Is Deadlock Playable on Steam Deck? Latest Update from Valve

Are you wondering if you can play Deadlock on the Steam Deck? We reached out to Valve for insights into the compatibility of this exciting hero shooter MOBA on the portable gaming system.

The Steam Deck has revolutionized gaming on the go, allowing players to access their entire Steam library from virtually anywhere. Regardless of genre—from fast-paced shooters to intricate strategy games—there’s a myriad of options available for players on this versatile device. Yet, each new title brings about a recurring inquiry: Is it compatible?

With Deadlock recently entering early access and attracting eager gamers, the question has resurfaced: Can it be played on the Steam Deck? Here’s what we’ve uncovered.

Is Deadlock Playable on the Steam Deck?

Currently, Deadlock lacks official support for the Steam Deck. While players can launch the game, matchmaking capabilities are limited. To enjoy gameplay fluidly on the handheld, enthusiasts may need to tweak the game’s files.

Enterprising community members have already crafted custom control layouts designed specifically for this game. However, keep in mind that these configurations are unofficial and may exhibit quirks typical of a MOBA.

When Can We Expect Official Steam Deck Support?

According to Yazan Aldehayyat, a hardware engineer at Valve, “Deadlock is currently in its early stages. None of us are directly involved with the game, so we don’t have specific updates. That said, it is a work in progress.”

Jay Shaw, a designer, added, “Given the game’s early access status, developers typically refrain from finalizing control schemes and compatibility too soon. There are numerous elements still under development, and we aspire for every game, including our projects, to function splendidly on the Steam Deck when the time comes.”

While an official release is on the horizon, it’s evident that Valve aims for compatibility before the launch of Deadlock, although the full version may still be several years away.

Image of a Valve Steam Deck on top of an image of the Fallout TV series Pip-Boy replica by The Wand Company. — The Wand Company/Valve

The Steam Deck boasts impressive capabilities for running most games from your library, but performance can vary widely depending on specific titles.

Despite the complexities inherent in Deadlock—such as its diverse character roster and intricate gameplay mechanics—the developers are keen to make the game enjoyable on the handheld when the moment is ripe. “One of the significant challenges we face,” explained Shaw, “is that PC games have numerous interaction methods. Thus, devising a control scheme that accommodates all possible interactions proves quite difficult.”

Shaw noted, “The trackpad is an integral part of this solution, but many players might overlook our gyroscope feature that enables gyro-aiming. Additionally, the capacitive thumbsticks can enhance aiming precision. The customization options are virtually endless.”

The gaming community remains hopeful as they anticipate how Valve’s next title might leverage the unique hardware of the Steam Deck. Rest assured, support for Deadlock is indeed in the development pipeline.

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