Deadlock Launches Exciting September 2024 Update

Valve’s third-person MOBA entered invite-only testing in spring 2024, generating buzz among gaming enthusiasts. During this phase, the matchmaking system has been region-dependent, allowing players to connect only during specific time slots. From Monday to Thursday, players had access to matchmaking for 13 hours each day, while weekends offered a more extended window of 17 hours.

This limited availability has sparked discussions in the community, with many players eager for more flexibility. The developers have acknowledged this feedback and are considering potential adjustments to the matchmaking schedule. As the game continues to evolve, players are excited about the possibility of a more streamlined experience that accommodates different play styles and schedules. Looking ahead, the team at Valve is committed to refining the game based on player input, aiming to enhance the overall experience. With future updates on the horizon, fans are hopeful for improvements that will make Deadlock even more accessible and engaging.

Deadlock’s Mid-September 2024 Update Introduces 24/7 Matchmaking

Valve has taken a bold step in enhancing the player experience with the latest update to Deadlock, which was made available for download on September 12. This update removes previous matchmaking restrictions, allowing players to enjoy 24/7 matchmaking across all servers. The shift is designed to create a more dynamic and engaging environment, ensuring that players can jump into matches whenever they choose, without being limited by time constraints. One of the most significant additions to the matchmaking system is the new low-priority queue. This feature aims to discourage undesirable behaviors that can disrupt the game experience for others. Players who abandon matches or submit false reports against others may find themselves placed in this low-priority queue, which results in longer wait times for matchmaking. To return to the regular queue, players must complete a specified number of matches, which can vary based on individual circumstances. This system encourages accountability and fair play, fostering a healthier gaming community.

The introduction of the low-priority queue was hinted at earlier in September during a developer’s discussion. They indicated that Valve was planning to completely overhaul the Deadlock matchmaking system, and while that process is still unfolding, the new update has already implemented several key changes. One notable adjustment is that new players who queue solo will exclusively match with other newcomers until they achieve four wins. This approach helps to create a more balanced competitive environment for beginners, allowing them to develop their skills without being overwhelmed by more experienced players. Additionally, the update prevents parties of six from matching against solo players, further promoting fairness in matchmaking. These changes seem to be inspired by the successful matchmaking system in Dota 2, another of Valve’s flagship titles. The development of Dota 2 has been guided by IceFrog, a designer known for his commitment to enhancing player experience and balance. By incorporating similar mechanisms in Deadlock, Valve aims to create a more enjoyable and competitive atmosphere for all players.

In addition to the matchmaking enhancements, the update features a redesigned minimap. The new minimap sports updated icons and has transformed the orange lane into a vibrant green, providing clearer visual cues for players. This change not only improves aesthetics but also aids in navigation, allowing players to make more informed strategic decisions during gameplay. Moreover, the update introduces an elaborate system for tracking and temporarily restricting certain player behaviors. This includes monitoring voice and chat text, pausing, reporting, and matchmaking. By keeping an eye on player interactions, Valve can ensure that the community remains respectful and engaged, ultimately contributing to a more positive gaming environment. Another significant gameplay alteration is related to ability cancelation. Previously, players could cancel abilities using the space bar, but this functionality has been changed. Now, cancelable abilities can only be deactivated by pressing their corresponding hotkey again. This shift requires players to be more intentional with their actions, adding a layer of strategy to gameplay. Performance improvements and bug fixes are also part of this extensive update. Valve has worked diligently to address various technical issues that players have reported, ensuring a smoother gaming experience. Alongside bug fixes, the update includes a variety of user interface tweaks aimed at enhancing overall usability and accessibility. These improvements reflect Valve’s ongoing commitment to refining Deadlock based on player feedback and community needs.

Looking ahead, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation for future updates. Given Valve’s track record with Deadlock patches, players can expect another major update by October 2024. The ongoing development and enhancements signal that Valve is dedicated to listening to the community and making Deadlock a top-tier MOBA experience. Overall, the September 2024 update marks a significant turning point for Deadlock, introducing features that prioritize player experience, fairness, and engagement. With 24/7 matchmaking, a low-priority queue, and various gameplay adjustments, Valve is setting the stage for a vibrant and dynamic gaming community. As players continue to explore the new features, the future looks bright for Deadlock, promising exciting adventures and competitive gameplay for all.

Deadlock September 12 Update Patch Notes

• 24/7 Matchmaking: Players can now enjoy matchmaking at any time, regardless of their region.
• Minimap Overhaul: The minimap has been updated, featuring new unique hero icons and a fresh design. Neutral camps are now highlighted by a glow, making them easier to identify.
• Lane Name Change: The Orange Lane (Orchard) has been rebranded as the Green Lane (Greenwich).
• New Behavior System: A behavior tracking system has been implemented, temporarily restricting players’ access to features like matchmaking, voice chat, text chat, pausing, and reporting based on their actions. Penalties will be reviewed over the coming days.
• Low Priority Queue: Players can enter this queue primarily by abandoning matches or through other negative behaviors. To return to normal matchmaking, players must complete a certain number of games, which increases with frequency of low-priority status.
• Misreporting Penalties: Consistently misreporting other players may result in losing the ability to report and could also lead to being placed in the low-priority queue.
• New Player Matching: Solo players who are new to the game will only match with each other until they achieve four wins, ensuring a balanced experience for beginners.
• Party Matching Changes: The previous lane allocation setup (1-1-2-2 and 2-2-1-1) has been removed. Additionally, parties of six will no longer match against solo players, which may result in longer wait times for larger groups.
• AFK Penalties: Players who are away from their keyboard (AFK) will be automatically kicked after a few minutes of inactivity.
• Clearer Abandon Match Dialog: The dialog for abandoning a match now clearly outlines the consequences of leaving.
• Abandon Match Delay: There is now a time delay before players can abandon a match, helping to prevent accidental drops.
• Custom Hotkeys: Players can now customize hotkeys for each hero, enhancing gameplay personalization.
• Visual Changes: Bounce Pad visuals have been replaced with a wind fan effect, and the orange zipline is now green. The Soul Urn features little spirit frog legs for added charm.
• Ability Cancelation Update: The space bar can no longer be used to cancel abilities; instead, players must press the ability’s hotkey again to deactivate it.
• Alternate Cast Modes: The “Modifier Button” and “Alternate Cast Button” functionalities have been merged, with new UI hints provided for extra clarity.
• Performance Improvements: Various client performance enhancements have been made, including automatic map preloading to reduce load times.
• Sandbox Updates: The practice area now displays the time in milliseconds for hitting the orb after spawning, allowing for more detailed performance tracking.
• Custom Lobby Creation: A console command has been added for players to create custom lobbies, with plans for a more user-friendly interface in the future.
• FPS and UI Improvements: New sliders for maximum FPS have been introduced, and several UI adjustments have been made for better navigation.
• Audio Improvements: A range of sound effects have been updated for clarity and consistency, including healing beams and various abilities. New sounds for procs like Tesla Bullets and Toxic Bullets have also been added.
• Visual Effects: Numerous visual effects have been revised for better clarity and impact, including updates to abilities and environmental effects.
• Bug Fixes: Various audio and visual bugs have been addressed to improve overall gameplay stability.

Previously, players experienced considerable overlap between the TAB and ALT modes during gameplay, which sometimes led to confusion regarding their distinct functions. To enhance the overall gaming experience, this update has effectively separated these two modes. This change allows each mode to serve its specific purpose more clearly, streamlining gameplay and making it easier for players to utilize the controls effectively.

Players can now customize the key bindings for both modes in the Keybinds Settings. This added flexibility empowers users to tailor their controls to better fit their personal playstyle, ensuring a more intuitive experience. Whether you prefer quick access to specific functions or want to optimize your inputs for better efficiency, the option to swap keys simplifies the process. By refining these controls, we aim to reduce the learning curve for new players while providing seasoned veterans with the tools they need to maximize their performance. This update is part of our ongoing commitment to improving gameplay and responsiveness, ensuring that every player can enjoy a more fluid and enjoyable experience in Deadlock. As the game continues to evolve, we look forward to hearing your feedback on these changes and how they impact your play sessions.