The competitive landscape of Deadlock is evolving, as its top players have taken the initiative to establish their own organized scene. This grassroots movement has sparked a sense of envy among many, as the players craft an improvised format that showcases their skills and creativity.
Emergence of Deadlock Fight Night
Just over a month has passed since Valve introduced a ranked mode, which has now become the sole mode available in Deadlock. This shift has fostered a more serious approach to gameplay, allowing players to track their progress and engage in competitive play. However, for those who often find themselves queuing solo rather than with a full team, the experience can be frustrating. Many players, including professionals, agree that the game would benefit from a pre-game phase to enhance strategic depth.
Enter Deadlock Fight Night—a weekly, invite-only tournament that adopts a king-of-the-hill format. Each week, reigning champions return to defend their title, creating an exciting atmosphere for both players and spectators. With skilled casters and impressive graphics, this event offers a glimpse into the potential future of Deadlock as an esport. More importantly, it incorporates a pick and ban phase before each match, reminiscent of the mechanics found in popular MOBAs. Teams engage in a strategic dance, banning one hero each and then alternating picks, all conducted manually.
A pick/ban phase feels like a missing component for Deadlock, and it’s no surprise that the budding pro scene has homed in on it.
The pre-game phase in Deadlock Fight Night transforms each match into a strategic tug-of-war, a dynamic that many players miss when they queue solo. The ability to anticipate opponents’ picks—such as countering a Bebop with a Viscous—adds a layer of depth that is currently absent in standard matches. Players are left to navigate random team compositions, often leading to mismatched strategies and frustrating experiences.
In many instances, players enter matches with differing strategies that rarely align, resulting in glaring issues within team compositions. Common problems include a lack of late-game damage, insufficient crowd control, or no clear initiation strategy. While players can adapt to these challenges, it often feels like a forced response rather than a strategic choice. The current matchmaking system resembles driving an automatic vehicle when one is accustomed to the control of a manual transmission.
The absence of a structured pick/ban phase highlights the need for greater strategic agency within Deadlock. The thrill of watching top players navigate unexpected picks and adapt their strategies is a captivating aspect of competitive gaming that many crave. Although the current state of Deadlock may lack the coordination and strategic freedom that players desire, the community remains hopeful for future updates from Valve that could enhance the matchmaking experience.
