Valve Delays Deadlock Updates

Deadlock's 2025 Update Schedule: Fewer, Bigger Patches

Valve has announced a shift in its update strategy for Deadlock in 2025, prioritizing larger, less frequent patches over the consistent bi-weekly updates of 2024. This decision, communicated via the official Deadlock Discord, aims to streamline the development process and allow more thorough testing and implementation of significant changes.

While this news may initially disappoint players accustomed to the regular content drops, Valve assures that future updates will be more substantial and event-driven. The recent winter update, featuring unique gameplay alterations, serves as a preview of this new approach. Developer Yoshi explained that the previous two-week cycle hindered internal iteration and prevented sufficient time for changes to settle before subsequent updates.

Deadlock, a free-to-play, third-person hero shooter, has quickly gained traction since its early 2024 Steam release, despite competition from titles like Marvel Rivals. Its distinct steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay have contributed to its success. The game currently boasts 22 playable characters, expandable to 30 with the addition of Hero Labs characters. A unique anti-cheat system further enhances the player experience.

Though an official release date remains unconfirmed, Valve plans to unveil more details about Deadlock's future in 2025. The expectation is that, in addition to major patches, hotfixes will continue to address urgent issues. The shift towards larger, less frequent updates suggests a move towards more substantial content drops, potentially including limited-time events and game modes, mirroring the approach of similar live service games.