Deadlock
News, coverage and analysis tracking Deadlock across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Valve's nerf-happy new Deadlock update makes it harder to turn games around
Valve has released a new update for Deadlock that significantly alters gameplay through numerous nerfs to items, heroes, and core mechanics. Comeback mechanics have been reduced, objective bounties adjusted, and movement and combat abilities modified, making it harder to turn games around. Many heroes and items received balance changes, with some notable nerfs impacting characters like Celeste and Warden.
There's a new Deadlock mod that syncs your gameplay with your vibrator. You're welcome, I think
A new mod for Valve's Deadlock, named LoveLock, allows players to sync in-game actions like kills and deaths with Lovense sex toys. This mod, created by 'asteriaOW,' customizes vibration strength and duration based on gameplay events, and is available via GameBanana. Similar mods exist for other games like Ultrakill, Overwatch 2, and Counter-Strike.
Valve assures Deadlock players hungry for its next big update that it will notify them, 'or order a ton of…
Valve has informed players of its MOBA-shooter Deadlock that a significant update, expected in late September, is delayed due to extended playtesting and iteration. The developer, known for its infrequent communication, acknowledged the delay via its official Discord and forum account, Yoshi, while assuring players they will be notified closer to the release. This delay comes after the recent 'Old Gods, New Blood' update, which added new heroes and features.
Don't expect the next Deadlock update until "late September," Valve announces
Valve has announced that the next major update for their MOBA, Deadlock, is expected in late September. The developer, known as 'Yoshi' on Discord, stated that the update has taken longer than anticipated due to the regular process of playtesting and iteration. While a specific release date is not yet confirmed, the team aims to provide more precise information closer to the launch.
Jubileumsquiz: Vad kan du om Valve?
Valve is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a poll asking fans to vote for their favorite game from the studio's history. The poll includes major titles like Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, and Dota 2, among others.
A single-minded new Deadlock update targets its teamfight-trashing unicorn
Valve has released a new update for the MOBA Deadlock focused on rebalancing the hero Celeste. The update adjusts item effects and Celeste's abilities, including her ultimate, Shining Wonder, to reduce her oppressive impact in teamfights. These changes are being rolled out as a standalone patch, suggesting Valve felt immediate action was necessary.
Deadlock isn't even 'out' yet, but Valve's new game is a true monster in the making
Despite not being officially released, Valve's new game Deadlock is already attracting significant player numbers on Steam, with daily highs of 75,000 players. This hero shooter MOBA hybrid, set in an alternate-history New York, blends elements of games like Overwatch and Dota 2 with a unique aesthetic and third-person shooter mechanics. The game is currently in early development with limited access, but its engaging gameplay, diverse hero roster, and approachable design suggest it's poised for major success upon its full launch.
Deadlock's new ranked mode is driving players mad as they try to escape the casual modes and climb back to where…
Players of Valve's MOBA Deadlock are experiencing significant frustration with the game's newly implemented ranked mode and reworked matchmaking system. Despite Valve's warnings of initial turbulence, players are struggling with high hero unlock requirements for ranked play and inconsistent rank progression, leading to widespread criticism on social media.
PlayStation and Xbox's most played games are, once again, exactly what you expect them to be
Analyst Mat Piscatella revealed that the most played games on PlayStation and Xbox remain dominated by long-running live service titles and annual sports games, with minimal changes year-over-year. Fortnite leads both platforms, followed by a familiar lineup including Roblox, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto 5, with minor variations between the console ecosystems.
Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto 5 Continue to Top PS5, Xbox Series X/S Most-Played Charts in the US
Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto 5 continue to dominate the most-played game charts on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in the US, according to data from Circana's Mat Piscatella. The lists are largely comprised of long-running live-service titles and annual sports games, with only a few new releases like Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and Shift at Midnight making brief appearances in the top 20.
The first Deadlock ranked season starts now, but you'll need to prove yourself in its "lower-stakes" mode first
The first ranked season for the hero-shooter MOBA Deadlock has begun, requiring players to achieve 60 wins in standard mode and unlock at least three heroes before they can compete. Valve has implemented a matchmaking overhaul that includes a calibration phase, rank loss protection, and the ability to swap heroes and lanes in the pre-game lobby. The developer anticipates initial queue time and quality issues due to players needing to meet unlock requirements.
Valve finally gives Deadlock a proper ranked mode, warns that matches will be 'very rocky' to start
Valve has introduced a new ranked mode for their game Deadlock, featuring a significant overhaul to matchmaking and a new ranking system with 11 tiers. Players must win 15 matches on three different heroes to qualify for ranked play. Valve warns that the initial rollout may be 'very rocky' due to a thin player pool and potential bugs.
A new Deadlock update leaves Graves and Silver gleeful, but Valve still can't get Shiv right
Valve has released a new update for the MOBA Deadlock, focusing on adjustments to objectives like the Soul Urn and Unstable Rift, as well as hero balance changes. The update aims to improve objective clarity and impact, with Graves and Silver seeing buffs while Shiv and Drifter receive nerfs. This patch continues Valve's efforts to refine the game based on community feedback.
Slay the Spire 2's creator reveals the inspiration for its most controversial foe: "I was playing too much Deadlock."
Mega Crit Co-Founder Casey Yano revealed inspirations behind Slay the Spire 2's characters, including the controversial Doormaker boss, which was influenced by playing Valve's Deadlock. Yano also explained that the fairy Ancient Nonupeipe's name is an easter egg referencing a placeholder icon, and that the Ceremonial Beast boss was inspired by Princess Mononoke's Forest Spirit and shares similarities with Valheim's Eikthyr.
Slay the Spire 2's lead birthed reviled boss Doormaker after "playing too much Deadlock," while Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke inspired another creature
Mega Crit developer Casey Yano revealed that the reviled Slay the Spire 2 boss, Doormaker, was inspired by playing Valve's hero shooter Deadlock. Another creature in the roguelike was originally based on the Forest Spirit from Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. The newsletter also confirmed that Steam Workshop support for Slay the Spire 2 is now considered mature enough for general use.
New Deadlock update aims to stop snowballing - and it's looking like Holliday season
Valve has released a new update for Deadlock focusing on hero balance changes and addressing match snowballing. The update introduces significant buffs to Holliday, Apollo, and Calico, while Silver, Graves, and Seven receive nerfs. Key changes include adjustments to the Soul Urn mechanic, hero abilities, and comeback bounties, aiming to create a more balanced gameplay experience.
Don't let Deadlock's MOBA tag scare you off—there's a quick play mode for dummies which is the…
Despite its MOBA classification, Valve's Deadlock offers a casual 'Street Brawl' mode that is ideal for new players. This 4v4 mode simplifies mechanics, reduces match length to 15 minutes, and introduces items gradually, making it a fun and accessible entry point into the game.
Arkheron, an isometric Diablo-like battle royale where you ascend a tower, is getting a more forgiving Spire mode to…
Arkheron, an isometric PvPvE battle royale action RPG, is introducing a new 'Spire' mode to offer a more forgiving experience for players learning the game. Developer Bonfire Studios is implementing this mode based on player feedback from recent playtests, aiming to bridge the skill gap between the training and core 'Ascension' modes. The game is slated for a 2026 release.
Valve just reworked Deadlock's Soul Urn yet again, and even the item itself is ready to give up
Valve has released another update for Deadlock, focusing on significant changes to the Soul Urn item. The latest rework introduces a 'King of the Hill' style capture mechanic, immediate bounty rewards upon dropping the Urn, and a 'deadlock' condition where the Urn disperses its souls if contested for too long. These changes aim to make the Urn a more impactful comeback tool for losing teams.
Morning Patches
This article provides a roundup of recent patch notes for various games including Crimson Desert, Deadlock, Formula Legends, and HELLDIVERS 2. It also briefly mentions StarCraft.