Is Deadlock a MOBA? – Game Genre and Features Explained
“Is Deadlock a MOBA?” – This is one of the first question every new player asks before trying out the game.
Deadlock is currently on a closed playtest. It is an upcoming multiplayer action game that combines the elements of MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) and shooter games. The game is a 6v6 shooter played in a third-person perspective.
Is Deadlock a MOBA?
Deadlock leans towards being a MOBA game than not. So, when asked “Is Deadlock a MOBA?” the simple answer is, yes.
Many Deadlock players will agree that Deadlock is a MOBA game rather than a shooter game. Popular MOBA (multi-online battle arena) games include Dota 2 and League of Legends. Deadlock’s game design resonated with a lot of MOBA players. Fans agree that although Deadlock looks like a TPS (third-person shooter) game, it is a MOBA at heart.
At first, it will feel like the game is a combination of a shooter and MOBA. After spending a few hours learning the ropes, you will feel that it is more of a MOBA than a shooter.
What makes Deadlock a MOBA?
The MOBA definition is a subgenre of strategy video games where players compete against each other on a predefined battlefield. The main objective of a MOBA game is to destroy the enemy base by winning and pushing down lanes. This is the primary gameplay of Deadlock. Troopers are sent down in four lanes to attack enemies, Guardians, Walkers, Base Guardians, Shrines, and Patron. This is similar to Dota 2’s creeps and LoL’s minions.
When killed, Troopers drop down Soul Orbs which can be used to buy items. The Souls gathered by heroes will also indicate the level-up rewards to unlock ability, ability points, and power increase. Soul Orbs can be denied by hitting the floating orb before the enemy claims it.
Guardian, Walker, and Base Guardians are the objectives in each lane before attacking the enemy’s base. The attacks of Guardian and Walkers slightly differ from each other. Guardians have a laser attack, melee attack, and a slam attack while Walkers have a Volcano Salvo instead of a melee attack.
A flex lot will open for every two Walkers your team destroys. When Base Guardians are killed, the zipline for allied Troopers becomes significantly faster than normal. The fourth objective is the Shrines and they do not attack. Shrines should be destroyed to weaken the Patron.
How to win?
Destroying the Patron is the end goal. Patron has two states, weakened and normal. After destroying the Shrines, the weakened Patron can be killed. It will transform into its normal state and move back to the pit. After the invulnerability phase, the Patron will return to 100% health and be vulnerable again. Players should be inside the pit to damage the Patron.
Mid Boss, similar to Dota 2’s Roshan and LoL’s Baron, drops a Rejuvenator that gives buffs to your team and your Troopers. It also decreases your respawn time significantly.
Temporary Buffs, like Runes, spawn on the bridges near the Soul Urn location. There are four Temporary Buffs including Survival Buff, Gun Buff, Casting Buff, and Movement Buff.
Is Deadlock going to be the next big thing?
Although the game has not launched publicly, the reception has been amazing. Getting a playtest access is not that difficult and more players are trying out the game each day. Deadlock definitely shows a promising future in esports.
Since we think that Deadlock betting will soon be here, keep an eye out for esports betting sites featuring the game title.
