Secret Playtest Hidden within Initial Testing Sessions for "Deadlock": Introducing New Heroes and a Gargoyle Gal Redesign
Hey there, buddy! Here's the scoop on Deadlock, Valve's secretive new MOBA/shooter. This bad boy has been under wraps since day one, with Valve keeping everyone guessing right up until the finish line. Even now, you'll need an invite to get your hands on it. But don't worry, getting an invite isn't like solving a three-layered, cryptic puzzle.
It seems Valve just can't resist those secret playtest servers, though. A well-known Deadlock streamer, Deathy, accidentally spilled the beans during a livestream, revealing a double-secret playtest hidden within the original one. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a third playtest you had to access by blending and drinking a piece of Gabe Newell's yacht, or something. How deep does this rabbit hole go?
As for what we've gleaned from the leaked images (via Eurogamer), Deadlock is looking sweet with a slew of awesome-looking heroes on the horizon. We've got a scholarly "Bookworm," a bellboy "Doorman," and the enigmatic "Drifter" with his creepy smile going straight for the darker parts of my soul.
Looks like there's a second Lash in the works, likely just placeholder art. Some of the hero thumbnails are also different, with characters sporting new looks. Abram's got some stubble now, McGinnis is wearing a Rosie the Riveter-style bandanna, and Ivy... well, she's getting a facelift.
Ivy, for those who don't know, is a fan-favorite gargoyle gal from Deadlock. She's been the subject of much fanart, thanks to her charming personality and her allure to... let's call them 'monster girl appreciators.' Some of the art is tasteful and beautifully rendered, while other pieces are... less tasteful, yet still somehow impressively rendered. No judgement here, artists gotta make a buck.
With this new test server, Ivy's undergoing a major "stonework surgery" – she's getting a chisel to her fangs, her eyes are being moved more central to her face, and she's growing big, floppy ears. She's definitely more appealing, but some of the magic might be lost. Players used to fawning over a hunchbacked goblin creature with a heart of gold might find this new, market-friendly Ivy a bit hard to swallow. But hey, this is just a test server, and nothing about the final game is set in stone yet.
Even this new version of Deadlock is unrecognizable compared to the last time I played it – the work, apparently, is in progress. So, stay tuned for more updates on this secretive game developed by the even more secretive Valve.
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Authored by: Harvey Randall, a seasoned games journalist with a Final Fantasy 14-brain and an affinity for G'raha Tia. He's worked with various publications, including Techradar, The Escapist, Dicebreaker, The Gamer, Into the Spine, and, of course, PC Gamer. He's a sucker for RPGs, soulslikes, roguelikes, deckbuilders, MMOs, and weird indie titles. He also plays a mountain of TTRPGs in his offline time. Asked about his favorite system, he'll tell you he has too many.
- In the upcoming year of 2025, expect Harvey Randall, a seasoned games journalist, to provide insights on Deadlock, Valve's secretive new MOBA/shooter, given his affiliation with PC Gamer.
- As more information unfolds about the latest playtest of Deadlock, followers of Ivy, the fan-favorite gargoyle gal, may be in for a surprise as she undergoes substantial changes, becoming more appealing yet potentially losing some of her original charm.
- Amidst speculation about the depth of Deadlock's playtest servers, it's been reported that even a second secret playtest has been discovered by streamers like Deathy, inducing excitement and intrigue among gaming enthusiasts.
- In the intricate world of Deadlock, new heroes such as the Bookworm, Doorman, and Drifter are projected to join the roster during the upcoming 2025 season, enriching gameplay experiences and likely appealing to a diverse range of players.
- Advancements in technology and gadgets have played a significant role in Deadlock's transformation, with heroes such as Abram, McGinnis, and Ivy sporting new appearances, reflecting Valve's commitment to staying current and innovative in the gaming industry.
- Preparing for the release of the final version of Deadlock, players are encouraged to remain patient and informed, staying up-to-date with gaming news, reviews, and hardware deals from reliable sources like PC Gamer to ensure they are well-equipped for the upcoming gaming season.
