Deadlock: Alpha Test: What we know about gameplay, characters and release date

Valve’s latest hero shooter, Deadlock, is in its early stages of development with an alpha playtest available.

Release Date

Deadlock is still in early development, and no official launch date has been announced. Leaks and rumors suggest that the game may be aiming for a full release in 2025. For now, the game is available through an alpha playtest, though access is limited. Players interested in joining can refer to guides on early access to the game.

Free-to-Play?

There has been no official announcement about whether Deadlock will remain free to play upon its release. Currently, players can download and play the alpha playtest for free. However, whether this will be the case after the full launch remains unconfirmed.


Valve’s previous games, such as Counter-Strike, Team Fortress, and Dota, have adopted a free-to-play model. This history gives some indication that Deadlock may follow the same path. Still, Valve has yet to make any formal statement on this matter.

Gameplay

Deadlock is a 6v6 hero shooter with elements of MOBA gameplay. Players choose from a roster of characters, each with unique abilities that can be upgraded throughout the match. The gameplay revolves around destroying two enemy characters and their Patron to secure a win.

To do this, players must eliminate minions and collect Souls, which are used to purchase items and increase power. Though Deadlock draws comparisons to Overwatch and Team Fortress 2, its gameplay is more similar to Paragon, a former MOBA by Epic Games.

Characters

The alpha playtest includes 21 playable characters. Each character has unique abilities, and the current lineup is Pocket, Lady Geist, Dynamo, Warden, Ivy, Yamato, Seven, Infernus, Mo & Krill, Grey Talon, Abrams, Shiv, Bebop, Viscous, Vindicta, Haze, Wraith, Paradox, Lash, Kelvin and McGinnis.

FAQs

When is Deadlock expected to launch?
Deadlock is still in early development, with rumors suggesting a full release in 2025. The alpha playtest is currently available, but no official date has been confirmed.

Will Deadlock be free to play?
Deadlock is free to play in the alpha stage, but it’s unclear if it will remain free upon full release. Valve hasn’t made an official statement on its pricing model.