Valve's MOBA Shooter Deadlock: An Even More Exclusive Build Revealed

Valve's MOBA hero shooter, Deadlock, remains in an exclusive invite-only testing phase as the company continues to refine and develop the game. However, a recent livestream mishap appears to have inadvertently revealed the existence of a second, even more secretive playtest featuring new characters and updated designs.

During a livestream hosted by a prominent Deadlock player, a reported error led to the unintended display of an alternate Deadlock build. (Thanks to Eurogamer for the heads-up.) Viewers captured images of the stream, which showcased new characters such as the retro-themed Doorman, the scholarly Bookworm, and the eerie Vampirebat, alongside visual updates for existing characters like Ivy. The streamer quickly corrected the mistake, but the cat was already out of the bag.

The community's response on the r/DeadlockTheGame subreddit is mixed. Some players are frustrated, feeling left out of the loop despite being part of the initial playtest. Deadlock has undergone numerous changes, both minor and major, including the removal of an entire lane. Valve has traditionally used the Hero Labs mode to test new heroes with a broader audience, but this new build suggests a more exclusive approach to further refine the game.

Despite its limited access, Deadlock has attracted a significant player base and gained attention from fans of both shooter and MOBA genres. The novelty of a new game from Valve, combined with its mysterious rollout and ongoing invite-only status, adds to its allure. The revelation of a second, more exclusive build only fuels further speculation and interest.

It's essential to maintain perspective, as one Reddit user humorously remarked: "Oh great as if one Lash wasn't bad enough, now there are two of him!"