In the latest Deadlock update from October 25, 2024, six new heroes were added to the experimental Hero Labs mode: Holliday, Calico, Wrecker, Fathom, Viper, and Magician (temporary names). These characters are still in the early stages of development, with temporary models, names, and abilities in some cases. Hero Labs invites players to test these heroes and provide feedback to the developers, who will adjust, remove, or improve the characters based on community input.
Key features of Hero Labs:
- Temporary models, effects, and names for some heroes.
- Certain abilities may be placeholders, borrowed from other characters until development is complete.
- Heroes in this mode are subject to frequent changes, removals, and re-additions for further testing.
- Patch notes regarding adjustments and fixes for heroes will be published on the Hero Labs sub-forum.
Players who have played at least 50 matches can queue for this testing mode. If a new hero isn’t available in a current match, priority will be given in subsequent matches.
1. Calico — The Stealth Assassin
Backstory: Formerly an elite agent, Calico turned against her employers after discovering the truth behind her missions. Now she hunts her former allies, with her loyal spirit cat by her side.
Abilities:
- Perched Predator: Her spirit cat attacks enemies and explodes after a few seconds.
- Siamese Strike: A leap that deals damage and slows enemies or reduces cooldowns when used on allies.
- Deadly Decor: Places a statue that siphons health from nearby enemies to heal Calico.
- Queen of Shadows: Grants invisibility for stealthy attacks or escapes.
Strengths: High mobility and stealth, ideal for ambushes and hit-and-run tactics. Weaknesses: Relies on precise execution and positioning, weak in prolonged fights
2. Fathom (Slork) — The Deep-Sea Beast
Backstory: A myth to some, Fathom is a centuries-old creature that guards the oceans from invaders. He thrives on fear, using his ancient powers to wreak havoc on anyone who dares to challenge him.
Abilities:
- Riptide: Sends a wave that knocks enemies into the air, dealing damage.
- Chomp: Latches onto a target, continuously dealing damage and healing Fathom.
- Deep’s Embrace: Surrounds himself in protective bubbles that absorb damage and explode, dealing damage back to nearby enemies.
- Ambush Predator: Turns invisible, regenerating health while unseen.
Strengths: Excellent survivability and control, especially in close combat. Weaknesses: Vulnerable to ranged attacks and counter-invisibility abilitie
3. Holliday — The Gunslinger
Backstory: Holliday was once a sheriff in a small Wild West town, but after making a deal with dark forces to save her family, she returned with supernatural powers. Now, she fights against the threats lurking between the human world and the supernatural.
Abilities:
- Powder Keg: Places an explosive barrel that detonates when shot or after a set time.
- Bounce Pad: Creates a trampoline that propels her into the air, dealing damage when she lands.
- Hat Trick: Throws a hat that slows and reveals enemies.
- Spirit Lasso: Latches onto enemies with a lasso, stunning them.
Strengths: Great for crowd control and mobility, allowing tactical positioning. Weaknesses: Vulnerable in close combat, needs precise positioning
4. Magician — The Illusionist
Backstory: Once a simple stage magician, he discovered real magic during a performance. Now, with reality itself at his command, he manipulates space and time to outwit and defeat his enemies.
Abilities:
- Switcheroo: Swaps the positions of two allies or enemies for strategic advantages.
- Illusionary Wall: Creates a wall of illusions that enemies cannot pass through.
- Card Shuffle: Draws random cards that grant unique bonuses or deal damage.
- Escape Artist: Turns invisible, allowing for quick escapes or repositioning.
Strengths: Excellent for supporting the team and controlling the battlefield with strategic illusions. Weaknesses: Requires precision and high skill to effectively manage his illusions and maximize their impact
5. Viper — The Hunter
Backstory: Viper, also known as Kali, grew up in the harsh desert where survival is reserved for the strongest. She became a merciless bounty hunter, using venomous weapons and deadly traps to eliminate her targets.
Abilities:
- Occilioblade: Throws a boomerang that slows enemies and deals damage.
- Pack Hunter: Increases damage and grants life steal.
- Dust Storm: Creates a storm that slows enemies and reduces their fire rate.
- Trapper’s Delight: Lays traps that deal damage and restore Viper’s health.
Strengths: High area-of-effect damage and enemy slowing, with excellent survivability. Weaknesses: Requires good coordination and trap placement for maximum effectiveness
6. Wrecker — The Destroyer
Backstory: Once an engineer from a post-apocalyptic world, Wrecker became a “Collector” after his world was devastated. Now, he roams the battlefield, using a combination of technology and magic to crush his enemies.
Abilities:
- Wrecking Ball: Creates a large ball of scrap that can be thrown to deal damage and stun enemies.
- Consume: Grabs an enemy and deals damage over time while restoring health.
- Bio Blast: Launches bio-waste that slows and damages enemies.
- Astral Walk: Teleports to a target location, dealing damage and slowing enemies.
Strengths: Powerful area control and damage, resistant to enemy attacks. Weaknesses: Limited mobility during key abilities
The introduction of these six new experimental heroes in Hero Labs gives players a unique opportunity to test them in their early stages and provide feedback for their development. Each hero offers a distinct set of abilities and playstyles, adding new layers of strategy to Deadlock. Whether you prefer stealthy ambushes, crowd control, or powerful destructive attacks, there’s a hero for every type of player in this exciting update.