Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a thrilling strategy roguelike that combines fast-paced tower defense with chaotic, trap-filled combat. Build elaborate defenses, harness powerful upgrades, and team up with friends in four-player co-op to stop endless waves of orcs from invading your realm. Dive into the latest news and updates shaping the future of this action-packed adventure!
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Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap News
2025
May 3
⚫︎ Robot Entertainment has launched the “Gnomecoming” update, bringing whimsical yet deadly new content to Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. This patch introduces the Gnome Balloonist, a quirky helper that expands your ceiling trap space, giving you more room for aerial devastation. Rift Surges now amplify trap damage, adding a powerful boost during intense waves.
New threats arrive in the form of Kobold Mounds, which spawn relentless enemy waves, keeping even the most seasoned trap masters on their toes. The update also adds the Orc Eater—an organic trap that feasts on enemies with gruesome efficiency—and a brand-new map, Resort Canal, offering fresh tactical layouts and environmental challenges.
Read more: Gnomecoming Update (LIVE NOW) - New Content & More! (Steam)
April 19
⚫︎ A sizzling new teaser has dropped from Robot Entertainment, hinting at a major content update arriving in early May 2025. The social media post showcases a vibrant, tropical resort setting with flashing sirens and the bold caption: “SOUND THE SIRENS!” Dubbed an “all-inclusive orc-slaughtering vacation package,” this upcoming update promises vacation-themed maps, traps, and chaos.
Expect sun-soaked battlefields, new environmental mechanics, and plenty of explosive surprises. The orcs are getting a resort upgrade—and it’s up to you to shut it down.
Read more: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap Teases New Upcoming Content for Early May (Official Orcs Must Die! X Page)
March 26
⚫︎ The Arcane Update is now live, casting a magical surge through Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. This major expansion introduces a powerful new playable character—the War Mage—bringing spell-slinging devastation to your defensive arsenal. Alongside the new hero, players can tackle remixed versions of classic maps, redesigned for deeper strategic play.
Innovative new traps raise the bar for carnage, while a fearsome new enemy type challenges even the most optimized setups. With fresh mechanics, visual upgrades, and enhanced spell effects, the Arcane Update reshapes the battlefield in spectacular fashion.
Read more: Arcane Update (LIVE NOW) - New War Mage, Traps, Maps, & More! (Steam)
March 5
⚫︎ Patch 1.0.12 is now available, delivering a comprehensive suite of fixes and improvements to enhance stability and gameplay. This critical update resolves multiple crash issues, including those tied to trap placement, game startup, multiplayer disconnections, and specific bugs affecting Xbox users.
Gameplay refinements include corrected behaviors for the Swinging Mace and Molten Gold traps, proper stacking mechanics for Threads like Giant Morningstar, and improved visual feedback for status effects such as poison clouds and Freeze Death. Enemy AI has also been tuned, with adjustments to Ghostfang, Kobold Sappers, and general pathfinding for a more balanced challenge.
Read more: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap Patch 1.0.12 - Bug Fix and Gameplay Mega-Update (Official Orcs Must Die! Website)
February 7
⚫︎ Patch 1.0.9 introduces powerful new mechanics and significant system overhauls. The standout addition is the Rift Barricade—a durable new trap that not only blocks enemy paths but also boosts adjacent traps at the cost of rune coins, adding a new layer of strategic depth.
The Thread system has been completely revamped: players can now spend rune coins to reroll or skip Thread choices, with costs scaling per mission and resetting afterward. Many Threads have been combined or buffed, mutual exclusivity has been removed from several, and “Double Wide” has been reclassified as a Cursed Thread, altering risk-reward dynamics.
Read more: Rift Barricades and Thread Rerolls are Coming to Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap's Patch 1.0.9 (Official Orcs Must Die! Website)
February 1
⚫︎ Patch 1.0.8 is now live, bringing a wave of quality-of-life enhancements, balance tweaks, and bug fixes driven by community feedback. Players can now increase mission difficulty without needing to defeat the final boss, offering more flexibility in progression.
Other improvements include the option to hide damage numbers in settings, a smoother onboarding experience for new profiles, and better HUD clarity. Bug fixes address lobby visibility issues, ability description errors, and social menu access during mission selection. Barricade traps also received balance adjustments, making them more viable in high-tier builds.
Read more: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap Gets a New Update Addressing Major Player Feedback, Including Barricade Buffs (Official Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap Twitter)
January 28
⚫︎ Following the successful launch of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, the development team has unveiled a detailed roadmap for upcoming free content. Players can look forward to new playable characters, additional maps, unique enemy types, and expanded game systems.
The post-launch plan emphasizes continuous support, with regular updates designed to deepen replayability and expand strategic possibilities. War Mages, new trap synergies, and evolving roguelite mechanics are all on the horizon.
Read more: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is Getting New Maps, Orcs, and War Mages, as Revealed in Latest Post-Launch Snapshot (Steam)
2024
July 17
⚫︎ Robot Entertainment has officially announced Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, the next evolution in the beloved tower defense franchise, set for release in 2025. This new installment amplifies the series’ signature blend of humor, strategy, and over-the-top trap carnage.
Featuring four-player co-op, roguelite progression, and dynamic level modifiers—including shifting weather and day-night cycles—Deathtrap offers a fresh twist on the classic formula. Randomized buffs and debuffs affect heroes, traps, weapons, and stats, ensuring no two runs are the same.
Players can choose to push deeper into enemy waves to stack temporary bonuses or retreat to the central hub to secure permanent upgrades, creating a compelling loop of risk and reward.
Read more: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap to continue killing Orcs in 2025 with new co-op thrills and roguelite progression (Rock Paper Shotgun)