Valve’s Deadlock, a dynamic third-person shooter MOBA, continues to captivate players in its closed beta phase. Set on a three-lane map, two teams of six battle to destroy the enemy’s base, clearing paths for minions by taking down steampunk mechs that spit fire. With a diverse roster of heroes filling various roles, Deadlock blends the strategic depth of MOBAs like League of Legends and DOTA 2 with the fast-paced action of a shooter. This guide ranks the top heroes for 2025, based on win rates, pick rates, and hands-on testing during the beta. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, choosing the right hero can elevate your performance and lead to more victories.
S-Tier Heroes: The Best of the Best
S-Tier heroes—Seven, Wraith, and Warden—stand out for their high win rates and versatility, making them the go-to picks for players aiming to dominate in 2025.
Seven: The Ultimate All-Rounder
Seven has consistently topped the meta, even after nerfs in the early beta days. His kit is a masterclass in simplicity and power, offering a medium-range primary weapon, an area-denial grenade, a stun, and a stim that boosts his performance. His ultimate, when built correctly, transforms the enemy base into a chaotic kill zone, making it nearly impossible for opponents to hold their ground. Seven’s ease of use makes him accessible to new players, while his high damage output and versatility ensure he remains a favorite for solo laners. His ability to control space and deal consistent damage makes him a must-pick for anyone looking to secure wins without needing complex strategies.
Wraith: The Early-Game Duelist
Wraith excels in the laning phase, particularly for players who thrive in aggressive, close-to-medium-range combat. Her kit includes excellent mobility, burst damage, and a long stun that isolates enemies, setting up kills for teammates. When paired with a supportive duo, Wraith can farm souls early, giving her team a significant advantage. Her ability to outmaneuver opponents and secure quick eliminations makes her ideal for players who enjoy high-intensity duels. While she requires coordination to maximize her potential, her early-game dominance can snowball into late-game success, making her a top-tier choice for team-focused players.
Warden: The Crowd Control Master
Warden rounds out the S-Tier trio with his unparalleled crowd control abilities. His cage stun is a game-changer, allowing for solo eliminations by locking down enemies. In the late game, his ultimate provides a critical heal and boost, helping struggling teams turn the tide. Warden’s ability to disrupt enemy formations and sustain himself makes him a powerhouse for solo laners who want to control the battlefield. His kit is particularly effective in clutch moments, where his crowd control can shift the momentum of a match. For players who enjoy dictating the pace of fights, Warden is an exceptional choice.
A-Tier Heroes: Strong and Versatile Picks
A-Tier heroes—Dynamo, Haze, and Lash—are nearly as powerful as their S-Tier counterparts, offering flexibility across various roles and playstyles. These characters are excellent for players who want reliable picks with high win potential.
Dynamo: The Team-Oriented Tank
Dynamo is the most versatile hero in Deadlock, capable of filling multiple roles depending on the build. He can be a healer, an unkillable tank, or a key player in ultimate fights. His rapid-fire gun decimates minions and enemies, while his self and team heal ensures sustainability in prolonged fights. His short-range stun creates opportunities for kills, and his ultimate locks opponents in place, setting up devastating team plays. Dynamo shines in a duo, where his healing and crowd control can support a partner, but his survivability allows him to hold a lane solo. For players who enjoy a mix of offense, defense, and support, Dynamo is a fantastic pick.
Haze: The Stealthy Glass Cannon
Haze, with an impressive 82% pick rate, is the quintessential assassin. Her ability to turn invisible, sleep enemies, and boost her damage makes her a nightmare for opponents. Her area-damage ultimate, when optimized, can wipe entire teams, making her a high-reward choice for skilled players. However, her low health pool means she’s vulnerable in extended fights, requiring a hit-and-run playstyle. Haze appeals to players who love the thrill of stealth and precision, striking from the shadows to secure kills. Her popularity reflects her effectiveness, but mastering her requires careful positioning and timing.
Lash: The Melee Specialist
Lash is the go-to hero for players who crave close-quarters combat. His melee-focused kit, complete with life-steal and high mobility, allows him to dive into fights and survive through precise combos. His stun abilities demand split-second execution, but when mastered, they lead to satisfying victories. Lash’s high-risk, high-reward playstyle makes him a challenging but rewarding choice for solo players who enjoy outplaying opponents up close. His ability to sustain through life-steal and disrupt with stuns makes him a formidable presence in skilled hands.
B-Tier Heroes: Fun but Challenging
B-Tier heroes—Infernus, Yamato, and McGinnis—require skill and coordination to compete with higher-tier picks. While they may not dominate the meta, they offer unique playstyles for dedicated players.
Infernus: The Fiery Crowd-Pleaser
Infernus, Deadlock’s unofficial mascot, is a fan favorite thanks to his fiery aesthetic and straightforward kit. His consistent DPS and team-wide stun make him a solid choice for solo players, but he’s often outshined by Seven and Wraith in the late game. His abilities are easy to learn, making him accessible to newcomers, but his lack of versatility holds him back against top-tier heroes. Infernus is perfect for players who enjoy a flashy, reliable playstyle and can capitalize on his stun to support team fights.
Yamato: The High-Risk Damage Dealer
Yamato is built for players who love close-range duels and high-stakes plays. Her ultimate delivers a massive damage spike, capable of threatening even the tankiest heroes like Dynamo. However, her focus on damage comes at the cost of survivability, making her a riskier pick than Haze for glass cannon enthusiasts. Yamato thrives in duos, where her damage can be supported by a tank or healer. For players willing to master her high-risk, high-reward style, Yamato offers thrilling moments and game-changing plays.
McGinnis: The Sturdy Support
McGinnis is a support powerhouse, combining turrets, team heals, and a defensive wall that can counter entire ultimates in skilled hands. Her max damage output is difficult to achieve, but her kit provides unmatched utility for team-focused players. McGinnis excels in duos, where her heals and defenses can bolster allies. For players who enjoy a strategic, supportive role, McGinnis offers a rewarding experience, though she requires precision to reach her full potential.
C-Tier Heroes: Niche but Fun
C-Tier heroes—Vindicta, Shiv, and Viscous—are situational picks best suited for players who connect with their unique mechanics or personalities. While they face disadvantages against higher-tier heroes, they can still secure wins with dedication.
Vindicta: The Long-Range Sniper
Vindicta is the only sniper worth playing in Deadlock, offering a glide ability and a powerful rifle for long-range engagements. She’s most effective in duos, where a partner can cover her vulnerabilities in close-range fights. Vindicta’s playstyle is fun for players who enjoy picking off enemies from a distance, but her situational nature keeps her in C-Tier.
Shiv: The Chaotic Gunslinger
Shiv, a gunslinging monkey, brings a playful energy to Deadlock. His close-range kit is packed with fun abilities, but he’s outclassed by other heroes in similar roles. Shiv’s chaotic playstyle appeals to solo players who prioritize enjoyment over meta dominance. His unique flair makes him a great pick for casual matches.
Viscous: The Gooey Entertainer
Viscous stands out with his goo-based abilities and some of the funniest dialogue in Deadlock. His survivability, damage, and area denial are decent but fall short of higher-tier heroes at medium range. Viscous is a great choice for players who value uniqueness and humor, offering a lighthearted experience despite his lower competitive edge.
Getting Into the Deadlock Beta
Deadlock’s closed beta is invite-only, requiring players to secure an invitation from someone already in the game. For those without connections, community platforms like Reddit’s Deadlock Invites Megathread offer a solution. Players and moderators share Steam friend codes, allowing others to join the beta. This community-driven approach makes it possible for dedicated gamers to get in on the action.
Final Thoughts on Deadlock’s Heroes
In 2025, Seven, Wraith, and Warden lead Deadlock’s hero roster with their high win rates and versatile kits. A-Tier picks like Dynamo, Haze, and Lash offer near-S-Tier performance with the right playstyle, making them excellent choices for players looking to climb the ranks. B-Tier heroes like Infernus, Yamato, and McGinnis provide fun and rewarding gameplay for those willing to invest the effort, while C-Tier heroes like Vindicta, Shiv, and Viscous cater to players who prioritize personality and unique mechanics.
Deadlock’s depth lies in its build variety and strategic experimentation. No hero is inherently a lost cause; with the right build and team coordination, even lower-tier characters can shine. Players are encouraged to try different heroes and strategies to find the perfect fit, as Deadlock rewards creativity and adaptability. Whether you’re dominating with Seven or having fun with Viscous, the key to success is understanding your hero and building to their strengths.