Valorant: Top 7 Tips For Playing As Deadlock

Deadlock, Valorant’s latest Sentinel addition, brings a unique set of abilities that require finesse and strategic insight to utilize effectively. Her kit, which includes GravNet, Sonic Sensor, Barrier Mesh (Signature), and Annihilation (Ultimate), offers a fresh approach to gameplay, distinct from other Sentinels. Mastering Deadlock is not straightforward and demands a comprehensive understanding of her capabilities.

This guide aims to equip you with essential tips to excel as Deadlock, enhancing your gameplay and boosting your team’s performance across various maps. Whether you’re new to this agent or looking to refine your skills, these seven tips will help you harness her potential and secure victories in Valorant.

#7: Optimize Sonic Sensor Placement Beyond Flank Watching

A common pitfall for new Deadlock players is misusing Sonic Sensors as a primary tool for monitoring flanks and detecting lurkers, much like Cypher’s Tripwires or Killjoy’s Alarmbots. Unlike these devices, Sonic Sensors activate only when enemies create noise within their range. Since flanking opponents typically move silently, using Sonic Sensors in this role often leads to inefficiencies.

Instead, leverage Sonic Sensors for more dynamic applications where they excel. Deploy them in areas with frequent enemy activity where noise is inevitable. This shift in strategy requires you to adapt based on how the opposition plays, making your use of Sonic Sensors more about reading the game and less about passive area denial.

#6: Throw The Barrier Mesh Towards Lanes And Short Spaces

Deadlock’s Barrier Mesh, a signature ability granted for free at the start of each round, offers strategic advantages that savvy players can harness. As players continue to explore Deadlock’s utility, one standout tactic is deploying the Barrier Mesh across narrow pathways and critical choke points to control enemy movement effectively.

For instance, on the Haven map, deploying Barrier Mesh at the entrance to CT Spawn when assaulting A Site can significantly hinder enemy retakes. This forces opponents to either find an alternate route or expend valuable resources to breach the barrier. Mastering the placement of Barrier Mesh not only disrupts enemy plans but also fortifies your team’s defensive setup, providing a tangible edge during crucial site holds and retakes.

#5: Combine GravNet With Other Abilities For Executes

GravNet, a pivotal part of Deadlock’s toolkit, is exceptionally effective when synchronized with the abilities of other agents during site assaults. For example, when attacking, deploying GravNet in conjunction with Raze’s Paint Shells can decisively clear out critical corners like Lamps on Bind, potentially securing kills against entrenched defenders.

Further enhancing GravNet’s utility, consider pairing it with other explosive or area-denial abilities such as Gekko’s Mosh Pit or KAY/O’s FRAG/MENT. Mastering specific lineups for GravNet, which are plentiful and easily accessible, can maximize its effectiveness. This strategic use not only ensures that you maximize the impact of GravNet but also enhances your team’s offensive capabilities by disrupting enemy positions and creating opportunities for successful site captures.

#4: Deploy Sonic Sensors Near the Planted Spike for Enhanced Post-Plant Control

Deadlock’s Sonic Sensor offers versatile utility beyond merely monitoring flanks or lurking paths. A strategic placement for this ability is around the planted Spike during post-plant scenarios. Positioning Sonic Sensors near the Spike can catch unsuspecting enemies off-guard as they attempt to defuse.

When an enemy triggers the sensor by making noise, they’ll be momentarily stunned, providing your team an invaluable opportunity to secure a kill and potentially swing the round in your favor. For optimal effectiveness, scout potential sites on nearby walls or surfaces where the sensor can be discreetly placed once the Spike is down, ensuring it remains hidden from the enemy’s initial line of sight.

#3: Optimize Annihilation for Site Retakes and Clutch Scenarios

Deadlock’s Ultimate, Annihilation, is a formidable tool for site retakes, particularly when the teams are evenly matched. This ultimate allows you to isolate an enemy, creating a prime opportunity to engage the remaining opponents while they’re distracted attempting to rescue their ensnared teammate.

In 1v1 scenarios, Annihilation becomes a game-changer, often guaranteeing round wins with strategic use. When attacking, after planting the Spike, you can position yourself to capitalize on the ultimate by forcing the lone defender into a disadvantageous position. Conversely, on defense, allow the attacker to plant the Spike, then deploy Annihilation to disrupt their post-plant setup, giving you the upper hand in the ensuing duel.

#2: Master Precision Placement for Annihilation

For players aiming to excel with Deadlock, understanding and mastering the precise placements of her Annihilation Ultimate is crucial. Newer players often struggle with misplacing this impactful ability, which can be pivotal in missing key eliminations. To truly harness the potential of Deadlock, dedicate time to learning the exact lineups for deploying Annihilation effectively.

Consider setting up custom games to practice these lineups across different maps, each offering unique angles and spots that optimize the Ultimate’s impact. This hands-on practice will not only shorten your learning curve but also significantly boost your proficiency and confidence in using Deadlock in competitive matches.

#1: Optimize Site Control with Sonic Sensors

As Deadlock, anchoring sites in Valorant is your forte. To maximize her effectiveness, strategic placement of Sonic Sensors is crucial for creating solid defensive setups. Position these sensors at critical entry points and high-traffic areas where enemy movement is predictable, such as common dash routes or choke points where engagements typically occur.

This strategic use not only alerts you to incoming threats but also allows you to prepare and respond appropriately, ensuring that you maintain control of your site. Think carefully about where enemies are likely to push or peek, and set up your sensors to exploit their movements, triggering alerts and preparing your defenses effectively.

Conclusion

Mastering Deadlock in Valorant involves a strategic blend of knowledge, positioning, and teamwork. From optimizing the use of her Sonic Sensors to learning precise lineups for her Annihilation Ultimate, each tip offers a way to enhance your gameplay and become a formidable Sentinel on the battlefield. Whether you’re anchoring sites, executing with teammates, or retaking control, these tips will help you leverage Deadlock’s abilities to their fullest potential, making every match a step towards mastery. Embrace these strategies and watch as your skills—and your rank—soar.