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 change, communicated via the official Deadlock Discord, aims to streamline the development process and allow for more substantial content updates.
While initially beneficial, the previous two-week update cycle presented challenges in internal iteration and external stability testing. The new approach promises more significant updates akin to in-game events, rather than smaller, incremental changes. Hotfixes will still be deployed as needed.
Deadlock, a free-to-play third-person hero shooter, launched on Steam earlier in 2024 after early gameplay leaks. It has quickly gained traction, standing out with its steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay, even amidst competition from titles like Marvel Rivals. The game currently boasts 22 playable characters, expandable to 30 with the Hero Labs mode. Its innovative anti-cheat measures also contribute to its unique appeal.
The recent winter update showcased this new direction, introducing unique gameplay alterations hinting at future limited-time events. While an official release date remains unconfirmed, Valve promises further Deadlock news in 2025. The slower update cadence suggests a focus on substantial content drops and a more refined development cycle.
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 necessary.
- No Official Release Date: A firm release date is yet to be announced.