Summary
- Valve will slow down Deadlock updates in 2025, focusing on bigger and less frequent patches.
- The game's winter update brought unique changes to Deadlock, hinting at future limited-time events.
- An official release date has not yet been confirmed.
Valve has announced a shift in its update strategy for Deadlock, its free-to-play MOBA that launched on Steam in early 2024. As we move into 2025, the company plans to reduce the frequency of updates for the game, focusing instead on delivering larger, more impactful patches. This decision comes after a year of consistent updates that helped Deadlock carve out a significant niche in the competitive hero-shooter genre, even amidst strong competition from titles like Marvel Rivals.
Deadlock, known for its unique steampunk-adjacent aesthetic and Valve's signature polish, has evolved significantly since its launch. Valve developer Yoshi shared on the official Deadlock Discord that the fixed two-week update cycle, while initially beneficial, has made it challenging to thoroughly test and refine changes internally before they go live. Moving forward, major updates will no longer follow a fixed schedule but will be more substantial and spaced out, with hotfixes continuing as needed.
The winter update provided a glimpse into what players can expect in the future, featuring unique changes that suggest Valve is gearing up for more limited-time events and special modes. This approach aligns with the live service model seen in similar games, promising exciting content that enhances the gameplay experience.
Currently, Deadlock boasts a roster of 22 characters, from slow-moving tanks to agile flankers, with an additional eight heroes available in the experimental Hero Labs mode. Despite not having an official release date yet, Deadlock has already made a name for itself, praised for its diverse character lineup and innovative anti-cheat measures. Players can look forward to more news and developments regarding Deadlock in 2025.
