Valve has returned to the spotlight with Deadlock, their highly anticipated PC gamer 6v6 third-person shooter. After years of focusing on Steam and their platform, this Valve game brings together the best of the hero shooter and MOBA genres. With Deadlock, Valve combines their usual polished production with competitive and strategic gameplay. In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything about Deadlock, from its beta to its unique gameplay features and early player reactions.
Valve is back with a bang, blending the excitement of a hero shooter with MOBA elements in Deadlock, their new 6v6 multiplayer experience. Set in a spooky, alternate version of New York City called the "Cursed Apple," Deadlock’s rich world mixes the supernatural with neo-noir aesthetics. Fans of games like Overwatch, DOTA 2, and Team Fortress 2 will feel right at home. The blend of MOBA and shooter elements offers a fresh approach compared to games like League of Legends or Valorant.
In Deadlock, teams of six heroes fight across four lanes, working together to destroy the enemy team’s defences and finally defeat the opposing team’s golem. Each team-based battle hinges on skillful coordination, using heroes with unique abilities to push through the lanes. The game’s occult theme, mixed with steampunk elements, sets it apart from the sea of other hero shooters.
Deadlock is currently in closed beta, but tens of thousands of players are enjoying the playtest thanks to Valve’s play testers being able to send unlimited invites. Players with access are picking apart and exploring the game's mechanics, from its tactical 6v6 hero shooter format to its NPC minions' lane efficiency. Although Deadlock is still in early access, its popularity is booming, with concurrent players reaching over 100,000 during August 2024, the same month the closed beta was released!
While Deadlock features just one map for now, it’s an intricate blend of lanes, verticality, and ziplines that allow for high-speed movement across the battlefield. As players zip around, they must protect their bot NPC minions while pushing into the opposing team’s territory to break down defences and expose and destroy the opposing team's Patron.
Although the playtesting is limited to those who invite their friends, Deadlock is gathering plenty of buzz. The dynamic gameplay and clever design have caught the attention of the competitive esports community, with many already comparing it to Dota and Team Fortress.
One of the most exciting aspects of Deadlock is how it combines hero shooter mechanics with MOBA gameplay. Players engage in 6v6 battles, selecting from a roster of heroes, each with distinct skills and abilities. Heroes can be built for specific roles like damage, support, or tank, and as the match progresses, players can use skills and abilities to customise their hero through the item shop, offering different build options. Every hero gets stronger throughout the game as you gather Souls, level up, and make key decisions that influence how you play.
In addition to heroes battling in the lanes, Deadlock introduces tower defence elements. Players have to defend towers on lanes to slow the enemy’s progress, adding strategic depth to the already complex battles. The NPC minions marching down the lanes play a crucial role as well, helping players break through enemy towers. With its combination of MOBA tactics and third-person shooting mechanics, Deadlock offers something fresh for players.
Playtesting Deadlock has resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback. Concurrent player counts have soared, and many praise the game’s combination of fast-paced action and tactical depth. Valve fans who have played other titles like Left 4 Dead 2 and TF2 are thrilled with how Deadlock brings back Valve's signature attention to detail and innovative gameplay.
However, some players have raised concerns about balance, particularly regarding certain characters like Seven, who feels overpowered. Despite these issues, early game impressions are positive, with many looking forward to future updates and more playtesting opportunities.
Players are loving the variety of heroes and the creative skill combinations they can employ in battle. The game’s quirky characters, like Bebop, a robot focused on explosives and lasers, and Kelvin, who controls ice (much like a certain character from the movie The Incredibles), add a level of charm to the otherwise intense competitive gameplay. Each new hero brings something unique, and players enjoy how their skills and abilities can be adapted throughout a match.
The item shop is a major hit, allowing players to branch into different builds during matches, making each game feel unique. This depth of customisation keeps the game fresh, while the strategic element of coordinating with your team adds an exciting layer to the gameplay.
Not everything is perfect in the game currently. Player reviews of Deadlock have pointed out that the game’s art style lacks a unique identity, with many comparing it to games like Overwatch or BioShock. While the visuals are colourful and vibrant, it’s evident that it is a game made by Valve, yet it doesn't stand out as something distinctively "Valve."
Additionally, the game’s balance is an area of concern. Some heroes, particularly Seven, have been described as too powerful, leading to an imbalance that could affect competitive play. Valve has already begun issuing patches to address these concerns, and with continued player feedback, it’s likely these issues will be ironed out before the official release.
Player feedback is critical for Deadlock’s future success. Valve is known for responding to player concerns, and with frequent updates during the early access phase, Deadlock could evolve into a competitive staple. Balancing the heroes, adding new maps, and introducing more lore to deepen the game world are all areas where Deadlock could improve.
As the game continues to develop, players can expect new features and content to be added, ensuring Deadlock remains fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of Dota 2, League of Legends, TF2, or a die-hard Valve fan coming from Half-Life, Deadlock offers something for everyone.
Deadlock is a 6v6 third-person shooter that blends the best elements of hero shooter and MOBA games. With its unique mix of fast-paced action and strategic depth, it’s poised to become one of the biggest hits in the multiplayer game scene. While there are still concerns around balance and art style, Valve’s commitment to ongoing updates and player feedback ensures that Deadlock is on the path to greatness. If you’d like to play Deadlock, keep an eye out as the game moves closer to its full release with Save Game. Valve is truly cooking up something special with this one!
