How to Play Deadlock

The goal

Two teams of six fight across 3 lanes. Push down the enemy Guardians and Walkers in each lane, break into their base and destroy the Patron to win.

Souls are everything

Souls are the game's currency and experience in one. You earn them by last-hitting troopers (shoot the soul orb that pops out), killing neutral camps, breaking crates and statues, and taking kills and objectives. Deny enemy souls by shooting their orbs first.

The shop

Spend souls on items in three slots: weapon (orange), vitality (green) and spirit (purple). Items cost 800, 1,600, 3,200, 6,400 souls, and buying more of one slot unlocks bonus stats for that category. You can shop at your base or at lane shops.

Abilities

Every hero has three abilities and an ultimate. As you gain souls you earn ability points: unlock all four first, then put points into the ability your build relies on. Each hero page shows the most-played upgrade order.

Movement

Ziplines run along every lane for fast rotation; you can dash, slide, wall-jump and mantle. Learning to move between lanes quickly is the biggest early skill jump.

Lane, then group

Stay in your lane early to farm souls, help your lane partner and avoid feeding. Once the first Guardians fall, group with your team for objectives, the Soul Urn and mid-boss fights.