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, aims to streamline the development process and allow more time for internal iteration and external player feedback to settle before subsequent updates.

While this news may disappoint some players accustomed to the constant stream of content, Valve assures that future updates will be more substantial, akin to major events rather than minor hotfixes. The recent winter update, featuring unique gameplay alterations, serves as a preview of this new approach. This suggests a move towards more impactful, potentially limited-time events and game modes in the future.

Deadlock, Valve's free-to-play MOBA/hero shooter, has rapidly gained popularity since its early 2024 Steam launch, despite facing competition from titles like Marvel Rivals. Its distinct steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay have contributed to its success. The game currently boasts 22 playable characters, expandable to 30 with the addition of Hero Labs characters. Its innovative anti-cheat mechanisms further distinguish it within the genre.

Developer Yoshi explained the change in update frequency, stating that the previous two-week cycle hindered internal development and prevented adequate time for external feedback assimilation. The new schedule will feature larger, less frequent patches, with hotfixes deployed as needed. While a formal release date remains unannounced, Valve promises further Deadlock news in 2025.

Key takeaways:

• Reduced Update Frequency: Deadlock updates will be less frequent in 2025.
• Larger Patch Sizes: Updates will be more substantial and event-driven.
• Continued Hotfixes: Smaller fixes will still be released as needed.
• No Official Release Date: The official release date remains unconfirmed.
• Winter Update as Precedent: The winter update showcased the direction of future updates.

The shift in Deadlock's update strategy suggests a focus on quality and player experience over sheer volume of content releases.