Ex-Valve Developer Reveals Deadlock’s Humorous Anti-Cheat System Inspired by CS2

In a recent update, Deadlock unveiled a new anti-cheat system that sparked both humor and skepticism within the gaming community. A former developer from Valve disclosed that this update appears to draw inspiration from an idea originally conceived for another Valve title—Counter-Strike 2. This amusing twist on the anti-cheat mechanism adds a layer of levity to an otherwise serious gaming concern.

The information was initially reported by @GabeFollower on X, a well-respected platform for information and leaks related to Valve and Steam, boasting over 190,000 followers.

Ex-Valve Developer Reveals Deadlock Anti-Cheat Update was Inspired by CS2

According to @sptonjohn, a self-identified ex-Valve developer, the concept for Deadlock’s new anti-cheat feature was initially proposed for CS2. The primary variation was that instead of transforming cheaters into frogs, they would be turned into chickens. This amusing feature was referred to as “FU Surprised Mode.”

What’s New in the 26-09-24 Major Update?

Valve has implemented numerous enhancements with this latest update, which is currently accessible to players who have the game.

New Anti-Cheat System

The revamped anti-cheat system in Deadlock introduces a fun element by allowing players to transform cheaters into frogs for the duration of the match. Once a player is detected as cheating, opponents can opt between immediately banning the cheater or morphing them into a frog for the rest of the game, with a subsequent ban to follow.

New Hero: Mirage

A new hero has been introduced, named after one of the most iconic Counter-Strike maps, Mirage. This character was previously available in the Sandbox Mode using the in-game console before being integrated into the main game. His abilities include:

Tornado: Transform into a tornado that moves forward, inflicting damage on enemies while lifting them into the air. Emerging from the tornado grants bullet evasion.
Fire Beatles: Launch fire beetles that can be directed individually, stealing maximum health from enemies and applying bullet resist reduction. Note that multiple scarabs cannot be applied to the same enemy. The health recovery from hitting heroes is three times as effective compared to non-heroes.
Djinn’s Mark: Your shots inflict increasing damage on the target. When the damage multiplier on a target expires or reaches its maximum, it is consumed, dealing Spirit Damage and briefly revealing the target on the map.
Traveler: Target an ally or a visible enemy hero on the minimap, then teleport to their location at the start of your channel. Following the teleportation, movement speed and fire rate bonuses are granted until your next reload.

Additionally, several minor adjustments have been made to the abilities of all heroes in the game. A few items from The Curiosity Shop have also seen updates. The game has undergone multiple significant patches in recent weeks, but an official release date remains unconfirmed.

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