"Deadlock Update: Calico Nerfed, Sinclair Reworked"

Valve continues to keep the Deadlock community on its toes with a steady stream of updates. The latest patch, though modest in scope, brought significant changes to four heroes and several items, marking the fifth update in 2025 and the first for February.

Calico, a fan-favorite hero, took a considerable hit with her Return to Shadows ability being nerfed. The cooldown for this ability has been extended by ten seconds, and 20% of the speed bonus has been shifted to the T2 tier. Additionally, the damage output from T2 Leaping Slash has been reduced, which will certainly alter her playstyle and effectiveness on the battlefield.

Sinclair, on the other hand, received a visual and functional overhaul. His sounds and animations have been updated, and his Rabbit Hex ability has been transformed into an Area of Effect (AoE) skill, potentially increasing his impact in team fights. Meanwhile, both Holliday and Wraith faced nerfs, adjusting their balance within the game's ecosystem.

The update didn't spare items either. Ammo Scavenger now provides fewer stacks and no longer offers a health bonus, diminishing its utility. Similarly, Extra Stamina and Restorative Shot have lost their bonuses to Fire Rate and Weapon Damage, respectively, which might require players to rethink their strategies and item builds.

Image: playdeadlock.com

This update reflects Valve's new approach to Deadlock's development. Moving away from a fixed patch schedule, the team now releases updates as they become necessary. Today's patch is a testament to this dynamic strategy, ensuring that the game remains fresh and balanced in response to player feedback and gameplay data.