Deadlock Patch Analysis - 2026-02-12

Executive Summary

This is a massive infrastructure patch introducing PropertyUpgrades - a new item upgrade system that adds secondary enhancement paths to nearly every item in the game. Additionally, Apollo (hero_fencer) receives full ability data and stat adjustments, marking his transition from development to release-ready status. The patch also adds explicit AirDashSpeed and GroundDashSpeed values to all heroes for more precise movement tuning.

Major Changes Analysis

New Item Upgrade System: PropertyUpgrades

The headline feature of this patch is the introduction of PropertyUpgrades - a new field added to almost every item in the game. This appears to be preparation for an item upgrade system that allows players to enhance items beyond their base stats.

What This Means:

• Items can now be upgraded to gain additional bonuses
• Each item has specific upgrade paths that complement its core identity
• This adds significant build depth and late-game scaling options

Notable PropertyUpgrade Examples:

Apollo (hero_fencer) - Ability Data Population

Apollo receives complete ability data, making him release-ready:

Ability 1: Disengaging Sigil (ability_fencer_throwblade)

• 100 (+1.3 Spirit) damage projectile
• Creates a sigil that slows enemies by 30% for 4s
• 12s cooldown
• Upgrades: +30 damage, +20% fire rate buff, or +2 stamina restore

Ability 2: Riposte (ability_fencer_riposte)

• Counter/parry ability with 0.3s parry window
• On success: Dash 20m at 60.96 speed, stun for 0.6s
• Applies -15% Bullet Resist debuff
• 22s cooldown
• Upgrades: -7s CD, -15% more Bullet Resist, or +1.2s stun duration

Ability 3: Flawless Advance (ability_fencer_lunge)

• Chargeable dash attack with perfect timing mechanic
• Base: 30 (+0.7 Spirit) damage
• Perfect timing: 75 (+1.65 Spirit) damage
• Max 3 stabs per activation, 2 charges
• 26s cooldown
• Upgrades: Heal on hit, faster dash, or bonus damage

Ability 4 (Ultimate): Itani Lo Sahn (ability_fencer_ultimate)

• High-speed dash (254 m/s) dealing 70 (+0.77 Spirit) impact + 250 (+1.75 Spirit) delayed damage
• Targets below 50% HP take 60% bonus damage
• 70% damage reduction during cast
• 100% healing reduction on target
• 125s cooldown
• Upgrades: +8m range, -40s CD, or +40% bonus damage

Apollo Stat Changes:

• Base HP: 700 → 740 (+40 HP)
• HP per Boon: 41 → 44 (+3 per level)
• Weapon changed from “Spreadshot/CloseRange” to “MediumRange/Projectile”
• Now has full weapon stats: 17 damage, 2.63 RPS, 15 clip, 2.5s reload
• DPS: 44.7 (Sustained: 31.1)

Hero Movement Data Additions

All heroes now have explicit AirDashSpeed and GroundDashSpeed values. Previously these were likely calculated from distance/duration.

Movement Speed Tiers Identified:

This explicit data allows for more granular movement balance in future patches.

Recommended Hero Rotation Changes

Several heroes had their “IsRecommended” flag changed:

No Longer Recommended:

• Drifter (hero_drifter)
• Vindicta (hero_hornet)
• Mirage (hero_mirage)
• Pocket (hero_synth)
• McGinnis (hero_forge)
• Victor (hero_frank)

Now Recommended:

• Shiv (hero_shiv)
• Yamato (hero_yamato)

Items Flagged as Deprecated/Disabled

Several items had their Name and Description set to null, suggesting they’re being removed or reworked:

• Ablative Coat (T4 Vitality)
• Shield Rush (T4 Vitality)
• EMP Grenade (T3 Spirit)
• Smoke (T3 Spirit)
• Spirit Barrier Pulse (T2 Spirit)
• Arcane Eater (T2 Weapon)
• Fire Rate / Improved Fire Rate (T2/T3 Weapon)
• Belt-Fed Magazine (T4 Weapon)
• Many others

Note: Items with null names may still function but won’t display properly in-game, suggesting internal testing or planned removal.

Strategic Implications

Build Theory Changes

PropertyUpgrades Meta Impact:

1. Late Game Scaling - Items that seemed “finished” now have upgrade potential, changing when you should complete builds vs. upgrade existing items

2. Efficiency Calculations Change - An upgraded Kinetic Dash provides significantly more value than before, potentially changing the “1,600 soul spike” economy

3. Upgrade Priority - Items with high-impact upgrades (Colossus: +10 resist each, Leech: effectively doubles its value) become even more attractive

Apollo Initial Assessment:

• Assassin archetype with high mobility and burst
• Riposte rewards skilled timing with significant payoff
• Ultimate punishes low-HP targets - natural synergy with sustained damage teammates
• Weapon being “MediumRange/Projectile” suggests he’s not a face-to-face brawler
• 740 HP + 44/boon puts him at ~1,620 HP at 20 boons (below average)

Hero Recommendations Analysis

The rotation of recommended heroes suggests Valve is:

• Moving away from recommending heroes with complex mechanics (McGinnis turrets, Pocket briefcase, Victor poison stacking)
• Pushing more straightforward carry/assassin picks (Shiv, Yamato)
• Possibly preparing new players for Apollo’s release

Data Cleanup

Unreleased Hero Data

• hero_fencer_lore - Apollo lore reference added
• hero_werewolf_transformed_lore - Silver transformed state lore (existing hero, not new)

These are internal data entries for hero flavor text, not new heroes.

Item PropertyUpgrade Summary Table

Below are the most impactful item upgrades added:

Conclusion

This patch represents a significant expansion of Deadlock’s item system with PropertyUpgrades adding a new layer of progression and build complexity. Apollo’s ability kit suggests he’ll be a high-skill-ceiling assassin that rewards timing and positioning. The movement data additions indicate Valve is building infrastructure for more precise balance tuning.

Players should expect:

1. A new item upgrade UI in an upcoming patch
2. Apollo’s release to the live roster soon
3. Possible removal or rework of items marked with null names
4. Continued movement system refinements

Analysis generated February 12, 2026