Deadlock is an upcoming third-person shooter that blends hero shooter mechanics with the intense, strategic gameplay of a MOBA. But what exactly is Deadlock, and why is it causing so much buzz in the community?
What’s Deadlock About?
At its core, Deadlock is a 6v6 multiplayer game that combines fast-paced action with strategic MOBA-like elements. Imagine a blend of Overwatch meets Dota 2—that’s the vibe this game is going for. You control one of 21 unique heroes, each with their own set of abilities, weapons, and playstyles, and your goal is to escort NPCs down “lanes” to destroy the enemy team’s defenses. Once you’ve cleared their defenses, you face off against their final boss: a massive, magically animated golem called the “Patron.” Taking it down secures victory for your team.
The game is set in the “Cursed Apple,” an alternate version of New York City with heavy 1930s Prohibition-era vibes mixed with dark, occult fantasy. Think BioShock Infinite but with more magic, ziplines, and hero battles. The aesthetic alone is enough to draw people in, but the gameplay? That’s what’s going to keep you hooked.
Gameplay by BSJ
The Gameplay – MOBA Meets Hero Shooter
When you hop into a match of Deadlock, it quickly becomes clear why it stands out. Unlike the usual MOBA where you’re stuck with top-down views and methodical pacing, Deadlock puts you right in the thick of the action with its third-person shooter perspective. This brings a level of immersion that most MOBAs can only dream of. You’re not just clicking around a map; you’re actively dodging, aiming, and positioning your hero in the heat of battle.
The heroes themselves are diverse, with 21 unique characters already in the playtest build. Each hero brings different skills to the table—whether you want to snipe enemies from afar, get up close and personal, or provide healing and support to your teammates, there’s a role for every playstyle. And then there’s the zipline system that lets you traverse the map quickly, adding a layer of verticality and mobility to battles. It’s like Valve took the chaotic hero battles from Overwatch, combined them with MOBA-style lane pushing, and added a sprinkle of Apex Legends movement.
Development Drama & Leaks
Deadlock isn’t just making waves because of its gameplay; the development process has been a rollercoaster of its own. Valve has been notoriously tight-lipped about the game, starting with a trademark filing for something called Neon Prime back in 2022. Rumors swirled that it was going to be a sci-fi MOBA, but when footage leaked in May 2024, gamers quickly pieced together that Neon Prime had evolved into Deadlock.
The leaks didn’t stop there. As of August 2024, Deadlock was still in closed playtesting, and Valve’s strategy of keeping things under wraps took a hit when Sean Hollister from The Verge published a preview based on his experience, despite not technically signing an NDA. Valve’s response? A swift matchmaking ban. Naturally, this sparked debate in the gaming world. Some argued Hollister was in the clear, while others thought it was an unnecessary breach of Valve’s trust. Regardless, it gave Deadlock even more visibility. Some even speculated the secrecy and bans might have been a clever marketing ploy to fuel excitement and leaks.
Early Reception – The Hype is Real
Even with the drama, most gamers and industry insiders are hyped for Deadlock. Those lucky enough to participate in the closed playtest have praised the game’s blend of action and strategy, and the unique setting has only added to its appeal. The mix of 1930s aesthetics with occult magic gives it a fresh, stylish look that stands out from the sea of futuristic shooters and medieval fantasy MOBAs.
As a gamer, what’s exciting about Deadlock is Valve’s track record. This is the studio that redefined multiplayer with games like Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2, so when they announce a new multiplayer game, you can’t help but expect big things. And while it’s still in “early development,” the experimental gameplay already has players ready to jump in on day one.
What We Can Expect from Deadlock’s Future
Right now, Deadlock is still friend-invite-only through Steam’s playtesting feature, so unless you’ve got an invite, you’re stuck on the sidelines. But with the leaks, the hype, and Valve’s reputation, it’s only a matter of time before we see more widespread access to the game.
Expect Valve to refine the game further before a full release. We’ll likely see more heroes added, potential balance changes, and hopefully some lore to flesh out the Cursed Apple and its inhabitants. If you’re a fan of games like Overwatch, Smite, or even Dota 2, Deadlock should definitely be on your radar.
The Game to Watch
Valve’s Deadlock is shaping up to be an exciting mashup of genres with a unique setting and a promising gameplay loop. While we wait for a wider release, the game’s combination of hero-based shooting, MOBA mechanics, and immersive third-person action already feels like it could be something special. If Valve’s history tells us anything, it’s that they know how to create games that captivate players for years to come.
So, keep your eyes on Deadlock—it might just be your next multiplayer obsession.
