"Major Update: Deadlock Now Three Lanes from Four"

Deadlock has just announced its most significant update in months, transforming its map from four lanes to three. Dive into the details of these exciting changes and get the latest updates on Deadlock.

Deadlock Announces Major Update

Four-lane Map Transforms into Three Lanes

Deadlock's latest major update is a game-changer, converting the existing four lanes into three to simplify the map structure and enhance other features. On February 26, 2025, Valve shared the full details of the map rework and other mechanical adjustments on Steam.

The redesign involves more than just reducing the lanes; it includes a "large range of accompanying map-wide changes regarding visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, mid boss, and more." While Deadlock already stands out in the MOBA genre with its third-person perspective, the addition of a fourth lane to the typical three-lane format had introduced complexity.

In addition to the map changes, farming mechanics have been updated. Players no longer need to last-hit enemies to summon Soul Orbs, making early laning phases more accessible. The patch notes also highlight improvements in the game's netcode and client performance, aiming for a smoother gaming experience.

A Crucial Update for Deadlock

This update could be the key to revitalizing Deadlock's community and attracting more players. In September 2024, the game reached its all-time peak player count of 171,490. However, by the following month, there was a 90% drop, with only about 17,000 players active.

Valve Developer Yoshi addressed the community in January 2025 on Deadlock's Discord server, discussing changes to the update schedule. He noted that the previous two-week cycle was too tight 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 yet. For more information and updates, be sure to visit our Deadlock page.