Skylanders Trap Team Traps: A Comprehensive Guide

Intro

Remember the sheer delight of Skylanders Trap Team? It wasn’t just another installment in the beloved franchise; it was a game changer, literally. The introduction of Traps – physical toys capable of capturing in-game villains – revolutionized the Skylander experience. For the first time, players could turn their enemies into allies, adding a fresh layer of strategy and collectibility. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the fascinating world of Skylanders Trap Team Traps. We will delve deep into the types of traps available, their importance, the best ones to acquire, and how to use them effectively. So, ready to become a master Trapper?

What are Skylanders Traps?

At the heart of Skylanders Trap Team lies the innovative concept of trapping villains. But what exactly are these “Skylanders Traps,” and how do they work? These aren’t just ordinary toys; they are specially designed physical pieces that interact with the game via the Portal of Power. Each Trap features a unique crystal design that visually distinguishes it.

The magic happens when you defeat a villain during gameplay. Instead of simply disappearing, you have the option to trap them. When prompted, you insert the appropriate elemental Trap into the Trap slot on the Portal. The villain is then sucked into the physical Trap! Yes, you actually hear them inside the toy via the Portal’s speaker, adding to the immersion.

What’s even better is that these Traps are reusable. Once a villain is captured, you can switch to them at any time during gameplay, allowing you to play as the reformed baddie. You can trap a different villain of the same element once you are done. This adds immense replay value and strategic depth. The innovative trapping mechanic breathes new life into the Skylander gameplay, making it something special.

Elemental Breakdown of the Traps

The key to mastering Skylanders Trap Team lies in understanding the different elemental types of Traps. Just as Skylanders themselves are aligned with elements, so too are the Traps. There are eight different elements in total, each corresponding to a specific element found throughout Skylands. Utilizing the right Trap for the right villain is crucial for successful capture. Let’s break down each element:

• Water Trap: The Water Trap, adorned with a teardrop design, is essential for capturing aquatic antagonists and those who wield the power of water. These villains are often fast and agile.

• Earth Trap: Characterized by its rocky, grounding appearance, the Earth Trap is the perfect tool for taming earth-based brutes and those with sturdy defenses.

• Fire Trap: The Fire Trap, marked by fiery designs, is crucial for capturing hot-headed villains who wield scorching powers.

• Air Trap: Featuring swirling, windy patterns, the Air Trap helps you ensnare airborne adversaries and those who manipulate the power of wind.

• Life Trap: Decorated with leafy and natural motifs, the Life Trap is essential for capturing nature-based villains and those who harness the vitality of the Skylands.

• Undead Trap: With its spooky and spectral design, the Undead Trap is vital for capturing skeletal foes, ghoulish gangers, and those who control the forces of the afterlife.

• Light Trap: The Light Trap, introduced later in the game’s life cycle, allows you to capture villains who wield the power of Light. It is easily distinguished by its bright and radiant design.

• Dark Trap: The Dark Trap, also released after the initial game launch, lets you capture villains who wield the mysterious power of Dark. It has a shadowy, enigmatic appearance.

Knowing which element a villain belongs to is crucial for choosing the correct Trap. You’ll encounter villains of all elements throughout the game, so it’s wise to build a diverse collection of Traps.

Trap List – Rarity, Availability, and Uses

Here is a detailed list of all the Skylanders Trap Team traps, their rarity, availability, and usefulness. Keep in mind availability of some traps may vary based on your location and the current marketplace.

Water Trap: This is one of the most common traps. They are often included in starter packs. They are quite useful because there are several strong Water Villains you can trap.

Earth Trap: Like the Water Trap, the Earth Trap is generally easy to find and quite useful. Many powerful Earth villains are available for trapping.

Fire Trap: The Fire Trap is another trap you can easily find. It’s great for trapping those villainous fire-starters.

Air Trap: Also generally easy to find. Air is a great element to collect for the sheer speed of your Skylanders and the villains you trap in it.

Life Trap: This trap is a bit harder to find than the initial four elements. However, there are quite a few nature-based villains that are strong and useful.

Undead Trap: Many would argue that the Undead Trap is one of the most important traps to own. There are many strong villains who are of the Undead element.

Kaos Trap: While this trap only traps one villain, the Kaos Trap is a fantastic trap to own. He is extremely powerful. However, the Kaos trap is only available with the Tablet starter pack.

Light Trap: The Light Trap has a powerful ability for those who like extra experience. They are a bit rare.

Dark Trap: Like the Light Trap, the Dark Trap is a bit rare, and gives the Skylanders a powerful edge in combat.

Which Traps Are Essential? Recommendations

Given the variety of Traps available, new players may wonder which ones are the most crucial to acquire. While collecting them all is certainly a rewarding goal, some Traps offer greater utility than others. When deciding which Skylanders Traps to get, remember your own preferences in playstyle.

An Undead Trap is arguably essential. Many of the most powerful and versatile villains in the game belong to the Undead element. Having an Undead Trap in your arsenal is highly recommended. Earth Traps and Water Traps also provide strong utility as many villains fall into this category. In the end, having one of each of the initial elements (Water, Earth, Fire, Air, Life, and Undead) will ensure you are well-equipped to handle most encounters. This ensures you’re prepared for a variety of villain types throughout the game.

Tips and Tricks for Using Traps Effectively

Simply owning the Traps isn’t enough; you need to use them strategically to maximize their potential. When you capture a villain, they are added to your “villain inventory.” You can switch to playing as the trapped villain at any point during gameplay by pressing a button. However, villains have a limited “jailbreak time.” Once the jailbreak time runs out, they are returned to the Trap.

To extend the jailbreak time, collect “jailbreak crystals” scattered throughout the levels. Using villain powers strategically can also make a huge difference. Some villains have area-of-effect attacks, while others excel at single-target damage. Experiment with different villains to discover their strengths and weaknesses. When your villain is trapped, be sure to keep a Skylander of that element handy. You can use them to boost your damage and survivability in certain areas.

Where to Find Traps

Finding Skylanders Traps can be a bit of a treasure hunt, especially if you’re looking for specific ones. While new Traps are no longer in mass production, you can still find them in several places. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and specialized video game stores often carry new and used Traps. Physical stores like GameStop (if they have used games and accessories) can sometimes have Traps in stock. Flea markets, garage sales, and online marketplaces (like Facebook Marketplace) are also great places to search for deals on used Traps.

Prices can vary significantly depending on the rarity and condition of the Trap. Light and Dark Traps tend to be more expensive due to their limited availability. Bundles and lots of Traps can often offer better value than buying them individually. Take your time, compare prices, and be patient – you’re sure to find the Traps you’re looking for with a little persistence.

Traps vs. New Characters

A common dilemma for Skylanders Trap Team players is whether to invest in more Traps or buy new Skylanders characters. Both offer unique benefits, so the best choice depends on your play style and goals. New Skylanders add variety to your character roster and provide access to different elemental zones, allowing you to unlock more areas and secrets in the game. They also have unique abilities and upgrade paths, offering diverse gameplay experiences.

Traps, on the other hand, allow you to capture villains and play as them. This adds a completely new dimension to the gameplay and provides access to powerful abilities that you wouldn’t otherwise have.

The real question is whether the gameplay you can get from Traps is worth the cost. If you have an undying love for using bad guys and the innovative Trap mechanic, it can be worth it. You can also play as a Skylander of that element to get a damage boost as well.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Consider your budget, your play style, and your desire for variety when deciding whether to invest in Traps or new Skylanders.

Conclusion

Skylanders Trap Team Traps are more than just toys; they’re a key element of a revolutionary gameplay mechanic. This guide has taken you on a deep dive into the world of Traps, exploring their types, uses, and how to acquire them. From understanding elemental matchups to strategically using villain abilities, mastering Traps is essential for maximizing your Skylanders Trap Team experience. So, whether you’re a seasoned Skylander veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, embrace the art of Trapping, build your collection, and unleash the power of reformed villains upon Skylands. Now go forth and become the ultimate Trap Master! Start your hunt and begin trapping all the Skylanders Trap Team villains.