Threads Explained: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap Guide
Image Credit: Robot Entertainment, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
In Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, Threads are a bit of a mystery to newcomers, so let’s break them down and clarify how they work.
What Are Threads?
Threads are upgrades you can unlock as you level up in the game. However, unlike in previous Orcs Must Die! games where you used skulls to directly upgrade your traps, Threads work a little differently. When you level up, you'll be offered a selection of upgrades for your traps, character, or abilities, and Threads are just one type of upgrade that can appear in the pool of options.
How Do Threads Work?
Unlocking and Equipping Threads
Threads are unlocked as you progress through the game, but once unlocked, they don't directly upgrade your traps or abilities. Instead, they become part of the random selection of upgrades you can pick when you level up during a run.Randomness of Upgrades
When you level up, you get to choose one of several upgrade options. Threads are just one of the possible upgrades that could show up. The upgrades are random, so each run will feel different depending on what Threads (and other upgrades) you get.Trap Upgrades Still Use Skulls
Don’t worry, you still upgrade your traps using skulls, just like in previous Orcs Must Die! games. The key difference is that these upgrades are permanent, and they improve the base stats of your traps. So, Threads aren’t replacing skull upgrades; they just add an additional layer of potential upgrades you can get during a run.Customization Limitations
Yes, the random nature of Threads does limit some customization. You can’t choose specific Threads before a level starts, and you can’t plan around them as much as you'd like. Also, there are no trinkets or alternative abilities for heroes in the same way you may be used to from other games in the series. Your loadout and what upgrades you get during each wave can be different depending on which Threads drop.
Strategy with Threads
While it might feel like customization is limited, Threads add an element of strategy to the game. You'll need to adjust your trap loadout based on what upgrades you get and the map you're playing on. For example:
Map Layouts Matter: Some maps might have more floor space than ceiling space, so you’ll want to pick floor-specific traps.
Type-Specific Threads: Some Threads improve specific types of traps (wall, floor, organic), so you’ll need to choose your loadout wisely depending on the available upgrades.
Final Blurb
In Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, Threads add some randomness and relatively strategic thinking. While they might make the game feel less customizable in terms of planning upgrades, they also introduce an element of adaptability as you adjust your strategy to what drops. Skulls still handle your trap upgrades, but Threads are there to give you a boost (or challenge) depending on your luck during the run.
