Deadlock Changes from Four Lanes to Three in New Major Update

Deadlock's Massive Overhaul: From Four Lanes to Three

Deadlock, the unique third-person MOBA, has announced a significant update, its largest in months, dramatically reshaping its core gameplay. The headline change? A reduction from four lanes to three.

This isn't just a simple lane removal; it's a complete map rework. As detailed in a February 26, 2025 Steam post, the shift to three lanes is accompanied by extensive adjustments to visuals, building layouts, pathways, neutral camps, air vents, destructible objects, power-up buffs, strategic maneuvering points, the mid-boss encounter, and more. The developers acknowledged that the initial four-lane design, while innovative, added complexity.

Simplified Farming Mechanics

The update also streamlines farming. Players no longer need to execute precise last hits on enemy units to generate Soul Orbs, easing early-game resource acquisition. Further improvements are promised in netcode and client performance.

A Much-Needed Revitalization?

This update is a crucial step for Deadlock, aiming to reignite player interest. After reaching an all-time peak of 171,490 concurrent players in September 2024, the game experienced a sharp decline, with only around 17,000 players active in the preceding month.

Addressing Update Frequency

In a January 2025 Discord announcement, Valve developer Yoshi explained the shift away from a rigid two-week update cycle. Future major patches will be larger but less frequent, allowing for more substantial changes. Hotfixes will continue as needed.

Currently, Deadlock is in active development and testing, accessible only via friend invites. No official release date has been announced. For the latest updates and information, visit our Deadlock game page.