Orcs Must Die! Unchained is a premium role-playing game from Robot Entertainment, initially released in 2017. Adding a variation from traditional tower defense games, this one lets you take control of a character that places traps, defenses, and enhancements to prevent hordes of enemies from passing through — but with an added emphasis on team-based play.

With a couple of game modes for different gameplay experiences, Orcs Must Die! Unchained offers good replayability value that makes your purchase worth it. Sadly, support for its online servers has ended, although it’s still playable with the help of an offline mod.

Build defenses and fight enemies yourself

Similar to Orcs Must Die! and Orcs Must Die! 3, Orcs Must Die! Unchained also follows the same basic formula, although it stands out for its team-focused gameplay. Players start out with three free heroes, with over a dozen of them unlockable as you progress through the game. Before the hordes come in, heroes can construct traps and place Guardians that take the role of traditional towers.

The main offering of this game is the Survival Mode, where players work together to defend waves of orcs from reaching their magic core. The gameplay is intuitive, especially for returning Orcs Must Die! players. It also has a Siege Mode, based on MOBA games where five-on-five matches are held, but with players having the ability to place minions. Players race to destroy the enemy’s magic core.

Since it focuses on team play, this iteration is considered non-canon unlike the other games in the series. More importantly, developer support for the online servers has ended as of April 2019. Still, people who have a copy can continue enjoying the game through the use of community-developed mods, whether as a solo player or a co-op experience hosted via third-party platforms.

A game kept alive by fans

Orcs Must Die! Unchained offers a team-focused twist on the series' signature tower defense gameplay, with modes like Survival and Siege adding variety. Despite being non-canon and lacking official online support since 2019, players can still enjoy the game through community mods and third-party platforms. Its blend of trap-building and strategic combat makes it a unique and engaging experience for both solo and co-op enthusiasts.