Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap – A Roguelite Twist on Orc-Slaying Mayhem

Not Your Typical Orcs Must Die! Experience

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is not just another entry in the beloved Orcs Must Die! franchise—it’s a bold, brutal, and chaotic evolution of the series. Developed by Robot Entertainment, this game blends third-person action, tower defense mechanics, and roguelite progression, offering an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly challenging.

While previous OMD games leaned into a more accessible, strategy-focused formula, Deathtrap dials up the difficulty, throwing relentless waves of enemies at players in an experience that demands adaptability, teamwork, and quick reflexes. Whether playing solo or in 4-player co-op, expect a high-energy, trap-laden battlefield where strategy and skill determine survival.

But does this shift in design truly improve the Orcs Must Die! formula, or does it alienate long-time fans? Let’s break it down.

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Fast-Paced Combat and Roguelite Progression

At its core, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap sticks to the classic OMD blueprint: players control a powerful War Mage, setting up devious traps and using an arsenal of weapons and abilities to defend the rift from waves of grotesque orc hordes. However, the roguelite elements bring a new layer of unpredictability, ensuring no two runs feel the same.

• New War Mages, New Playstyles – Unlike previous games, each War Mage has unique weapons, traps, and abilities, adding variety and replayability.
• Dynamic Level Conditions – Buffs and debuffs affect both players and enemies, meaning strategies must constantly adapt.
• Progression Through Skull Farming – Players earn skulls to upgrade their War Mage, traps, and abilities, adding a grind that rewards persistence.

This roguelite approach keeps the game engaging over multiple runs, as random modifiers and environmental factors keep players on their toes.

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Solo or Co-Op? The Choice is Yours

One of the standout features of Deathtrap is its scaling difficulty system, which adjusts based on the number of players. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up in four-player co-op, the game ensures an equally punishing yet rewarding experience.

Playing alone can feel overwhelming but satisfying, as careful trap placement and movement are key to survival. However, co-op adds a new layer of strategic fun, as players must coordinate traps, character abilities, and movement to clear the waves efficiently.

The best part? Cross-platform play allows players on different devices to team up, making it even easier to slay orcs with friends.

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Characters That Actually Feel Different

Unlike earlier Orcs Must Die! titles, Deathtrap introduces a wider variety of War Mages, each bringing unique skills to the battlefield. Sofia, for example, is a damage-dealing powerhouse with self-healing abilities and an AI companion, making her absurdly strong for solo play.

Each War Mage’s strengths and weaknesses influence how you approach each battle, and while some characters may feel overpowered, the variety adds to the game’s replayability. Hopefully, more heroes will be introduced in future updates to keep things fresh.

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A New Art Style That Takes Time to Appreciate

The first noticeable change in Deathtrap is its updated art direction. While the cartoony visuals of previous OMD games had a charm of their own, this game shifts toward a grittier, more stylized look.

Some players may find it jarring at first, but over time, it becomes clear that the more detailed character models, richer environments, and enhanced visual effects contribute to the game’s faster pace and more intense battles.

Fortunately, what hasn’t changed is the signature humor of the series—from the orcs’ ridiculous ragdoll deaths to their hilariously over-the-top battle cries, Deathtrap keeps the tone lighthearted despite its brutal difficulty.

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The Challenge Factor – Not for Casuals

Let’s be clear: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is HARD.

While earlier entries in the franchise offered a casual-friendly experience, Deathtrap punishes mistakes and forces players to adapt quickly. It’s clear that the developers wanted to create a more skill-based game, countering the “just set up traps and AFK” strategy that some players used in previous titles.

That said, this increased difficulty won’t appeal to everyone. If you’re expecting a straightforward OMD experience, you might find yourself overwhelmed. However, if you enjoy challenging roguelite mechanics and strategic gameplay, this game delivers.

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Where Deathtrap Excels and Where It Falls Short

What Keeps the Orc-Slaying Fun Going

✔ Fast-Paced, Satisfying Combat – The mix of trap-laying, third-person action, and War Mage abilities makes for addictive gameplay.
✔ Diverse War Mage Roster – Every character brings unique skills, making each run feel different.
✔ Roguelite Progression Adds Replayability – The randomized buffs and debuffs keep things fresh and force players to adapt each run.
✔ Scales Well Between Solo and Co-Op Play – Whether playing alone or with friends, the difficulty adjusts to keep things balanced.
✔ Classic OMD Humor Remains Intact – Silly orc banter, absurd ragdoll deaths, and witty one-liners keep the game’s tone fun despite its difficulty.

What Holds the Game Back

✖ The Learning Curve is Steep – Newcomers might struggle with the brutal difficulty, especially if they expect a traditional OMD experience.
✖ Some Characters Feel Overpowered – Certain War Mages (like Sofia) feel significantly stronger than others, leading to imbalance issues.
✖ Shorter Than Expected – The game lacks level variety, and some players feel it should have had more content at launch.
✖ Expansions Are Likely Coming at a Cost – While the base game is reasonably priced, future content additions might require paid expansions.