Fariha Bhatti 
The announcement of Deadlock’s new ranked mode has grabbed the attention of competitive players from rival MOBA and shooter titles. But is Deadlock free to play?
Deadlock has a sizable lineup of 22 heroes, all bringing unique abilities to the table. Although Deadlock’s first-person angle sets it apart, its gameplay is actually quite similar to other MOBAs. Players coming from FPS titles may have an edge with shooting mechanics, but MOBA players will quickly adapt to hero upgrades, lane navigation, and finding their ideal heroes. Deadlock veterans have adjusted to the same old, but soon, meta is expected to shake up.
With the addition of a ranked mode, the game is projected to attract a new wave of players who may wondering if Deadlock is F2P.
Will Deadlock be F2P upon its full release?
Valve has not given official word on how Deadlock will be monetized at launch. The expectation is that it will be free-to-play upon release. All of Valve’s multiplayer-focused games since 2010 have either been free-to-play on launch or have pivoted to a free-to-play model over time.
The Deadlock beta is F2P, allowing players to download it for free after getting an invite from a friend. No content in Deadlock has a price tag attached, and there are no microtransactions in the game.
Valve took a similar approach with Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2. However, the latter has main modes and features, including its ranked mode, locked behind a paywall. Deadlock may or may not follow suit with Counter-Strike 2, as it stands as a means of keeping cheaters out of the game.
Despite not being officially revealed, Deadlock’s player count has steadily grown across 2024. The player count is likely to spike even further once it’s freely available through Steam.
Will Deadlock have microtransactions?
Deadlock will likely have microtransactions for hero skins, weapon cosmetics, and more. Valve has folded this into all its major multiplayer releases, from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Artifact.
In Dota 2, players spend top dollar to collect character skins and couriers, and can customize their experience with announcer packs and terrain skins. CSGO and Counter-Strike 2 are known for their weapon skins, but skins for player characters and loves are a staple of the experience.
Deadlock likely being a F2P third-person shooter will likely see the game take a more character-focused approach. Whether that is character skins like those of Dota 2 or Team Fortress 2-style hats is unknown.
The good news is that these microtransactions are unlikely to impact gameplay. Counter-Strike and Dota 2 allow players to get the full experience without spending a dime if they’re not unconcerned about fitting in.
