If you're diving into Deadlock, you're in for a unique blend of mechanics that make this game both intriguing and challenging. Whether you're a seasoned player of tactical FPS games or new to the genre, understanding the nuances of Deadlock can give you a significant edge. In this guide, I'll break down the essentials you need to know to start strong, from character selection to mastering battles and bosses.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Character
When you begin a game of Deadlock, you'll have three characters to choose from. However, the game randomly assigns one of these three characters for you to play. This element of chance adds a layer of strategy to the game, as you’ll need to be adaptable and learn the strengths and weaknesses of each character.
Prioritize Creeps Over Enemies
One of the first things to keep in mind as a beginner is to not overly focus on enemy players. While it’s important to defend yourself, the real priority should be on the creeps. These AI-controlled units are crucial to your success. The quicker you eliminate enemy creeps, the faster your own creeps can advance toward the enemy tower, allowing you to destroy it and progress further.
Among these creeps, keep an eye out for the healer creeps—they’re the ones holding flags. Destroying them should be your top priority because they can heal enemy heroes, making your job much harder. Conversely, stay close to your own healer creeps as they can help you recover from damage.
Strategic Buying: Upgrade Wisely
Deadlock offers a buy menu where you can purchase upgrades to enhance your character’s abilities. Unlike some games where players wait until they’re defeated to purchase items, Deadlock allows you to buy upgrades in real-time. If you’ve accumulated enough currency, retreat to your tower, where you’ll find a buying station, and upgrade your character on the fly. This strategy lets you continuously improve your character’s power, ensuring you’re ready for tougher battles ahead.
Mastering Abilities: Know Your Combos
Each character in Deadlock comes with a unique set of abilities, mapped to the numbers 1 through 4 on your keyboard. These abilities can be used in various combinations depending on the situation. For instance, you might use ability 3 to grapple an enemy closer, then follow up with ability 1 to stun them, and finish with ability 4 for massive damage. The key is to practice and understand each character’s abilities so you can execute these combos effectively in combat.
A great way to familiarize yourself with these abilities is by practicing in bot matches or a practice server. This not only helps you learn your own character but also gives you insight into the playstyles of other characters you’ll face in the game.
Engaging in Battles: From Bot Matches to Boss Fights
Deadlock features scheduled playtests where you can face off against other players, but these aren’t available all the time. When they’re not, bot matches are an excellent way to hone your skills. These matches are less challenging than real player games but are perfect for getting a feel for the game’s mechanics and refining your strategy.
As you advance in the game, you’ll encounter bosses. These aren’t your typical creeps; they’re powerful enemies found in specific areas like tunnels (similar to jungles in other MOBAs) and the middle of the map. Defeating a mid-boss, for example, grants your team a significant advantage, such as a vitality boost that provides ongoing healing. This can be a game-changer, so coordinate with your team to take down these bosses as they spawn.
Final Thoughts
Deadlock is a game that rewards strategy, adaptability, and continuous learning. Whether you're battling creeps, mastering your character's abilities, or taking on powerful bosses, the key to success lies in understanding the game's mechanics and using them to your advantage.