Summary

• In 2025, Valve will release fewer, but larger, updates for Deadlock, shifting from a rapid-release schedule to a more focused approach.
• The winter update introduced significant changes, foreshadowing future limited-time events and larger content drops.
• An official release date remains unannounced.

Despite consistent updates throughout 2024, Valve plans to adjust Deadlock's update cadence in 2025. The current two-week update cycle, while initially beneficial, has proven challenging for internal iteration and external player adjustment. This shift means fewer, but more substantial updates, allowing for more significant changes and better player feedback integration.

Valve's free-to-play MOBA, Deadlock, launched on Steam in early 2024, quickly establishing itself in the competitive hero-shooter market, even alongside the popular Marvel Rivals. Its unique steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay have contributed to its success. While significant changes occurred in 2024, Valve aims to reduce update frequency in the coming year.

According to PCGamesN, Valve developer Yoshi explained the upcoming change on the official Deadlock Discord: "As we start 2025, we're adjusting our update schedule to improve our development process. Our two-week cycle has made it harder to iterate on certain changes internally and hasn't always allowed enough time for changes to settle before the next update." While this may disappoint some, it promises larger, more impactful updates resembling events rather than small fixes.

Valve Says It's Slowing Down Deadlock Updates

Deadlock's holiday winter update offered a refreshing change from the year's balance patches, hinting at future limited-time events and special modes. Yoshi further clarified the new approach: "Going forward, major patches will no longer be on a fixed schedule. These patches will be larger, more spaced out, and hotfixes will continue as needed. We look forward to expanding the game in the new year."

Deadlock currently boasts 22 playable characters, ranging from tanks to flankers, with an additional eight available in Hero Labs mode. Its unique anti-cheat measures and creative character designs have garnered praise. Although an official release date is pending, further Deadlock news is expected in 2025.