Don't Die Brings Dice Building Adventure to Blockchain Gamers

The roguelike energy is rising in the world of blockchain games as Don’t Die gears up for its first official playtest on October 16. Built on Avalanche and backed by a grant from the network, this free-to-play single-player roguelike blends dice-building mechanics, strategy, and just enough luck to keep you on edge.

And true to its name — the main goal is simple: don’t die.

A Roguelike Where You Build Your Own Dice

At its core, Don’t Die plays like a dice-fueled, turn-based roguelike that constantly pushes your luck. You start each run with four dice, each having four sides. Win battles, and you’ll get the chance to add new Sides to your dice — boosting their power but also their unpredictability.

Over time, your dice evolve from 4-sided to 5-sided, 6-sided, and beyond. But with every upgrade comes risk. Each new Side could grant you attacks, shields, or passive effects that shift your entire strategy. It’s all about balancing power, control, and chance — a perfect mix for fans of tactical gaming and high-stakes decisions.

Not Just Dice — It’s a Game of Risk and Reward

Every run in Don’t Die takes place along The Path, a board filled with opportunities and dangers. You roll to move, land on a tile, and face whatever the game throws your way.

You might encounter:

• Regular battles or mini-boss fights

• Healing campfires that let you rest and recover

• Mystery events with unexpected twists

• Shops with strange vendors selling items for gold or blood

• Obelisks, where you face back-to-back battles for epic rewards

Each chapter features different Biomes — like La Volcano, Ice Cave, or Toxic Swamp — each bringing new enemies and dice effects. The board itself feels alive, constantly shifting between danger and opportunity.

Playing for Points, Not Just Survival

Surviving is only part of the fun. Every battle, encounter, and win earns you points, which determine your rewards at the end of the game’s two-week season.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Leaderboard Pool – Top 200 runs earn prizes

• Sticker Pools – The more points you earn, the better your odds

• Guaranteed Pools – Rewards for meeting specific goals

• Deadpool – Consolation prize for those who didn’t make it

• Ultimate Prize – A rare reward for the one who defeats the third boss

Only one reward can be won per NFT run — so every decision truly matters. One misstep could cost you a leaderboard position or even your entire run.

Stickers — Small Boosts with Big Impact

In Don’t Die, stickers are more than collectible art — they’re performance boosters. Every sticker you earn adds Loot Points, which multiply your rewards at the end of the season.

For example, 5 Loot Points equal a 1x multiplier, while stacking enough stickers can lead to a 10x multiplier. You can earn them through gameplay or by inviting friends via the referral system — a clever way to reward active community members.

And here’s the best part: stickers can’t be bought. You earn them through skill, persistence, and teamwork — aligning perfectly with the game’s anti-pay-to-win philosophy.

How NFTs Shape Each Run

Unlike many blockchain games, Don’t Die integrates NFTs in a way that rewards skill, not spending. There are five NFT tiers, ranging from free to $1000, each representing a unique “run.”

Every NFT earns points at the same rate, meaning a player with a $1 NFT can outperform someone with a $1000 one simply by playing better. Higher tiers only increase lootbox value, not your odds of winning.

You can have multiple runs active at once, but only one free run at a time. Reaching a checkpoint lets you pause, claim rewards, or even trade your NFT run on secondary markets — a smart touch for strategic traders.

Die Once, and It’s Over

The game’s title isn’t just for show. If your health hits zero during a run, your NFT is officially dead. You lose eligibility for most rewards, except a small share from the Deadpool, which holds just 1% of total prize money.

That’s where checkpoints come in. These appear mid-chapter and after each boss fight. Reach one, and you can safely end your run to lock in your rewards. Go further, and you risk it all for bigger prizes.

It’s a thrilling balance between greed and caution — a true test of nerve that makes every decision meaningful.

Time Crystals — Bending Luck in Your Favor

Even the bravest adventurers need a backup plan. Time Crystals let players rewind bad luck — a rare resource that can turn the tide.

You can spend 2 crystals to re-roll your move, or 8 to rewind to your last checkpoint. This system adds a layer of strategy, making each roll not just a game of chance but a battle of foresight.

The Playtest Starts October 16

The first Don’t Die playtest launches on October 16, giving players a hands-on preview of dice building, the combat system, and the first boss — Ganondwarf.

Joining is simple: just head to dontdie.gg and sign up with your email. Those who refer friends can earn extra stickers and in-game perks, setting them up for even better rewards when the full game drops.

Why Don’t Die Matters for Blockchain Gaming

With so many blockchain games chasing quick monetization, Don’t Die stands out for its focus on skill-based gameplay, fair rewards, and non-pay-to-win design. Its creative mix of dice-building, roguelike progression, and NFT integration could set a new benchmark for what free-to-play crypto games can be.

So sharpen your dice, trust your luck, and whatever you do — don’t die.