The Don't Die Chapter 2 playtest went live on December 9, giving players an opportunity to test dice builds, experiment with strategies, and prepare for the USDC prize pools scheduled to arrive in January. The two-week event allows both new and returning players to explore the game’s latest mechanics, confront tougher encounters, and earn rewards ahead of the official competition.
This update introduces new dice upgrades, additional roles, and a challenging Chapter 2 boss. Players who defeat the boss receive the "Didn't Die" role in Discord, while those who surpass the game designer Nick’s score earn a "Beat Nick" role and a Legendary Sticker. Points earned during the playtest can also be spent in weekly raffles for collectible stickers, which will later enhance USDC rewards when the main prize pools go live.
Single-Player Browser-Based Roguelike
Don't Die is a single-player browser-based roguelike that combines dice-building with turn-based combat. Players log in with an email or Gmail account, with no installation or wallet setup required. Each run spans two chapters with four checkpoints, emphasizing survival, strategic upgrades, and careful decision-making.
Combat in the game is automated and turn-based. Players roll four dice at the start of each turn, with sides that can deal damage, block attacks, apply status effects, or provide healing. Dice can be reordered to plan combos or defensive strategies. Upgrading dice adds new sides, but each addition reduces consistency, requiring players to balance power and reliability. Some dice sides are biome-specific, offering unique effects based on the area, including La Volcano, Ice Cave, and Toxic Swamp.
Scoring in Don't Die rewards both survival and calculated risk-taking. Players earn points for defeating enemies, completing battles, and successfully navigating challenges. Bonuses are awarded for low health and high damage in single turns, encouraging strategic gameplay. Final scores determine leaderboard rankings, with top scores exceeding 160,000 points. Achieving a high score requires careful planning, optimized dice setups, and some measure of luck.
Map and Risk-Reward Strategy
Movement across the Don't Die map is determined by rolling a six-sided die, with multiple paths leading to battles, campfires, bosses, and other events. Biomes introduce varied challenges and influence available dice sides, forcing players to consider their route carefully.
In addition to dice, players manage items such as trinkets, which provide passive bonuses, food that grants temporary buffs, and Time Crystals that allow rewinding turns or movement rolls. Bub’s shop offers upgrades and the option to burn dice sides, but at the cost of health, adding a layer of risk-reward strategy.
January’s USDC Prize Pools
The Chapter 2 playtest acts as a warm-up for January’s official USDC prize pools. Stickers collected during the playtest multiply rewards in the main competition. The community is active on Discord, where players share strategies, post high scores, and participate in AMAs and live streams to earn additional points and gain insight into upcoming features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Don't Die Chapter 2 playtest?
The Chapter 2 playtest is a limited-time event where players can test new dice builds, tackle tougher challenges, and earn points and rewards ahead of the January USDC prize pools.
How do I participate in the playtest?
Players can join directly in their browser by logging in with an email or Gmail account. No downloads or wallet setups are required.
What are the rewards in the playtest?
Players can earn Discord roles, Legendary Stickers, and points that can be spent in weekly raffles. Stickers collected during the playtest enhance USDC multipliers for the January prize pools.
How does combat work in Don't Die?
Combat is turn-based and automated. Players roll four dice each turn, with sides that deal damage, block attacks, or provide buffs and debuffs. Dice can be upgraded after battles to improve their abilities.
What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective is to survive across two chapters while maximizing scores. Strategic planning, dice upgrades, and risk management are key to achieving high scores.
Where can I find help or strategies for the playtest?
The Don't Die Discord hosts an active community with AMAs, live streams, and channels for posting high scores and discussing strategies.
