Valve to Reduce Deadlock Update Frequency

Summary

• Valve will slow down Deadlock updates in 2025, focusing on bigger and less frequent patches.
• The game's winter update brought unique changes to Deadlock, hinting at future limited-time events.
• An official release date has not yet been confirmed.

Valve has announced a shift in its update strategy for Deadlock, its free-to-play MOBA that debuted on Steam in early 2024. Throughout the year, Deadlock has seen a consistent stream of updates, but Valve has now revealed plans to slow down the update frequency starting in 2025. This decision comes as the company aims to deliver more substantial updates that will enhance the development process and player experience.

Deadlock, which combines elements of a role-oriented third-person shooter with a steampunk-adjacent aesthetic, has quickly made its mark in the competitive hero-shooter genre. Despite facing stiff competition from games like Marvel Rivals, Deadlock's unique Valve "polish" and distinctive style have helped it stand out. Over the past year, the game has evolved significantly, but Valve is now looking to focus on larger, less frequent updates.

According to PCGamesN, Valve's developer Yoshi explained the reasoning behind this shift in the official Deadlock Discord. "As we start 2025, we are going to be adjusting our update schedule to help improve our development process," Yoshi stated. The current two-week update cycle has proven challenging for internal iterations and external testing, leading to the decision to space out updates more. While this may disappoint fans expecting frequent content overhauls, the new approach promises bigger updates that will feel more like events than minor hotfixes.

The winter update for Deadlock, which brought unique changes during the holiday season, showcased the potential for future limited-time events and special modes. Yoshi further elaborated, "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."

Currently, Deadlock offers 22 diverse characters, from slow-moving tanks to agile flankers, available in regular game modes. For those looking to experiment, an additional eight heroes are accessible in the Hero Labs mode. Despite not having an official release date yet, Deadlock has already garnered praise for its character variety, creativity, and innovative approach to dealing with cheaters. Players can anticipate further news about Deadlock in 2025 as Valve continues to refine and expand the game.