Permadeath is a major part of the game, and can occur from a number of events:
- Being on the same tile as a object in a deadly state during a robbery or self test
- Idling for 5 minutes in self test or robbery mode
- Taking more than 20 minutes in total in a robbery (a warning appears in the last minute)
- Clicking the "Confirm suicide" tickbox and then the "Suicide" button
If any or multiple of these happen, the player will lose all of their money, tools, paintings, family, and house. After death the player will receive a fresh start, with a new character (With a new name), a wife, son and daughter, a reset bounty, and $2000 cash.
Jason has given reasons multiple times for why he feels permadeath during selftest is necessary for the game. [1][2]