Deadlock Gets Major Balance Update

Deadlock, a 6v6 shooter-MOBA hybrid from Valve, remains in an invite-only development phase despite its Steam page launching in August 2024. The game blends elements from titles like *Overwatch*, *Dota 2*, and *Team Fortress 2*, and had already undergone significant changes prior to this patch, such as reducing the number of lanes from four to three in February 2025. The March 6 update was one of the largest in the game's history, introducing over 800 individual changes that touched every hero on the roster. Beyond hero-specific tweaks, the patch adjusted core systems, items, and map objectives to alter the game's overall flow, particularly in the mid to late-game stages. Specific hero adjustments included nerfs to the tank Abrams, whose bullet damage was reduced from 3.86 to 3.6 and whose "Siphon Life" ability had its range cut from 10m to 7.5m. Other heroes received mechanical reworks; Wraith's "Card Trick" now pulls different card suits for varied effects, and Mirage's "Tornado" was renamed "Dust Devil" and now applies a slow. The update introduced significant changes to the in-game economy and objectives. Bounties for key objectives were increased, with Guardians now granting 1500, Walkers 4000, and the Mid Boss 3000. Shrines, which previously gave no bounty, now award 2000 upon destruction. Movement mechanics also received an overhaul, with players now able to jump during a slide. A dash-jump now grants a brief 0.25-second burst of 30% increased air control, offering more mobility options during combat. Itemization was a major focus, with the addition of a new Tier 1 Spirit Item, the "Golden Goose Egg." Dozens of existing items were rebalanced; for example, High-Velocity Rounds no longer grant a fire rate bonus but instead provide an 8% weapon damage increase. Some items were renamed for thematic consistency, such as "Backstabber" becoming "Stalker." To influence match pacing, trooper waves will now spawn every 20 seconds instead of 25 seconds after the 35-minute mark. Additionally, two new neutral creep camps have been added near Walker locations, creating more farming opportunities on the map.