Having joined the roster of VALORANT agents in the tail end of June, Deadlock will surely be a big change to the game’s meta. This is the fifth Sentinel to join the game, bringing with her a revolutionary kit that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of tactical gameplay. Let’s take a look at her abilities and see how they’ll impact the game going forward.

The Scorpion Approaches

Deadlock embodies the symbolism of a scorpion, according to the game’s developers. This comparison is not just about her deadly abilities but also about her strategic approach to combat. Unlike spiders that patiently weave their webs and rely on their traps to ensnare prey, scorpions bide their time, concealing themselves until the opportune moment to strike. This approach is risky, but it also makes Deadlock so captivating. Her arsenal contains minimal initial utility. Instead, her every move demands precise timing and swift exploitation of opportunities. This approach is a stark departure from traditional Sentinels, making Deadlock a unique and exciting addition to VALORANT’s roster.

Signature Ability: Barrier Mesh (E)

Deadlock’s signature ability, Barrier Mesh, serves a specific purpose. She deploys a swift disc-like device, akin to a stim beacon, to summon a formidable four-wall barrier that obstructs enemy movement and neutralizes their utility. The barrier is a formidable obstacle, capable of halting players in their tracks and even impeding certain abilities.

The barrier can withstand approximately 15 rounds of ammunition at its edges and 31 shots at its center from a phantom. This resilience makes it a significant obstacle for enemies to overcome, potentially forcing them to expend valuable resources to break through. It’s a defensive fortress that can stall opponents, deny enemy advances, and thwart strategic attempts to breach bomb sites, making it a powerful tool in Deadlock’s arsenal.

Utility: Sonic Sensor (Q)

Deadlock’s Q ability, Sonic Sense, deviates from the norm. Unlike most detection abilities that rely on line of sight, Sonic Sense relies solely on sound to detect enemies. The device does not trigger unless adversaries produce some form of audible disturbance, such as gunfire, footsteps, or ability usage. This unique mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, forcing players to consider their noise levels when moving around the map.

Once triggered, Sonic Sense emits a stunning effect over a wide area, incapacitating enemies for a significant duration of 3 seconds. This ability lends itself well to strategic placements in areas where opponents are forced to generate noise. It can also prove useful in locations where enemies might attempt to destroy your team’s utility or from commonly spammed angles. However, its effectiveness hinges on the presence of audible cues, adding another layer of complexity to its usage.

Deadlock’s Grenade: GravNet (C)

GravNet introduces a unique twist to the realm of throwable grenades. This AOE utility slows down enemies and restricts their movement. Once ensnared in the net, adversaries must remain crouched for the ability’s duration. This can disrupt enemy strategies, forcing them to adjust their plans on the fly.

What sets this grenade apart is its impressive swiftness in activation and its ability to latch onto targets regardless of line of sight. It can effortlessly ensnare foes even when thrown into smokes or around corners. This makes GravNet a versatile and unpredictable tool, capable of catching enemies off guard and turning the tide of a battle.

Annihilation: Deadlock’s Formidable Ultimate Ability (X)

Deadlock’s ultimate ability, Annihilation, stands out as one of the most extraordinary additions to VALORANT’s list of abilities. Through this ultimate, Deadlock wields the nanowire accelerator, triggering a pulse of nanowires that ensnare the first enemy they come into contact with. These unfortunate victims become entangled within a web of nanowires, compelled along a predetermined path toward an inevitable demise unless they are freed. This ultimate ensures a high probability of securing a kill for your team against an unsuspecting adversary.

The Annihilation ability is a game-changer in many ways. It can turn the tide of a round, providing a significant advantage to Deadlock’s team. However, it also requires strategic use, as enemy allies can liberate their ensnared teammate from the clutches of your ultimate by swiftly eliminating the nanowire restraints. This adds an extra layer of strategy and counterplay, making each use of Annihilation a high-stakes gamble.

Final Thoughts on Deadlock

Deadlock, the Sentinel disruptor, injects a refreshing twist into the Sentinel game. While she may not excel in gathering information like the astute Killjoy or the observant Cypher, she compensates generously by unleashing a barrage of stall tactics that benefit her entire team, regardless of their chosen side.

Her entire repertoire of utilities hinges upon the player’s ability to execute flawless timing when deploying them while on the move. It’s a high-stakes game that demands finesse and precision. Mastering Deadlock will be an exceptionally challenging feat, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Deadlock’s introduction to VALORANT will surely shake up the game’s meta. Her unique abilities and playstyle will offer new strategies and tactics for players to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, Deadlock’s arrival is sure to bring a fresh and exciting experience to your VALORANT matches.