Valve Delays Deadlock Updates for Enhanced Optimization

Deadlock Update Schedule Shifting in 2025: Fewer, Larger Patches Planned

Valve has announced a change in its update strategy for Deadlock in 2025, shifting from frequent smaller patches to larger, less frequent updates. This decision, communicated via the official Deadlock Discord, follows a year of consistent updates in 2024.

The reasoning behind this change, according to Valve developer Yoshi, is that the previous two-week update cycle hindered internal iteration and didn't allow sufficient time for external changes to settle before the next update. While this may disappoint some players anticipating constant content, it promises larger, more impactful updates that will feel more like events.

Deadlock, a free-to-play MOBA-style hero shooter, launched on Steam earlier in 2024 and has quickly gained traction. Its unique steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay have helped it stand out in a competitive market, including against the popular Marvel Rivals. The game currently boasts 22 playable characters, with an additional 8 available in Hero Labs mode. A robust anti-cheat system further enhances the player experience.

The recent winter update showcased a departure from the usual balance patch pattern, introducing unique gameplay changes and hinting at future limited-time events. This suggests that the new update approach will incorporate more event-driven content.

Going forward, major patches will be less frequent but significantly larger in scope. Hotfixes will still be deployed as needed. While an official release date remains unconfirmed, Valve promises further Deadlock news in 2025. The shift in update strategy aims to optimize the development process and deliver more substantial, impactful updates to the game.