guides
October 11, 2025

I Played Deadlock for 500 Hours - Complete Review & Guide

A comprehensive review of Deadlock after 500 hours of gameplay, covering what makes this Valve MOBA-shooter hybrid special and why you should play it.

By Mugthief
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500 Hours in Deadlock: Should You Play It?

After dedicating 500 hours to Deadlock, content creator Mugthief delivers an in-depth review of Valve's ambitious MOBA-shooter hybrid. Watch the full video above for this comprehensive analysis that explores what makes Deadlock special and whether it's worth your time.

What Is Deadlock?

Deadlock is Valve's new third-person MOBA-shooter currently in early development testing. It combines elements from multiple successful games:

  • League of Legends - Strategic MOBA gameplay
  • DOTA 2 - Complex mechanics and itemization
  • Smite - Third-person perspective
  • Predecessor - Modern MOBA innovations
  • Monday Night Combat - Shooter combat mechanics

The Deadlock Phenomenon

The game is rapidly gaining attention across the gaming community:

  • Setting new concurrent player records
  • Attracting major streamers like Shroud
  • Drawing competitive players from Apex Legends and Valorant
  • Building a dedicated competitive scene

What Makes It Great?

With 500 hours invested, Mugthief breaks down the core strengths:

Deep Strategic Gameplay

  • Multiple viable strategies per match
  • Complex itemization system
  • Team composition matters
  • Macro and micro play both rewarded

Satisfying Gunplay

  • Responsive shooting mechanics
  • Balanced with MOBA abilities
  • High skill ceiling for mechanical players

Active Development

  • Regular patches and updates
  • Developer responsiveness to feedback
  • Evolving meta and balance changes

Chapter Breakdown

00:00 - What is Deadlock, really? 06:52 - What makes it great

Who Should Play Deadlock?

This game appeals to:

  • MOBA enthusiasts looking for fresh experiences
  • FPS players interested in strategic depth
  • Competitive gamers seeking high skill ceiling gameplay
  • Valve fans excited for new projects

The Learning Curve

Be prepared for a significant learning investment:

  1. Understanding multiple game systems
  2. Learning hero abilities and interactions
  3. Mastering itemization
  4. Developing map awareness
  5. Improving mechanical skills

Is It Worth 500 Hours?

The verdict after extensive play: Yes, probably.

Deadlock offers a unique blend of genres that creates something truly special. While it's still in early development, the core gameplay loop is compelling enough to keep players engaged for hundreds of hours.

Getting Started

If you're interested in trying Deadlock:

  • Request beta access through official channels
  • Watch guides and tutorials
  • Start with simpler heroes
  • Focus on learning one role initially
  • Be patient with the learning process

The Competitive Future

With major streamers and professional players already invested, Deadlock shows strong potential for a thriving competitive scene. Early adoption could give you a significant advantage as the game develops.

Whether you're a MOBA veteran or FPS enthusiast, Deadlock offers something unique worth exploring. The 500-hour recommendation speaks volumes about its depth and replayability.

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