Valve’s newest game, Deadlock, has become a sensation in the gaming world. As of March 2025, the game holds the top spot on Steam’s wishlist charts, surpassing anticipated titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN. Despite being in limited-access testing, Deadlock has already attracted over 64,000 concurrent players, making it the 17th most played game on Steam.
The game’s popularity comes with mixed feedback. While many players have flocked to try this unique blend of MOBA and shooter elements, some critics point out similarities to Dota 2 and question its staying power. Reports indicate that Deadlock has seen a significant player drop since its initial testing phase, with some suggesting that up to 70,000 players have moved on after their first experience.
Steam’s wishlist rankings often predict future success for upcoming games, and Valve’s pedigree as the creator of hits like Half-Life and Counter-Strike lends weight to Deadlock’s position. The gaming community now watches closely to see if Deadlock can maintain its momentum when it moves beyond limited access to a full release.
What Is Deadlock?
Deadlock is Valve’s upcoming 6v6 team-based third-person shooter, blending elements of MOBAs, hero shooters, and classic lane-pushing strategy. Set in a dystopian steampunk world with occult overtones, Deadlock pits teams of heroes against each other in large-scale battles where controlling lanes, upgrading troops, and capturing strategic points are just as important as personal skill.
Players can choose from a roster of more than 30 heroes, each with distinct abilities, weapons, and playstyles. Some are nimble assassins who dart across rooftops, while others are massive bruisers designed to lead the charge. Valve describes Deadlock as an “evolution of competitive multiplayer,” and early playtesters seem to agree. The game blends fast-paced combat with deeper strategic layers, appealing to fans of shooters, MOBAs, and even RTS games.
Features of Deadlock
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Third-Person Hero Shooter with MOBA Mechanics |
| Team Size | 6v6 Competitive Multiplayer |
| Playable Heroes | 30+ Characters with Unique Abilities and Roles |
| Map Design | Large, Multi-Lane Battlefields Inspired by MOBA Structures |
| Setting | Alternate Reality Steampunk & Occult-Themed Cities |
| Progression | In-Game Currency for Item Upgrades and Power Scaling During Matches |
| Objective | Destroy the Enemy’s Patron (Large Supernatural Entity) |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) – Other platforms not yet confirmed |
Why Deadlock Has Become So Popular on Steam
Deadlock’s meteoric rise to the top of Steam’s wishlist charts isn’t just about Valve’s reputation—it’s about what Deadlock promises to deliver.
1. Valve’s Track Record
Gamers know Valve for hits like Half-Life, Portal, Left 4 Dead, and Dota 2. Any new project from them automatically draws attention. With Deadlock, Valve returns to hero-based multiplayer, a genre they helped pioneer with Team Fortress 2.
2. Hybrid Gameplay
The fusion of a hero shooter with MOBA-style lane control makes Deadlock stand out. Players not only fight enemies but also manage resources, upgrade their troops, and make real-time strategic decisions.
3. Visuals and World-Building
Deadlock’s setting mixes steampunk tech, gothic architecture, and magical elements. From towering skyscrapers wrapped in iron and gears to dark alleyways lit by arcane lanterns, the world feels alive and immersive.
4. Competitive Depth
Deadlock offers more than fast reflexes. Team coordination, hero drafting, and in-match adaptations add layers of strategy. Early reports from playtesters praise its complexity and the feeling of a living battlefield.
Current Steam Wishlist Rankings
Here’s a look at the most wished-for games on Steam as of March 2025. Deadlock has secured its place among the biggest upcoming titles.
| Rank | Game Title | Developer | Wishlists (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monster Hunter Wilds | Capcom | 3.8 Million |
| 2 | Deadlock | Valve | 3.4 Million |
| 3 | Hollow Knight: Silksong | Team Cherry | 2.9 Million |
| 4 | S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 | GSC Game World | 2.7 Million |
| 5 | Hades II | Supergiant Games | 2.4 Million |
Early Access and Playtests
Valve initiated closed alpha playtests in April 2024, with thousands of players gaining access via invite. By September 2024, peak concurrent playtesters surpassed 170,000. Players report stable netcode, tight shooting mechanics, and a balance between complexity and accessibility.
As of early 2025, Valve has lifted restrictions on public discussion. Streamers and content creators have begun showcasing Deadlock gameplay, fueling even more hype.
What Playtesters Are Saying
- “It’s like Dota meets Overwatch, but with more freedom and verticality.”
- “The map design encourages creative movement. Grappling hooks, teleporters, and jump pads are everywhere.”
- “Matches feel tense and rewarding. Every decision matters, from troop upgrades to when to push lanes.”
Heroes and Roles Breakdown
Here’s a snapshot of some confirmed hero types in Deadlock:
| Hero Role | Example Characters | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Tank | Grey Talon, Magnus | Soak damage, lead pushes |
| Assassin | Shade, Nyx | High burst damage, target backline |
| Support | Vesper, Echo | Healing, shields, buffs |
| Mage | Orlan, Tempest | Area damage, crowd control |
| Marksman | Warden, Hex | Long-range precision damage |
Each hero has:
- Unique Weapons (guns, magic staffs, swords)
- Ultimate Abilities (game-changing powers)
- Movement Options (grappling hooks, teleportation, gliders)
Map Design and Lane Objectives
Deadlock’s maps are massive, vertical playgrounds designed with both shooters and MOBA fans in mind. Each map features:
- Three Primary Lanes: Similar to MOBA games, with defensive towers and NPC minions.
- Jungle Zones: Side areas with neutral monsters granting buffs or resources.
- High Ground: Rooftops and balconies give snipers and scouts an advantage.
- Dynamic Events: Random occurrences like portal openings or boss spawns.
Winning a match requires pushing down a lane and destroying the opposing team’s Patron—a towering supernatural guardian. But you can’t just zerg rush; strategy and coordination are key.
When Can You Play Deadlock?
Valve hasn’t announced an official release date yet. However, with the public Steam page live and open discussions underway, many speculate a late 2025 or early 2026 release. Open beta testing is rumored to be on the horizon.
Deadlock isn’t just another hero shooter—it’s shaping up to be Valve’s next big multiplayer phenomenon. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced shooters or deep strategy games, Deadlock looks ready to deliver.
Key Takeaways
- Deadlock currently tops Steam’s wishlist charts while still in limited testing with 64,000+ concurrent players.
- Player retention appears to be a challenge as the game has reportedly lost a significant portion of its initial testing audience.
- Steam wishlists often indicate future success, making Deadlock’s top position a potentially strong indicator for Valve’s newest title.
Deadlock’s Rise in Gaming Culture
Valve’s new game Deadlock has carved out a significant place in gaming culture despite still being in limited access. The game’s unique approach to the online shooter genre has captivated players and sparked conversations across gaming communities.
Innovation in Online Shooters
Deadlock brings fresh ideas to the competitive online shooter landscape. The game has quickly climbed Steam’s charts, reaching as high as the 10th most-played game while still being invite-only. With over 64,000 concurrent players during testing phases, Deadlock demonstrates remarkable player engagement before its full release.
What sets Deadlock apart is its strategic depth. Players must balance team coordination with individual skill in ways that feel both familiar and new. The game’s mechanics encourage thoughtful play rather than just quick reflexes.
Valve’s experience developing multiplayer games shows in Deadlock’s polished systems and balanced gameplay. The studio has carefully crafted an experience that appeals to casual players while offering depth for competitive gamers.
Comparisons to Overwatch and Valorant
Deadlock inevitably draws comparisons to established hero shooters like Overwatch and tactical shooters like Valorant. However, the game carves its own identity through distinctive mechanics and visual style.
Unlike Overwatch’s focus on ultimate abilities, Deadlock emphasizes positioning and tactical decision-making. The game borrows elements from Valorant’s precise gunplay but introduces its own twists that create a unique combat flow.
Hero abilities in Deadlock complement firearms rather than replacing them. This balance appeals to players who enjoy tactical shooters but want more variety in gameplay options.
The art direction stands apart from competitors too. Deadlock features a grittier aesthetic than Overwatch’s colorful world, yet maintains visual clarity essential for competitive play.
Deadlock as a Successor to Dota 2
Valve seems to be applying lessons learned from Dota 2’s success to Deadlock’s development. Both games feature deep strategic elements and high skill ceilings that reward dedicated players.
The economic systems in Deadlock show clear inspiration from Dota 2’s resource management. Players must make meaningful choices about equipment and upgrades that impact team strategy throughout matches.
Deadlock’s community engagement strategies mirror Dota 2’s approach. Valve is building the game with competitive play in mind from the beginning, potentially positioning it for esports development.
The company’s experience maintaining Dota 2 as a long-running service game provides valuable insights for Deadlock’s future. Players can expect similar support with regular updates and community-focused development.
Player Engagement and Game Mechanics
Deadlock’s rapid rise to prominence on Steam can be attributed to its innovative gameplay mechanics and strong player engagement strategies. Valve has designed the game to capture and maintain player interest through several key approaches.
Hero Shooter Dynamics and Abilities
Deadlock follows the hero shooter formula but introduces unique twists that set it apart from competitors. Each hero features distinct abilities that create strategic depth and replayability. Players can choose from a roster of characters with complementary skills that encourage team coordination.
The ability system is designed with accessibility in mind, allowing new players to grasp basic mechanics quickly while offering complexity for veterans to master. Some heroes focus on zone control, while others excel at direct combat or support roles.
Valve has balanced these abilities carefully to prevent any single character from dominating matches. This balance has been crucial in maintaining player engagement, as it creates a constantly evolving meta where different strategies remain viable.
Competitive Landscape versus Fortnite
While Fortnite dominates the battle royale space, Deadlock is carving its own niche in the hero shooter genre. Unlike Fortnite’s building mechanics, Deadlock emphasizes team-based objective gameplay and hero synergy.
The game’s matchmaking system places players with similar skill levels together, creating balanced competitions that keep frustration low and satisfaction high. This approach differs from Fortnite’s more varied skill matching.
Data shared by Gabe Follower, a prominent Valve community figure, suggests Deadlock’s retention rates are promising despite being in limited access. The game peaked at 164,855 concurrent players according to SteamDB, showing strong initial interest.
Deadlock’s more focused competitive structure may appeal to players seeking skill-based gameplay rather than Fortnite’s sometimes chaotic environments.
Community and Developer Interaction
Valve has prioritized transparent communication with the Deadlock community. Regular updates address player concerns and introduce refinements based on feedback collected through various channels.
The development team actively participates in community forums and social platforms, fostering a sense of collaboration between creators and players. This interaction helps build trust and loyalty, especially important during the game’s testing phase.
Players can opt-in to provide feedback through in-game surveys, ensuring Valve gathers meaningful data without sending unwanted spam. All personalized data collection requires explicit consent, reflecting Valve’s respect for player privacy.
Community tournaments have already begun forming, with Valve supporting these grassroots competitive scenes. This early competitive ecosystem development suggests Valve is committed to Deadlock’s long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gamers around the world have many questions about Valve’s Deadlock, which has climbed to the top of Steam’s wishlist charts. This unexpected rise has sparked curiosity about release dates, pricing, and how it compares to other anticipated titles.
When is Deadlock from Valve scheduled for release?
Valve has not announced an official release date for Deadlock. The game appears to be in early testing phases, with many players already accessing it despite no formal announcement.
The company is known for its “when it’s ready” approach to game releases. This strategy allows them to refine gameplay without rushing to meet a deadline.
Will Deadlock from Valve be available for free upon release?
There is no confirmed information about Deadlock’s pricing model. Valve has previously released free-to-play titles like Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2, suggesting it could follow this model.
However, the company might opt for a paid release given the apparent scale and resources invested in the game. Official pricing details will likely be announced closer to launch.
What made Deadlock the most wishlisted game on Steam?
According to search results, Deadlock’s rise to the top wishlist position came through “clever guerrilla marketing” and a stroke of luck. Without a traditional marketing campaign, interest spread organically through gaming communities.
The Valve brand name carries significant weight in the gaming industry. Their reputation for quality titles like Half-Life, Portal, and Counter-Strike likely contributed to wishlist numbers.
The mystery surrounding the game has created buzz, as players are curious about a new IP from the legendary developer.
What titles have previously held the record for most wishlisted on Steam?
Monster Hunter Wilds appears to have previously held the top position on Steam’s wishlist charts. According to search results, it’s the only game with more wishlists than Deadlock at some point.
Other games that have historically dominated Steam wishlists include Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy. These AAA titles generated massive anticipation before their releases.
How does the wishlist popularity of Deadlock compare to other upcoming games?
Based on search results, Deadlock currently ranks as either the first or second most wishlisted game on Steam. Some sources indicate it’s at the top, while others suggest it’s second only to Monster Hunter Wilds.
The game has reportedly garnered over 3 million wishlists according to analysts. This is an impressive figure for a game that hasn’t been formally announced by its developer.
Which virtual reality games rank highly on Steam’s wishlist alongside Deadlock?
While the search results don’t specifically mention VR games ranking alongside Deadlock, Valve has a strong presence in the VR market with titles like Half-Life: Alyx.
Popular VR titles on Steam wishlists typically include sequels to established franchises and innovative new IPs. These games often feature unique mechanics that showcase VR technology’s capabilities.
The VR market represents a smaller but growing segment of Steam’s wishlist charts, with fewer titles reaching the upper echelons compared to traditional PC games.
