Deadlock Update Schedule Shifting in 2025
Valve has announced a change to its Deadlock update strategy for 2025, prioritizing larger, less frequent patches over the consistent bi-weekly updates of 2024. This decision, communicated via the official Deadlock Discord, stems from challenges in maintaining the previous release cadence while effectively iterating on game changes.
While this news might disappoint some players anticipating constant updates, 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. The shift aims to allow more time for internal development and external player feedback to fully integrate before subsequent releases.
Deadlock, Valve's free-to-play MOBA, launched on Steam earlier in 2024 after initial gameplay leaks. The third-person hero shooter has quickly gained traction despite competition from titles like Marvel Rivals, distinguishing itself with its polished steampunk aesthetic and diverse roster of 22 characters, expandable to 30 in Hero Labs mode. The game's innovative anti-cheat measures further contribute to its appeal.
According to Valve developer Yoshi, the revised update schedule will feature larger patches released on a less frequent basis, supplemented by hotfixes as needed. The company anticipates that this will enhance the overall development process and result in more impactful updates. While a firm release date remains unannounced, further Deadlock news is expected throughout 2025. The expectation is that the game will continue to incorporate limited-time events and special game modes, mirroring the live-service model of similar titles.
