Dead Cells: How To Start The Castlevania DLC

Dead Cells’ acclaimed Return to Castlevania expansion seamlessly integrates classic vampire-hunting action into the game’s roguelike framework, though accessing this content requires understanding its unique structural design.

The expansion follows Motion Twin’s established pattern of weaving new content directly into existing biomes rather than creating isolated experiences. This integration means you’ll discover Castlevania elements organically during normal gameplay progression. The content spans multiple distinct entry points that must be accessed across separate runs, creating a layered discovery process that rewards persistence.

Unlike traditional DLC that creates separate menu options, Return to Castlevania demands exploration and pattern recognition. The expansion’s multi-stage structure mirrors classic Castlevania progression while maintaining Dead Cells’ signature challenge.

Before encountering any Castlevania content, new players must complete three full game runs to trigger the expansion’s activation sequence. This prerequisite ensures you’ve mastered basic mechanics before tackling the additional challenge.

After your third successful run completion, return to the Prisoner’s Quarters starting area. You’ll notice glass bottles suspended from ceilings displaying unlocked equipment – this visual cue confirms progression tracking is active. Upon entering combat zones, watch for a distinctive bat swarm cutscene that signals the Castlevania gateway is now accessible.

Pro Tip: Speed through these initial runs by focusing on survival rather than completion – dying quickly after reaching new biomes still counts toward the three-run requirement.

Once activation conditions are met, thoroughly explore Prisoner’s Quarters to locate Richter Belmont standing guard before a mysterious doorway. This iconic character marks your entry point into Dracula’s domain.

Entering transports you to the initial Castlevania biome where familiar enemies and environments await. Remember that Dead Cells’ roguelike rules apply – death resets progress completely, requiring you to rediscover the entrance on subsequent attempts.

Common Mistake: Many players waste time searching for Richter on every run after the initial discovery. Once unlocked, the entrance transforms into a recognizable Castlevania-style staircase, though the permanent drawbridge lowering after your first crossing provides a minor time saving on future attempts.

Veteran Castlevania fans will appreciate the expansion’s faithful inclusion of a deceptive conclusion. Just as victory seems imminent, you’ll confront Death instead of Dracula in a classic series homage.

Defeating this formidable boss rewards you with Death’s Scythe, a powerful new weapon for your arsenal. However, this apparent climax actually represents a narrative diversion, as Alucard subsequently redirects you back to the main Dead Cells campaign.

Strategy Note: Death employs predictable attack patterns – focus on dodging his scythe throws before counterattacking during recovery phases.

After conquering Death, begin a fresh run where Alucard immediately appears in Prisoner’s Quarters. He reveals that Master’s Keep access now requires reaching the Clock Tower biome, creating a parallel to similar structures in his world.

Crucially, the game now enforces a single Castlevania entrance per run restriction. This means you must strategically bypass the Prisoner’s Quarters entrance to preserve your opportunity for the true ending.

The Clock Tower represents the fifth biome progression point, accessible through either Stilt Village or Slumbering Sanctuary. This substantial journey through standard content tests your endurance before the final confrontation.

Upon reaching Clock Tower, advance to the Clock Room boss arena and defeat the Time Keeper. The portal behind this adversary leads to the conclusive Castlevania segment, though it’s misleadingly labeled as Dracula’s Castle again.

This final castle section contains the gateway to Master’s Keep and the ultimate Dracula encounter. Optimization Tip: Equip gear that performs well against both biological and mechanical enemies since you’ll face diverse threats before reaching the climax.

Advanced players should prioritize damage-over-time weapons and mobility enhancements during these extended runs. The Weapons Unlock guide offers additional combat optimization strategies that translate well to this expansion’s challenges.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Dead Cells: How To Start The Castlevania DLC Master Dead Cells' Castlevania expansion with this complete guide to finding entrances, defeating bosses, and unlocking rewards