Valve’s upcoming MOBA-style hero shooter Deadlock is still deep in development, with access currently limited to a select group of playtesters. However, a recent and unexpected slip-up during a livestream may have revealed more than Valve intended at this stage. What appeared to be an accidental showcase of a different build of the game has sparked a wave of discussion among fans, as it included characters and features not present in the previously known version.
The incident occurred when a well-known Deadlock player, currently participating in the closed test, mistakenly opened what looked to be a more restricted build of the game while streaming. Viewers caught a glimpse of a different version of the character selection screen, featuring new heroes such as the classic-looking Doorman, the intellectual Bookworm, and a dark, gothic figure known as Vampirebat. There were also noticeable visual updates to existing characters like Ivy, hinting that Valve is experimenting not just with new additions, but also refinements to the current lineup.
Though the stream was promptly shut down once the error was noticed, the brief footage had already circulated among fans, and the speculation quickly followed. While leaks and rumors have surrounded Deadlock since it was first discovered, this particular revelation suggests that Valve may be running multiple parallel builds of the game, possibly for different tiers of testing or for internal experimentation.
This has left some players in the community feeling a bit conflicted. Users on the Deadlock-focused subreddit have voiced a mix of intrigue and frustration. For those already part of the closed playtest, learning that there is another, more exclusive version of the game has sparked a sense of exclusion, especially since some of these new characters and features appear to be significantly ahead of what they’ve been given access to. It’s a reminder that even within closed testing phases, developers may gate different content for different groups depending on what they need feedback on.
Previously, Valve has allowed players to engage with experimental content through the Hero Labs mode, a feature designed to give the community a chance to try out new heroes before they are finalized. However, this newly revealed build seems to go beyond that, indicating that Valve is using a multi-layered approach to its testing process, potentially reserving the newer or more experimental elements for a smaller circle of trusted testers or developers.
Even without an open beta or full release date in sight, Deadlock has generated significant buzz. Interest has been steadily growing thanks to its blend of MOBA mechanics and shooter gameplay, and of course, the mere fact that it’s a new title from Valve has kept eyes locked on its progress. The developer’s decision to keep the game in a tightly controlled, invite-only state has only deepened the intrigue, and now, the discovery of an additional layer of exclusivity adds another wrinkle to the story.
While there are still no official statements addressing the specifics of this hidden build or what it contains, it’s clear that Deadlock is evolving in complex ways behind the scenes. Players eager to get their hands on it will likely continue to speculate and analyze any new leaks or glimpses they can find. As one player wryly put it online after spotting what appeared to be a duplicate of an existing character: “Oh great, as if one Lash wasn’t enough—now we’ve got two of him!” The mystery of Deadlock continues to grow, with fans watching closely for whatever comes next.
