Deadlock: The Best Melee Heroes

“Deadlock,” Valve’s innovative third-person MOBA, masterfully blends hero shooter dynamics with the strategic depth of classic MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2. Within this diverse gaming landscape, players encounter a broad array of characters, from sturdy tanks that thrive in the heat of battle to nimble assassins poised for quick, devastating attacks.

For those who prefer the thrill of close-quarters combat over long-range encounters, opting for a melee hero can be particularly rewarding. Whether you’re new to the genre or looking to hone your melee skills, selecting the right character is crucial given the game’s extensive and varied roster.

In this guide, we will delve into the top melee heroes in “Deadlock,” each offering a unique blend of power, agility, and tactical utility. So, gear up as we explore these formidable contenders, perfect for players who relish the intense satisfaction of up-close confrontations. Let’s begin our journey through the best melee heroes the game has to offer.

#6: Mo & Krill

Mo & Krill stand out as an exceptionally versatile hero in “Deadlock,” known for their impressive durability and ability to infiltrate enemy lines effectively. While they can be adapted to a ranged DPS role, their true potential is unleashed when played in a melee capacity.

Their primary ability, Scorn, inflicts damage on nearby enemies while simultaneously healing Mo & Krill, enhancing their staying power in skirmishes. Their second ability, Burrow, allows them to tunnel underground where they gain increased speed and reduced damage. Reactivating Burrow causes Mo & Krill to burst forth and spin violently, dealing damage to all nearby enemies. The third ability, Sand Blast, proves crucial in confrontations, disarming opponents directly ahead of them and disrupting their attack capabilities.

Utilizing their Ultimate, Mo & Krill can target and stun an enemy for an extended period, all the while dealing continuous damage. This array of abilities makes them a formidable melee hero, capable of both sustaining themselves and crippling the enemy frontline.

#5: Viscous

Viscous is a uniquely versatile support hero in “Deadlock,” renowned for his multifaceted abilities that allow him to adapt fluidly to various battlefield scenarios. As a slime-themed character, he excels in manipulating the battlefield, providing both defensive and offensive support to his team.

Viscous’s skill set enables him to displace enemies and provide crucial protection for his teammates. One of his standout abilities allows him to grant invincibility to himself or an ally, turning the tide of battle in critical moments. Additionally, he can transform into a formidable wrecking ball, wreaking havoc and disrupting enemy formations.

When faced with dire circumstances, Viscous has several escape mechanisms. He can morph into “The Cube,” becoming impervious to damage, or use “Puddle Punch” to catapult himself or an adversary great distances, creating space and safety. Alternatively, his “Goo Ball” form allows him to roll away from danger, ensuring his survival and continued support on the field.

This combination of defensive resilience and offensive disruption makes Viscous an invaluable asset in “Deadlock,” particularly for players who thrive on a support role that keeps them in the heart of the action.

#4: Bebop

Bebop, the scrapyard robot, stands out as one of Deadlock’s most adaptable and engaging characters. Drawing inspiration from iconic tank supports like League of Legends’ Blitzcrank and Overwatch’s Roadhog, Bebop merges these familiar mechanics with a high-powered twist.

His versatility shines through in his ability to be specced as a melee DPS, ranged DPS, or even a tank, depending on the needs of his team. Bebop’s toolkit includes the “Exploding Uppercut,” a formidable punch that not only knocks enemies back but also scales with melee damage, allowing for seamless transitions into heavy melee attacks under optimal conditions.

Additionally, his “Sticky Bomb” ability lets him attach an explosive to an enemy, which can then be tactically repositioned using his displacement skills to maximize area damage. Perhaps his most iconic ability, Bebop can deploy a grappling hook to pull adversaries into close range, setting them up for quick takedowns or team follow-ups.

Culminating his destructive capabilities is his ultimate ability—a massive “Hyper Beam” that unleashes devastating energy across a wide area, cementing his role as a formidable force on any battlefield. Bebop’s blend of utility and destructive power makes him a critical asset in Deadlock’s roster, appealing to players who enjoy a dynamic and impactful combat style.

#3: Yamato

Yamato is the epitome of melee prowess in “Deadlock,” wielding her swords with unmatched skill and ferocity. Her entire arsenal is designed around her bladed weapons, allowing her to deliver devastating damage up close and seamlessly integrate her abilities into her melee attacks. Given her need to be in close proximity to her enemies to effectively land her skills, focusing her build on maximizing melee damage is a natural choice.

Yamato’s “Power Slash” is a charged ability that unleashes a powerful ranged sword slash, dealing significant damage to any foe it strikes. Her “Crimson Slash” is perfect for close-quarters combat, as she swings her sword in a wide arc, damaging enemies while simultaneously healing herself, which bolsters her sustainability in fights.

Her third ability, “Flying Strike,” serves as an effective gap-closer, allowing Yamato to fire a grappling hook at an enemy and pull herself directly to them. Upon arrival, she not only damages but also slows the targeted enemy, setting them up for further attacks.

Yamato’s ultimate ability is a game-changer, making her invulnerable as she charges up. This brief but critical period allows her to reset all her skill cooldowns and accelerates her skill animations, enhancing her combat effectiveness. Additionally, while her ultimate is active, Yamato cannot be killed, solidifying her status as one of Deadlock’s premier solo carry heroes. This combination of aggressive offensive capabilities and defensive resilience makes Yamato a formidable presence on any battlefield.

#2: Lash

If you thrive on playing nimble assassins with the ability to outmaneuver and outplay opponents, then Lash is your ideal hero in “Deadlock.” Known for his agility and elusiveness, Lash is a nightmare for adversaries and incredibly difficult to pin down. His combat strategy focuses on a hit-and-run approach: diving into the fray to unleash damage, then swiftly extracting himself to safety, and repeating this pattern until he can deploy a devastating ultimate.

Lash’s primary ability, “Ground Stomp,” inflicts damage on all enemies directly in front of him, with the damage increasing when performed from mid-air—a reflection of how the ability scales with altitude. Lash’s arsenal includes multiple methods to launch himself into the air, turning “Ground Stomp” into a formidable attack.

His “Grapple” ability enhances his mobility significantly, allowing Lash to pull himself toward an enemy or ally. This ability also cleverly resets the cooldowns on his dashes and jumps, ensuring he can maintain his dynamic movement throughout combat.

Lash’s third skill, “Flog,” siphons health from his foes, adding a layer of sustain to his kit. Additionally, enemies struck by “Flog” are marked, setting them up for Lash’s ultimate. This ultimate skill capitalizes on those marks by lifting the targeted enemies into the air, stunning them, then dramatically slamming them back to the ground for massive damage.

Lash embodies the quintessential assassin archetype with a playstyle that rewards precision, timing, and spatial awareness, making him a high-skill cap hero suited for players who enjoy a challenge and the thrill of engaging and disengaging at will.

#1: Abrams

Abrams stands out as perhaps the most quintessential melee hero in “Deadlock,” excelling in close combat with a toolkit designed for aggressive, tanky initiation. While he is capable of functioning effectively with a ranged build, his true prowess is unleashed when engaging enemies head-on. Notably user-friendly, Abrams is an ideal choice for newcomers looking to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics.

Abrams’s first ability allows him to drain health from nearby adversaries, a feature that bolsters his survivability and encourages direct confrontation. His second ability, a powerful dash, not only closes the gap between him and his foes but also knocks them back, stunning them should they crash into a wall.

Further enhancing his frontline resilience, his third skill boosts his health regeneration and reduces incoming damage, fortifying his presence in the fray. His ultimate ability is a spectacular display of might, where he leaps into the air and crashes down amidst the enemy ranks, dealing substantial damage and disrupting their formation.

Abrams’s design as a durable, approachable hero makes him an excellent entry point for players new to “Deadlock,” offering a straightforward yet impactful approach to the melee combat style.

Conclusion

The melee heroes of “Deadlock” offer players a range of dynamic and engaging playstyles that cater to those who prefer the exhilarating rush of close-quarters combat. From the versatile Mo & Krill to the beginner-friendly Abrams, each hero brings unique abilities and strategies that can dominate the battlefield. Whether you enjoy the strategic depth of tanky initiators or the swift hit-and-run tactics of nimble assassins, “Deadlock” provides a melee hero to suit every preference. Understanding the strengths and abilities of these top melee heroes not only enhances your gameplay experience but also maximizes your impact in every match. Dive into “Deadlock” with any of these formidable melee heroes and discover the thrill of mastering melee combat in a vibrant and chaotic arena.