Deadlock: Halloween Update Brings Candy and Harsh Balance Changes

Valve is following up on Deadlock: Just one month after the major "City Never Sleeps" update introduced six new heroes, the Halloween patch is now live. It brings a short event, but most importantly, a substantial load of balance changes that are likely to shake up your builds and team fights. Find out more about the game on the official Deadlock page.

What's Changing with the Midboss and on the Map?

• The Midboss arena is larger and offers more cover.
• The Midboss is more durable, but now only grants half the direct reward and only roars at 25 percent health.
• After its death, three Rejuvenator Crystals appear instead of one. Each destroyed crystal grants a reward, full healing, and a buff for the team.
• Haunts are stronger, Haunted Souls normally take 25 percent longer to secure – if you're falling behind, it goes faster (up to a 50 percent bonus when 20 percent behind).
• Tunnels provide less movement speed, but Steam Vents give 150 percent more stamina regeneration.

Which Heroes are Getting the Biggest Nerfs?

Especially the most recent additions are taking a hit:

• Baba: Threadsap and Granny Long Legs significantly weaker.
• Nurse Harrow: less weapon damage and weaker Healing Needles, her Ultimate builds Fear slower.
• Rat King: Weapon, Scrap Grenade, and Ultimate have been weakened.
• Mirage: Traveler takes one second longer and is easier to interrupt.
• Violet: Ultimate with a longer cooldown, ends upon her death.
• Solomon and Yamato: Solomon's weapon and turrets weaker, Yamato's Flying Slash loses range.

Grey Talon and Lash, however, receive minor improvements, such as a bouncing Charged Shot.

How Does the Halloween Event Work?

Cauldrons are scattered across the map, which you can smash with a heavy melee attack. Out come candies that replenish stamina and health and grant the Sugar Rush buff for eight seconds: increased movement speed, increased fire rate, increased Spirit Power. But beware: The candy is only available until Monday, November 2nd.

Additionally, the six heroes from "City Never Sleeps" are no longer considered new. For ranked play, you therefore need the regular prerequisite of 15 wins, and they can now be banned.

What Does This Mean for Your Main?

From our perspective, the patch is a clear signal that Valve is tidying things up again after the hero influx. Anyone who racked up many wins with Baba, Harrow, or Rat King in recent weeks will now have to adjust. The Midboss fight is likely to become more tactical thanks to the three crystals. Try out your builds in Casual mode first before taking them into ranked play.

Source: PC Games

Which change hits your Deadlock main the hardest? Discuss with us in the comments!