Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap

A Disappointing Step Backward for a Series I Love I grew up playing Orcs Must Die! with my dad, and we spent hours solving puzzles, laughing, and finding creative ways to beat the maps. It was a core memory — full of fun, strategy, and discovery. That’s why it really pains me to say this entry in the series just doesn’t hold up. Character Variety and Gameplay Repetition One of the big issues is how all the characters feel too similar. You're locked into specific characters, and even though the devs recently added movement abilities to everyone (which is a welcome addition), it ends up making them feel repetitive and less distinct. There’s no real reason to switch up your character other than cosmetics or stats, and that hurts replayability. The game quickly becomes repetitive. In past entries, each map felt like a new puzzle — a fresh opportunity to play your way, whether that was aggressive and trap-heavy or smart and efficient. Now, it's the same traps, the same layouts, and the same characters — just cranked up in difficulty. It loses that sense of creativity and personal play style. Roguelike Elements Fall Flat The “Threads” system and mid-round challenges were supposed to freshen things up, but they rarely feel meaningful. Upgrades are mostly random and don’t synergize well, so you don’t get that satisfying "build moment" you’d expect in a roguelike. Think of a game like Hades where duo boons create exciting combos — Orcs Must Die! could really benefit from something like that to bring depth and surprise to each run. Traps and Environmental Design There also seems to be a lack of trap variety compared to previous games. I loved the concept of the new organic thorns — watching them grow is cool the first few times — but by the 50th time, it’s lost its charm. Maps themselves often feel unfinished. I found myself exploring between waves, reaching hidden areas or detailed spots that looked like they had potential, only to discover they were empty or inactive. For someone like me who enjoys finding secrets or exploring off-path areas, that was really disappointing. Character Progression Feels Rushed The idea of leveling up characters and helping others online is awesome, but it feels shallow right now. The character trees are tiny — 7 upgrades that you can get in just a few runs. That’s not progression, it’s just a checklist. On top of that, the upgrades are hit or miss, with many of them being barely noticeable or irrelevant. On Playing Karlos, the bear character, and I actually enjoyed him quite a bit. He felt unique, but not quite finished. His mobility is a serious issue, especially on solo maps with double rift locations or flying enemies. Even with the blink ability, he’s just too slow, and it leads to frustrating moments. A simple solution might be to increase the height of his right-click jump by 50%, and make it a charged ability — that way, it’s more functional and easier to use strategically. Suggested Changes and Improvements 1. Character Design & Diversity Increase character uniqueness: Expand abilities and passive traits to make each character feel more distinct in both playstyle and role. Improve movement abilities: Differentiate them more clearly between characters to prevent overlap and sameness. Expand character progression: Increase character talent trees to offer more meaningful, diverse upgrades (7 nodes is too limited). Improve progression pacing: Make talent trees longer-term with deeper choices, allowing players to gradually invest and specialize. 2. Game Variety & Replayability Increase map variety: Ensure each map offers different challenges, layouts, and solutions (as in previous games). Encourage multiple strategies: Support both aggressive and passive trap-centric playstyles rather than funneling players into one meta. Make difficulty scaling more dynamic: Instead of just increasing numbers, add new enemy behaviors, alternate map routes, or environmental hazards at higher difficulties. 3. Trap Design Expand the trap pool: Add more trap types to offer fresh tactical opportunities. Current selection feels limited compared to older titles. Add visual/audio variety to traps: Make trap activation effects more distinct and satisfying to keep gameplay feeling fresh. 4. Roguelike Systems ("Threads") Improve synergy in upgrade drops: Create interactions between upgrades (e.g. combo or "duo" effects like Hades) to build unique and powerful runs. Balance randomness with relevance: Ensure threads/upgrades are relevant to the character and build style in use. Make upgrades visually impactful: Reflect power increases through effects or cosmetic flair to keep upgrades satisfying. 5. Exploration & Map Design Reward off-path exploration: Add hidden chests, lore items, or bonus threads/upgrades in out-of-the-way areas. Activate or utilize unused map elements: Interactive environments (e.g. sentinel posts, high ground platforms) should feel purposeful rather than decorative. Add secrets and easter eggs: Lean into the fun of discovery, especially between waves or during downtime in solo play. 6. Character-Specific Feedback (Karlos) Improve Karlos’s mobility: Increase the height of his right-click jump by ~50% to reach critical paths more easily (especially on double-rift maps). Make the leap a chargeable ability so it can be timed intentionally and used for combos or traversal without spamming. Adjust solo performance balance: Ensure all characters, including Karlos, are viable in solo play across all maps — especially when dealing with fast or flying enemies Final Thoughts This game has good bones — you can feel the effort to evolve the franchise — but right now, it feels incomplete and lacking polish. As someone who has deep nostalgia for the series, it’s disheartening to see a game that could have been amazing end up feeling rushed and repetitive. I hope the devs take the feedback to heart, because the core concept still has huge potential.

The game itself isn't too bad, but the it's so poorly optimized. My PC is above recommended requirements and it still lags for me. I don't have this issue with any other game. It makes the game not enjoyable, unfortunately.

I was disappointed at the end of playtest when the studio explained that this wasn't just a small preview of gameplay but actually the whole gameplay, so I didn't buy this at release. I now bought it at discount because I was bored lately, but after playing for 100minutes I kind of already regret and it am considering to refund the game and buy OMD3 instead on PC. No proper progress, no campaign, almost no story except "we found 3 new strong guys, go kill them". Most characters look ugly and I'm not even talking about Wren - which might become the ugliest ingame character of 2025 - but also formerly attractive/cool looking chars like Max and Gabby, they now just look bad. The whole game also suffers from nowadays common blurriness of unreal games due to TAA and Bloom. OMD3 and OMDU are both infinitely better than this OMDD. If we base the price off the game quality and compare OMD3 with OMDD, OMDD is worth 15$ at best. The amount of action/entertainment per unit of time is approximately one third of OMDU and less than half of OMD3. Big maps are great, but it just sucks if it makes all waves take 2-3x as long as we are used to from OMD3. In addition to that, they removed one of the best features of OMD: environmental traps/effects/tools. Also, what's the point of huge maps if there is no endless mode. The only thing that makes me want to play again is to test out the new types of organic traps, but I feel like it's not worth it just for that.

Same game, just a little grindier and no story progression.

The series of orcs must die got pretty bad with the release of OMD Deathtrap. Level Design has a lot of flaws with trap spots. For example: you can place half a trap in another trap and lose money. you can't place sometimes trap on walls or ceilings because the placing grid is wrong programmed. Ceilings are far to high up to place traps, therefore around 5+ Traps are not usable, so you NEED to change your trap setup all the time which is pretty annoying. Sentinels are mostly on idiotic spots. Traps: There is a little bit more balance in it, but there is definitely a good meta for especially difficulty 10. You can't place sentinels anymore which is pretty sad, because i liked them in OMD 3. Some of the upgrade that you can get are more like annoiance than an upgrade and the reroll costs alot. Weapons: Would be nice to change them, but you need to change your char to use another one. So less variety in use of weapons and more in characters. Monsters: Alot of Monsters, but not any elite monsters or minibosses which would be nice. BUT the waves have especially in the lower difficulties not enough enemies spawning, because sometimes you are making coffee for waiting for the next monsters coming in. There is no pressure coming. So are the monsters evading/attacking? or do i invite them? Threads / Trap + Weapon + Skill Upgrades: Would be nice to remove or disable them, but it is made so you can't make an OP Build, which also makes more useless, because you need sometimes to switch your traps. To Unlock them is mostly easy enough, some of them are more a grind or luck to get certain conditions. All in All it is a good game with friends to play, but sometimes a pain in the butt, because of the level design. Hopefully the game gets more inspiration from OMD unchained and OMD 3.

I don't understand why this game isn't more popular. It's the perfect chill game.... set up a maze with traps, no time limit. Then either watch them run the maze OR jump in and battle one on one (not quite that easy) but once leveled up a bit its a cake walk if you want it to be. An evolution of this where you send squads into fortresses to take-over while being able to run in as well. In a vice-versa sorta-thing. Then hold the fort from hordes and repeat... Could even have a mini-map and territories/ clans that somehow spilled out. Go as far as making alliances and use orcs against the new BIG BAD.. anywho.. love the game . Please don't stop:)

I was hoping for OMD4. This is not it. Hopefully this is just a filler game until a proper OMD4 can be released.

Its fine... I guess. The lack of campaign or any sort of direction outside of "here, play some maps" really kills any motivation to play.

I have played the other games and I was hesitant to purchase this one due to the mixed reviews, however I saw some solid updates implemented and it looked like the game was in a better state than at launch, so I grabbed it and after playing a few runs have decided that I do like it. OMD3 never felt great to me and I'm just starting with this one, but I like the roguelike feel and the abilities of the various characters are pretty neat. So far I like the game and would recommend it if you like the series or action tower defense. I don't get the feeling of joy from the map layouts as I did in OMD2, but it is a very pretty game with an art style that I really enjoy and the levels are ok, but feel kind of restrictive are far as playing with what traps you want to. But there is an upgrade system and lots of things to unlock for future runs, so I'm not too bothered by that yet. It feels like a solid game in the series to me and I appreciate the turn toward 4 player coop and roguelike.

Have always loved this series and for me this one is a great improvement over the last one. Don't get me wrong 3 was great, but as someone who's favorite types of games are rogue-likes and rogue-lites I'm really digging the thread aspects that were added to Deathtrap. Keeps things nice and fresh. I joined the party late, only recently picked up this game, but for me its been a beautifully smooth and polished experience. Game is absolutely beautiful on my screen and runs nice and smooth. If you're a fan of the series and want more its well worth its asking price.

Very very boring gameplay and performance is very poor. Won't recommend.

scuffed UI, scuffed animations, roguelite slop, if you want true OMD experience play 1-3, this game is worse in every way but its "good" if you have 3 friends i guess

This game is really fun and addicting i just wish i had more variety in weapons and traps but i love this game already

Fun game, got 50+ hours out of it before i maxed leveled everything. Isn't too easy, isn't too hard unless you play at max difficulty level and even then it seems manageable. It's a solid chill game with friends for it's price point. I would like to see a thread deletion ability added somewhere to help reduce things you don't want to see in it's roguelite system but other than that my gripes are quite minor with the others being...more game. Such as more character/trap upgrades, maps and abilities please! Which they are adding so i'm looking forward to playing more.

Playing a bit more.. It could be worse I guess, but some of the maps are just flat out near impossible, especially with the combination of bad modifiers. Needs work, ceilings are often far too high for most traps to be viable, making a clear meta. Forces you into picking specific maps that aren't unbalanced, which also forces modifiers. Bad design, good game, maybe buy on sale if you can, otherwise maybe just look out for a map update/trap re-balancing.

Legacy player of OMD since the very first one, working on getting 100% of all the games. If you've never played them before and you're interested, I'd recommend playing 2 or 3 first -- if you like it, then you'll probably like this one; if you don't like the more-engaged tower-defense formula, that formula is still here, even if the core systems have altered significantly for the series. Threads (think TFT augments, Balatro jokers or other roguelike run-changing elements) are a great addition to the standard formula. If you're a longtime fan of the series, it's a very worthy addition with a lot of content, but without weapon/trinket customization (which is sorely missed, but slightly editable with the threads) or writing (they added a 'lore update' for writing, but it's sadly not nearly as compelling as the numbered titles -- although the voice acting lines in-level are funny!) Investing in the roguelike level additions (rift corruption, rift blessings, and gnome ceilings) is a fun way to switch up a map you've already mastered -- although I wish there was a way to make it more common and varied. Also, by late game you have around ~500 threads--about 50 of them change your run in interesting ways, maybe half total are just flat number increases, and the rest feel pretty worthless (there's individual threads to be immune to each of the ~6 so conditions, which you'll probably never take unless you have a deep run going). However, learning when you can get away with rerolling deep and when you need to spend the money on traps is a phenomenal push-and-pull that reminds me of managing your economy in Balatro. Still, it's fun with friends (although what isn't?), has a ton of content to do, is constantly getting monthly updates with a very engaged dev team with their finger on the pulse of the players that are willing to backtrack on decisions that prove unpopular (while still holding to their core design formula), and a great spinoff version of the mainline series. There's a reason this isn't called OMD4. Would love to see a return of OMD 1's skill tree (I have no idea why that's never returned), more varied war mages (even in just base weapon customization or skins), and the ability to choose exactly what you want the first map of your run to be, so that it's easier to hunt for the more RNG heavy achievements. Besides that though it's well worth the money. Many of the negative reviews are either outdated from old builds, or from players who want to do exactly what they did in OMD1-3 and have it work every time; it's worth your time regardless.

I've played all the OMD games. Positives: -4 players -the new threads system is interesting and makes each run unique -new systems like corruption, sentinels, rifts, day/night, gnomes -new barricade usage is nice -a lot more replay ability, however still moving some older features -more character choices -added more progression through a skill tree Negatives: -trap placements are scuffed on some maps (minor) -lack of interesting map layouts -they didn't carry over some older traps for some reason -no endless mode for individual maps -combat was slightly changed, so it takes a little bit to get used to Upcoming content can solve most the negatives, so I don't think a down vote is warranted for those reasons. Gameplay-wise the game is great and more accessible than the previous ones.

The game doesn't have an endless mode like OMD3, which makes the endgame content quite boring and not suitable for long-term play.

Sorry devs. Huge fan of the OMD series but this one kinda falls flat. I do see all the improvements you guys are doing but until this game is properly optimized and tweaked, gonna refund and sit this one out.

I was expecting a game like OMD 3, where you unlock traps by beating levels — not a system where you play random maps with weird debuffs, and every time you finish a run, you have to start over again and again. Also, I noticed that the game is just way too easy. All you do is place traps and wait for the orcs to die. I literally just placed traps, went AFK until the orcs were dead, placed more traps, and repeated the process until the mission ended. It’s kind of depressing that the same developers who made OMD 3 made this game.

Orcs Mus Die: Deathtrap ------------------------------------ The war mage is back... and so are the exploding kobolds. This game slaps. Deathtrap brings all the chaotic fun we love from Orcs Must Die and cranks up the replayability with randomized map events that keep every round feeling fresh. One minute you're confidently setting up your traps, the next you're screaming "WHY IS THERE A TROLL SPAWN HERE NOW?!" and loving every second of it. The gameplay is smooth, satisfying, and full of those classic OMD moments where you chain together the perfect trap combo and just sit back, grinning like a smug war mage. It still has that goofy, over-the-top charm the series is known for and yes, the orcs are still delightfully dumb. Seriously, this new entry does exactly what it needed to do. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it sharpens the spikes and throws a few acid sprayers on for good measure. Fingers crossed for more updates and trap packs because I am not done launching orcs into lava just yet. Enjoy !!

The most fun co-op tower defense for sure! Adding the roguelike elements gives it a lot of replayability

Always loved the orcs must die games, This one has a fun mode where you choose buffs each round, after wave 6 there is a new map. I miss being on the same map on endless and just maxing out the map.

had a bit of a rocky start - but the updates and balancing changes improved it quite a bit and now with the variaty of characters, the movement abilities and the option to build more barricades it's quite fun to play and gamble some skulls on how many missions you'll manage to complete :)

Not like the previous titles but still fun to play. Like scramble from OMD3 but better

The updates have only served to make this game even stronger. One of the best entries in the series.

Always fun killing Orcs with traps! The devs are improving the game a lot, constant updates!

You make Orcs that are alive to Orcs that are dead. Nothing more, nothing less. As things should be.

This game mixes two of my favourite genres. Tower Defence and Rogue lite. No idea why people are so pissed. This game's legit. The hell you mean "I was hoping for OMD4 this ain't it" Girrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl? What WOULD be it? Children I swear.. :D

Fantastic "Tower Defense Game." All the Orcs Must Die's are worth playing but i think this is the best one!

Great fun with friends, even so on higher diificulty. Leveldesign is gorgeous, music slaps and you'll get an adrenaline rush anytime you hear the howl ;-)

This game has a clear identity issue, the game is good so I recommend it however there are flaws. It tries to do the rpg roguelite but it doesn't hold up and would have fit the older games better than this. Meaning even though this game is meant for it, it's worse. Why? Other orcs must die games have survival. You set down traps, then just try and survive as long as possible. Thats kinda the basis of that kind of game. If you got gold and skulls and could upgrade most unlimited. Well that would be a perfect roguelite. However this new game in the opposite . You start a map , now you survive about 6 rounds and it changes so you have to play a new map with new traps and other buffs/debuffs . It takes way too long to finish. The survival element of the old games without a difficulty slider would make the perfect roguelite as surviving for time should be the difficulty not simply rebuilding traps fast and waste time going through all the stages again . But then again the game isn't finished, so hope it improves. Also the character design looks like a DEI project... I miss Cygnus

Very fun game! As good as it gets for tower defense strategy games

bit of a different flavour compared to the previous titles in the series. they've gone for a bit of a champion feel, where each main character has special abilities and an ult. Its a refreshing change, with the good old traps and barricades still doing their thing too. The whole, you are in a castle and you need to run around to upgrade your stuff and select a mission and all that took a bit of getting used to, as well as the overall "campaign" and how the different missions worked. All in all, worth the money.

Fantastic tower defence + TPS with rogue-like game play.

Leagues better than OMD2, which was already perfect.

Started Playing in June 2025. It is different to previous OMD in the sense scale of maps is different. I would say it is more difficult in some aspects at first, scaling per person does make it harder if your not in agreeance on strategy. However it can become easy, so there is a difficulty scaling, we haven't hit the end yet. I like the changes in how you upgrade and feels like they will keep adding. Purchasing upgrades as a skill tree is a nice touch. Am wondering how much replayability it would have once i finish everything at this stage, so hoping updates come regularly for some time. Some traps are different than the first, reset timers etc change how the kill box was previously. If you like the previous games, want a bit of a twist, looking to play with a group, then this is worth buying. I did wait till it was discounted however.

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a notable addition to the Orcs Must Die! universe, offering a fresh roguelite experience focused on 4-player co-op. However, for long-time fans of the series, especially those who loved previous installments like Orcs Must Die! 3 (OMD3), Deathtrap might be missing some core elements that made the franchise so successful. 1. Regarding Weapons and Diversity: One of the key differences that sets Deathtrap apart from Orcs Must Die! 3 is the lack of distinctive weapons and flexibility in equipment. While OMD3 allows players to freely equip a wide array of weapons like the Gatling Gun or Stone Staff to any character, Deathtrap restricts weapons to specific characters (character-locked). This means you won't find the same level of diversity and customization in the weapon arsenal as in OMD3, making each War Mage's personal playstyle less flexible. 2. Absence of Endless Mode for Each Map: Deathtrap has altered the core structure of the series by adopting roguelite elements. Instead of providing a dedicated Endless mode for each map, which would allow players to test their defenses and optimize traps, Deathtrap features only a main mission mode that repeats maps with randomized modifiers and boss fights. This might disappoint players looking to challenge themselves by holding out against never-ending waves of monsters. 3. Poor Map Design and Limited Trap Placement: A common complaint about Deathtrap is that map designs are often too large and open, with multiple entrances and paths leading to the Rift Crystals. This significantly hinders the ability to create effective "killboxes" and funnel enemies as in previous OMD titles. Furthermore, the number of barricades is severely limited, reducing the player's ability to control enemy paths. This shift in design emphasizes the player's strength more than complex trap-laying strategies and "killroom" creation seen in OMD3. 4. Imbalance of Flying and Mercenary Units, Limited Crowd Control: Deathtrap introduces waves of monsters with randomized buffs and debuffs, along with enemy types that have resistances and support units that can speed up the enemy. While the game requires players to adapt to these enemy types, it appears that the balance of flying and mercenary units might not be well-tuned, and players may feel that weapon damage is limited, coupled with a scarcity of strong crowd control effects from both weapons and traps. This can lead to challenging situations when facing large numbers of fast and resilient enemies. 5. Lack of Elemental Trap Transformations: In Orcs Must Die! 3, a significant highlight was the ability to transform the elemental properties of traps, opening up numerous tactical possibilities and gameplay diversity. However, Deathtrap does not retain this feature. Trap upgrades in Deathtrap primarily focus on increasing damage, reducing cost, or cooldowns, but lack the "special effects" or elemental transformation capabilities found in OMD3. This removes a layer of strategic depth and creativity that players could apply in their trap combinations. Conclusion: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap brings a fresh breath of air with its roguelite elements and 4-player co-op, but at the same time, it omits some beloved features from previous installments, especially OMD3. If you're looking for a different OMD experience, focused on action and randomness, Deathtrap might be worth a try. However, if you prefer weapon diversity, challenging Endless battles, or the ability to build intricate "killrooms" with elemental trap transformations, OMD3 might still be the more suitable choice.

A clear step back from OMD 3. I mean I will give few thumbs up on things like war mage and their specific skills, talent tree, and so much more. But there is NOT a way to earn skull points faster to get to the end game, or at least prepare us to do the series of missions into the boss. The rogue-like only makes the game a lot more annoying. The debuffs for buffs are not balanced at all. The half block worth of things are absolutely annoying (especially if you are used to playing OMD 3).

Yet another Orcs must Die! Game. I think it is better and more polished than OMD 3 and OMD 3 is a really great game. Play it and have fun.

I like the game but its done poorly. Ive played all the previous ones and they are just made better... and play very diffrent. its a good idea but i mean hell you can even write with text in the game... you can only talk and that isnt good either. 1. People can quit at any time and then you dont have enough barriers. 2. cant use text like characters on your keyboard to communicate. (can only use voice chat but it doesnt work most of the time for me.) discord works fine... 3. takes people working together and you cant do that well without communications... 4. the shading is terrible... 5. not enough people play and its hard to find those in your zones to do so with. 6. Lag is crazy in this game... if you do find a game its hard to find one where you can move around without lag jumping. 7. Each level takes a long time to play.... if you ready up a timer goes for every one. 8. Things are just done much better in every way in the previous games... its very very clunky.. you cant even look up all the way to place traps. 9. im sure theres a lot more to complain about but its hard to play and i wish it was nearly as good as any of the previous ones. Its not fun to play alone and hard to play with others.

Not sure its better than Orcs 3, its probably not. But its different..

I've played them all now, 1, 2, 3, Unchained and now this latest one, Deathtrap because I love the mash-up of third person shooter and tower-defense. For several reasons, I only like 1, 2 and 3. UnChained (UC) and DeathTrap (DT) don't have the same feel of progression I prefer. I like being able to go through all the different maps available in a systematic way, so I make sure I'm not repeating the same map I've already completed before beating the game. Then, after completing the game, going back and doing them all on the next difficulty, etc like 2, where I have a little over 250 hours of fun times. There's a progression there, that is missing from UC and DT. It's possible I didn't see it with UC from the 4 hours I played as I was busy in my life at that time. I also suppose it's much harder to dev a game that has that type of micro progression for each level so I understand the shortcuts taken and that this new style with DT is unique and innovative. DT has Threads that are all over the place - available, but expensive because I'm upgrading my person and my traps and at the same time not helpful since it seems easy enough without them. Lastly, I beat the main campaign in like 14 hours of play, so it's a tad short for me. But I recommend the game 55-45 a) because combat is tight and satisfying b) if you're a super-fan of this genre c) you like the end-game of Endless Mode very early on and d) the maps are large and beautifully hand-crafted.

I've played Orc's must die 3 and really enjoyed it, but then I started this game with my friends and its been a masterpiece! All the traps can work if you play them right and the synergies between them give you so many combinations to try! The only thing I would love to see is more leveling for the characters, maybe like a prestige tree or something, that and I can't wait to see if they add more traps!

Give the game some time to level up and it's great fun. I hope they're going to add more maps and characters.

Very enjoyable game. Great replay value as well. How many different ways can you defend each objective?

Great game! The replayability is amazing. Great RPG aspects. Easy to lose track of time!

game is good, been getting better with each update.

They are maintaining fantastic consistency in updates. They have a lot of things, they fix, add and balance a lot of things that make the experience better and better. If it continues like this the potential is really high. Great price tbh

I've been a huge OMD fan since the start so I may be a little biased. Their formula remains very typical to previous interactions, use an array of abilities, weapons and wacky traps to stop a horde of enemies from entering "the rift". It's a different take on the tower defense genre and I'm glad it's still being supported. It does something different though, it has incorporated a lot of rogue like challenges and buffs that can spice up the gameplay. It can be difficult to get the momentum going but it's really fun to see a assortment of random perks coming together for a clear build. The two most controversial elements are the focus on multiplayer and the limit on barriers (basically ways to funnel enemies into zones). I wasn't a fan of the barrier changes at first, but I've grown to love it since you have to be more deliberate. While it's not the most beginner friendly of the series, if you like planning cartoonish death traps with a spice of rogue lite give it a go.