Dungeon cells are often dark, damp, and oppressive places. They may be filled with the stench of mildew, the sound of dripping water, or the faint cries of other prisoners. Their furnishings are typically sparse, with the bare minimum required for survival. A simple bed of straw or rough blankets might be provided, along with a single, flickering torch for light. In some cases, cells may be deliberately designed to be uncomfortable or even torture chambers, lacking basic amenities altogether.

Dungeon cells are often built for functionality rather than comfort. Walls are typically constructed from rough-hewn stone, damp earth, or even some fictional material. Doors are usually heavy and secured with iron bars or locks. Fictional dungeon cells often feature unusual and cruel architecture such as having a wall ‘open’ to a steep cliffside or chasm.

Escape from dungeon cells is often a central narrative event. Designers should consider the methods and routes that any escape may take. Chiseling away at a stone wall to form a tunnel for instance.

If a world has magic or super powers, dungeon cells alone may not be enough to contain powerful prisoners. Designers may wish to utilize an anti-solution to solve this problem.

Standard Cell: This is the most common type of dungeon cell, a simple, enclosed space designed to hold a single prisoner.

Holding Cell: These are larger cells designed to hold multiple prisoners, often used for temporary detention before interrogation or execution.

Torture Chamber: These cells are specifically designed to inflict pain and suffering on prisoners. They may be equipped with specialized tools or mechanisms for torture.

Treasure Vault: In some cases, dungeon cells might be repurposed to hold valuable treasures, protected by magical wards or traps.

Forgotten Cell: Over time, dungeons can fall into disrepair, and some cells may become forgotten, potentially holding clues about the dungeon’s history or past inhabitants.