Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 69 | 78 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 71% | 67 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 67% | 65 | 755 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Sep 23, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 755 total reviews in window · weighted 141.2 up / 69.5 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (44)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap isn’t just Orcs Must Die 4, it’s a faster, tougher, and more strategic evolution of the franchise that incorporates roguelite mechanics and a more skill-based approach to orc-slaying mayhem. For those who love intense action, dynamic traps, and cooperative strategy, this game is an absolute blast. However, its steep difficulty curve, shorter campaign, and potential reliance on paid expansions might leave some players hesitant. Should you buy it? If you enjoy challenging, fast-paced gameplay with roguelite progression, then absolutely. If you’re looking for a casual, traditional OMD experience, you might find this entry a bit too brutal. As it stands, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a wildly entertaining game that keeps the spirit of the franchise alive, just with a much higher skill ceiling.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“By merging Rogue-lite elements and the rich variety in characters, traps, and enemies, Deathtrap attempts to push the series to a new level of strategic depth. Despite some weaknesses, such as the shallowness of the upgrade systems, the weakness of the melee combat system, and the game being unbalanced in solo play, the game compensates for this thanks to the dynamic experience, renewed challenges, and the cooperative aspect. The final result is a game that may not be perfect, but it undoubtedly carries a unique blend of action and tactics that makes it a distinctive experience within the series.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap proves that switching the core formula of an established franchise can be fun too, but it has to be done right. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap ditches the formula of its previous titles and instead goes for a roguelite formula which still holds up the fun and challenge level that this franchise is known for. Most maps and the core gameplay formula are aimed at co-op gameplay, but it is equally fun in solo with tons of traps to choose from and plenty of enemies to slaughter. If you are looking for a fun tower-defense game with added roguelite mechanics, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap will highly appeal to you. If you are a fan of this franchise, it is a fresh concept but still highly playable and immensely fun. It comes highly recommended by us.”
read full review ↗ - 68
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap retains the franchise's signature fun, but its new features fall short. While the trap system remains its strongest aspect, the shallow roguelike mechanics and lackluster progression hold it back. It shines in co-op, but the solo experience feels underwhelming.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an excellent addition to the franchise that elevates practically everything with new in-depth systems, superb map design, and almost endless replayability.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap on PS5 is unquestionably fun to play - and better with friends - but its grindy progression system can start to wear thin when playing for longer than 2-3 hour bursts.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap blends strategic defense with roguelite progression and action, offering exciting rounds, varied characters and maps, and co-op play. Performance issues and some repetition weaken it, but it’s still worthwhile for fans of defense and cooperative games.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a very fun game, which offers a good dose of chaos and chaos combined with the good old tower defense scheme.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap brings a breath of fresh air that has been absent from the series in recent years. With better optimization and more content in the form of new Warmages, traps, maps and modes it could easily become one of the best entries in the series.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“But with brutal difficulty, playable War Mages whose albitites just feel lackluster and no real narrative to speak of this entry feels more like two steps back in the series rather than one step forward.”
read full review ↗ - 55
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap has the makings of being the best game in the series, but for the time being, technical pains and some solutions make it better to wait for the developers to put more heart into the game.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap succeeded in introducing a fresh idea that set it apart from previous entries and other Tower Defense games, by combining direct action with trap-based strategy and defense. However, it fell short of expectations, as its multiplayer mode suffered from sluggishness and numerous technical issues, along with limited content and repetition. This makes it enjoyable at first, but tedious in the long run.”
read full review ↗
…and 32 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Orctoberfest (NEW UPDATE) - LIVE NOW!Sep 23, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- State of Slay (NEW UPDATE) - LIVE NOW!Jul 29, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Magnum Orcus Update (LIVE NOW) - New Map, Lore, & More!Jun 12, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Gnomecoming Update (LIVE NOW) - New Content & More!May 2, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Hotfix 1.1.3Apr 8, 2025
- Hotfix 1.1.2Mar 28, 2025
- Arcane Update (LIVE NOW) - New War Mage, Traps, Maps, & More!Mar 25, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.12 - Bug Fix and Gameplay Mega-UpdateMar 5, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.11Feb 18, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.9 - New Rift Barricade Trap and Thread Reroll!Feb 7, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.8Jan 31, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.7Jan 29, 2025significant · resets scoring window
