Deadlock Valorant – an exceptional Sentinel with impressive offensive and defensive capabilities, is poised to dominate the Valorant competitive scene. Her unique skillset has captivated many players. In this article, FPT Shop will provide a detailed guide to her abilities and effective gameplay strategies.
Deadlock’s Backstory
In Valorant’s main storyline, Deadlock was an integral member of the Staljeger organization. While tasked with escorting a scientist from Project Landfall to a research facility on the Svalbard Islands in northern Norway, she encountered a monstrous bear, a test subject of Project Landfall, losing her left arm in the confrontation. Through her wit and the scientist’s assistance, Deadlock managed to trap the bear within an iron cage, electrocuting it to death, along with her left arm.
After escaping near death, Deadlock activated a distress beacon before falling unconscious. She was discovered by Sova and taken to the Valorant headquarters. There, she received treatment, adapted to her new robotic arm, and joined the organization as its 23rd agent. Due to her unpleasant memories at the research facility on the Svalbard Islands, Deadlock harbors an aversion towards the small creatures carried by Gekko, as she believes all creatures created by Project Landfall pose potential threats.
With two of its members connected to Project Landfall, the Valorant organization has begun to pay closer attention to the project, seeking to investigate and clarify its objectives. Deadlock is expected to play a crucial role in unraveling the mystery.
Deadlock’s Abilities
Deadlock Valorant’s combat style mirrors her title, with the ability to control key areas and “lock down” enemies with her exceptional ultimate ability.
Ability Q: Ultrasonic Beacon
Deadlock deploys an Ultrasonic Beacon (similar to Cypher’s camera) at a designated location by left-clicking. When the beacon detects any sound, such as footsteps, gunfire, or loud ability activations, it generates pulses within the entire area of effect.
Ability E: Cyber Cage
Deadlock launches a disc towards a location by left-clicking. Upon landing, the disc creates four translucent walls, blocking movement for all characters within the area of effect. Projectiles and abilities can pass through these walls.
Ability C: Gravity Well
Deadlock throws a grenade forward by left-clicking (right-click for a shorter distance). Upon landing, the grenade forces all enemies within its radius to crouch and move slowly.
Ability X: Lockdown
Deadlock uses a high-speed nano wire launcher to shoot out a grappling hook by left-clicking. The hook tethers the first enemy hit and continuously pulls them towards the location from which Deadlock deployed the ability. Enemies will be eliminated if pulled to the end point, unless released. The nano wire tether can only be destroyed by the victim’s teammates.
From Deadlock Valorant’s skillset, we can observe her defensive playstyle and abilities that inflict numerous effects and slow down enemies. While lacking potent anti-flank capabilities since enemies tend to move slowly rather than making noise for Ability Q to detect, Deadlock’s remaining abilities are considered a nightmare for teams attempting to rush sites.
Deadlock’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Analyzing Deadlock Valorant’s abilities, we can quickly identify her formidable cornering and support capabilities. Her combat style shares several characteristics with Initiators rather than Sentinels.
Strengths
- Strong Defensive Abilities: Deadlock can create obstacles and barriers to impede enemy advances. This enables her to control the battlefield effectively and establish strategically important points for her team.
- Control Abilities: With Ultrasonic Beacon, Cyber Cage, and the high-speed nano wire launcher, Deadlock can prevent and control surprise attacks from enemies.
- Quick Target Elimination: The Lockdown ability empowers Deadlock to eliminate critical targets swiftly and efficiently by trapping them within a wire cocoon.
Weaknesses
- Ability Reliance: Deadlock is a character heavily dependent on her abilities to fulfill her role. Consequently, if her abilities are not used accurately and effectively, she becomes vulnerable to defeat.
- Lengthy Cooldowns: Deadlock’s abilities, especially Lockdown, have relatively long cooldowns. This limits her ability to respond to urgent situations or engage in continuous combat.
- Vulnerability Without Abilities: When Deadlock’s defensive abilities are unavailable, she becomes an easy target and struggles to defend herself effectively. As a result, she relies heavily on support from her teammates.
Effective Gameplay Strategies for Deadlock
Deadlock Valorant is one of the most formidable defensive characters in Valorant, with her exceptional ability to control space and deter enemies, providing significant advantages to her team. Here, FPT Shop will provide a detailed guide to playing this character effectively.
Optimal Positioning for Deadlock
At the start of a match, quickly scout for strategic locations where you can control a significant portion of the map without exposing your position. Position yourself near key areas on the map, but maintain a safe distance to avoid detection and becoming an enemy target.
Ideal locations for Deadlock offer wide visibility, allowing you to monitor and respond promptly to adverse situations. These positions should also provide easy access routes so you can navigate between strategic locations during the match.
Avoid approaching enemies too closely, as you will become an easy target and be easily eliminated. Always maintain a safe distance to utilize your abilities effectively and control and counter enemy attacks.
Offensive Strategies
Despite being a defensive character, Deadlock Valorant possesses offensive capabilities. Her versatility is evident in her intelligent use of grenades. By slowing down opponents, she creates opportunities for her teammates to advance or escape dangerous situations.
Moreover, Ultrasonic Beacon serves as a crucial tool, making Deadlock invaluable in all matches. The ability to detect enemy positions and stun them makes this skill a vital asset, helping her and her team locate and eliminate enemies more efficiently.
Defensive Strategies
As a defensive character, Deadlock’s primary role is to protect her teammates and control enemy positioning. Using Gravity Well, she can create an area that slows down opponents, enabling her teammates to advance or retreat from dangerous situations. Additionally, Ultrasonic Beacon is a vital tool for monitoring enemy positions and stunning them.
Support Strategies
By establishing strategically important positions for her team on the map, Deadlock enables them to advance or withdraw safely. These strategic points not only offer safe havens but also serve as ideal starting locations for the team’s attacks and defenses. Furthermore, her presence on the team boosts overall confidence, knowing they have a solid support player on their side.