Dead Cells: How to start the ‘Return to Castlevania’ DLC

How’s this for circuitous? Dead CellsCastlevania has now been adapted to a DLC for the Side-Scrolling Roguelite, whose side-scrolling style is clearly inspired by Castlevania. Dead Cells, the… Ok, okay, this could be done all day. Point is, there’s a new Dead CellsCastlevania expansion absolutely rules.

The Return of Castlevania: Dead Cells includes a tasteful amount of fan service alongside two new biomes, plus a fight against… Well, no spoilers, but if you’re familiar with Castlevania, let’s just say You Know Who. This expansion, however, is just as all other things. Dead CellsThis is a bit confusing. Once you’re in the new biomes, you’ll find the format fairly familiar (find weapons, kill things, try not to die). It’s the act of starting the Dead Cells Castlevania DLC that’s the issue.

How to start Dead Cells ‘Return to Castlevania’ DLC

If you’re operating from a fresh playthrough, you’ll need to Three times dieBefore you start the Dead Cells DLC. DLC. Note that you’re not looking for the typical bats that periodically flutter out of Dead Cells’ caverns — these bats are significantly larger. Und noch redder.

Image by Polygon: Motion Twin/Evil Empire

Once you see those bats, you’ll be able start Castlevania: ReturnTalk to Richter. He’s located somewhere in Prisoner’s QuartersThis is the beginning area for all runs. Don’t exit the biome before you’ve chatted with Richter. (Richter’s exact location is indeterminate; Dead CellsLevels are procedurally generated randomly every reset.

After you find Richter, he’ll lead you through a series of pathways, which eventually leads to the Castle’s Outskirts biome. Castle’s Outskirts is an alternate pathway for the second biome of your Dead Cells runs. Heads up that it’s noticeably more difficult than the other three options — Toxic Sewers, the Promenade of the Condemned, and the Dilapidated Arboretum — so you’d do well to scour Prisoner’s Quarters for as many level-ups as you can find before proceeding.