Valorant continues to expand its roster of agents, each bringing unique abilities and gameplay styles. Deadlock, introduced in Episode 7 Act 1, is one of the most intriguing additions to the game’s Sentinel lineup. Known for her nanowire-based abilities, Deadlock excels at crowd control, restricting enemy movement, and defensive play. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Deadlock in Valorant, from her abilities to tips and strategies for dominating with her on the battlefield.

Who is Deadlock in Valorant?

Deadlock, the 23rd agent in Valorant, hails from Norway and serves as a key member of the Sentinel class. Her background, involving a high-stakes mission in which she lost her arm, is reflected in her combat prowess and tactical abilities. Equipped with advanced nanowire technology, Deadlock is an ideal agent for players who enjoy controlling enemy movements and setting traps to disrupt the opposition.

As a Sentinel, Deadlock’s role is to help her team control the map, stall pushes, and gather information, making her a crucial part of any defensive lineup.

Deadlock’s Abilities

Deadlock’s abilities revolve around area control, slowing down enemies, and trapping them in ways that are unique to her kit. She can disrupt enemy advances, concuss enemies in key locations, and even encase enemies in a cocoon that drags them toward their doom. Let’s take a closer look at each of her abilities.

GravNet (C)

GravNet is Deadlock’s crowd control ability, and it brings a new form of slowing opponents down. When thrown, the GravNet creates a circular area of effect that forces enemies caught inside it to crouch and move slowly. This limitation makes them highly vulnerable to incoming attacks or utility from both Deadlock and her teammates. The GravNet can be deployed with either a standard throw or underhand lob for more precise placement.

How to Use GravNet Effectively:

• Throw GravNet early in the round to slow enemy advances or cut off critical choke points.
• Combine it with damage-dealing abilities from other agents like Raze’s Paint Shells or Viper’s Snakebite to maximize its impact.
• Place the GravNet in tight spaces or corners where enemies are likely to funnel through, making it harder for them to dodge the trap.

Sonic Sensor (Q)

Sonic Sensor is a utility that monitors an area for sound-based activity. Once placed, it listens for any noises such as footsteps, weapon fire, or interactions with objects like the Spike. When triggered, it unleashes a concussive blast that disorients enemies in its radius, reducing their movement speed and impairing their vision. This ability is excellent for gathering information and controlling enemy movement without direct confrontation.

How to Use Sonic Sensor:

• Place the Sonic Sensor in locations where enemies are likely to make noise, such as choke points or near Spike planting sites.
• Use it on defense to gather critical information about enemy movements and set up ambushes for your team.
• Sonic Sensor works well with other crowd control abilities to create devastating traps for the opposing team.

Barrier Mesh (E)

Deadlock’s signature ability, Barrier Mesh, creates a unique barrier system that blocks enemies from passing through, though they can still shoot through it. When activated, Barrier Mesh generates a central orb that spawns four smaller orbs in cardinal directions, creating a transparent, X-shaped wall. This wall lasts for up to 30 seconds but can be destroyed by enemies if they target the orbs.

How to Use Barrier Mesh:

• Use Barrier Mesh to block key pathways during retakes or post-plant situations to delay the enemy’s progress.
• Be mindful of the placement; while the mesh blocks movement, it does not block bullets or abilities, so positioning is still crucial.
• The barrier can be used to protect teammates during Spike defuses or plant scenarios, giving you time to secure objectives.

Annihilation (X)

Deadlock’s ultimate ability, Annihilation, is one of the most unique ultimates in Valorant. When activated, Deadlock fires a long-range pulse of nanowires that ensnare the first enemy it contacts. The enemy is wrapped in a cocoon, rendering them immobile and unable to interact with anything. The cocooned enemy is then pulled back toward Deadlock’s original position. If the cocoon isn’t destroyed in time by their teammates, the enemy is eliminated.

Using Annihilation Strategically:

• This ability works best when used later in a round when fewer enemies are alive, making it harder for them to rescue their trapped teammate.
• Combine Annihilation with intel-gathering abilities like Sova’s Recon Bolt to ensure you target an enemy before you fire.
• Try to use Annihilation in areas where your team can protect the captured enemy’s cocoon, preventing a successful rescue.

Tips and Strategies for Playing Deadlock

Deadlock’s abilities offer a high level of versatility, but she can be challenging to master. Here are some tips and strategies to help you get the most out of her kit.

Positioning and Map Control

Deadlock excels in locking down areas and delaying pushes, but to fully capitalize on her potential, proper positioning is key. On maps with tight corridors and choke points, like Bind or Ascent, Deadlock’s abilities can control enemy movement and buy time for rotations. Try to place her Sonic Sensors and Barrier Mesh in areas where enemies are likely to funnel through.

For example, using Sonic Sensor in high-traffic areas like Bind’s B Hookah drop or Fracture’s A site can catch enemies off-guard as they make noise dropping down, allowing you to quickly concuss and follow up with other abilities.

Combining Abilities with Teammates

Deadlock works well in a coordinated team, especially with agents who have area control or intel-gathering abilities. Pairing her Sonic Sensor with Sova’s Recon Bolt or Gekko’s Wingman can help you confirm an enemy’s location before triggering the concussive effect. Additionally, her GravNet can synergize with agents like Raze or Viper, as it slows enemies down enough for them to be hit with high-damage abilities.

Timing Your Ultimate

Annihilation is best used in clutch situations where you can isolate an enemy and force their team to either rescue them or leave them to die. The ability is powerful, but it’s also vulnerable to counters like enemy fire, so make sure you use it in situations where your team can support the capture. It’s ideal to use Annihilation when you have information about an enemy’s position or when your team has reduced the number of opponents.

Best Maps and Agent Pairings for Deadlock

Some maps in Valorant play to Deadlock’s strengths more than others. Maps like Ascent, Fracture, and Haven, with their numerous choke points and tight spaces, give Deadlock plenty of opportunities to use her abilities effectively. Additionally, agents like Viper, Sova, and Raze are excellent complements to Deadlock’s utility-based kit. These agents can deal damage or gather information while Deadlock controls the battlefield with her barriers and traps.

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Mastering Deadlock in Valorant requires a blend of tactical awareness, precise ability usage, and strong map knowledge. By understanding how to best use her abilities in different situations and coordinating with your team, you can turn her into a force to be reckoned with on any map.