Deadlock has just unveiled its most significant update in months, transforming its map from four lanes to three. Dive into the details of these upcoming changes and stay updated with Deadlock's latest developments.
Deadlock's latest major update streamlines its map from four lanes to three, simplifying the overall map structure and enhancing gameplay. On February 26, 2025, Valve shared comprehensive details on Steam about the full map rework, along with adjustments to various in-game mechanics.
The redesign includes a transformation of the four lanes into three, accompanied by "a large range of accompanying map-wide changes regarding visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, mid boss, etc." Deadlock, known for its unique third-person MOBA approach, aims to refine gameplay by reducing the complexity that a fourth lane introduced.
Furthermore, changes to the farming mechanics have been implemented. Players no longer need to last-hit enemy troopers to summon Soul Orbs, simplifying early laning phases. The patch notes also mention enhancements to the game's netcode and client performance, promising a smoother gaming experience.
This update could be the catalyst needed to re-energize Deadlock's community. After experiencing a peak of 171,490 active players in September 2024, the game's player count dropped by 90% to around 17,000 last month.
In January 2025, Valve Developer Yoshi shared on Deadlock's Discord server that the team would shift from their previous two-week update cycle. Yoshi stated, "Going forward, major patches will no longer be on a fixed schedule. These patches will be larger than before, albeit a little bit more spaced out, and hotfixes will continue to be released as needed. We look forward to fleshing out the game in the new year."
Deadlock remains in active development and playtesting, accessible only through friend invites. No official release date has been announced yet. For more insights and updates on Deadlock, visit our dedicated page.