Valve’s Deadlock is preparing for a major update in 2025. Dataminers have discovered new features such as a slide kick mechanic, an overhaul of the maps that will include trains and a ship, a mega creep siege unit, and facial animations for the heroes. The Blix team, using insights from an insider, has examined the game files to provide an overview of what is on the way and how these changes will impact gameplay.
Contents
- 1 Slide Kick Mechanic: A New Combat Feature
- 2 Overview
- 3 Visuals
- 4 Impact
- 5 Our Verdict
- 6 Map Overhaul 2.0: New Trains, Cranes, and a Ship
- 7 Datamined Additions
- 8 Theorycrafting
- 9 Our Verdict
- 10 New Hero: Herald – The Occult Harbinger
- 11 Datamined Details
- 12 Speculation
- 13 Our Verdict
- 14 Hero Reworks: Haze, Viper, Raven, McGinnis
- 15 Datamined Updates
- 16 Our Verdict
- 17 Mega Creep: The Siege Unit
- 18 Datamined Details
- 19 Mechanics
- 20 Our Verdict
- 21 Facial Animations: Bringing Heroes to Life
- 22 Datamined Details
- 23 Impact
- 24 Our Verdict
- 25 Shop Animation Overhaul
- 26 Datamined Details
- 27 Goal
- 28 Our Verdict
- 29 Concept Bonus: Build Diversity
- 30 Datamined Hint
- 31 Our Verdict
- 32 Final Thoughts
Slide Kick Mechanic: A New Combat Feature
Deadlock: Slide Kick Mechanic
Overview
Dataminers have discovered a slide kick mechanic, which allows players to perform light melee attacks while sliding. This feature is currently in the game and can be adjusted through code and models, but it is still in early testing. At this time, there are no plans for heavy slide kicks.
Visuals
Deadlock: Slide Kick Mechanic
It looks impressive—imagine sliding into enemies with a quick jab, seamlessly combining mobility with aggression.
Impact
This mechanic adds a dynamic layer to combat, enabling players to punish enemies while repositioning or chaining attacks with abilities for combo potential.
Our Verdict
We’re excited about this development. Slide kicks could enhance close-range brawlers like Abrams or Haze, allowing players to incorporate damage into their escapes or chases. Valve is refining this mechanic, so we can expect it in a future patch—possibly by late spring. Pairing it with the Fleetfoot trait could lead to some powerful slide–and–strike tactics. This feature is too enjoyable to be sidelined!
Map Overhaul 2.0: New Trains, Cranes, and a Ship
Datamined Additions
Deadlock: New Model
Recent findings in the game files indicate a significant overhaul of the map:
- Train Wagons: New coal and material-hauling cars are planned for a railroad bridge on Amber Yellow lane, contributing to an industrial workshop atmosphere.
- Construction Cranes: These will likely be used for constructing the aforementioned bridge, suggesting that updates will be phased—first, the cranes, followed by the wagons.
- Factories/Industrial Buildings: Expect more buildings with an amber-yellow theme, transforming the area into a gritty industrial zone.
- A Ship: A fully modeled vessel has been found, although its purpose remains unclear. It is speculated to be intended for Sapphire Blue lane, serving as a port feature.
Deadlock: New Model
Theorycrafting
- Amber Yellow Evolution: Imagine a railroad bridge emerging over various patches—cranes transporting materials, followed by wagons rolling in. There is a possibility that we could ride these trains like neutral ziplines, and the community’s enthusiasm on social media shows that Valve has taken notice before (such as the addition of wall-jumping mechanics).
- Sapphire Blue Port: With Green designated as a park and Yellow as a factory, it makes sense for Blue to serve as a port. The ship may dock near a Patron base or at the edge of the map, adding a nautical element that fits well with Blue’s water theme.
Our Verdict
This overhaul promises to shake up gameplay. Moving trains could redefine map control—players might hop on to travel quickly from Amber to Sapphire or engage in battles atop the trains. The ship remains a wildcard, potentially serving as a mid-map objective or a cosmetic addition. Our predictions suggest that cranes will be introduced in Amber Yellow by April, wagons by June, and the ship in Q3 of 2025. Valve is clearly embracing a 1950s industrial aesthetic, and we are excited about it.
New Hero: Herald – The Occult Harbinger
Deadlock: New Hero: Herald
Datamined Details
A new hero named “Herald” has been discovered in the game’s code and textures. Contrary to some speculations, he is not based on Witcher Geralt—think of him more as a “messenger.” Currently, there are only head textures available, showcasing a blue face and dark eyes, which suggest an occult theme.
Speculation
Given Deadlock’s lore tied to spirits and rituals, it’s anticipated that Herald will have a mystical set of abilities. These could include debuffs, summons, or vision control—imagine a character that embodies elements of a darker version of Dynamo or Raven.
Our Verdict
Since we only have textures at this stage, Herald is likely several months away from a full release, probably in Q4 2025. We expect him to be a spirit-heavy disruptor that aligns with the game’s occult themes. Keep an eye on Hero Labs for updates on his debut.
Hero Reworks: Haze, Viper, Raven, McGinnis
Deadlock: Hero Reworks
Datamined Updates
- Haze, Viper, Raven: The code reveals plans for detailed model refreshes, which will include improved textures and animations. While specifics are not available, expect enhanced visuals.
- McGinnis: Significant changes are on the way—new animations will replace her minigun with a “big cannon.” Additionally, her ultimate ability’s rocket launcher will now spawn green tentacles, enhancing the mystical engineer aesthetic.
Our Verdict
McGinnis is the standout here. The shift from a minigun to a cannon could transition her role from turret spam to heavy artillery, with the tentacles adding depth to her rework. In contrast, Haze, Viper, and Raven’s upgrades appear to be primarily cosmetic. However, McGinnis might also see tweaks to her abilities. Expect all of this to be featured in a global summer patch, as Valve often pairs reworks with map updates.
Mega Creep: The Siege Unit
Deadlock: Mega Creep
Datamined Details
A new “mega creep” model has been discovered, complete with full animations, though it currently features a placeholder techno-gun from Deadlock’s alpha version. This unit likely spawns after the rejuvenator to assist with base pushes.
Mechanics
The projectiles fired by the mega creep have a travel time (as opposed to being hitscan) and can be dodged by skillful players. It is designed as a siege tool to help break through tougher buildings on the reworked three-lane map.
Deadlock: Mega Creep
Our Verdict
This unit is crucial for overcoming late–game stalemates. With the rework in February making side lanes more challenging to push, the dodgeable siege creep strikes a balance between threat and counterplay. Expect a 1950s-style weapon swap soon—potentially to a mortar or flamethrower. It is likely to be included in the next major patch, expected in April or May.
Facial Animations: Bringing Heroes to Life
Datamined Details
Recent updates from Abrams’ model indicate the inclusion of facial animations for all heroes, featuring expressions such as surprise, anger, and dialogue. This is hinted at through “zipline chats,” where heroes engage in banter at the start of matches.
Impact
With these animations, heroes will no longer appear emotionless; they will express feelings, react to events, and lip-sync to their lines.
Our Verdict
This is a significant enhancement for immersion and for creators using Source Filmmaker (SFM)—a nod to the cinematic team! Imagining Abrams raging mid-fight or Seven smirking after a kill adds depth to their personalities. These updates are set to be implemented for all heroes by mid–2025, making it an excellent feature for a full release.
Shop Animation Overhaul
Datamined Details
Every hero will have unique shop animations for each category. For example, Abrams inspects his shotgun when browsing weapon items, while Lady Geist conjures items for spirit purchases. The code for these animations is already in place; the visuals are still pending.
Goal
The objective is to transform the Excel sheet shop into a lively hub.
Our Verdict
This indicates significant polish—Valve is preparing for a complete UI overhaul ahead of the full release. Imagine Abrams flipping through a spirit book or Geist casting a spell from her hand—these animations add an exciting layer of flavor. This is likely linked to a shop redesign scheduled for Q3 2025, so get ready for a more polished build experience.
Concept Bonus: Build Diversity
Datamined Hint
A community concept mentioned in comments (not in files) suggests the possibility of deeper build paths, similar to talent trees or items that allow players to flex roles.
Our Verdict
While it’s not confirmed, Valve’s history with Dota 2 talents supports this notion. It could be introduced post-launch to keep the meta fresh—imagine Abrams switching between tank and bruiser roles during a mid-game scenario.
Final Thoughts
Deadlock: Comic Art
This data reveals a wealth of information. The addition of slide kicks enhances combat dynamics, while changes to the maps—such as trains, cranes, and ships—promise a more engaging gameplay experience. The introduction of the mega creep could change the outcome of late-game scenarios. Herald is an exciting teaser; the hero reworks, especially for McGinnis, introduce new flair, and the improved facial animations and shop features signal preparation for a full release. Valve is actively working on updates—anticipate a substantial patch in April that will include cranes and slide kicks, with wagons and creeps expected by summer, and ships and animations by fall. Deadlock is rapidly evolving, and we’re all part of this journey. What do you think of the Deadlock 2025 update? Follow us for more Deadlock leaks. Check Valve’s Deadlock forum for more information. . We also recommend check our guide, 5 Heroes Are Perfect for Beginners.
