Valorant: How to master Deadlock in 2024
Deadlock is one of the most interesting Sentinels in Valorant. Her kit is perhaps the most unique too as it consists of a Barrier Mesh that works similarly to Sage's Barrier Orb but can be tossed over a distance. Furthermore, her GravNet ability immobilizes enemies, forcing them into a crouched position. Lastly, her Sonic Sensors can stun anyone within a certain range.
Playing Deadlock in 2024 may sound like a chore, but you can make a lot of plays with the Agent if you know what to do. This guide will walk you through maximizing your potential as Deadlock in Valorant.
NOTE: Parts of this article are subjective and reflect the writer's opinion.
All abilities of Deadlock in Valorant
To master Deadlock in Valorant, it is vital to know that some of her utility can be pre-fired. This means you can go ahead and set up a Barrier Mesh as soon as the round starts. Or throw your GravNet early on and combine it with Paintshells to get a frag. Let us first understand her abilities in the game.
Barrier Mesh (E)- Free signature ability
The Barrier Mesh blocks opponents on one side from getting to the other. It can be destroyed by shooting at the anchors that hold it in place. However, it has over 1000 HP and can take quite a while to break. Different points in the anchors have different HP, making it one of the best Sentinel abilities in Valorant.
GravNet (C) - 200 credits
The GravNet is a grenade that essentially releases a net over the area it drops in. Enemies and allies caught in the net's area get forced to crouch while barely moving.
Sonic Sensor (Q)- 200 credits
The Sonic Sensors detect and stun enemies in a certain range as long as they make a sound. Thus, opponents who walk right past the sensors pressing shift will not get detected or stunned.
Annihilation (X)- Seven ultimate orbs
Fire toward an opponent to catch them in a cocoon-like structure. They are then reeled back to the point of origin, after which, they die. The cocoon can be shot and destroyed from the outside, but the player inside it remains completely helpless.
How to master Deadlock in Valorant
Deadlock in Valorant is not exactly highly popular. This is because she cannot watch flank as well as some other Sentinels, and her Sonic Sensors are one of her greatest weaknesses. Regardless, this is how one can master her abilities.
Barrier Mesh mastery
There is very little to do when it comes to the Barrier Mesh. However, it can be more than meets the eye. Throw it toward an entry point during defense in such a way that the entry point gets covered completely. You can throw it from a safe distance so as to not get shot during the process. You can even use it to cleverly trap opponents in a limited area.
For instance, trapping opponents where your Brimstone has released his Molotov.
GravNet mastery
The GravNet may be Deadlock's most versatile weapon. Always try to use it with another ally's ability. Use Raze's Paintshells, Sova's Shock Bolt, or even Breach's Aftershock to help your allies take down multiple opponents at once.
You can pre-fire it at a certain angle such as A Main orb on Ascent or Tile as shown in the image. Communication is key with this piece of utility.
Sonic Sensors mastery
The Sonic Sensors aren't the greatest Sentinel utility in Valorant. However, you can set up in places that are difficult to guess. For instance, set them up on walls and beams in a way that their area of action faces forward and not sideways.
This way, opponents won't be able to guess their location easily to shoot them down. Always know that the Sonic Sensors can be bypassed and keep an eye accordingly.
Annihilation mastery
Annihilation can bounce off surfaces much like a Sova dart. Aim it forward and the game will show you exactly how it would bounce off a surface. Use this clever visual design to take down opponents hiding from your direct line of sight.
You can also be one step ahead and shoot it in an enemy's common location. Of course, pairing it all up with an Initiator's intel-gathering ability is even more fruitful.
Where to pick Deadlock in Valorant?
Deadlock works exceptionally well on multiple maps. However, some of her best maps may just be Icebox, Bind, Lotus, and the newest Valorant map, Abyss. Her Barrier Mesh comes in handy blocking off even the widest of entryways which is perfect for most of these maps.
Furthermore, the rest of her utility benefits from making space. Some of these maps have extremely small sites which makes them vulnerable to a fast attack. Using her GravNet paired with a grenade right behind B Tunnel on Bind can be game-changing. The same idea can be applied to other maps as well.