What is Deadlock?
Deadlock is an upcoming third-person hero shooter/MOBA hybrid from Valve, built using the Source 2 engine. Expect fast-paced 6v6 matches where teams push troopers to destroy the enemy’s “patron” orb across three lanes—combining strategic lane control, hero abilities, and base defense mechanics.
Release Window & Development Status
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Unofficial ETA: Late 2025 to early 2026, based on commentary and development timelines.
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Currently in a private invite-only playtest, with NDA lifted and a growing player base since August 2024.
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Over 160,000 concurrent players participated during playtesting—an impressive early turnout for Valve.
PC System Requirements (Estimates)
Minimum for Playtesting (1080p, Low):
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CPU: Intel i5‑3570K or Ryzen 5 1400
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GPU: GTX 960
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RAM: 8 GB
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Storage: ~23 GB
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit+
Recommended for Smooth, High-Demand Sessions:
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CPU: Intel i7‑10700E or Ryzen 7 3700X
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GPU: RTX 2080 or Radeon RX 6800
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RAM: 16 GB
Performance Guide: FHD / 2K / 4K
| Resolution | Suggested GPU | Suggested CPU | RAM | Target FPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6700 XT | i5-10600 / Ryzen 5‑5600X | 16 GB | 60+ FPS |
| 1440p | RTX 4060 / RX 7700 XT | i5-12600K / Ryzen 7‑5800X | 16–32 GB | 60 FPS |
| 4K | RTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT | i7‑12700K / Ryzen 7‑7700X | 32 GB | 60 FPS |
Estimates derived from similar Source 2 engine titles and observed visual fidelity. Tailored for competitive hero-shooter gameplay.
️ Early Impressions & Community Expectations
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Valve’s Deadlock blends MOBA mechanics with hero-based shooting, incorporating strategic resource collection via “soul orbs” that must be actively collected.
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Media previews highlight fluid map design, teamplay depth, and cinematic steampunk-influenced art direction, likened to BioShock Infinite.
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Playtesters report mixed optimization states—some experience overheating or stutters even on high-end setups, reflecting early development dynamics.
️ Quick FAQ
What is Deadlock?
A 6v6 third-person hero shooter with MOBA elements—from Valve—set in a steampunk blend of Overwatch, Dota 2, and TF2.
When will Deadlock be released?
A full launch is expected late 2025 to early 2026; no official date yet.
Can my PC run it?
Minimum is modest (i5‑3570K, GTX 960, 8 GB RAM); for 1440p or higher, aim for modern CPU/GPU setups like RTX 3070+.
Is it in early access?
Not publicly—it’s currently invite-only testing, even though much of the public NDA has been lifted.
Interesting Facts & Development Notes
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Originally referred to as Neon Prime, name changed to Deadlock with Steam's official page created in August 2024.
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This marks Valve’s first hero shooter/MOBA hybrid—a departure from their usual franchises like Dota or CS.
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High concurrent playtest numbers suggest strong community excitement even without broader marketing.
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