Summary
Dragon is Deadis agreat Metroidvania-style game with lots of lootfor players to try out. It has a very dark and macabre esthetic, and a simple skill progression system. Players will want to experiment with different skills for different runs but also experiment to see what enemies are capable of.
This is a core element of many roguelike games, and this back-and-forth adds to the enjoyment of finally breaking through a barrier and seeing progress being made.A solid progression systemcan turn a good roguelike into something truly special.
7Alternate Between Currency and Progress Runs
Don’t Try to Do Everything for Every Run
Players will want to divide their runs into progressing as far as possible and preparing for their next run. Preparing for a run means optimizing how many gems and keys they can get. They can use keys to open chests for permanent rewards, and gems will allow them to enhance their characters before their next run.
Players will want to start by seeing how far they can progress, gaining as many levels as possible, and learning how different Artifacts and Skills work. Players will then want to switch over to just clearing areas as fast as possible, even if it means playing a little recklessly.
This also lets playersenjoy the dark fantasy estheticsof the game at a more casual pace from time to time.
6Gear Up Back at Base
Push for Lengthier Runs Each Time
Players will find new NPCs to recruit as they progress through the game. These NPCs will allow players to spend their gems to gain new permanent enhancements. Players will want to use all the gems they amass from their currency farming runs to get the highest-level gear in each slot, including weapons.
Players will also be able to upgrade their potions. This is one of the best investments they can choose, as not only will it increase how much the player heals, but also how many healing potions they can carry with them. This will significantly boost how far they can progress.
Alwaystest out new weaponsto see how they feel. Their playstyles can differ significantly.
5Watch for Telegraphs
Enemies Will Telegraph Their Moves To Optimize Dodge Times
Just like with soulslike games, players will want to learn what each enemy is capable of and how they behave. Many enemies, such as wolves, will telegraph their most dangerous moves. This lets players know when it is best to use their dodge to get to safety. Some enemies can have their moves mitigated by dealing damage, even after their telegraphs.
Players will want to learn just how vulnerable enemies can be during their currency runs when it is not so important to conserve health for progressing. This information will be invaluable when players go for their next serious run to push for the next boss.
4Attack Where Enemies Cannot Hit Back
Always Look for Advantageous Locations to Strike from
Being behind an enemy when attacking means they will need to turn around before they can strike. Players constantly dodging to be behind enemies will be able to strike safely while avoiding damage. A lot of the time, players will move into this position after dodging an enemy attack, but it is okay to dodge the moment they turn around to stay behind them.
Another great place to strike from is underneath enemies. It’s alwaysfun to find a good exploitin a game. Using a weapon with a good arc will let a player safely whittle down their enemies' health from below and avoid any potential damage. A lot of enemies will not be able to throw a homing spear or other such projectiles.
3All Synergies Are Important
Synergies Are Not Just for Artifacts
Players will learn about Artifact Synergies early on. However, players should synergize more than just their Artifacts. In fact, synergies start before the run even begins. Players will start by equipping their best gear. This gear may favor certain skills. Play to this strength and add skills that will work best for the gear going into a run.
Since players can plan ahead for which skills they will pick, they can plan which artifacts will help them later, even if they don’t help immediately. Planning ahead for potentiality such as this will allow for much stronger builds midrun.
2Choosing Soul Gems vs Choosing Artifact
Both Soul Gems and Artifacts Are Valuable; Use Both
Players may find themselves torn between choosing between an Artifact, and a Soul Gem. Players. During a serious run, players should avoid currency chests, even Advanced Currency chests, in favor of their other option.
However, when one option is an Artifact and one is a Soul Gem. Players should pick whichever they have less of. Soul Gems will make players all-around better, and having a bad Artifact pull does not feel good.
If players have equal amounts of Soul Gems and Artifacts, Soul Gems are the safer bet.
1Don’t Let Enemies Gang Up
More Enemies Means More Incoming Damage
Players will be able to predict when a bunch of enemies are about to spawn in. This will not pose an immediate threat, and players will almost always be able to safely make it to the other side of where they spawned. However, players still need to deal with these enemies.
Take out as many enemies as possible from one corner, or dash on over to an enemy capable of teleporting to isolate it. Players should also be mindful of enemies with long-range homing attacks. Isolating as many threats as possible can make for much easier cleanup later. Taking them all on at once can give flashbacks to some of themost difficult Castlevania games.
