Dead Cells+
A tough, fast 2D roguelite platformer where every death sends you back to the start a little stronger
by Playdigious · listed Oct 27, 2026
Quick verdict
One of the most complete action games you can play on a phone, well worth it if you enjoy a challenge. Arcade subscribers get the best deal with everything included.
Best for Players who enjoy demanding action games and are happy to die often while getting better each run
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 27, 2026. How we review
Dead Cells+ review
Dead Cells is a side-scrolling action game mixing roguelite runs with metroidvania-style exploration. You play a reanimated blob of cells fighting through a shifting island castle, collecting weapons and upgrades, dying, and starting over with some permanent unlocks. It suits players who like learning enemy patterns and refining a build over many attempts. The iOS release, Dead Cells+, is part of Apple Arcade and bundles the expansions, including the Return to Castlevania crossover. On Android it is a one-time purchase, with the DLC sold separately.
Runs are short enough for a commute but easy to chain together. Combat is quick and responsive, and levels are reshuffled each time, so routes and loadouts stay varied. Touch controls are workable, though many players prefer a controller for the harder bosses and higher difficulty settings.
Why we picked it: It is a full port of a well-regarded console and PC game, with a large amount of content and very strong store ratings on both platforms.
Watch out for: The difficulty is steep and permadeath is central to the design, and the way you pay differs by platform: an Apple Arcade subscription on iOS versus an upfront price plus DLC on Android.
What we like
- Fast, precise 2D combat with a wide range of weapons and skills
- Levels change every run, which keeps replays fresh
- Nonlinear routes let you choose biomes to suit your build
- Apple Arcade version includes the expansions and adds daily leaderboards
- Short runs fit well into mobile play sessions
What could be better
- Punishing difficulty that will frustrate some players
- Touch controls feel less precise than a controller in hard fights
- Android DLC costs extra on top of the purchase price
- iOS version requires an Apple Arcade subscription
Questions about Dead Cells+
How much does it cost?
On Google Play the base game is listed at 8.49 USD, with expansions available as in-app purchases. On iOS, Dead Cells+ comes with an Apple Arcade subscription and includes the extra content.
Is it the same game as on PC and consoles?
Yes, it is a port of the same game, including updates such as Clean Cut and The End is Near and the Return to Castlevania expansion.
Can I use a game controller?
Dead Cells supports external controllers on mobile, and many players find it more comfortable for difficult sections.
Is it suitable for younger players?
It is rated 12+ on the App Store and Teen on Google Play due to fantasy violence.
What are some alternatives?
If you like this style, Hollow Knight-like metroidvanias or other roguelites such as Slay the Spire scratch a similar itch, though they play quite differently.
From the developer: how Dead Cells+ describes itself
Play as a failed alchemic experiment and explore the sprawling, ever-changing castle to find out what happened on this gloomy island…! That is, assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers.
Dead Cells+ is a roguevania action platformer that will require you to master frantic 2D combat with a wide variety of weapons and skills against merciless minions and boss.
The indie hit Dead Cells+ is now slaying foes on Apple Arcade!
Main Features
• ONLY ON APPLE ARCADE - New daily leaderboards : Test your skills against players all over the world!
• Roguevania: The progressive exploration of an interconnected world, with the replayability of a rogue-lite and the adrenaline pumping threat of permadeath
• Frantic and Dynamic 2D Action: Learn your enemies’ patterns to stay alive, or prepare to be sent back to your cell before you can say “baguette”
• Nonlinear Progression: Unlock new levels with every death, opt for the path that suits your current build, your playstyle or just your mood. Surely, the ramparts can’t be as bad the sewers, right?
• Play at your own pace: Will you explore every nook and cranny of the castle, or rush to the end?
[THIS VERSION ALSO INCLUDES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONTENT]
*Latest updates are available: Clean Cut & The End is Near*
RETURN TO CASTLEVANIA DLC • New storyline - overcome the Ruler of Darkness alongside Alucard and Richter Belmont, • 2 new biomes - Explore Dracula's Castle and its outskirts • 9 new monsters - Werewolves, haunted armors, and medusas are waiting for you • 14 new weapons - wield the Vampire Killer or the Holy Water to defeat creatures of the night, • 3 new bosses - go fangs to fangs against Death and Dracula himself • 20 new outfits - dress as your favorite Castlevania characters such as Simon and Richter Belmont or Alucard • Alternative soundtracks - play along 51 Castlevania original tracks and 12 tunes reimagined in the style of Dead Cells
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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