Valve may have finally confirmed Deadlock’s existence, but the game is far from finished. Currently in a closed beta with invite-only access, Deadlock continues to evolve as Valve refines gameplay, adds new features, and introduces fresh heroes. One such addition is Astro, a DPS cowboy hero with unique abilities that spice up the already frenetic battlefield.
Astro’s kit is designed to frustrate and outmaneuver opponents. His first ability involves placing an exploding barrel that detonates when shot or launched toward enemies, dealing more damage the closer they are. His second and third abilities focus on manipulating enemy movement and positioning—Astro can drop a damaging bounce pad and even throw his cowboy hat, which slows, damages, or reveals enemies. However, Astro’s ultimate ability, a lasso that captures and drags an enemy behind him, has quickly become a fan favorite. Some players have already drawn parallels between Astro and Dota 2’s Batrider, known for similar disruptive tactics.
Astro isn’t the only hero stirring things up in Deadlock. The game already features several characters with crowd-control abilities, including Bebop’s hook, which pulls enemies into the fray, and Wraith’s telekinesis, which stuns opponents in mid-air. While frustrating for those on the receiving end, crowd-control heroes like Astro add another layer of strategic depth to the game.
As the roster of heroes with disruptive abilities grows, mastering Deadlock’s movement mechanics becomes even more essential for players. Basic strategies like boosting walking and sprint speeds with shop items can help, but the game’s advanced movement tech offers a critical edge. Dash sliding, for instance, not only accelerates movement but also provides unlimited ammo while sliding—a handy feature given the long reload times.
Items like Majestic Leap (for higher jumps), Warp Stone (for teleporting), and Superior Stamina (for extra stamina slots) can also help players stay agile and avoid being caught in enemy crowd-control traps. The better your movement skills, the more likely you are to dodge Astro’s lasso or Bebop’s hook and avoid the frustration of being locked down by enemy teams.
With new heroes like Astro entering the fray, learning Deadlock’s movement tech early on could be the key to survival. The fast-paced action demands nimble reflexes and strategic item choices, ensuring players stay one step ahead of their foes.
