Deadlock Transforms from Four Lanes to Three in Major Update

Deadlock, the innovative third-person MOBA from Valve, is set to shake up its gameplay with a significant update that transitions the game from a four-lane to a three-lane map. This major update, detailed by Valve on Steam on February 26, 2025, is poised to enhance the game's structure and mechanics, offering players a refreshed experience.

From Four to Three: A New Map Design

The core of this update lies in the map redesign, where the four lanes are streamlined into three. This change is accompanied by a "large range of accompanying map-wide changes" that include adjustments to visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, and the mid boss. By reverting to a more traditional three-lane setup, Deadlock aims to simplify gameplay while maintaining its unique third-person perspective that sets it apart in the MOBA genre.

Moreover, the update introduces changes to farming mechanics. Players will no longer need to last-hit enemies to summon Soul Orbs, making the early laning phases more accessible. The patch also promises improvements in the game’s netcode and client performance, aiming to enhance the overall gaming experience.

A Crucial Step Forward for Deadlock

This update comes at a pivotal time for Deadlock. After experiencing a surge in player numbers in September 2024, with a peak of 171,490 active players, the game saw a sharp decline, dropping to around 17,000 players in the past month. This major update could be the catalyst needed to re-engage the community and attract new players.

Valve Developer Yoshi shared insights into the update schedule in January 2025 via the game's Discord server. He noted that the team would move away from a fixed two-week cycle to allow for more substantial updates, albeit less frequently. "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," Yoshi explained. This shift in strategy is expected to help the team better implement the desired changes and enhance the game's development.

Deadlock remains in active development and playtesting, accessible only through friend invites. While there's no official release date announced yet, the game continues to evolve. For the latest updates and more information, be sure to visit our dedicated Deadlock page.