Significant Update for Deadlock: A New Map and Enhanced Gameplay Features
In a strategic shift, Valve has recently announced a comprehensive update for its third-person MOBA, Deadlock, marking a notable evolution in the game’s design. Following a period of reduced update frequency aimed at refining the development process, this latest enhancement brings a complete overhaul of the game’s map.
Valve succinctly outlined the extensive changes in a recent Steam post, stating, “The map has been redesigned around being 3 lanes rather than 4.” This fundamental alteration introduces a multitude of accompanying modifications across the entire map, including visual upgrades, revamped building layouts, new pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakable objects, power-up buffs, juke spots, and a mid-boss area.
To complement these changes, Valve has introduced an ‘Explore map’ feature, allowing players to navigate an empty city environment to familiarize themselves with movement and navigation mechanics. This adjustment aligns with Valve’s commitment to enhancing the gameplay experience, particularly for newcomers.
Beyond the primary map redesign, the update incorporates several additional features. New skybridges have been added, connecting various tower blocks and strategically placing power-ups to encourage vertical gameplay. The mid-boss has been relocated, new jungle camps introduced, and the overall aesthetic of the environment has received a vibrant refresh.
While the map serves as the focal point of this update, nearly every aspect of the game has undergone refinement. Notably, support for DLSS has been added, providing an alternative for temporal anti-aliasing and upscaling. Soul orbs have been reworked to visibly fly toward players upon collection, though they now linger for a shorter duration. Furthermore, damage reporting has been enhanced, offering detailed visualizations of damage reductions due to resistances or shields, as well as the number of damage instances from each ability. A quirky yet delightful change is the introduction of “curved ziplines,” which has garnered a surprisingly positive reception among players.
Character modifications are also extensive, with nearly every playable character receiving updates. This includes new animations for Abrams, Mirage, and Sinclair, voiceover remasters for Lady Geist, Dynamo, and Infernus, and adjustments to character abilities. However, one change that players are still eagerly awaiting is the return of Fathom’s original name, Slork, which remains unchanged for now.
For those interested in exploring these updates, the full changelog is available for review. Valve’s ongoing experiment of developing Deadlock in collaboration with the community appears to be progressing well, though the ultimate success of these extensive map changes will depend on player feedback. For those yet to experience Deadlock, access requires an invitation from an existing player, providing an exclusive entry into this evolving gaming landscape.
