Permadeath

In a permadeath system, losing a character carries lasting consequences: that character, run, or save may end and cannot be recovered through ordinary play. Some games build every run around this rule, while others offer it as an optional hardcore mode. The mechanic raises tension, encourages preparation, and makes risk meaningful, but it can also magnify frustration after a crash or unfair encounter. Roguelikes commonly combine permadeath with procedural generation so restarting creates a different challenge. Account-wide unlocks may persist even when the current character does not.