Valve's latest video game beta, Deadlock on Steam, has made waves in the PC Gamer community with excellent vibes, offering players a third-person hero shooter experience with rich lore and intense gameplay. Set against the really cool backdrop of a world where the supernatural collides with modern society, Deadlock merges MOBA-style mechanics with a team-based format. Since Valve announced deadlock on august 23, 2024, the invite-only game beta has captured the interest of PC gamers, fantasy lovers, competitive shooter, and MOBAS fans alike. Here’s a deep dive into Valve's Deadlock—its intricate universe, lore, and the factions that shape its world.
Valve's Deadlock closed playtest combines elements of a third-person hero shooter with a MOBA-style strategy genre, offering players intense movement and shooting, fast-paced 6v6 battles copying games like TF2, Dota, Overwatch, and Valorant. The core of Deadlock's gameplay revolves around team-based objectives with tons of movement and shooting, where coordination and strategic use of abilities are essential. Each player controls a unique hero, drawn from various supernatural factions, each equipped with distinct abilities designed to influence the battlefield in different ways—whether through crowd control, damage, or support.
A key feature of Deadlock's playtesting is to the control and alternate between lanes and summon your Patron, powerful supernatural beings that can turn the tide of battle. Players must fight for control of these lanes while simultaneously battling the enemy team and managing their hero’s abilities. Timing is crucial when it comes to summoning Patrons or unleashing ultimate abilities, adding a layer of strategy to the frenetic action.
In addition to the objective-based gameplay, Deadlock introduces a layered map design, inspired by a mystical version of New York City. The map includes hidden areas, strategic choke points, and bot neutral monsters, all of which offer various tactical advantages. Players need to balance combat, map control, and defeat the enemy's Patrons to win.
Whether you're flanking opponents as a stealthy assassin, holding down lanes in traditional MOBA fashion, or using environmental advantages, Deadlock encourages adaptability and team play, providing a deep and challenging experience that blends elements of hero shooters, strategy, and supernatural lore.
Valve's Deadlock introduces players to a world where the supernatural is part of everyday life. The game's setting combines ancient fantasy elements with modern-day conflicts, creating an exciting backdrop for both heroes and villains. In this upcoming release, players control characters with unique abilities, each hailing from different supernatural backgrounds. The game's lore is already rich but hard to come by, with character only explaining their personal motivations, however some characters have more juicy that range from tragic backstories to powerful agreements with otherworldly beings.
For PC gamers looking for a competitive edge, Deadlock offers team-based mechanics and strategy that require quick thinking and cooperation. Valve's Deadlock isn’t just another hero shooter or MOBA; it’s an evolving narrative where each match contributes to the greater story, creating a world where the battle between supernatural entities and humanity is always ongoing.
In Deadlock, players navigate a world where humans and supernatural beings live side by side. The first major event that shaped this universe is the First Maelstrom, a supernatural phenomenon that occurred 50 years before the events of the game. This event allowed spirits and otherworldly creatures to cross over into the physical world, forever changing human society. Valve introduces a universe where supernatural entities like Lady Geist and Vindicta play a major role in the game's narrative.
While Deadlock's lore includes factions like the Friends of Humanity, who oppose the supernatural, other groups embrace this new reality. The Baxter Society, for instance, hunts down enemies to protect humans, while the Friends of Humanity push for laws to limit supernatural beings. In this way, Deadlock blends real-world politics with fantasy elements, creating a world that feels both familiar and alien.
In Deadlock, players navigate a world where humans and supernatural beings live side by side. The first major event that shaped this universe is the First Maelstrom, a supernatural phenomenon that occurred 50 years before the events of the game. This event tore down the boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing spirits and otherworldly creatures to cross over into the material world. The First Maelstrom forever changed human society, leading to an era of conflict, intrigue, and supernatural presence. In this world, two supernatural entities, Lady Geist and Vindicta, have emerged as key figures in the ongoing struggle.
Lady Geist is a supernatural entity who made a Faustian bargain with a powerful spirit known as Oathkeeper. This deal granted her youth and power, but at a steep cost: she must drain the essence of the living to maintain her existence. Lady Geist's backstory is tied closely to this pact, and she now walks a fine line between her thirst for vitality and her connection to Oathkeeper.
Vindicta is a spirit who was resurrected during the First Maelstrom. In life, she was a victim of the Salem witch trials, where she was executed by John Hathorne. After being brought back to life by the Maelstrom, Vindicta's primary goal is to seek revenge on Hathorne’s descendants. She is described as a sniper spirit, using her skills to hunt down those tied to her past.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Deadlock is the Astral Gates—rifts in space and time that allow beings from other dimensions to cross into the material world. These gates exist in various parts of the globe, each one acting as a gateway to different realms.
The New York Astral Gate is one of the most notable, leading to the transformation of Professor Dynamo, a character who was ripped from his physical body by the immense energy of the gate. Another gate lies beneath the Bermuda Triangle, tied to Viscous, a sea creature who now protects the ocean's secrets.
Astral Gates are not just plot devices—they directly impact the gameplay. Players must access these gates during matches, either to summon Patrons or to gain control over these powerful portals, making them central to both the lore and strategy of the game.
Professor Dynamo is a character within the Deadlock universe who embodies the convergence of science and the supernatural. Once a brilliant professor at Columbia College, his life was dramatically altered when he encountered an Astral Gate—a rift in space and time that links different dimensions.
During an investigation of an Astral Gate opening in New York, Dynamo was caught in a massive energy surge. The force was so powerful that it disintegrated his physical body, reducing his spirit to what was described as a "dying wisp." Despite the devastating loss of his physical form, Dynamo managed to find a way to house his essence within a machine, allowing him to continue his life as a professor while searching for a way to restore his human body.
In the Deadlock narrative, Dynamo remains determined to regain his human form, a goal that plays a significant part in his interactions with other characters, including the mysterious Patrons—powerful beings that can grant wishes or fulfill requests. His spirit form and mechanical body have granted him abilities, but they come at the cost of his humanity.
As one of the game's heroes, Dynamo excels in a support role, using his electrical and energy-based abilities to heal allies and debuff enemies. His ultimate ability involves creating a singularity, pulling in enemies and damaging them.
A valuable source of lore in Deadlock comes from the New York Oracle, an in-game newspaper that players can read to learn about recent events and character backstories. Whether it’s reporting on spirits running for Congress or the latest supernatural scandal, the Oracle provides a wealth of information that enriches the game's world.
The Oracle is not just flavor text; it serves as a news outlet for players to uncover hidden plot details and learn about Deadlock's broader world. Keep an eye on these stands scattered across the map to stay updated on the supernatural happenings.
Although Valve hasn’t officially specified an exact year, leaks and clues from the New York Oracle suggest that Deadlock takes place in a near-future timeline. Some in-game text refers to events from the late 1900s, but the game's aesthetic blends historical influences with futuristic tech, creating a setting that feels both modern and fantastical.
The existence of supernatural beings in the game blurs the lines between past and present, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact date. However, as the story unfolds, players will discover more about the timeline and how events like the First Maelstrom reshaped the world.
In Deadlock, daily life for ordinary citizens has been fundamentally changed by the supernatural. You’ll see people walking past supernatural entities in the street, shopping for occult items in convenience stores, and grabbing a drink at Jezebel’s, a bar run by Infernus, one of the game's playable characters.
Despite the otherworldly dangers lurking in every corner, humans continue their day-to-day routines, though with far more caution. There are also laws governing interactions between humans and supernatural beings, ensuring that order is maintained. But with groups like the Friends of Humanity pushing for stricter regulations to limit supernatural activity, tensions remain high.
In a unclear and surprising twist, Deadlock introduces Ixia, a mystical plane that has become the 52nd state of the United States. This supernatural realm was annexed after an Astral Gate opened, and it has since become a major point of conflict in the game's story. Infernus and Grey Talon both hail from Ixia, a land rich in fire magic and mystical secrets.
The political and supernatural implications of Ixia joining the U.S. play a big role in the lore, as it raises questions about how Earth’s nations will manage relations with other planes of existence. The Friends of Humanity fiercely oppose Ixia’s statehood, while other factions seek to exploit its resources for their own gain.
Valve's Deadlock map in game currently is set in a mystical version of New York City, filled with hidden passages, secret areas, and supernatural landmarks Called Bad Apple. Players will battle in locations ranging from eerie alleyways to abandoned subway tunnels, all infused with occult symbols and background mysteries. Every corner of the map offers clues to Deadlock's past, and players who explore thoroughly will uncover more about the game's backstory.
Some areas, like those controlled by the Tunnel Rats, offer strategic advantages, while others, such as Jezebel’s bar, provide insight into the supernatural side of New York.
The factions in Deadlock are the heart of the game's ongoing conflicts, each representing different ideologies and strategies. With every player joining a side, the game's supernatural world becomes even more immersive. Let’s dive deeper into the key factions that shape this universe.
The Baxter Society is a secretive group of elite monster hunters, founded by the renowned Grey Talon. Their mission is to protect humanity from supernatural threats, often engaging in deadly confrontations with rogue spirits and otherworldly beings. Working in the shadows, they maintain a quiet but powerful influence across the world.
What sets the Baxter Society apart is their belief in maintaining balance between supernatural and human forces. Their philosophy is simple: not all spirits are malevolent, but those that threaten the balance must be dealt with swiftly and without mercy.
At the helm is Grey Talon, who founded the Society after his family was killed in a mysterious fire. His family, tied to the mystical plane of Ixia and possessing powers over fire, perished in a blaze that Grey suspects was not an accident. This personal tragedy drove him to take up arms against supernatural threats and dedicate his life to hunting. Grey Talon wields his bow with deadly precision, and his keen intellect fuels his strategic prowess as he leads the Society’s charge against supernatural entities.
Alongside Grey Talon is Shiv, a younger but no less deadly member of the Baxter Society. Known for his brutal, close-quarters combat style, Shiv employs unorthodox methods that sometimes clash with the traditional values of the Society. However, his effectiveness in dealing with supernatural enemies cannot be denied. Shiv’s relentlessness and high mobility make him a key asset to the Society, particularly when engaging in fast-paced combat.
Together, Grey Talon and Shiv represent the duality of the Baxter Society: cold precision and fierce aggression, both working toward the same goal of protecting humanity from supernatural threats.
The Friends of Humanity are a politically driven faction, pushing for strict laws to limit the rights of supernatural beings. They believe that spirits, monsters, and other creatures from the astral planes are a direct threat to human society and must be controlled—or, in extreme cases, eradicated. This faction lobbies tirelessly for legislation that would suppress supernatural entities and strip them of any legal protections.
They are perhaps the most radical faction in the game, often taking extreme measures to curb supernatural activity. Their goal is simple: protect humanity at all costs, even if it means inciting conflict with supernatural forces and those who sympathize with them. The Friends of Humanity are seen as antagonistic, especially by factions that promote coexistence between humans and spirits. They fiercely oppose Ixia's statehood and constantly work against any laws that could give supernatural beings more rights or freedom.
Fairfax Industries is a powerful conglomerate at the heart of Deadlock's supernatural conflict. Led by Maximillian Fairfax, the company specializes in developing occult-powered technology and weapons designed to capture or destroy the souls of supernatural beings. These innovations play a pivotal role in the ongoing war between factions, blending cutting-edge science with ancient mysticism.
As the head of Fairfax Industries, Maximillian Fairfax is known for his cold and calculating demeanor. He attended university with Professor Dynamo, another prominent figure in the Deadlock universe. Maximillian’s ruthless pursuit of power has led him to explore the dark potential of supernatural forces, using his company’s resources to develop soul-harvesting technology that fuels his ambitions.
Pocket, born Aon Fairfax, is the estranged heir to Fairfax Industries. He survived an assassination attempt on his 18th birthday, which left him scarred and disillusioned. Now in hiding, Pocket has distanced himself from his family’s brutal methods, though he continues to use the company’s technology to fight back against them. His rejection of the family legacy fuels his personal mission to forge his own identity.
McGinnis is a key figure in Fairfax Industries, responsible for creating a machine capable of harvesting the souls of the dead at just 15 years old. Though she struggles with the ethical dilemmas posed by her inventions, particularly regarding the exploitation of souls, McGinnis continues to push the boundaries of occult technology. Her contributions have cemented Fairfax Industries' dominance in the supernatural arms race.
Fairfax Industries also operates a paramilitary division known as Eldridge Tactical Solutions, which deploys supernatural weapons in global conflicts. The company’s influence is far-reaching, and its experiments with harnessing the souls of the dead make them a formidable force in the world of Deadlock.
The Paradox Collective is a mysterious faction with a reputation for pulling off grand-scale heists and exposing the secrets of the elite. More than mere thieves, they are a revolutionary group aiming to expose corruption and bring justice to those oppressed by powerful entities. Operating in both chaos and precision, the Paradox Collective leverages supernatural powers and advanced technology to achieve its goals.
Paradox itself is less a person and more of a collective identity. Members of Paradox surrender their individual names to become part of a larger entity that seeks to dismantle systems of oppression. Their targets include rare artifacts and government secrets, and their actions blur the line between vigilante justice and outright rebellion.
The Tunnel Rats control an underground network beneath Deadlock’s version of New York City. Made up of smugglers, misfits, and those who prefer to operate away from the public eye, the Tunnel Rats specialize in moving goods and information between the boroughs. They serve as a crucial lifeline for those looking to avoid detection, whether human or supernatural.
Moe & Krill are enforcers within the Tunnel Rats, known for their stealth and disruption tactics. As part of the underground network, they maintain order and ensure the smooth operation of smuggling routes and information channels. Their ability to navigate the hidden passageways of New York makes them indispensable assets to the Tunnel Rats' operations.
Valve finally delivers with Deadlock, an intense and immersive third-person shooter with deep lore and strategic gameplay. From the supernatural clash of factions to the intricate backstories of characters like Infernus, Lash, and Vindicta, the world of Deadlock is filled with mystery and action. Whether you're navigating the Astral Gates or battling it out in New York’s shadowy streets, the blend of supernatural and modern-day warfare makes Deadlock a game to watch in 2024 as it works it way towards a full release date.
But this is only the beginning. As Valve continues to roll out new updates, events, and content, there’s much more to be revealed. Stay tuned as the developer unveils further insights into the expanding universe of Deadlock. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements, character updates, and gameplay features that will keep you coming back for more.
If you're ready to dive deeper into this supernatural MOBA-style world, be sure to check back for more Deadlock news, guides, and updates, We'll be sure to update you on all things deadlock with hot articles and the latest news. There’s still so much to explore, and the best is yet to come. Join the community on Discord to discuss strategies, share experiences, and get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content. The battle for supremacy between humans and the supernatural is just beginning—don’t miss out on your chance to be part of gaming history, that's a wrap for now but stay turned as were sure to update this article as soon new deadlock product information comes out.
