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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Have a Nice Death is a stylish, combat-focused action roguelite with dark workplace humor and inventive boss fights. Switch critics were generally favorable, but its steep skill checks, some repetitive design and performance concerns make it a better fit for players who enjoy learning through repeated runs than for anyone seeking an easy progression curve.
What is Have a Nice Death?
Have a Nice Death is a single-player 2D action roguelite starring Death, an overworked executive trying to restore order at Death Inc. Its departments, enemies and combat give the grim setting a workplace-comedy spin. Nintendo describes procedural departments, fast hack-and-slash combat, and more than 70 weapons and spells to find and upgrade in its US Switch listing.
Death cannot die, so each attempt is another chance to learn enemy patterns, try different weapons or spells, and take on the bosses again. The loop will feel familiar to players of action roguelites: survival depends on improving your play as well as making use of what you find along the way.
What do the reviews say?
Critics generally responded well to the game’s combat, presentation and humor, while noting that difficulty and repetition can blunt its appeal. Metacritic’s Nintendo Switch critic page showed a score of 78/100 from 16 reviews when accessed in 2026; that is a dated aggregate snapshot, not a fixed or universal verdict. See the Metacritic Switch review aggregate.
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#1 Best Overall
- Since Death can’t die, use what you’ve learned and earned to overcome the numerous minions and bosses in each department of Death Incorporated... over and over.
- A performance review after every run guarantees that you’ll unlock interesting items and upgrades that will help you progress on your journey. Taking more power for yourself is a controversial move in Death Incorporated’s company culture. For instance, adopting a Curse upgrade for yourself might result in the Labor Inspector granting your subordinates enhanced powers, or worse, raising the cost of koffee and other items that are vital to your work output!
- Meet a diverse cast of memorable characters as you overcome your job’s challenges!
- English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese in-game text.
In a North American Switch review published March 27, 2023, Nintendo Life reviewer Mitch Vogel praised the personality, dark corporate humor, action and creative boss fights. The review also flagged severe difficulty and performance concerns. Other Switch reviews in the aggregate similarly praised the combat and presentation while raising issues around level design, repetition or performance.
Is Have a Nice Death hard?
Yes, difficulty is one of the game’s most important considerations. Nintendo Life describes demanding skill walls and notes that modest unlock progression does not let players grind permanent stat boosts to bypass the main challenge. Expect to learn through failed attempts, especially when facing bosses; unlocking more options is not the same as making the game easy.
Rank #2
![Have A Nice Death Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s-ajHsPFL._SL160_.jpg)
- 2022 Gearbox. All rights reserved. Published and distributed by Gearbox Publishing.
- The Gearbox Publishing logo is a trademark of Gearbox Enterprises, LLC.
- Have a Nice Death & TM 2022 Magic Design Studios SAS.
That challenge is part of the appeal if you like recognizing attack patterns, adjusting your approach and earning a win through better execution. If repeated attempts or stringent boss fights are frustrating rather than motivating, the game may be a poor fit.
Who is it for?
- A strong fit: Players who want fast 2D action, enjoy experimenting with weapon and spell choices, and like difficult boss fights that reward repeated learning.
- Proceed cautiously: Players with low tolerance for hard skill checks, repeated runs or level structures that can feel repetitive.
- For the tone: The Death Inc. workplace setting and dark humor add personality to a combat-heavy game; the comedy is a distinctive part of its identity, not a substitute for the action challenge.
How does the Switch version compare with the PC version?
The review score above is specifically for the Nintendo Switch version, and Nintendo Life’s performance concerns apply to its North American Switch review. They should not be treated as a blanket assessment of PC performance. Steam lists the PC release on March 22, 2023, following Early Access from March 8, 2022; its Steam listing identifies it as a single-player action roguelike and includes controller support.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- COLONY SURVIVAL: Plan and strategize as you attempt to have the most survivors on the Moon while events that kill your people keep happening.
- LIFE & DEATH: During the game you will be drawing cards, some bad and some good that will determine the fate of your colony. Some will give you an advantage to surviving, while others will kill off some of your colony.
- OUT TO SPACE: Take the trek out to the newly colonized moon, try to outlast the other colonies and control the moon yourselves.
- BE HUMANITIES CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT: Humanity is venturing into the stars, leaving Earth behind to colonize new planets. Be the greatest city of humanities history as you survive the treacherous moon.
- PLAY TIME: Moon Colony Bloodbath is perfect for 1-5 Players, takes 45-90 minutes, and for ages 14+.
| Version | What is established | Review caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Digital, single-player; TV, tabletop and handheld modes. Released March 22, 2023, according to Nintendo’s US listing. | Switch critics were generally favorable, with difficulty and performance among the caveats. |
| PC (Steam) | Released March 22, 2023, after Early Access began March 8, 2022. Steam lists controller support. | The cited Switch review’s performance concerns do not establish PC performance. |
Nintendo’s US store listing also gives the Switch download a 1.4 GB file size and ESRB descriptors of Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood, Fantasy Violence and Mild Language. Those details describe the US listing and rating.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you play Have a Nice Death?
Consider it if you want a stylish, single-player action roguelite built around fast fights, weapon and spell variety, boss challenges and a darkly comic setting. The positive critical response comes with a meaningful qualification: progress depends heavily on learning the game, and the Switch edition drew performance concerns. It is most compelling for players who see repeated attempts as part of the fun.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A Ruthless Race to Survive – Navigate life's chaotic twists and turns, from risky jobs to unexpected disasters—just try to stay alive and financially afloat!
- Dark Humour & Edgy Fun – This outrageous adult party game is packed with unpredictable scenarios, hilarious misfortunes, and tongue-in-cheek humour
- Rockstar, Drug Dealer, or Bank Robber? – Step into the shoes of a reckless character and experience the highs and lows of life on the edge
- Not for the Faint-Hearted – With mature themes and irreverent gameplay, this is definitely not your average family-friendly board game!
- Perfect for Game Nights & Parties – Designed for 2-4 players aged 18+, The Game of Death guarantees hours of laughter and chaos at any gathering. Can also be played in groups, choose your teams wisely!
Rank #4
- Hilarious Entertainment: Immerse yourself in the laughter-filled experience of Stupid Deaths – The Party Game designed for adults and teens aged 12 & up
- Dark Humor Delight: Perfect for those with a dark sense of humor, indulge in amusing and absurd death scenarios that will keep you entertained.
- Outsmart the Reaper: Race against the Grim Reaper in a thrilling challenge – will you conquer death or meet a comically ridiculous demise first?
- Fact or Fiction Fun: Navigate through ridiculous counts of death and engage in lively debates to discern between fact and fiction in this entertaining party game.
- Game Set Contents: Unbox a complete set that includes a game board, 6 player pawns, 1 Grim Reaper, 300 Stupid Deaths Cards, 6 True Cards, 6 False Cards, and 6 Extra Life Tokens.
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