Deadlock Spring 2026 Update: Two New Heroes and Ranked Mode
Valve ships a major Deadlock update introducing two new playable heroes, a ranked competitive mode, and significant balance changes.
Two New Heroes Join the Roster
The Spring 2026 update expands Deadlock’s hero roster with two new characters, each bringing unique abilities to the battlefield.
The first addition is a controller-type hero focused on area denial and zoning. Their kit revolves around creating hazardous zones that force enemies to reposition, making them a strong pick for teams that value map control.
The second hero fills a hybrid damage-support role, capable of dealing burst damage while providing utility to nearby allies. This versatile design opens up new team compositions and lane partnerships.
Ranked Mode Launch
The most anticipated feature in this update is the introduction of ranked competitive play. Players can now queue for ranked matches after reaching account level 10 and completing placement matches.
The ranking system features eight tiers, each with three divisions. Seasonal resets will occur every three months, with rewards for reaching high ranks.
Balance Changes
Several existing heroes have received adjustments based on community feedback and internal data. Tank heroes generally received durability increases to better fulfill their role in extended team fights. A handful of overperforming damage dealers had their burst damage slightly reduced to improve counterplay windows.
Item balance also received attention, with several underperforming items getting cost reductions and stat buffs to encourage build diversity.