The MOBA hero shooter Deadlock from Valve remains in an invite-only testing phase as development continues. However, a recent livestream mishap appears to have uncovered a second, even more exclusive playtest featuring unreleased characters and redesigns.
Accidental Livestream Reveals New Content
Leaks emerged during a livestream hosted by a prominent Deadlock player, who reportedly opened an incorrect build version accidentally. According to Eurogamer, viewers captured images showing unfamiliar heroes such as the retro-inspired Doorman, glasses-wearing Bookworm, and gothic Vampirebat, alongside redesigned versions of existing characters like Ivy. The streamer quickly closed the unintended build, but the cat was already out of the bag.
While details remain scarce due to the leak's recency, Deadlock has faced numerous breaches before—its very existence was initially disclosed through unauthorized sources. Though testing upcoming updates with select players isn’t unusual, Valve's handling stands out given Deadlock's still-restrictive access.
Mixed Reactions From the Community
The r/DeadlockTheGame subreddit has seen divided opinions, with some testers expressing frustration over feeling excluded from this even more secretive preview. Deadlock’s current public build has evolved significantly since launch—even removing an entire lane—while Hero Labs previously allowed broader hero experimentation. Still, this leak suggests Valve is implementing another layer of selective playtesting.
A Growing Mystery Around Valve's New Project
Despite its invite-only status, Deadlock has attracted a dedicated player base and curiosity from shooter and MOBA fans alike. Valve’s decision to keep refining the game behind closed doors has only amplified intrigue—now intensified by rumors of a secondary, ultra-exclusive test phase.
That said, as one Redditor humorously noted: "Oh great, as if one Lash wasn't frustrating enough, now there are two of him!" Amid speculation, it's worth remembering Deadlock remains very much a work in progress.
