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Best Dead Cells Mods

Updated 30 Oct 2026 Source Dead Cells Multiplayer Mod project documentation (built on the Dead Cells Core Modding API / DCCM) — stated requirements (Dead Cells PC Update 35 'The End is Near', DCCM,.NET 10 Runtime x64, Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 x64), installation paths, the strict coremod folder naming rule, TCP port 1234 and Steam P2P options, and the synchronised feature list. By Antewise Editorial
Data status: The facts on this page were checked against the source named above. Game values can still shift with a patch, so re-check anything that looks off.

Dead Cells is singleplayer — modding is how you change that

Officially, Dead Cells has no multiplayer. Everything below is community-built and runs on top of the Dead Cells Core Modding API (DCCM), which is the foundation the mods plug into.

The mod most people are actually looking for is DeadCellsMultiplayerMod, which turns the game into real-time co-op.

What you need before you start

  • Dead Cells on PC, Update 35 (“The End is Near”) — the version the mod targets.
  • The Dead Cells Core Modding API (DCCM).
  • .NET 10 Runtime (x64).
  • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64).
  • For online play: a local network, Steam P2P, or virtual LAN software (Radmin VPN, ZeroTier or Hamachi).

Installing it (Steam version)

  1. In Steam, go to your Dead Cells folder: steamapps/common/Dead Cells/.
  2. Create a folder named coremod in the game root.
  3. From the DCCM workshop content, copy core, plugins and ModCoreVersion.txt into that coremod folder.
  4. Create coremod/mods/DeadCellsMultiplayerMod/ and extract the mod into it, so that modinfo.json sits directly inside.
  5. Launch the game via coremod/core/host/startup/DeadCellsModding.exe.

The folder rule is the one that catches everyone: the directory must be named exactly coremod — singular and lowercase. If you name it coremods, the launcher exits immediately without showing an error.

Playing co-op

Steam P2P (easiest). Both players launch via DeadCellsModding.exe. The host picks Play Multiplayer → Host (Steam P2P), then invites their friend through the Steam overlay or shares the lobby code. Once both appear in the lobby, the host selects a multiplayer save slot and starts — both players spawn together in the Prisoners’ Quarters.

Local network / direct TCP. Connect both machines on the same network or a virtual LAN. Host selects Host (TCP) (default port 1234); the client uses Join (TCP) with the host’s LAN IP and port 1234. Make sure Windows Defender Firewall allows incoming connections on port 1234 for DeadCellsModding.exe and deadcells_gl.exe.

What actually synchronises

This is the part worth knowing before you expect too much. The mod synchronises:

  • Enemy positions and attacks, including client-side attack interruption
  • Boss HP scaling and boss rune sync
  • Level generation and level-graph reload (boss cell doors, transitions)
  • Death, revive and restart handling
  • Ghost weapon, head and cosmetic sync
  • Multiplayer save slots and continue
  • A camera spectate mode (cycle players with , / . or a gamepad)

The project documentation is honest that it is still in development and full synchronisation is a work in progress. An older variant, AdvancedCoop, only handled lobby heartbeat and permanent unlock progression — it did not sync enemies, which is why the newer build is the one to use.

A caveat worth taking seriously

Modding replaces your launcher and touches your game folder. Before installing anything, copy your save folder somewhere safe — your runes, blueprints and Boss Cell tier are all in there, and there is no account system to restore them from. See the save file location guide for exactly where it is.

Frequently asked questions

Can you play Dead Cells in multiplayer?

Not officially — Dead Cells is singleplayer. But the community Dead Cells Multiplayer Mod, built on the Core Modding API (DCCM), adds real-time co-op over Steam P2P or a local/virtual network.

Why does the Dead Cells mod launcher close instantly?

Almost always the folder name. The directory in your game root must be exactly 'coremod' — singular and lowercase. Naming it 'coremods' makes the launcher exit immediately with no error message.

What does the Dead Cells multiplayer mod synchronise?

Enemy positions and attacks, boss HP scaling and boss rune sync, level generation, death and revive handling, level graph reload for boss cell doors, ghost weapon/head/cosmetics, multiplayer save slots and a camera spectate mode.

Do I need anything installed besides the mod?

Yes — the Dead Cells Core Modding API (DCCM), plus the .NET 10 Runtime (x64) and the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64). The mod targets Dead Cells PC Update 35 ('The End is Near').

More Dead Cells guides

Sources

Figures and item data on this site are read from the game’s own reference wiki before publishing. Where a value could not be confirmed there, the page says so instead of filling the gap.