Editing Deadlock

[[File:Deadlock Logo.webp|thumb|332x332px|''Deadlock's'' logo.]]
'''''Deadlock''''' is a 6v6 third-person shooter and MOBA developed by Valve Corporation. It was first publicly announced on August 23, 2024.<ref name=":1" /> The game's release was unconventional and marked by a deliberate approach of secrecy before public acknowledgement. The initial distribution method involved inviting players through the Steam friends list feature. The game is still in development and is played through an Early Development Build.<ref name=":1">https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/08/26/valves-deadlock-instantly-rockets-to-90000-players-after-official-announcement/</ref>

== Gameplay ==
In ''Deadlock'', two teams of 6—the ''Sapphire Flame'' and the ''Amber Hand''—battle on a city [[map]] with 4 lanes. The objective is to destroy the enemy's [[Patron]], a massive golem while defending your own. Players control [[Heroes]] with upgradable abilities, and items bought using [[souls]].



Souls are earned by defeating enemies and completing tasks. They can also unlock 'boons' from Patrons, which boost Hero stats. Heroes level up, unlock abilities, and equip items in slots for [[Weapon]], [[Vitality]], and [[Spirit]], with additional [[Flex]] slots unlocked by completing objectives. The game blends elements of shooters and MOBAs, focusing on tactics, teamwork, and strategy with skill shots, movement, and gunplay in a third-person perspective. The game also has a unique [[Zip-lines|zipline]] system for long-distance transportation.


== Development ==
''Deadlock'' was originally meant to be a futuristic third-person MOBA called ''Neon Prime.'' It was called numerous names in it's earliest stages of development. Valve trademarked ''Neon Prime'' on October 2022. The game was later renamed to ''Deadlock.'' The game was leaked on various occasions from 2022 to 2024. Valve listed the game on Steam in  August 2024.



== Theme and Setting ==
The game has a fantasy theme and is set in the early 1900's United States where occult rituals and magic anomalies are common place and heavily regulated. The game's current map is implied to be this universe's version of 'New York', where the ritual takes place. The ritual is between two patrons and whichever side is victorious will 'spawn' the patron into their world, allowing them to grant their side a 'boon'. Heroes are based on various tropes and ideas associated with the time while containing many unique contributions.



== Lore ==
There is currently not much known about the lore of the game outside of in-game hero descriptions and a leaked graphic novel featuring [[Lady Geist]] and [[Infernus]]. Fantastic events are a deeply woven part of the game's lore and are often an explanation for heroes' abilities.



== References ==