Valve keeps us on our toes with their regular updates to Deadlock, and the latest patch, though small, has brought significant changes to four heroes. Calico, a fan-favorite, has faced a substantial nerf: her Return to Shadows ability now has a cooldown increased by ten seconds, with 20% of the speed shifted to T2. Additionally, the damage from T2 Leaping Slash has been reduced, impacting her overall effectiveness in combat.
Sinclair, on the other hand, has undergone a visual and functional overhaul with updated sounds and animations. His Rabbit Hex ability has been transformed into an Area of Effect (AoE) skill, broadening its impact on the battlefield. Meanwhile, both Holliday and Wraith have received nerfs, adjusting their power levels to maintain game balance.
The update didn't stop at heroes; items have also been tweaked. 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.
Image: playdeadlock.com
This marks the fifth Deadlock update of 2025 and the first for February. Valve has shifted its approach to game development, moving away from a fixed patch schedule to releasing updates as needed. Today's patch is a testament to this new strategy, ensuring that the game remains dynamic and responsive to player feedback and balance needs.