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, stems from challenges in maintaining the current update cadence while effectively iterating on significant changes.
While this news may disappoint some players accustomed to the steady stream of updates, Valve assures that future patches will be more substantial and impactful, resembling limited-time events. The recent winter update, featuring unique gameplay alterations, serves as a preview of this new approach.
Deadlock, Valve's free-to-play MOBA hero shooter, launched on Steam earlier in 2024 after initial leaks. It has quickly gained traction, distinguishing itself within the competitive hero shooter landscape (including against titles like Marvel Rivals) 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 also contribute to its appeal.
According to Valve developer Yoshi, the change in update frequency is designed to streamline the development process. The previous two-week cycle proved challenging for internal iteration and didn't always allow sufficient time for external feedback before the next update. Going forward, major patches will be less frequent but more comprehensive, supplemented by hotfixes as needed.
Although an official release date remains unconfirmed, Valve anticipates sharing further Deadlock news in 2025. The expectation is that the game will continue to feature limited-time events and special modes, mirroring the live service models of similar titles. The shift to larger, less frequent updates promises a more impactful and event-driven experience for players.
