Blimey! We finally got a meaningful Deadlock update that didn’t just rebalance the meta or tweak the Deadlock map, and the game has never looked better than it does right now. Out are the old, somewhat stale menus, and in is a new, customizable pre-game lobby hub world that feeds into the game’s lore and atmosphere perfectly. In addition, the Deadlock roster is getting a welcome expansion after all this time, with six new Deadlock heroes appearing on the streets of the Cursed Apple.
For some time, Deadlock has existed in something of a holding pattern with most of the Deadlock updates amounting to little more than rebalancing changes, a few new items, and adjusting elements of the map. This is, however, what you might expect of a game that exists in early access. The only impactful updates that come to mind since the game’s launch to early access in August 2024 was the reduction in Deadlock lanes from four to three, and the introduction of Holliday, Sinclair, and Vyper as new members of the roster.
All that has changed as of the August 2025 update, which has expanded the characters list further with Mina the vampire, and five other heroes who are to be released one at a time every other day. From what we’ve seen of Mina, she is a Spirit-based long-range assassin with ramping damage. She isn’t the only monster joining The Hideout – the game’s new pre-game lobby – as Billy the demonic goat, Paige the book animator, The Doorman, Victor the monster, and Drifter are set to join her over the coming days.
One of the biggest and most notable changes to the game is the introduction of The Hideout. Gone is the dashboard UI, and in its place is The Hideout that provides players with a private lobby reminiscent of the Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic hubs. In time, The Hideout will be customizable.
If you want to have a say in which of the new heroes is unlocked next, you’ll need to boot up Deadlock and head to the left where you’ll find a voting booth.
If it’s been some time since you danced within the Cursed Apple, make sure you check out our full lists of Deadlock items, or take a look at our various Deadlock guides to character builds and more.
