#SoITried Playing Deadlock: A Refreshing Take on the MOBA Experience

Deadlock is Valve’s latest gaming sensation. Although it hasn't had a clear PR strategy, its surge in popularity has captivated gamers worldwide, including both popular streamers and casual players like me. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to join this experience, so I’m excited to share my thoughts on this MOBA hybrid. So, let’s dive in!

Screenshot Taken from Deadlock

Author's Note: These are my personal thoughts and experiences with Deadlock during its testing phase. Your gameplay experience may vary as the game continues to evolve and receive updates.

My first thought was, “Why not give it a try?” I just finished Elden Ring, and it's DLC, so I had room to try it out. Even though Deadlock is still in its testing phase, it felt incredibly polished. I was amazed by how smooth everything ran—I consistently hit 144 frames per second without any major stutters or issues. That’s not something you see often, especially in games still being tweaked and updated. We have gotten used to buggy messes in the past few releases, which is why this was nice.

Screenshot Taken from Deadlock

When I first dove into Deadlock, I was ready to take on what I thought would be a regular MOBA experience. But from the very start, I was thrown off. What should I shoot? Minions or enemies? It felt like the rules of engagement were up in the air, but the only things in the air were souls. However, after the third game playing as Dynamo, something clicked. Suddenly, it all made sense, and the chaos transformed into an organized, thrilling game I started to love. 

Why does it stand out? Deadlock breaks away from conventional MOBA roles like support, DPS, or jungler. Instead, the game opens up item selections that allow players to tap into a variety of playstyles. This flexibility means anyone on the team can engage the enemy, offer support, or take on objectives. It's freeing and, frankly, refreshing not to be locked into one specific role for the entirety of the match. No more arguing about who gets to be the carry—anyone can step up.

A unique mechanic that Deadlock brings to the table is its "flex slots." These are unlocked when the team collectively achieves objectives, and they give everyone a power spike. The beauty of this system is that it naturally discourages players from being too greedy. Instead, everyone is motivated to fight for the same goal. When objectives are met, everyone benefits. It creates a sense of unity and teamwork that’s often missing from other MOBA games, where individual glory sometimes overshadows the team’s goals.

Screenshot Taken from Deadlock

One thing I didn’t expect when trying Deadlock was how much I’d enjoy a MOBA/shooter hybrid. It’s not a genre mashup I’d usually go for, but it works. The action is fast-paced, the strategy is deep, and the combination of both elements keeps you hooked from one match to the next.

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by Deadlock. It took me some time to grasp its flow, but once I did, I recognized its potential to shake up the MOBA genre. If the developers maintain their momentum, Deadlock could be the game that MOBA fans have been eagerly waiting for. If you yearn for more pleasant surprises, check out the Next Upgrade Shop for the latest and greatest smart tech has to offer.