Valve Planning to Slow Down Deadlock Updates

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 plans to adjust the update schedule for its free-to-play MOBA, Deadlock, in 2025. After a year of consistent updates following its early 2024 launch on Steam, the company aims to shift towards delivering larger, less frequent patches. This change comes as Valve seeks to improve its development process, which has been challenged by the current two-week update cycle.

Deadlock, a role-oriented third-person shooter with a distinctive steampunk-adjacent aesthetic, has quickly established itself within the competitive hero-shooter genre. Despite facing stiff competition from titles like Marvel Rivals, Deadlock's unique "Valve polish" has helped it stand out. The game has evolved significantly over the past year, and Valve's decision to slow down updates is intended to allow for more substantial changes and better internal iteration.

According to PCGamesN, Valve developer Yoshi shared on the official Deadlock Discord that the fixed two-week cycle has hindered the team's ability to fully develop and test changes. Moving forward, major patches will no longer adhere to a strict schedule, allowing for more comprehensive updates that feel more like events than minor hotfixes. These larger updates will be spaced out, with hotfixes continuing to be released as needed.

The recent winter update for Deadlock introduced unique changes, suggesting that players can look forward to more limited-time events and special modes as the game continues to develop. Deadlock currently offers 22 characters, ranging from tanks to flankers, with an additional eight heroes available in the experimental Hero Labs mode. Despite not having an official release date yet, Deadlock has garnered praise for its character variety and innovative approach to dealing with cheaters. Players can expect further news and developments in 2025.