Deadlock has added a hero avoidance feature to its ranked and casual modes, allowing players to skip one hero from the roster when queuing. However, the system excludes the six newest characters—all from the Old Gods, New Blood* expansion—leaving them as mandatory picks.
Unlike traditional MOBA draft phases, where teams strategically ban heroes before selection, Deadlock’s approach is streamlined: players toggle a preference to avoid a single hero before being matched. This bypasses the need for pre-match coordination but still addresses frustration over forced playthroughs of unbalanced or disliked characters.
The limitation on new heroes suggests a deliberate focus on stabilizing the core roster while testing how players adapt to fresh additions. With only 34 heroes currently available, a full ban system could risk over-restricting matchups—though the current toggle offers a practical compromise.
Patch notes confirm this as a step toward deeper customization, though further refinements may follow as the game evolves beyond its pre-alpha phase.
- Players can now avoid one hero when queuing (excluding the six newest).
- No team draft phase; avoidance is individual and pre-match.
- New heroes from Old Gods, New Blood* remain unskippable.
- Current roster stands at 34 playable heroes.
For players eager to refine their matchups, the toggle provides a light solution—though the absence of a full ban system may leave some craving more control.
