Valve Planning to Slow Down Deadlock Updates

Summary

• In 2025, Valve will shift Deadlock's update strategy to larger, less frequent patches.
• The recent winter update, featuring unique changes, foreshadows future limited-time events.
• An official release date remains unannounced.

Despite consistent updates throughout 2024, Valve plans to adjust Deadlock's update schedule in 2025. The current two-week cycle, while initially beneficial, hinders internal iteration and prevents sufficient time for external changes to settle before the next update. This shift means fewer, but more substantial updates.

Valve's free-to-play MOBA, Deadlock, launched on Steam in early 2024 after leaked gameplay generated buzz. This third-person, role-oriented shooter has established a strong presence in the competitive hero-shooter market, even alongside the popular Marvel Rivals. Deadlock's distinctive steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay have contributed to its success. However, update frequency will decrease in 2025.

According to PCGamesN, Valve developer Yoshi announced on the official Deadlock Discord a change to the update schedule for 2025. The two-week cycle will be abandoned in favor of larger, less frequent patches. While this may disappoint some players expecting constant updates, these larger updates will be more substantial and event-like, with hotfixes still released as needed.

Valve Says It's Slowing Down Deadlock Updates

Deadlock's recent holiday winter update offered a refreshing change from the year's balance adjustments. Following a likely live-service model similar to its competitors, Deadlock will probably continue to feature limited-time events and special modes. Yoshi confirmed that major patches will no longer follow a fixed schedule, instead focusing on larger, less frequent releases, supplementing them with hotfixes as necessary.

Currently boasting 22 playable characters, ranging from tanks to flankers, Deadlock also offers eight additional heroes in its Hero Labs mode. Despite its unofficial release status, Deadlock has gained recognition for its diverse roster and innovative anti-cheat measures. While an official release date remains unconfirmed, further news regarding Deadlock is expected in 2025.