Permadeath, short for permanent death, is a game mechanic where a character's death is irreversible. Once a character dies, they cannot be revived or brought back to life, leading to a permanent loss of progress and achievements associated with that character. This mechanic is often used in video games, particularly in genres like roguelikes and survival games, to increase the stakes and challenge for players.
In games featuring permadeath, players must be more cautious and strategic in their actions, as the consequences of failure are significant. This can create a more intense and immersive experience, as players become emotionally invested in their characters. Popular games that utilize permadeath include Fire Emblem and Darkest Dungeon.