 About 300 million cells die every minute in the human body, and their paths to demise are varied. Apoptosis is the most common mode of death, but necroptosis is also important due to its strong link with inflammatory disease. Despite its clinical importance, however, scientists are only just starting to uncover the mechanistic details that drive this fate. A new special issue of the journal Cell Death and Differentiation offers the research community a comprehensive look at scientists' current understanding of necrotic cell death. One key feature that distinguishes necroptosis from other modes of programmed cell death is its relationship to the immune system. With the sheer number of cells in our body succumbing to apoptosis each day, it's clear that this pathway doesn't elicit a strong immune response. But unlike the carefully controlled cellular breakdown and disposal that occurs during apoptosis, necrotizing cells burst open, spilling their contents into the body. These previously hidden cellular bits stimulate the immune system, leading to a state known as necroinflammation, which can lead to a variety of pathological conditions if left unchecked. But the exact steps connecting the necrotizing cell to the onset of disease have largely remained a mystery. This special issue of cell death and differentiation fills in many of the gaps. Included in the issue are nine review articles that walk the reader through the latest theories in the field. From fundamentals like the evolutionary argument for necroptosis to research looking at the clinical role of necroinflammation in different forms of disease. The necroptotic machinery is also discussed, and the different pathways for necrotic cell death are reviewed and contrasted. The issue will leave the reader with a thorough understanding of the current state of the field. If you are ready to dive in, click the link below to access the journal webpage.