Deadlock basic strategy: Early, mid, and late game guide

Connor Knudsen

Connor Knudsen

Here are some tips for a better strategy in Deadlock.

Deadlock is Valve's new multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with elements of arcade and hero shooters all blended into one, making for a fun but sticky game when it comes to strategy. With the game having somewhat distinct phases, here is our basic guide to the early, mid, and late game.

Every game for Deadlock begins with deciding on a build and working towards it (Image via esports.gg)
Every game for Deadlock begins with deciding on a build and working towards it (Image via esports.gg)

Deadlock early game strategy

In the first 5 to 10 minutes of a Deadlock game, your character will still be somewhat weak as you begin unlocking abilities, buying your first items, and focusing on eliminating enemy minions. Here is what we believe you should focus on during this time:

  • Decide on a build strategy and begin building the basics of it
  • Poke enemy characters and try to deny them wave clear
  • Focus on staying alive and getting as many trooper/minion kills as possible
  • Stay around your lane for the most part as you are most likely not strong enough yet to flank another lane effectively
  • Don't be too greedy with pushing your lane since this can allow enemy guardians to kill your minions

Deadlock mid game strategy

The mid game of Deadlock takes place roughly around the time that the Mid Boss spawns and characters unlock their ultimate abilities. Around this time, you should start having a build come together and can begin being a bit more aggressive when it comes to using your lane and taking fights. Here are our tips for a good mid game strategy.

  • Check around the map on how other lanes are doing and consider flanks with mobile heroes
  • Only go for the Mid Boss if you have solid lane progress on Orange and Blue lanes and you have at least four teammates committed
  • Continue focusing on staying alive and keeping your economy strong

Deadlock late game strategy

The late game of Deadlock is when you start to see builds coming online and team fights really begin to take shape, sometimes getting to full 6v6 battles. Here, you can start playing with more of an all-out mentality, making aggressive moves, flanking, going for PvE objectives, and going for broke during team fights. Here are our tips.

  • Keep an eye on teammates' lanes more than before, looking for good spots to hop in and support in late team fights
  • If the enemy team are all on spawn timers, make cohesive decisions to either push lanes or get the Mid Boss or Urn if possible
  • Tune your build to counter enemy builds
  • Use your ultimate and your abilities often and play riskier than in the early phases of the game
  • If you are struggling, play a lane solo away from the enemy team and keep lane progress balanced

Overall, this is a game that can be played in many different ways, but having some understanding of the basics of both arcade shooters like Overwatch 2 and MOBAs like League of Legends should help you to navigate games more comfortably. Stay tuned for more Deadlock content like this from esports.gg!