Free game trials have become a trend for Nintendo Switch Online, previously granting subscribers limited-time access to games like Crash Team Racing and Overwatch. Dead Cells opens its doors next, and from January 26 to February 1, Switch players can indulge in one of the generation’s best action roguelikes.
Not only will Dead Cells be available in full during the one-week trial, but a sale will shave 50% off its usual $24.99 asking price across all digital storefronts. That’s good news for Switch players who wind up digging the game but aren’t able to complete it during the free period.
January 26 is also the day that Dead Cells’ Fatal Falls DLC arrives, which will add a substantial amount of new content to the experience, including new areas, weapons, and a powerful boss. Additionally, Dead Cells: The Fatal Seed Bundle also will also launch. This beefed up edition packages the base game, Fatal Falls, and The Bad Seed expansions as well as the 20 free updates to hit Dead Cells since the game came out. Switch owners can pre-order The Fatal Seed Bundle now and receive 33% off.
The free trial is a sweet offer given that Dead Cells is one heck of a game, blending Metroidvania design, a satisfying combat system, and a compelling roguelike loop. As Andrew Reiner said his 9 out of 10 review of the game, “Dead Cells is one of the more approachable and rewarding roguelikes I’ve encountered. Dying is never fun in games of this ilk, but the well-designed reward loop softens that blow and bolsters all subsequent runs, making the experience more about exploration and time committed than just player skill.”