Deadlock Movement Guide: Fundamentals, Tips, and Tricks
Video Guide
Deadlock Movement Mechanics
Welcome to our Deadlock movement guide! We'll cover all of the core mechanics with explanations for how to do them, examples of when's a good time to use them, and video clip demonstrations.
Note that since this guide we published, the Orange lane was changed to the Green lane.
These include:
Double Jump
Wall Jump
Dash
Air Dash
Fast-fall (downwards aerial Dash)
Slide
Infinite Ammo Slide
Dash Jump
And more!
We'll start off with the simplest options and work our way to the more complex techniques.
Although some of these techniques do not need Stamina, many of them do, so keep an eye out for how much they cost in each section. As a reminder from our beginner guide, your Stamina will be indicated by the bars next to your crosshair.
Understanding these universal mechanics will make you a better Deadlock player as a whole. We recommend to learn the basics until they become second nature and then gradually add more to your repertoire.
Let's dive in.
How to Double Jump
Double Jump
2x [SPACE]
Uses 1 Stamina
In addition to your single jump, the Double Jump allows you to get extra oomph with your verticality in exchange for 1 Stamina.
It may not always be your most efficient option, but it's definitely the simplest.
Remember to hold down [SPACE] to have your hero grab the ledge or use a Charge Punch to close more distance when the ledge is slightly out of range.
Wall Jump
[SPACE] + Direction away from wall
Doesn't use Stamina
The Wall Jump is the newest addition to the universal movement options.
Similar to the Double Jump, it can give you verticality but it gives you more horizontal mixup options and best of all, doesn't use Stamina.
This can save you in situations where you're getting chased and you're out of Stamina. However, it can be difficult to get used to so it will take some practice and exploration of the map to see where it works.
How to Dash
Dash
[SHIFT] + a direction
Forward, backward, left, right, and diagonals
Uses 1 Stamina
The Dash is your bread-and-butter for horizontal movement and will likely be the technique you use most.
You'll use it for finding cover, rotating faster between locations, chasing down enemies, retreating and more.
It can be used consecutively but doing so in a straight line is an inefficient use of Stamina (see the Slide section below).
Consecutive uses is more viable in situations where you want to shift directions quickly, for jukes, dodges, and mixups.
Veil Punch
A sneaky use of the dash is in combination with corners and veils, which act as one way mirrors.
If the side is grey, it means that players cannot see through it.
So when you're in a close duel, you can clutch out some sneaky lethals but dashing through a veil and turning around for a Charged Punch.
How to Air Dash
Air Dash
[SHIFT] + a direction while aerial
Forward, backward, left, right, and diagonals
Uses 1 Stamina
Cannot be done 2X in the air before touching the ground
The Air Dash gives you horizontal mobility while in the air, allowing you to jump between roof tops, get a better vantage point for an engage, and more.
It has similar rules as the grounded Dash, but you only get one Air Dash before you land.
Fast-fall (downwards Air Dash)
2x [CNTRL] while in air
Uses 1 Stamina
In the situations where you need to descend faster, you can Air Dash downwards by pressing crouching 2x in the air ([CNTRL] by default).
This especially useful for heroes like Grey Talon and Vindicta who spend a lot of time flying, or a hero like Seven who looks to engage from high points.
Zip Line Rotations
Air Dash is also useful for quickly rotating between lanes by hopping between zip lines. Here are some examples
Mid Lanes Rotation
Use Air Dash in combination with Double Jump to go between Blue and Orange.
Side Lane to Side Lane Rotation
This also works in base to go from one outer lane to the other.
How to Slide
Slide
[CNTRL] + moving toward slope
Uses 0 Stamina
Can also be activated with increased movement speed with items like Fleetfoot
The Slide is an incredibly powerful mechanic as it doesn't require an Stamina.
You can do it forwards, backwards, left, or right as long as you are moving in the direction of a slope.
Dash Slide
It's also useful because it can extend your other movement mechanics without using Stamina.
So instead of Dashing 2x in a row, which uses 2 Stamina, you can Dash into a Slide for only 1 Stamina.
Air Dash Slide
You can even do it out of an Air Dash to extend or mix up your landing.
Infinite Ammo Slide
Something that isn't explained in the game's tutorial that offers a massive advantage is that you can continuously shoot while sliding without expending mana.
This means that if you can keep sliding, you can shoot infinitely.
Here's an example of how it can be useful to chase down enemies.
Defensive Slide
Similarly, it can be done defensively, allowing you to shoot at chasers while you run away.
Low Profile Slide
Lastly, remember that similar to crouching, Sliding gives you a low profile. You can use this to move more safely between cover and improve your overall survivability.
Below, you can see that the low wall grants a solid amount of protection. It still might be possible for you to get hit by enemies with insane aim, but it makes it much harder on them.
Dash Jump
How to Dash Jump
[SHIFT] into [SPACE]
Uses 2 Stamina
Requires a specific timing
One of the trickiest techniques to get a hang of is the Dash Jump, which combos Dash into a Jump that essentially creates an Air Dash effect.
If you're having trouble with the specific timing, look for the Stamina bar to turn blue, then Jump.
Head to the Sandbox and turn on unlimited Stamina to practice it. Eventually it will become second nature!
Dash Jump Slide
Just like a Dash or Air Dash, you can extend your Dash Jump with a Slide.
This combo gives you a huge burst of horizontal movement.
Faster Urn Deliveries
Using Dash Jump allows you to rotate across the map efficiently and is a must when delivering the Urn with haste.
Tips and Tricks
Track enemy Stamina in Lane
Along with tracking your own Stamina usage, you should be also to track your enemy's Stamina during the early game.
Almost every hero starts with 3 Stamina. The exceptions are McGinnis and Vindicta which have 2 and Ivy who has 4.
If you see an enemy recklessly spamming their Dashes and Double Jump, you may be able to take advantage if they overextend.
Be Creative!
All of these mechanics can be used in a variety of ways across the map, so be creative with your movement.
It's one of the highest ceilings in terms of skill expression + outplay potential and can give you a pretty big edge against players that aren't as nimble.
Know your Stamina Items
Did you know that there are a ton of Deadlock items that can augment your Stamina?
Check out:
Weapon
Kinetic Dash
Point Blank
Vitality
Extra Stamina
Restorative Locket
Superior Stamina
Spirit
Knockdown
Also, be aware of heroes like Haze and Warden who are able to reduce your Stamina with their abilities!