Valve has released a major update for Deadlock, completely revamping its core map. Gone are the four lanes; in their place sits a more traditional three-lane MOBA structure. This significant change will drastically alter gameplay. Previously, a common strategy involved a "1 vs 2" lane distribution. Now, with only three lanes, expect to see two heroes per lane, demanding a complete re-evaluation of team composition and strategies.
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The map redesign extends beyond the lane count, affecting the positioning of neutral camps, buffs, and other key map elements. To help players adjust, a new "map exploration" mode has been added, allowing for unhindered exploration of the revised layout without the pressure of combat.
The Soul Orb system also receives an overhaul. Players can now collect souls even without directly securing the killing blow, leading to faster resource acquisition. Further refinements have been made to soul effects, notably reducing their air-hover time.
This substantial patch also includes adjustments to sprint mechanics and character balance, alongside the welcome addition of support for DLSS, FSR, NVIDIA Reflex, and Anti-Lag 2.0 technologies. Performance improvements and numerous bug fixes round out this comprehensive update. For a detailed list of all changes, consult the official patch notes.