Valve has once again caught the gaming community's attention with another update for Deadlock, marking the fifth patch of 2025 and the first for February. This latest update, though smaller in scope, specifically targets four heroes, demonstrating Valve's ongoing commitment to balancing and refining gameplay.
Calico, a fan-favorite hero, experienced significant nerfs. Her Return to Shadows ability now has a ten-second longer cooldown, and 20% of its speed has been shifted to T2. Additionally, the damage from her T2 Leaping Slash has been reduced, which may require players to adjust their strategies when using Calico.
Sinclair, on the other hand, received some exciting updates. His animations and sounds have been revamped, enhancing the overall feel of the hero. Moreover, his Rabbit Hex ability has been transformed into an Area of Effect (AoE) skill, potentially increasing its impact on the battlefield.
Both Holliday and Wraith were also affected by the update, receiving nerfs that may alter their effectiveness in matches. These changes are part of Valve's efforts to maintain a balanced competitive environment.
In addition to hero adjustments, certain items have been tweaked. The Ammo Scavenger now provides fewer stacks and no longer offers a health bonus, while Extra Stamina and Restorative Shot have lost their bonuses to Fire Rate and Weapon Damage, respectively. These changes could significantly influence item builds and strategies moving forward.
Image: playdeadlock.com
Valve's new approach to updates, releasing patches as needed rather than on a fixed schedule, reflects a more dynamic development process. This strategy ensures that adjustments are made promptly to address community feedback and maintain game balance. Today's update is a testament to Valve's dedication to Deadlock and its player base.