Valorant enthusiasts were recently treated to an exciting addition to the agent lineup with the launch of a new act. Anticipation was high after a tempting teaser for the new agent was released. The mystery surrounding the agent’s role was quickly unveiled as Valorant introduced Deadlock, a sentinel, into the fray with the launch of Episode Seven.
Initial concerns emerged within the player community, driven by the memory of the overpowering Chamber’s debut. But, as players dived into the gameplay, it became clear that Deadlock was a well-balanced and intriguing addition.
On first look, Deadlock looks promising. Her kit is a mixture of Sage, Killjoy and Cypher. For sentinel mains like me, Deadlock’s feels familiar and easy to master. Just messing around in the practice range, I can sense Deadlock potential. Especially, in Ascent, Split and Lotus where Cypher and KJ shine.
With that said, lets take an in-depth look at the Deadlock and what she offers as a sentinel.
Deconstructing Deadlock’s Abilities
Before you decide to instalock Deadlock in ranked. Let’s first understand what her kit is.
Barrier Mesh (E)
Leading the charge is her E ability, the Barrier Mesh. This defensive tool is unique to Deadlock and is provided at the start of each round, offering significant strategic potential.
Once activated, the Barrier Mesh forms four diagonal walls that block passage through designated areas. What sets it apart is its impressive durability – the central portion of the barrier requires substantial firepower to break. This aspect proves invaluable, especially given the recent rifle ammo reduction.
While this ability is a great way to get a starting advantage, Riot Games made sure to keep the play fair and balanced.
To keep that balance, Deadlock faces a limitation.
Some character abilities like Skye’s flash or Sova’s drone can pass through this barrier.
Another small drawback is, just like a Sage wall, it’s vulnerable when first deployed and can be broken quite easily while it’s still forming. While it takes just around 2 seconds to take shape, it remains fragile during that time and can be damaged.
Sonic Sensor (Q)
Next in line is her Q ability, the Sonic Sensor. Drawing comparisons to KJ’s Alarm Bot, the Sonic Sensor detects specific audio cues like enemy footsteps or gunfire.
The distinguished feature offers a strategic advantage when used passively.
But, we advise that you tread cautiously and don’t rely entirely on it. Why? Because opponents can maneuver past the sensor’s detection by adopting a stealthy approach, moving silently to avoid triggering it.
So, this can cause a drawback for you if someone creeps up stealthily and kills you while you’re focused on detecting their audio cues.
Using this ability to your advantage depends entirely on your game sense. But, when used properly, the Sonic Sensor will help you stack those wins.
Gravnet (C)
Deadlock’s C ability, Gravnet, emerges as a versatile tool for both offense and defense.
Upon activation, it traps enemies, compelling them to crouch and move sluggishly. This ability’s tactical flexibility is its strength – it can control enemy movement, stall advances, and set the stage for well-coordinated engagements.
If you have good communication with your team and can plan your plays, this ability is the one for you.
But, as with any potent ability, opponents can expect its effects and sidestep them with skillful maneuvering.
Even with this considered, Gravnet is a great and balanced ability to use for both attacking and defending..
Annihilation (X)
Stepping into the spotlight is Deadlock’s ultimate ability, Annihilation, a game-changing force on the battlefield.
When you shoot, it sends out wires that trap the first enemy they touch. This trapped enemy then gets wrapped up like a cocoon and their vision is taken away. They’re pulled along this wire path, ending up eliminated once they reach the end.
This ability is like having one of the mightiest trump cards in Valorant.
When you hit someone with it, it’s almost a guaranteed kill. But, it’s not as simple as just triggering it. After you shoot it, there shouldn’t be anything blocking the path between the enemy and where you aimed. If there’s a wall or any obstacle in the way, your ultimate will fizzle out because it won’t reach the enemy. You need a clear path to make this ult work its magic.
This is a great ability to create a diversion. When an enemy is trapped, their teammates can stop the ult by shooting it. But, it requires a lot of bullets to break and can help you push in while the opponent team is engaged in saving their teammate.
All in all, you’re either guaranteed a kill or a diversion making this ability one of the best in the game.
Leveraging Deadlock’s Strengths
Mastering Deadlock’s abilities requires strategic thinking and teamwork.
Strategic Collaborations
Pairing Deadlock with fellow agents can yield explosive synergies.
Integrating her sound sensors and Gravnet with the abilities of other agents can provide early-round advantages. This synergy thrives on maps characterized by tight entry points, such as Ascent, Haven, Fracture, Bind, and Split.
Cleverly placing these utilities can catch opponents off guard and set the stage for strategic dominance.
Deadlock’s Tactical Role
While Deadlock falls into the sentinel category, her versatility sets her apart.
She seamlessly blends utility with combat prowess, making her an adaptable and multifaceted asset. Her role encompasses traditional objective defense while embracing dynamic engagement strategies.
Maximizing Utility Efficiency
Use these simple strategies and get the most out of Deadlock.
Strategically Placed Gravnet
Kickstart rounds by employing Gravnet to gain an early edge. Consider using it at entry points, such as Ascent’s B site, to obstruct enemy progress and create opportunities for your team.
Strategic Barrier Deployment
Use the Barrier Mesh to compel foes to adopt defensive stances.
By obstructing sightlines and delaying enemy advances, you grant your team invaluable moments. Experiment with barrier boosts, an impactful technique that can catch opponents off guard and deliver a tactical advantage.
Addressing Weaknesses and Counters
Recognizing Deadlock’s vulnerabilities is pivotal, let’s take a look at them.
- Be mindful of Kay/o’s suppression abilities, which can nullify Deadlock’s utility. Devising strategies to maneuver around this counterplay is crucial to maintaining effectiveness.
- Avoid impeding your teammates’ movements by strategically placing barriers. Misplaced barriers can hinder rotations and compromise strategic execution.
Is Deadlock Viable?
After playing Deadlock for a few hours, I can comfortably say – Yes, Deadlock has great value. With that said, I would still pick Killjoy or Cypher if given the choice.
Let me explain, Deadlock kits seem like an unrefined version of Killjoy and Cypher kits. The sonic sensor is an inferior version of Cypher tripwires. Cypher trips can only be crossed undetected by using a utility, such as a Jett updraft or Omen Tp. Whereas, all you need to cross Sonic Sensor is to walk.
Because of this, Sonic Sensor is not as effective on holding flanks as Alarmbot or Tripwires. However, they are still pretty good when used to hold sites and entry points.
Next is her Barrier Mesh. It is an all-round good ability, It can be used to lock out areas of the map, stall for time and in post-plant situations. However, when compared to Sage’s wall it is still inferior.
Deadlock still has a big trump card, that could make her a viable pick. That is her ultimate, put it simply, it’s a guaranteed kill 80% of the time. Plus, it’s very easy to aim. I have gotten countless free kills and round wins just by using her ultimate.
To sum it up, Deadlock can be viable if played right. She still does not have as much util potential as other sentinels. Her kit simply does not provide that much value in my opinion. With that said, given time we could see how pro teams incorporate Deadlock into their comps.
Most of all, Deadlock is quite fun to play. If we put the competitive and ranked value aside, at the core, Deadlock is a fun and enjoyable agent. At the end of the day, if you are enjoying playing Deadlock, you can still main her. Plus, she is pretty beginner friendly.
Unleashing Deadlock’s Potential
Ready to use Deadlock and stack those wins? Great!
If you’re still reading, you’re well-versed on how to use this great addition to the character roster.
With her strategic and offensive capabilities, Deadlock becomes one of the best sentinels in the game. If you pair up her toolkit with your creativity, get ready to rank up.
It makes sense that it’ll take some time to get used to this agent and master it. But, the payoff is insane and Deadlock has the potential to become your go-to agent in Valorant.
Now that you know why and how to use Deadlock, hop in the game and try it out for yourself.
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