How to Get Access to the Deadlock Playtest

Valve’s Deadlock playtest is underway! Here’s how to join the exclusive early development build.

Valve’s latest game, Deadlock, has garnered significant attention due to its unique blend of MOBA and hero shooter mechanics. Although still in a limited playtest phase, thousands of gamers are eager to gain access. If you're wondering how to get into this exclusive playtest, here’s a comprehensive guide on how you can get access and join the action.

See more: Deadlock blog on Tacter

Deadlock is currently in a closed playtest phase, which means access is restricted to select players. Valve has adopted a two-pronged approach to granting access to the game:

1. Random Invitations from Valve: Valve has been gradually sending out invites to Steam users, selecting them seemingly at random. Players who have been active in Valve’s previous games, such as Dota 2 or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, may have a better chance of being selected, but there is no clear requirement that guarantees an invite. If you’re lucky, you’ll receive a notification directly in your Steam account with the option to join the playtest.

2. Friend Invitations: One of the most reliable ways to get access is through an invite from a friend who is already participating in the playtest. Each player with access to Deadlock can invite at least one friend via the in-game invite system. To do this, they simply click the "Invite Your Friends" button from the main menu, select a friend from their Steam list, and send the invitation. Once Valve approves the invite, the friend will receive a notification to accept the invitation and download the game.

It’s worth noting that while friend invites are an effective method, it’s up to Valve to approve who gets access. Even after your friend sends an invite, it might take up to 1-2 days for Valve to process it, so a little patience is needed.

Though Valve hasn’t revealed the exact criteria for receiving a random invite, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of being selected:

1. Active Participation in Valve Games: While it’s not guaranteed, being active in Valve’s ecosystem might improve your chances. Historically, Valve has favored frequent players of its games, such as Dota 2 and Counter-Strike, when rolling out playtest invites. If you’re already a fan of these games, stay active on your account and keep an eye on your Steam notifications.

2. Maintain a Clean Account: Make sure your Steam account is in good standing. Accounts with bans or restrictions may be less likely to be selected for early playtests like Deadlock. Valve may prefer inviting players with positive community standing to maintain a constructive testing environment.

3. Keep Checking Notifications: Valve sends out playtest invitations in waves, and you never know when you might be selected. Regularly checking your Steam notifications ensures you won’t miss out on an invite.

If you’re lucky enough to get a Deadlock invite, whether from Valve or a friend, the next steps are simple:

1. Accept the Invitation: When you receive a notification in Steam, click on it and follow the instructions to accept the invitation.

2. Install the Game: After accepting, you’ll be prompted to download and install Deadlock through Steam. The game is relatively easy to install, and once the installation is complete, you can dive right into the action.

3. Start Playing: Upon installation, you’ll have full access to the game’s current playtest build. Keep in mind that as a playtester, your feedback is crucial to the game’s development, so Valve will likely encourage you to provide feedback through their official channels.

Once you’ve gained access to the playtest, you can help your friends join the fun. Inviting friends is a straightforward process, but keep in mind that Valve may limit the number of invites you can send:

1. Go to the Main Menu: In Deadlock’s main menu, locate the “Invite Your Friends” button, typically found in the lower right corner.

2. Choose a Friend: A list of your Steam friends will appear, and you can select a friend to invite. Once selected, the invitation will be sent.

3. Wait for Approval: Valve needs to approve friend invites before they can access the game. This process usually takes 1-2 days but could be longer during high-demand periods.

If you don’t know anyone with access to the playtest, your best bet is to keep an eye on your Steam notifications and hope for a random invite from Valve. As Valve gradually increases the player base, more invites are expected to roll out in waves. Some players have speculated that staying active in Valve’s other games may improve your chances, but ultimately, it’s a waiting game.

Another option is trying your luck on Reddit as the Deadlock Subreddit has a Megathread where people ask and offer Deadlock invites. You can find the thread here and there is always someone willing to send out invites in the comments!

Another option is joining the Reddit Deadlock Community on Discord and using their Deadlock-Invite-Giveaway channel where you can find players willing to invite you into the playtest!

With the excitement around Deadlock, it’s important to be wary of potential scams. Some people may attempt to sell invites or offer unauthorized access through unofficial channels. Always remember:

• Only Trust Official Channels: Invitations to the Deadlock playtest are only distributed via Steam. If someone offers an invite through any other method (e.g., email, social media), it’s likely a scam.
• Do Not Pay for Invites: Valve’s playtest invites are free, and any offer to sell access is illegitimate. Avoid any third-party websites or sellers offering Deadlock playtest invites.

Accessing Valve’s new game Deadlock is currently exclusive, but as the playtest expands, more opportunities should become available. Whether you’re hoping for a random invite or trying to get one through a friend, patience is key. While you wait, staying active on Steam and engaging with Valve’s other titles may increase your chances of getting into the game.

As Deadlock evolves and moves further into development, Valve will likely open the game up to a broader audience, but for now, your best path to access is staying connected with friends in the gaming community or keeping a close watch on your Steam notifications.