Olivia Richman 
Despite just being officially announced, Valve’s new hero shooter-MOBA hybrid Deadlock already has new heroes on the way. The latest leak highlights the next addition to the roster, Astro.
Astro will be a rootin’ tootin’ gunslinger sporting a brown jacket adorned with a sheriff’s badge. She also has a belt with multiple gun holsters. So far, her backstory is unknown but her weapons and abilities have already been revealed, including a big shotgun.
While many of the characters in Deadlock are kind of odd when it comes to what they do, Deadlock’s resident cowgirl does exactly what one would expect. Well, for the most part.
Astro abilities leaked
Astro’s abilities will see her work as a close-range specialist.
A data mine from IntelDeadlock revealed Astro’s abilities before her release. Her kit revolves around the idea of getting close to enemies; whether that’s by pulling them closer or getting the jump on them. Here’s every one of her abilities and how they work:
Powder Keg:
- Place a barrel that will explode when shot or launch it via melee attack to have it explode once it lands
- 100 base damage
- 30-second base cooldown
- 6 meters
- 3 tiers
Bounce Pad:
- Once placed, the Bounce Pad will launch Astro and other heroes, dealing damage when they land
- 120 base damage
- 35-second base cooldown
- 8 meters
- 22-second duration
- 3 tiers
Hat Trick:
- Astro throws her hat to hit enemies, slowing them down and revealing them through walls
- 100 base damage
- 20% movement reduction for 5 seconds
- 20-second base cooldown
Spirit Lasso:
- Drag an enemy with a lasso, stunning them in the process
- Astro slowed while using the lasso
- 150-second base cooldown
- 10 meters
- 2.5-second duration
- 3 tiers
How to play Astro in Deadlock
IntelDeadlock compared Astro to Dota 2’s Batrider and League of Legends’ Gangplank. This is valid, given Astro’s look, AOE damage potential, and ability to lasso and drag around enemies.
Like Batrider, Astro can be a bit complex to master. The goal is to disrupt the enemy team and help her own team control the map. Since she can sometimes be focused on targeting one hero, it might be best to not pick Astro right at the start of a game or when her team is behind.
Once a team has its footing, bring Astro out to cause a bit of mayhem. Her Power Keg and Hat Trick allow her to do some damage while remaining a bit ranged, similar to Batrider. At the same time, the placement of the Power Keg can make all the difference. For example, putting it down at a spot where enemies will likely go will cause them to change paths so Astro’s team can better predict their new positions — or they’ll have to risk getting exploded.
Similarly, an enemy revealed with Hat Trick will be vulnerable to getting picked off by Astro or her team. It’s yet another way to keep track of where enemies are and force them to behave in a predictable fashion to avoid further chaos.
Further, Astro can control the distance Bounce Pad. This will ensure Astro has a quick way to disengage but also help her team find strong and unpredictable positioning to pick off enemies once their location is known. Basically, Astro tries to control enemy positioning, give information to her teammates, and break up enemy coordination.
If an enemy does happen to get to Astro, use Spirit Lasso to stun them and drag them away from the rest of their team. Once they don’t have anyone on their side, Astro and her team can pick them off, further causing chaos and disrupting enemy plans.
