Deadlock has unveiled a significant update that promises to reshape the game's landscape, transitioning from a four-lane to a three-lane map structure. Dive into the details of this major overhaul and stay updated on Deadlock's latest developments.
Deadlock Announces Major Update After Months
Four-lane Map Transforms into Three Lanes
Deadlock's most recent major update marks a pivotal shift, reducing their map from four lanes to three. This change aims to streamline the game's structure and enhance overall gameplay. On February 26, 2025, Valve shared comprehensive details about the map rework and other mechanical adjustments on Steam.
The update includes a comprehensive redesign, transforming the four lanes into three and introducing "a large range of accompanying map-wide changes regarding visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, mid boss, etc." Deadlock, known for its unique third-person perspective in the MOBA genre, had previously experimented with a fourth lane, which may have added complexity to the gameplay.
Furthermore, the update simplifies farming mechanics by removing the need to last-hit enemies to summon Soul Orbs, making early laning phases more accessible. The patch notes also highlight improvements in the game's netcode and client performance, promising a smoother gaming experience.
A Crucial Update for Deadlock's Future
This update could be the catalyst Deadlock needs to re-engage its community. In September 2024, the game experienced a surge in player numbers, reaching an all-time peak of 171,490 players. However, the player count has since dropped by 90%, with only around 17,000 players active this past month.
Valve Developer Yoshi addressed the community on Deadlock's Discord server in January 2025, explaining the shift in their update schedule. He noted, "Going forward, major patches will no longer be on a fixed schedule. These patches will be larger than before, albeit a little bit more spaced out, and hotfixes will continue to be released as needed. We look forward to fleshing out the game in the new year."
Deadlock remains in active development and playtesting, accessible only through friend invites. While no official release date has been announced, you can find more information and updates on our dedicated Deadlock page.
