Getting started in Deadlock can feel overwhelming, especially for new or relatively beginner players. Here are ten practical tips—based on in-game mechanics and common early mistakes—to help you get down the basics of Deadlock and avoid making any silly mistakes.
The “slot machines” around the map follow a pattern: four heavy melees, then time a fifth so it lands when all lights are lit (start the swing as the third light goes out). That yields the full set of four stat buffs. A light melee on a full bar grants a single buff.
Those glowing symbols hovering over the entryways to mid and the center of the map are status indicators, not interactables. They simply mean Mid Boss is alive (you’ll see the same status reflected on the map signage).
Read More: One Tip for Every Deadlock Hero: Beginner’s Guide
Jump into a wall, then jump away using the opposite strafe (e.g., into wall with W+D, away with A + jump). It costs no stamina, lets you juke pressure, and buys time to reposition.
Press F to parry incoming punches. A successful parry stuns the attacker; a missed parry puts you on a longer cooldown, so don’t spam it. Time it against heroes who telegraph heavy melee strings.
Map vents launch you across the arena (great for bridge buffs). While airborne, hold A/D to curve your trajectory and reach off-angles or safer landings. It’s fast and easy mobility tech to get used to and a strong escape tool.
Read More: Deadlock Hero Tier List: What are the best Heroes in Deadlock?
Open the shop screen (B) anywhere to right-click to queue your next buys. Enable auto-buy near shops and optionally auto-queue on match start. Use death timers and ziplines to adjust your queue so you can keep playing instead of menuing.
When your lane is pushed, hit box routes: punch/slide/dash through crates for souls and golden statues for scaling buffs. Rewards increase as the match progresses. Build a few reliable routes (sewers, side alleys) to keep income flowing and make sure you are staying active throughout the game.
Triangles: jungle camps (line under = tougher tier; two lines under = toughest tier).
Rectangles with circles: Sinner’s Sacrifices (slot machines).
Rejuvenator icon: Mid Boss status.
Colored bridge icons: Bridge buffs (visible when active).
House-shaped icons: Shops (lane shops disappear after that lane’s Guardian falls).
Urn icon: Earn—grab it on one side, turn it in on the other.
Lane diamonds: Guardian → Walker → Base → Patron/Shrines.
Items contribute to Weapon, Vitality, and Spirit progress bars that grant passive stat bonuses (e.g., % weapon damage, health, spirit power) at thresholds. Align your spending with your role so passives amplify your build.
Deadlock has depth; improvement comes faster when you’re enjoying yourself. Pick heroes you vibe with, keep builds simple at first, and layer in complexity (actives, specialized routes) over time.
10 Simple tips for new Deadlock players! Beginner’s guide to the Shop, the Minimap, movement & more!
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Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
