After years of captivating players with its relentless action and roguelike challenge, Dead Cells is drawing to a close. Update 35, aptly titled "The End is Near," marks the final chapter in the game's development, introducing a wealth of new content and bidding farewell to a dedicated fanbase.

What Update 35 Brings to Dead Cells

On July 31, Motion Twin confirmed the release of Dead Cells' Update 35, which went live on Aug. 19 under "The End is Near" title. It is particularly focused on enhancing the curse mechanic.

According to GameRant, players will now face three new cursed enemies: Sore Loser, Doom Bringer, and Curser. These enemies bring unique mechanics that increase curse stacks, adding layers of complexity to combat.

For instance, defeating Sore Loser triggers a curse, while Doom Bringer inflicts multiple curse stacks and stuns the player, making encounters far more challenging.

Additionally, the update debuts the Cursed Biomes effect, which incorporates these cursed enemies and offers players increased rewards such as higher gear levels and a greater chance of discovering cursed chests. These new challenges not only intensify the gameplay but also offer greater rewards for those brave enough to face them.

New Weapons and Mutations: Expanding Strategic Possibilities

Update 35 also broadens the strategic landscape with the introduction of three new weapons and mutations tied to the curse mechanic. Weapons like Anathema and Misericorde provide innovative ways to manage curses, allowing players to devise new combat strategies. The three new mutations, Cursed Flask, Damned Vigor, and Demonic Strength, offer powerful abilities at the cost of increased curse stacks, forcing players to weigh the benefits of power against the risks of additional curses.

Moreover, nearly 20 new legendary affixes, such as "Filthy Rich" and "Punish Combo," have been added to the game. These enhancements encourage players to experiment with different builds, adding a fresh layer of depth to the gameplay.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, these new additions provide a rich array of options for tackling the cursed content.

Customization and Accessibility: Improving the Player Experience

Beyond gameplay mechanics, Dead Cells' final update places a strong emphasis on customization and accessibility. Over 40 new head skins, inspired by iconic figures from the game, including bosses like the Queen and the Time Keeper, are now available. These skins allow players to further personalize their characters, adding a unique touch to their gaming experience.

In terms of accessibility, the update introduces new control icon sets, customizable camera behavior, and various input options. These features make Dead Cells more approachable for a diverse range of players, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game regardless of their preferences or needs.

End of an Era: The Legacy of Dead Cells

While Update 35 signals the end of new content for Dead Cells, it also cements the game's legacy in the indie gaming world. Motion Twin's official announcement in February, which revealed this would be the final update, was met with mixed emotions from the fanbase.

The studio expressed deep gratitude to the millions of players who have supported the game over the years, acknowledging their dedication and enthusiasm.

"Thank you for everything. Thank you for all of your dedication, passion, and feedback. Dead Cells wouldn't be what it is today without all of you. And a huge thanks to everyone who worked on the game, from previous Motion Twin members to everyone at Evil Empire," the developers said.

Despite the end of updates, Motion Twin reassured fans that the Dead Cells universe will continue to thrive in other forms. However, the announcement did stir some dissatisfaction, including criticism from former lead designer Sébastien Bénard. Nevertheless, the impact of Dead Cells on the gaming community is undeniable, and its influence will be felt for years to come.

Dead Cells Lives On

As Dead Cells bids farewell to new updates, it leaves behind a rich legacy of innovation and excitement. Update 35, with its myriad of new features, ensures that the game remains as engaging and challenging as ever. While this may be the final chapter in Dead Cells' development, the game's impact on the roguelike-Metroidvania genre will continue to inspire and captivate players worldwide.

To see the bug fixes, user interface improvements, level design, and other parts of the full patch notes, click here.