Valve’s Deadlock stands out in the MOBA genre by combining third-person shooter mechanics with classic MOBA elements. Players engage in intense matches on a three-lane map, where two teams of six battle to destroy the opposing base. Success depends on clearing paths for minions by defeating fire-breathing steampunk mechs, blending strategic lane control with dynamic combat. This fusion offers a fresh experience for fans of games like League of Legends and DOTA 2.
How the Deadlock Tier List Was Formed
This tier list is crafted from extensive personal testing during Deadlock’s closed beta, alongside publicly available data such as win and pick rates. Given the game’s complexity, players are encouraged to select heroes they connect with, mastering their cooldowns, synergies, builds, and strategies to excel. The tier system used here ranks characters from S to C, reflecting their overall effectiveness and situational viability.
Tier Definitions
- S-Tier: Top-tier heroes providing the highest chance of victory when mastered.
- A-Tier: Strong choices that, when played well, can outperform inexperienced S-Tier players.
- B-Tier: Viable with skill and team coordination but generally outmatched by higher tiers.
- C-Tier: Situational picks best suited for players passionate about specific heroes.
Top-Tier Heroes in Deadlock
S-Tier Champions
- Seven: A dominant force in the meta, Seven excels with a versatile medium-range rifle, area denial grenades, stuns, and a powerful ultimate that can control the entire enemy base. His straightforward yet effective kit makes him a go-to for players seeking both power and ease of use.
- Wraith: Known for her exceptional mobility and burst damage, Wraith shines in early-game duels. She can stun enemies long enough for teammates to secure kills and farm souls to bolster her team’s advantage.
- Warden: A master of crowd control, Warden’s cage stun enables strong solo eliminations. His ultimate is a vital tool in late-game fights, providing healing and a boost to struggling teams.
| Hero | Range | Playstyle | Key Strength |
| Seven | Medium | Solo | Versatility and power |
| Wraith | Close to Medium | Duo | Duelling and mobility |
| Warden | Close | Solo | Crowd control and sustain |
Strong Choices for Consistent Wins
A-Tier Heroes
- Dynamo: Highly adaptable, Dynamo can be built as a healer, tank, or a disruptive force in team fights. His rapid-fire gun, healing abilities, short-range stun, and ultimate that traps enemies make him a reliable pick, especially in duo play.
- Haze: The game’s most picked character, Haze is a fragile but deadly assassin. She can turn invisible, incapacitate foes, and unleash devastating area damage with her ultimate. Players who enjoy a high-risk, high-reward playstyle will find her rewarding.
- Lash: A melee specialist who relies on precise combos, Lash combines stuns, life-steal, and mobility. Though challenging to master, he offers significant payoff in skilled hands.
| Hero | Range | Playstyle | Key Strength |
| Dynamo | Close to Medium | Duo | Healing and tanking |
| Haze | Close | Solo | Assassin with burst damage |
| Lash | Close | Solo | Melee combat and mobility |
Mid-Tier Heroes Worth Exploring
B-Tier Champions
- Infernus: Valve’s unofficial mascot, Infernus brings straightforward fire-based damage and a team-wide stun. While consistent, he is overshadowed by higher-tier DPS heroes in late-game scenarios.
- Yamato: A close-range damage dealer with a powerful ultimate that can challenge even the toughest tanks. However, her need to prioritize damage over survivability makes her a riskier choice compared to other glass cannons.
- McGinnis: A support hero whose turrets, heals, and defensive walls can turn the tide of battle. Her effectiveness depends heavily on player skill and coordination.
| Hero | Range | Playstyle | Key Strength |
| Infernus | Medium | Solo | Reliable damage and stun |
| Yamato | Close | Duo | High damage burst |
| McGinnis | Medium | Duo | Support with strong utility |
Situational Picks for Unique Playstyles
C-Tier Heroes
- Vindicta: The standout sniper in Deadlock, Vindicta offers a fun glide mechanic and long-range rifle play. She fits niche roles but requires dedication to be effective.
- Shiv: A gunslinging monkey hero providing an entertaining experience. Despite being outclassed in combat range by others, his playstyle remains enjoyable.
- Viscous: Known for his goo-based abilities and humorous voice lines, Viscous offers decent survivability and area denial, though he falls short compared to medium-range specialists.
| Hero | Range | Playstyle | Key Strength |
| Vindicta | Long | Duo | Sniping and mobility |
| Shiv | Close | Solo | Fun and unique gameplay |
| Viscous | Medium | Solo | Survivability and humor |
How to Join Deadlock’s Closed Beta
Currently, Deadlock’s beta phase is invite-only. The easiest way to gain access is through friends already playing the game. Alternatively, players can visit community hubs such as Reddit’s Deadlock Invites Megathread, where invites and Steam friend codes are shared.
Final Thoughts on Deadlock’s Hero Landscape
Seven, Wraith, and Warden dominate the current meta with their high win rates and impactful abilities. However, the game’s balance ensures that A-Tier heroes like Dynamo, Haze, and Lash remain strong contenders for players seeking different playstyles. B-Tier characters offer enjoyable experiences with some competitive viability, while C-Tier picks are best chosen for personal enjoyment rather than competitive advantage.
Deadlock encourages experimentation with builds and strategies, so players should feel free to explore beyond this list to find heroes that fit their unique preferences and tactics.