Painting: an ancient lexicon open on a carved lectern in a dark chapel of books, glowing runes and symbols lifting off its pages like fireflies.
TermDigital term1980

Permadeath

A rule under which a dead character is gone for good, with no reloading from a save. It is a defining trait of the Roguelikes, a feature of hardcore modes in games such as Diablo II, and a permanent risk for units in tactical games like Fire Emblem.

A rule under which a dead character is gone for good, with no reloading from a save. It is a defining trait of the Roguelikes, a feature of hardcore modes in games such as Diablo II, and a permanent risk for units in tactical games like Fire Emblem.

Origin

Rogue (1980) deleted its save file when the character died, a design copied by its descendants.

Quick answers

What does "Permadeath" mean?
A rule under which a dead character is gone for good, with no reloading from a save. It is a defining trait of the Roguelikes, a feature of hardcore modes in games such as Diablo II, and a permanent risk for units in tactical games like Fire Emblem.
Where does the term "Permadeath" come from?
Rogue (1980) deleted its save file when the character died, a design copied by its descendants.

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