Every MOBA has a steep learning curve, but new players can lock in certain Deadlock heroes to make those first few games a bit easier.
Deadlock appeals to players from various genres thanks to its unique blend of MOBA and third-person shooter in the Source 2 engine. But as with any MOBA, new players will find its power-packed heroes absolutely nerve-wracking. This would be the case even if the characters didn’t require elaborate builds to play successfully.
Deadlock offers dozens of heroes to play with, each with unique abilities. All heroes are viable, but some have a steep learning curve, rewarding those who invest time in mastering them. Meanwhile, certain heroes are easy to pick up, with complex toolkits that can be developed into game-winning plays as players advance.
Best heroes for new players in Deadlock
Bebop, Seven, and Grey Talon rank among the best Deadlock heroes to choose for new players.
The specific best will vary based on player preferences and the role they’re playing. Though Deadlock has a built-in recommendation system for new players, not all characters will gel with the player or fit into certain team compositions. Here are several strong options and what they do.
Haze
Haze is the trickiest of all beginner-friendly heroes, but is the least complex one overall in Deadlock. She’s a stealthy carry who can make her way to targets without getting caught. When her Smoke Bomb is activated, Haze fades out of sight, becoming invisible and gaining sprint speed. Attacking removes invisibility, which is why beginners must be confident with their shooting skills.
While her Smoke Bomb attracts green Deadlock players, the real star of the show is her Sleep Dagger, which damages and sleeps the target. Since using this doesn’t break invisibility, players who are smart with building up Haze can pull off some nasty tricks.
Dynamo
Dynamo is also a support hero who shines in a full stack. While he can serve the role of a medic, Dynamo is best played as a tank. However, players must stick close to teammates because he’s vulnerable when trying to pull enemies into his ultimate, Singularity. Once enemies are tossed into the air, the DPS comes into play to finish off the wounded opponent.
Besides that, healing is a big part of why he’s on number seven. Beginners will find it easy to stay behind and deliver healing to the damage dealers with his Rejuvenating Aurora. His Quantum Entanglement allows new players to confidently pick up fights and quickly dip out when things get dicey.
Grey Talon
As a beginner, you don’t want to get up close and personal with enemies unless you’re absolutely confident in your attack. If that rings true, Grey Talon is an ideal ranged laner in Deadlock, equipped with a traditional bow and arrow. He excels at crowd control and dealing heavy damage to enemies from across the map.
Grey Talon can be built into a DPS, but he must stay close to healers. Due to a lack of ground mobility, Grey Talon can find himself in trouble when caught in close-range duels. Of course, Rain of Arrows is an excellent way to escape, as it launches him into the air.
Wraith
Wraith has one of the simplest, no-nonsense toolkits, making her one of the best Deadlock heroes for new players. She’s a carry, equipped with damage-dealing cards, and can be quite self-sufficient if players properly build up her Project Mind. Beginners who bring over shooting skills from rival titles should rush to pick her up, as gunplay is her forte. With the right upgrades, Wraith can propel teams to victory, especially in late games.
While her skills are simple, Wraith players must have an excellent understanding of the map to squeeze full juice out of her teleport. For that, we recommend spending plenty of time in the hero sandbox.
Abrams
Abrams is a brute who excels in close-range fights. Players confident in tanky roles and comfortable staying on the frontline will love Abrams’ simple yet effective toolkit. He wields a burst shotgun, devastating at short range but less effective at long range. For those hesitant to engage enemies up close, Abrams’ Infernal Resilience ability heals him over time, making him self-sufficient.
Abrams’ durability and Shoulder Charge ability, combined with his melee and shotgun, make him capable of finishing off enemies during the laning phase. In the late game, his AoE-based ultimate deals significant damage to multiple enemies. Since he’s pretty viable without complex builds, beginners will have a good time navigating the lanes on Abrams.
McGinnis
McGinnis is an excellent pick for beginners as as she doesn’t require carrying the team’s damage burden as a frontliner. Instead, she excels at providing healing, map control, and flank disruption. Her ability to gradually build up her kit and offer support from the backlines makes McGinnis a perfect fit for players struggling in fast-paced games.
Her Medical Spectre is her toolkit’s hook, so McGinnis players must stay close to DPS heroes to double down on their damage using Turret and supply timely medical assistance.
Seven
Seven excels at dealing damage from mid to close range, thanks to his snowballing abilities. His AoE abilities, Lightning Ball and Static Charge distribute damage among multiple enemies, allowing players to attack and then retreat to safety. This playstyle makes Seven an excellent pick for beginners.
During the laning phase, newcomers can focus on harassing enemies and honing their skills. As the game progresses, Seven’s abilities become even more potent, making him a valuable asset in the late game. His ultimate ability seals his position as a game-changer in team fights, helping lock in wins.
Thanks to his damage multiplication ability, Seven is regarded as one of the best Deadlock heroes for new players looking to gain confidence. With a relatively low learning curve, he’s an ideal choice for beginners seeking early success in the game.
Bebop
Bebop is a top-tier ganker who excels at shifting between close-range, tanky plays and mid-range damage dealing. His straightforward toolkit doesn’t require extensive upgrades but can be highly effective for beginners with key items like Majestic Leap, Improved Cooldown, and Monster Rounds. Hook is the crown jewel of Bebop’s toolkit, disrupting and disabling enemies and giving DPS heroes the opening to finish off opponents that Bebop has softened up.
While he’s not the most quick-footed hero in the game, his ultimate ability provides exceptional vertical mobility. This allows beginners to deal damage from safe vantage points, making him a viable pick. Additionally, his Sticky Bomb enables him to maintain a safe distance while dishing out damage.