I recently (finally!) got an invite into Deadlock. Valve’s MOBA/Hero Shooter that’s still in closed beta.
Whilst my exposure to Deadlock and it’s world is limited to just a few rounds at the moment. The game’s style and overall aesthetic is well put together. This just left me questioning what are we doing? Why? And what world is this set in?
So, I’ve been doing some digging, to help myself (and hopefully you!) understand the world of Deadlock.
The Cursed Apple
We’re in a version of New York, The Cursed Apple. The city feels like it’s been dipped into a vat of supernatural ink. It’s Art Deco meets Eldritch Horror.
With tram lines running past buildings where blood rituals are probably being performed over coffee. It’s got that heavy, noir atmosphere where you can practically smell the rain on the pavement and the sulfur in the air.
You immediately just “feel” the vibe of Deadlock. It works perfectly.
The Patrons
In your typical MOBA, you’re hitting a “Core” or an “Ancient.” In Deadlock, you’re working for the Patrons.
These aren’t just buildings; they’re massive, sentient entities—the Amber Knight and the Sapphire Oracle.
Think of them as the ultimate cosmic mob bosses. You aren’t a “hero” in the traditional sense; you’re an operative under contract.
When you’re battling it out in the lanes, you’re performing a ritual to feed these things spiritual energy. It’s a high-stakes job, and the “souls” you’re collecting? That’s the currency of the universe.
The Roster
The character design here is where the “Valve magic” really hits. It’s not just “Soldier with Gun #4.”
- The character, Abrams is a literal demon who looks like he’s walked off a 1920s boxing poster.
- There’s Ivy, a gargoyle who is way more charming than a stone creature has any right to be.
- Paradox is messing with time and space using what looks like clockwork tech.
It feels grounded in its own weird reality. These people (and things) have histories. They have debts.
They’re in the city because they have to be, not because they want to save the world.
The Grind and the Ritual
What I love about the lore here (even in its beta state) is that it explains the gameplay loop.
The “Troopers” aren’t just cannon fodder. They are spectral constructs created for the ritual.
The in-game shop isn’t just a menu; it’s a Curiosity Shop run by someone who probably knows more than they’re letting on.
Deadlock doesn’t care if you don’t “get” the lore immediately, it’s tucked away in item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and the sheer vibe of the map. It’s weird, it’s dark, and it’s unapologetically Valve.
Clear as mud
It’s not a clean and clear story. But it’s also not a narrative-focused game in the first place.
Deadlock is drenched in style and that 20’s noir vibe is easily apparent at every turn. Does it suit the game play? That’s up to you. It’s well themed and provides a context to the world you’re in.
Does the broader story matter? Probably not, but it’s interesting to take a peek and try to make it make sense. Especially when playing the game itself feels like a baptism by fire.
All being well it’ll ”click” for me longer-term. Because that first round was just chaos and struggling to work out what on earth was going on. Hopefully the context helps a little.
Let me know if you need an invite!
