Valve's Deadlock Teases Elite Build

Valve's MOBA hero shooter Deadlock remains in an invite-only testing phase as development continues. However, a recent livestream mishap appears to have exposed an even more exclusive playtest featuring unseen characters and redesigns.

Leaks emerged during a stream by a top Deadlock player who accidentally opened what appeared to be a secret build live (via Eurogamer). Viewers captured screenshots revealing new characters like vintage-themed Doorman, scholarly Bookworm, and gothic Vampirebat, plus visual updates for existing heroes like Ivy.

Though the streamer quickly ended the broadcast, the surprise reveal had already spread across the community. The accidental showcase offers the first look at potential future additions, though Valve hasn't officially confirmed these developments.

Deadlock has a history of leaks, from its initial existence to various game elements. While test builds for upcoming updates aren't unusual, it's notable for this still-restricted title. The community reaction shows divided opinions - some testers feel excluded from what appears to be a higher-level internal testing tier.

Even in its current state, Deadlock has undergone significant changes, including removing an entire game lane. Valve previously used Hero Labs mode for hero testing, suggesting this might represent another layer of selective pre-release evaluation.

Despite its limited access, Deadlock has attracted considerable attention from both shooter and MOBA fans. Valve's new project carries inherent excitement, but its unconventional rollout has only amplified curiosity. This latest leak hints at yet another secretive development layer, giving the community fresh material for speculation.

As one Reddit user humorously noted about the potential new content: "Oh great - as if one Lash wasn't bad enough, now there are two of him!" keeping leaks in perspective within the game's evolving landscape.