Pitfall traps are a type of trap that uses a deep pit to trap, injure, or kill an animal or person. Pitfall traps may simply lead to a deep pit, may lead to a prison cell, or may lead to an abyss of some kind. There may be stakes at the bottom or dangerous animals. Pitfall traps are often disguised as a portion of the floor or ground.

When designing pitfall traps consider what is at their bottom, what disguises them from unwary persons, and how likely survival may be for those that stumble into them.

Pitfall traps are often featured as traps in game world dungeons (often ancient temples) or used in narratives with an exploration theme such as with treasure hunts.