permadeath run
/ˈpɜːrmədɛθ rʌn/
CommonA playthrough where dying ends the run permanently with no save reloading.
The word 'run' signals it is expected to end. Players frame it as a challenge rather than a failure mode.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | started a permadeath run of Dark Souls, wish me luck | Beginning a high-stakes attempt where any death ends the playthrough. | x, 2023 |
| 02 | 30 hours into my permadeath run and i died to a random trash mob | A long run ended suddenly to something embarrassingly minor. | reddit, 2024 |
| 03 | finally completed a permadeath run after like 40 attempts | The player succeeded after many failed runs. | x, 2024 |
| 04 | permadeath run makes every single decision feel life or death | The stakes make every choice in the game feel meaningful. | youtube, 2023 |
Use it when
- Playing a game with a setting or mode that prevents save reloading.
- Attempting a roguelike where dying ends the run by default.
- Describing a self-imposed challenge to play without loading saves.
- Watching or streaming a high-stakes attempt where death resets everything.
Do not use it when
- The game has a checkpoint system and you are just playing normally.
- You died but reloaded a save.
Permadeath run vs no-hit run
permadeath run
A permadeath run means death ends everything. You can take damage, just not die.
VS
no-hit-run
A no-hit run requires never taking damage at all, even if death would not end the run.
Origin and context
Permadeath as a mechanic predates the term, appearing in Rogue (1980). The phrase 'permadeath run' became common in gaming communities as roguelikes and survival games popularized the mechanic in the 2010s.
- First seen
- 2010s
- Confidence
- low
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/permadeath-runUpdated: 2026-08-29License: CC BY 4.0