Valve’s Deadlock is creating waves in the gaming community as an exciting blend of MOBA and hero shooter genres. As gamers dive into this unique title, many questions have emerged about its features, comparisons, accessibility, and more. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your Deadlock experience.
While Deadlock and Valorant are vastly different in mechanics, the comparisons often arise because both are competitive multiplayer titles. Here’s how they differ:
Gameplay Style: Deadlock blends MOBA and hero shooter mechanics, whereas Valorant focuses on tactical FPS gameplay.
Objective: In Deadlock, you aim to destroy the enemy Patron, combining tactical team fights with objective-based progression. Valorant emphasises bomb-planting/defusal in tight, round-based matches.
Community Focus: Deadlock’s experimental phase allows constant evolution, while Valorant thrives in its mature eSports ecosystem.
Valve’s legacy with Team Fortress 2 (TF2) sets a high bar for hero-based games. Deadlock brings its own flavour:
Perspective: Deadlock is a third-person MOBA, while TF2 is a first-person shooter.
Hero Roles: Deadlock heroes are flexible and can fill multiple roles, unlike TF2’s rigid class system.
Game Structure: TF2’s simplicity contrasts with Deadlock’s intricate MOBA mechanics.
The Alpha Playtest of Deadlock is currently free, but Valve hasn’t confirmed if the final version will retain this model. Valve’s history with free-to-play titles like Dota 2 and CS:GO suggests it might remain accessible.
Opinions on Deadlock vary, but its innovative gameplay and high-quality mechanics make it a promising title. Many Reddit users praise its potential, though concerns about early-stage bugs and balancing persist.
Some players criticise Deadlock’s early access state, citing bugs, disconnects, and balancing issues. However, most acknowledge its solid foundation and expect improvements with updates.
Currently, Deadlock is available on Steam for Windows. Mac users might need workarounds like Boot Camp or Proton to play the game.
Deadlock is only available on Steam for now, with no announcements for console releases. Valve’s past suggests console ports may not be a priority.
To play Deadlock:
Get Invited: Secure an invite from Valve or a friend already in the playtest.
Download from Steam: Once invited, the game will appear in your Steam library for download.
Learn the Mechanics: Complete the tutorial and focus on beginner-friendly heroes.
Direct Invite: Randomly assigned by Valve to select Steam users.
Friend Invite: Existing players can invite friends via the main menu.
The game requires approximately 20 GB of storage space. Ensure you meet the minimum system requirements for smooth gameplay:
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
RAM: 8 GB
Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850
Valve has not confirmed cosmetic items like skins for Deadlock, but given its experience with monetisation in other games, such features are highly likely in the future.
Deadlock is still in Alpha Playtesting, with a full release expected no earlier than late 2025. Its current state allows Valve to refine mechanics and address community feedback.
Deadlock is available exclusively on Steam. While it’s not compatible with consoles or macOS, players can hope for expanded platform support post-release.
Deadlock falls under the MOBA hero shooter genre, blending lane-based objectives with character-driven combat.
Farming is crucial for earning souls and progressing:
Last-Hit NPC Minions: Collect soul orbs by last-hitting minions.
Jungle Farming: Kill neutral NPCs between lanes for additional souls.
Deny Opponents: Destroy soul orbs dropped by enemy minions or players.
Yes! Deadlock streams are growing in popularity, and Valve supports its streaming community. Ensure you follow Steam's community guidelines while sharing content.
Open the game’s main menu.
Locate the “Invite Your Friends” button in the bottom-right corner.
Select a friend from your Steam Friends List and send the invite.
Deadlock keys aren’t officially sold. Avoid unauthorised resellers and rely on Valve or community invites for access.
Deadlock by Valve is an ambitious title that combines the best of MOBA and hero shooter gameplay. Whether you’re learning the basics, exploring comparisons with other games, or seeking tips to master mechanics, Deadlock promises a dynamic and engaging experience. With its dedicated updates and evolving community, the game has the potential to become a major hit.
Got questions about Deadlock? Let us know!