"Major Update: Deadlock Now Three Lanes from Four"

Deadlock has unveiled its most significant update in months, transforming its map from four lanes to three. Dive into the details of this game-changing update and explore the latest developments in Deadlock.

Deadlock Announces Major Update After Months

Four-lane Map Transforms into Three Lanes

Deadlock's latest major update streamlines its map structure by reducing the number of lanes from four to three, accompanied by extensive changes to other game elements. On February 26, 2025, Valve shared the full details of this map rework and other mechanical adjustments on Steam.

The redesign includes a comprehensive overhaul, with the four lanes merging into three and "a wide range of map-wide changes concerning visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, mid boss, and more." While Deadlock is known for its unique third-person perspective in the MOBA genre, the addition of a fourth lane had previously complicated the gameplay. This update aims to simplify and enhance the player experience.

Additionally, the update modifies the farming mechanics for enemy troopers. Players are no longer required 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.

A Vital Update for Deadlock

This update could be the catalyst needed to re-energize Deadlock's community. In September 2024, the game experienced a surge in player count, reaching an all-time peak of 171,490 players. However, by the following month, the player base had dwindled by 90%, with only around 17,000 players active.

Valve Developer Yoshi addressed the community on Deadlock's Discord server in January 2025, explaining the shift in their update schedule. He noted, "Going forward, major patches will no longer be on a fixed schedule. These patches will be larger than before, albeit a little 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 about the game, visit our Deadlock page.