The frantic clicking of the hero select screen faded as the final player locked in, and the all-chat immediately erupted with trash talk about someone’s questionable item build. It was January 2026, and the new Deadlock patch had just dropped—the game felt totally different, but somehow, also totally the same. After dozens of matches, I’m still discovering hidden depths in the ‘Old Gods, New Blood’ update, and I’m here to walk you through the biggest changes.
Inside Deadlock’s “Old Gods, New Blood” Revolution
Remember the first time you booted up a game after a major update, and it felt like learning a brand-new title? The “Old Gods, New Blood” patch for Deadlock is that experience amplified. Here’s what you need to know.
Six New Faces Enter the Fray
Every multiplayer game thrives on a steady influx of fresh heroes, and Deadlock just received a bumper crop of them. The update introduces six new heroes:
- Silver
- Rem
- Graves
- Apollo
- Celeste
- Venator
Valve is letting players vote on which heroes get released first by simply playing matches. The community decides, and the process is now incentivized with in-game posters. But what about those infamous matchmaking imbalances during hero releases?
The update brings a token system, prioritizing players who demonstrate proficiency with new heroes. Think of it as a hero-specific MMR—skill now increases your chances of snagging the character you want.
Base Transformation: Patrons, Enemies, and the Core
Imagine if your childhood home was remodeled by ancient gods. That’s essentially what happened to Deadlock’s bases. The old models are gone, replaced by the Hidden King and ArchMother—divine entities with serious presence.
The Hidden King is a shadowy figure, all spindly limbs and foreboding aura, while the ArchMother emanates light and power, drawing strength from arcane tomes. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a statement. Bases now reflect a stark contrast between darkness and light.
The Hidden King’s domain evokes a cultist’s lair, while the ArchMother’s base feels like a grand library. Even the troopers received a makeover, aligning with their patron’s aesthetic.
How Will the Base Rework Impact Gameplay?
Visuals aren’t the only thing that changed. Base mechanics have been significantly altered. Prepare for a new level of strategic depth during those crucial base fights:
- Base Guardians: Parry? Nope. The base guardians can’t be parried, presenting a major shift in defensive tactics.
- Shrines: Positioned on pedestals, these shrines demand commitment to damage them, dealing burst damage and applying Curse.
- Patron: No more running around during the initial phase. The Patron now stays put, while its second phase unleashes AoE burst damage alongside Curse.
These changes serve to level the playing field, reduce snowballing, and potentially extend match durations.
Street Brawl: Deadlock, Now Faster
Sometimes, you want action without the marathon. Enter Street Brawl, Deadlock’s new, fast-paced game mode. Think of it as a MOBA-flavored deathmatch.
Four players per team battle it out in a single lane, selecting three items from nine at the start of each round. Farming is gone, replaced by allocated ability points. Victory comes by defeating the Guardian or Walker, and the first team to three round wins takes the match.
Street Brawl is an amazing training ground and allows you to quickly figure out what items are good for your heroes. Prepare for legendary items and enhanced effects that can turn the tide of battle in seconds. I once found an item that granted infinite ammo.
Why are Shorter Game Modes Important in MOBAs?
Shorter modes such as Street Brawl in Deadlock address a few key issues for players: time commitment, accessibility, and focused practice. Not everyone can dedicate 45+ minutes to a single match, and shorter modes allow for quicker bursts of fun. New players find these modes less overwhelming, and veterans can use them to hone specific skills.
New Arsenal: Two Items Join the Fray
Beyond the Street Brawl’s legendary loot, the base game gets two new items to play with:
| Item Name | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Recharging Rush | 1600 | +20% Max Ammo +10% Weapon Damage Passive: Dealing significant weapon damage replenishes a charge for each of your charged abilities. DMG threshold is 200 within 3.5s time frame. |
| Ballistic Enchantment | 3200 | Passive: Imbue an ability with increased range. Dealing damage with that ability grants you increased weapon damage per unique hero hit. Has reduced effects on non-heroes. +18% Weapon Damage per stack +30% Ability Range 14s Duration, +4% Non-Hero Weapon damage, 8 Non-Hero Stack Limit |
A New Look: Visuals, UI, and Stats Evolved
Step back and admire the view because Deadlock got a major facelift. Effects, the user interface (UI), and even post-game stats received comprehensive visual upgrades.
The new effects are a personal highlight. Channeling abilities now display the ability’s name alongside the duration timer. The hero UI now dynamically adjusts based on kill streaks and health, giving at-a-glance information.
The update also adds a loading animation showcasing your chosen hero