"Deadlock Major Update: Now Three Lanes Instead of Four"

Deadlock has unveiled its most significant update in months, transforming its four-lane map structure into three. Dive into the details of these changes and get up-to-date on Deadlock's latest developments.

Deadlock Announces Major Update

Four-lane Map Becomes Three Lanes

Deadlock's latest major update transforms its four lanes into three, streamlining the map structure and enhancing various game features. On February 26, 2025, Valve shared a detailed post on Steam outlining the full map rework and adjustments to other mechanics.

The redesign includes reducing the lanes from four to three, along with "a large range of accompanying map-wide changes regarding visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, mid boss, etc." Deadlock, already unique in the MOBA genre for its third-person perspective, simplifies its approach by reverting to a more conventional three-lane map.

Furthermore, changes to farming mechanics have been introduced. Players no longer need to last-hit enemies to summon Soul Orbs, making early laning phases easier. The update also promises enhancements in the game’s netcode and client performance.

Vital Update for Deadlock

This update could be the key to revitalizing Deadlock's player community. In September 2024, the game saw a significant surge in player count, reaching an all-time peak of 171,490. However, numbers have since dropped by 90%, with only around 17,000 players active this past month.

Valve Developer Yoshi mentioned in Deadlock’s Discord server in January 2025 that the team is adjusting their update schedule. The previous two-week cycle proved too restrictive for implementing desired changes. Yoshi stated, "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. We look forward to fleshing out the game in the new year."

Deadlock remains in active development and playtesting, accessible only through friend invites. No official release date has been announced. For more information on Deadlock, visit our dedicated page.