A major new patch for Deadlock has just been revealed, with the map getting some big changes that will impact the entire game. The somewhat iconic four lane map has now been changed to a more traditional three lane map, in a move that will shake up more than just the playing field.
The headline change in the latest Deadlock patch is obviously the removal of one of the lanes on the map. Since Deadlock started to break cover last year, it has been played on a four lane MOBA map that, despite the extra lane, was always very easy to move around. However, this patch has completely reworked the entire map, removing a lane and changing the spaces between the remaining ones.
A first look at the new map will instantly feel familiar to any MOBA players, with three lanes, including a mid-lane that is noticeably shorter than the other two. This is obviously going to shake up how the game is played, with teams now more likely to split their players two to each lane, rather than the solo and duo lane combinations that have been happening so far.
But this will likely also have a big impact on the Deadlock meta and which heroes are deemed the strongest. With solo lanes now likely a thing of the past, some heroes that thrived in them will likely need some balance changes to tweak their power spike timings. Given the patch has only just launched, a lot of this is yet to be figured out, but I am expecting it to have far-reaching implications for a long time.
The patch also includes changes to how Soul Orbs work, with last hits no longer being required to release souls, providing you are in the area, they will still appear. This should make it easier for players to gain souls and increase their power a little quicker. There are also changes to almost every hero, including some that have been given new models that look great.
Fans seem divided on this new patch, which is to be expected with a change this big, but it seems that Valve’s plan to work on fewer but more impactful Deadlock patches is certainly working. There’s no word on if this is an experiment or a permanent change, but given the hype around the patch already, you have to assume they will be pleased with the results. I haven’t played Deadlock for months, but with this new map change I’m going to go boot it up as soon as I hit publish.
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