells?
A standard first-time playthrough of Dead Cells takes about 15 to 20 hours. Completing the main story and experiencing most of the content takes 40 to 60 hours. For players who want to unlock everything, beat all Boss Stem Cell difficulty levels, and complete the Return to Castlevania DLC, expect 80 to 120 hours. Speedrunners can finish a run in under 10 minutes, but reaching that level takes hundreds of hours of practice.
Can a 12 year old play Dead Cells?
Dead Cells is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and PEGI 16 in Europe. The game features cartoon violence with pixel art graphics, so the violence is not realistic or graphic. A 12 year old who enjoys challenging games could handle the content, though the difficulty level may frustrate younger players. There is no inappropriate language, sexual content, or realistic gore. Parents should consider their child’s tolerance for challenging gameplay rather than content concerns.
Are there any AAA roguelikes?
Yes, though AAA roguelikes are less common than indie ones. Hades (developed by Supergiant Games) is the closest to a AAA roguelike, with production values that rival major studio releases. Returnal on PlayStation 5 is a full AAA roguelike with a large budget, developed by Housemarque under Sony. Risk of Rain 2 from Gearbox Publishing also has AAA-level support. The roguelike genre has historically been dominated by indie studios, but AAA interest is growing.
What is the most successful roguelike game?
By player count and revenue, Hades is generally considered the most commercially successful roguelike. It sold over 6 million copies across all platforms and won numerous Game of the Year awards. Dead Cells itself has sold over 10 million copies since launch, making it one of the best-selling roguelikes ever. Binding of Isaac has also been enormously successful, with its Rebirth version selling millions. Among free titles, Vampire Survivors has reached tens of millions of players worldwide.
Is Hades better than Dead Cells?
Neither game is objectively better, as they excel in different areas. Hades offers a stronger narrative experience, with story progression that rewards failed runs. Dead Cells has tighter 2D combat and more varied weapon mechanics. Hades uses an isometric 3D perspective while Dead Cells is a 2D side-scroller. Players who value story and character development tend to prefer Hades, while players who prioritize pure combat mechanics and movement often prefer Dead Cells. Both are among the best roguelikes ever made.
Wrapping Up: Finding Your Next Game Like Dead Cells
Finding the right games like Dead Cells depends on what specifically drew you to it. If the roguelike run structure and build variety hooked you, start with Hades or Skul: The Hero Slayer. If the metroidvania exploration and tight combat were your favorite parts, Hollow Knight and Blasphemous are your best bets. And if you want something from the same creators, Windblown is the spiritual successor worth watching.
Every game on this list shares at least part of what makes Dead Cells special, whether that is the fluid combat, the procedural runs, the punishing difficulty, or the gorgeous pixel art. Our team has spent hundreds of hours across all of these titles, and each one earned its spot here. Pick one that matches what you loved most about Dead Cells, and you will not be disappointed.
The roguelike genre keeps growing in 2026, with new titles launching regularly. We update this guide as new games worth your time emerge. If you have a favorite that did not make the list, there are always more runs waiting.