The Dilapidated Arboretum is a hidden biome in Dead Cells that offers a fresh, challenging path for players seeking variety in their runs. Unlike some other areas that are directly visible through standard progression, this location must be unlocked and accessed through specific actions in the early parts of the game. Whether you’re hunting for new enemies, blueprints, or alternate routes, learning how to get to the Dilapidated Arboretum is an essential step for exploring all the content Dead Cells has to offer. The journey includes acquiring a DLC, reaching specific areas early in the game, and recognizing unique entry points.
Understanding the Dilapidated Arboretum
What Is the Dilapidated Arboretum?
The Dilapidated Arboretum is one of the biomes introduced in the Bad Seed DLC for Dead Cells. It acts as an alternative to the Promenade of the Condemned, which is one of the standard early-game zones. The biome features lush but decaying plant life, hazardous terrain, and unique enemies such as blowgunners and yeeters that provide a different challenge compared to the base game areas.
Why Visit the Arboretum?
There are multiple reasons to visit the Dilapidated Arboretum:
- Access to unique blueprints for weapons and mutations
- A new path that leads to additional DLC biomes like the Morass of the Banished
- A change of pace from the usual early zones
- Achievements tied to the Bad Seed DLC
If you’re trying to unlock everything the game has to offer or simply want a fresh route to challenge yourself, the Arboretum is a worthwhile stop.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to the Dilapidated Arboretum
Step 1: Purchase and Install the Bad Seed DLC
The first requirement is owning theBad Seed DLC, which introduces both the Dilapidated Arboretum and the Morass of the Banished. Make sure the DLC is installed and enabled on your game platform. This content is not available in the base version of the game, so purchasing the DLC is essential to access this biome.
Step 2: Start a New Run
Begin a standard run from the Prisoner’s Quarters. The Dilapidated Arboretum is accessible from this starting area but requires a bit of exploration. You don’t need to meet any difficulty requirements; the biome is available in all difficulties as long as the DLC is active.
Step 3: Search for the Dilapidated Arboretum Door
In the Prisoner’s Quarters, there will be a special door that leads to the Arboretum. This door is usually found near the standard exit to the Promenade of the Condemned, Toxic Sewers, or other early-game areas. It appears with an organic-looking frame, overgrown with vines and plants, which distinguishes it from other exit doors.
The game randomly generates each map, so the position of the door may shift slightly from run to run. Explore the Prisoner’s Quarters thoroughly until you locate the unique entrance.
Step 4: Enter the Arboretum
Once you find the door, simply enter it to travel to the Dilapidated Arboretum. You won’t need any special runes to unlock it. However, it’s recommended to gather some weapons or gear before entering, as the enemies inside are tough and the level design can be punishing if you’re unprepared.
Enemies and Challenges in the Arboretum
New Enemy Types
The biome introduces a few enemies that are exclusive to this route. Being aware of them can help you prepare better:
- Yeeter A large, powerful enemy that throws you into environmental hazards like spikes or walls.
- Blowgunner A ranged foe that can shoot from a distance, often in groups.
- Spiker Lurks in vines and attacks by sending out thorns.
Each of these requires a different strategy. Having ranged weapons or shields can be useful for reducing risk in close quarters.
Hazardous Terrain
Aside from enemies, the terrain of the Arboretum includes spike traps, thorny vines, and high vertical drops. Movement skills such as double jump and dodge rolls are key to surviving. Always take your time to scout new areas before jumping or rushing forward.
Loot and Blueprints in the Dilapidated Arboretum
Exclusive Blueprints
By defeating enemies or exploring secret areas, you can find several unique blueprints in the Arboretum. These may include:
- Sickle Throw A mid-range weapon blueprint found from elite enemies
- Blowgun A high-damage stealth weapon dropped by blowgunners
- Mutation: Gastronomy Increases the value of food-based items
These rewards provide incentive for multiple visits and encourage exploration of every corner of the biome.
Scrolls and Stat Upgrades
The Arboretum provides a good amount of scrolls to improve Brutality, Tactics, or Survival. You’ll usually find at least three scrolls throughout the level, making it a viable alternative route for power progression early in your run.
Where to Go After the Arboretum
Path Continuation
After clearing the Arboretum, the next biome depends on your performance and decisions. The most common exit leads to theMorass of the Banished, another biome added in the same DLC. This zone continues the plant-based, corrupted aesthetic but increases the difficulty and introduces new minibosses.
It’s possible to unlock even further routes from there, depending on the items and keys you collect along the way.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Play Cautiously
Though the Arboretum appears early in the game, it is not as forgiving as the Promenade of the Condemned. It’s easy to be overwhelmed if you enter without decent equipment or strategy. Play slower, keep distance from groups of enemies, and learn their attack patterns.
Bring Shields or Crowd Control
Enemies like the Yeeter can be frustrating, especially in confined areas. Shields or abilities that stun, freeze, or slow enemies can give you a major advantage.
Memorize Exit Locations
Once you’re familiar with the layout, you’ll start to recognize patterns and frequent room types. This makes it easier to move efficiently through future runs and quickly reach the Arboretum door.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Reaching theDilapidated Arboretum in Dead Cellsis a straightforward but rewarding path once you know what to look for. You’ll need to own and activate the Bad Seed DLC, explore the Prisoner’s Quarters to find the entrance, and prepare for unique challenges inside. Whether you’re aiming to collect every blueprint, enjoy new enemy encounters, or branch out from the main game’s progression routes, this biome is worth exploring. The dynamic environments, new items, and alternate paths breathe new life into early runs. Take your time, adapt your strategy, and enjoy everything the Arboretum has to offer in your next adventure.