# Permadeath

- Term: Digital term
- Date: 1980
- Canonical: https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/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](https://www.lanternhall.org/atlas/roguelike/), 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](https://www.lanternhall.org/atlas/roguelike/), 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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From The Lantern Hall (https://www.lanternhall.org/), a museum of fantasy literature and roleplaying games.