5 things Deadlock needs to improve in 2025

Contents

• Things Valve should do to improve and revive Deadlock in 2025
  • 1) Enhanced matchmaking system
  • 2) Introduce events and rewards
  • 3) Expand the hero roster
  • 4) Separate ranked mode
  • 5) Content and supported platforms expansion

Valve's experimental MOBA shooter Deadlock is still an invite-only title. Despite being in early development, the game has had an impressive run, attracting hundreds of thousands of players without any promotions. However, in the last couple of months, there seems to be a dip in popularity. Many fans attribute this decline to Marvel Rivals, which gained over 20 million players in less than a month.

On that note, here are some things that could be done to improve Deadlock in 2025.

Note: This list is subjective and in no particular order. It solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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Things Valve should do to improve and revive Deadlock in 2025

1) Enhanced matchmaking system

Deadlock MMR tracking (Image via Deadlock Tracker)

The MMR system is not as effective as it should be for a competitive-focused game. Implementing a more refined matchmaking system that pairs players with the right skill level and experience would lead to fairer matches in the title. It is not unusual to see one-sided match results where one team has nearly doubled the amount of Souls earned by the end of the match.

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2) Introduce events and rewards

Considering that Valve is the maker of DOTA 2 and Counter-Strike 2, a lot of players expected to have a similar experience in Deadlock when it came to seasonal events, rewards, and skins. However, nothing has been added yet. While the title announced holiday skins recently, players are unsure about the fate of these items.

To keep the player base engaged, seasonal events and cosmetic items must be introduced to the game in 2025.

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3) Expand the hero roster

Currently, there are 30 heroes to choose from (Image via Valve)

Most new additions to the game's hero pool are only available in the Hero Labs mode, an experimental character-testing game mode that doesn't affect your rank. Valve should either polish the Hero Labs characters to make them available in normal game modes or simply start introducing new heroes directly.

Engaging with the community during the design process can lead to some beloved and balanced hero additions as well.

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4) Separate ranked mode

Ranked and casual game modes are merged (Image via Valve)

One of the community's most common complaints has been the merging of ranked and casual game modes. This decision has led to frustration in players who prefer non-competitive gameplay. Providing a separate game mode for casual and ranked allows players to choose their preferred experience, ensuring a less toxic environment.

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5) Content and supported platforms expansion

To keep the title engaging, Valve should focus on delivering regular content updates. This could include new maps, game modes, and collaborations to keep the gameplay experience fresh and retain player interest.

The game should also be released for consoles in 2025. Allowing players to use their desired platform rather than forcefully keeping it desktop-only could significantly increase the player count. Moreover, providing cross-platform support would also let players seamlessly switch between platforms while maintaining their progress.

In conclusion, Deadlock has the potential to regain its momentum and thrive in the competitive gaming landscape. By addressing the concerns of the community and taking their feedback, it can become one of the biggest esports titles of 2025.