Deadlock August 18 patch notes: Six new heroes, Hideout, map changes, and more

The latest Deadlock update has officially dropped, and it’s one of the biggest patches the game has seen so far.

Released on Aug. 18, this update completely shakes things up with the introduction of six brand-new heroes, each bringing unique abilities that will reshape strategies and team compositions. Alongside the new roster additions, players can explore the Hideout, a dedicated social hub designed for meeting up, customizing loadouts, and planning matches with friends before diving into the action.

However, the excitement doesn’t stop there as the patch also introduces a wave of map adjustments and balance changes designed to refine the flow of combat and make every encounter feel more dynamic. Combined with sweeping quality-of-life improvements and overall polish, this update ensures that there’s never been a better time to jump in and experience the supernatural shooter at its best.

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Deadlock patch.

Deadlock Aug. 18 patch notes: Full breakdown

Six new heroes

The highlight of Deadlock’s latest update is, without a doubt, the arrival of six brand-new heroes, massively expanding the roster and injecting fresh energy into the game. With each addition, players now have more variety than ever to experiment with, ensuring that every playstyle, from aggressive close-range fighters to thoughtful tactical supports, has a new favorite to master.

Each hero also comes with their unique abilities, kits, and lore, adding depth to gameplay as well as the overall Deadlock universe. The six new heroes joining the fight are: Mina, Billy, Paige, The Doorman, Victor, and Drifter.

Mina is the first hero to make her debut, giving players an early taste of what’s to come. After her arrival, new heroes will unlock every two days, with the release order determined by community votes within the Hideout.

Valve has confirmed that this rollout will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays across two consecutive weeks, keeping the excitement high and ensuring players always have something new to look forward to. This staggered release schedule keeps the meta evolving while also sparking community-driven discussion around strategies, hero preferences, and team synergy.

The Hideout

One of the standout features in the latest Deadlock update is the introduction of The Hideout, a brand-new social hub designed to bring players together outside of the chaos of live matches. This space acts as a central meeting point where you and your squad can hang out, discuss strategies, and prepare for upcoming battles without the pressure of being in the middle of combat.

The Hideout isn’t just about socializing; it’s also a practical training ground. Here, you can test out different builds, experiment with abilities, and refine your mechanics before jumping back into the action. It’s perfect for players who want to sharpen their skills, coordinate tactics with friends, or enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in between intense rounds.

Valve has designed The Hideout to become the go-to destination for downtime between matches. Whether you’re chilling after a nail-biting match, brainstorming hero comps for the next game, or just exploring the space, it adds a refreshing layer of community and preparation that fits seamlessly into the overall experience.

Map updates and reworks

The latest Deadlock update has completely reshaped the battlefield, making every fight feel fresher and more dynamic than before. The Cursed Apple has undergone significant reworks, not just in terms of visuals but also in how it plays. These changes ensure that matches feel more balanced, engaging, and fair across all skill levels.

Even longtime veterans will notice subtle surprises tucked into familiar areas, keeping the experience exciting and unpredictable. Movement across the arenas feels smoother, and the tightened map design pushes for more fluid combat encounters.

These adjustments improve balance and also encourage creative strategies with new team compositions. On top of that, Valve has confirmed that “a lot more map improvements” are in the works for future updates.

What’s next for Deadlock?

This massive overhaul is just the beginning for Deadlock. The update paves the way for community-driven events, giving players more influence over the direction of the game.

Alongside this, Valve has confirmed that future balance patches are already in the pipeline, ensuring every hero and ability stays competitive as the meta evolves. The official patch notes even tease new game modes coming soon, alongside regular content drops and seasonal objectives to keep gameplay fresh.

Players can also look forward to ongoing map improvements and structural updates in upcoming patches, promising even more dynamic arenas for supernatural battles. With so much on the horizon, the future seems bright as the game is shaping up to be a constantly evolving experience designed to keep players hooked.

For more on Deadlock, check out our guide on the hero tier list or the best Vyper build.