Deadlock's Major Update: Transition from Four Lanes to Three

Deadlock, the innovative third-person MOBA from Valve, has just announced its most significant update in months, transitioning its gameplay from a four-lane map to a streamlined three-lane structure. This pivotal change, detailed in a Steam post dated February 26, 2025, aims to simplify the game's map and enhance player experience with a host of accompanying updates.

From Four Lanes to Three

The core of Deadlock's latest update revolves around the map redesign. Moving from four lanes to three is not just a simple subtraction; it comes with "a large range of accompanying map-wide changes." These include modifications to visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakables, powerup buffs, juke spots, and even the mid boss. This shift aims to address the complexity that the addition of a fourth lane brought to the traditional MOBA structure, making Deadlock's gameplay more accessible yet still unique with its third-person perspective.

In addition to the map changes, the update introduces adjustments to the farming mechanics. Players will no longer need to last-hit enemies to summon Soul Orbs, simplifying the early laning phase. Furthermore, the patch notes mention improvements to the game’s netcode and client performance, promising a smoother gameplay experience.

A Vital Update for the Deadlock Community

This major update comes at a crucial time for Deadlock. After seeing a peak of 171,490 active players in September 2024, the game experienced a significant 90% drop in player count, with only about 17,000 players last month. This update could be the revitalization the game needs to re-engage its community.

Valve Developer Yoshi addressed the community on Deadlock’s Discord server in January 2025, explaining the shift in their update schedule. "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," Yoshi stated. This new approach is intended to allow the team more flexibility in implementing substantial changes to enhance the game's development.

Currently, Deadlock remains in active development and playtesting, accessible only through friend invites. There have been no official announcements regarding a specific release date. For the latest updates and more information about Deadlock, be sure to visit our dedicated Deadlock page.