Deadlock Laning Guide: 5 Essential Tips to Rule the Lanes

Whether you're a seasoned MOBA player or just stepping into the genre, mastering the laning phase is crucial for success. This holds true in Deadlock, where excelling in the lanes can tilt the game in your favor—even causing opponents to rage quit. Ready to level up your gameplay? Let’s explore how to dominate the laning phase in Deadlock.

See more: Deadlock blog on Tacter

In any MOBA, last-hitting minions is fundamental, and Deadlock is no exception. To maximize your soul count, you need to deal the final blow to minions. If you miss, the souls are shared with your lane partner, reducing your potential gains. Until the 10-minute mark, all souls are evenly split with your teammate unless an enemy denies the soul orb altogether, which eliminates its value. Denying enemy orbs is just as vital as securing your own.

After the mid-boss spawns at the 10-minute mark, soul distribution changes. Full soul values are contained in orbs, which, if left uncollected, are shared across the team. To stay ahead, always collect orbs and deny them from the enemy team.

Not all heroes excel in the laning phase, so picking the right one is critical. Some heroes specialize in last-hitting, while others excel at pressuring opponents. Striking a balance between farming and harassing enemies is key to winning the lane.

If you’re still deciding on a main hero, try versatile options like Infernus or Lady Geist, both of whom can farm efficiently and disrupt enemies. For players focused on farming, opt for a strong Wraith build to maximize last hits.

One unique challenge in Deadlock is the constant harassment from opponents due to its shooter mechanics. Your flag minion can be a lifesaver, as it periodically heals you as long as it remains alive. Keeping this minion protected ensures better lane sustainability and can even enable counter-attacks when you’re under pressure.

When multiple flag troopers appear, the healing advantage becomes even more significant. On the flip side, eliminating the enemy’s flag minion should be a priority to gain the upper hand. Without their flag minion, enemies will struggle to stay in the lane.

It’s tempting to push aggressively when dominating a lane, but overextending can lead to trouble. Enemies may ambush you under their guardian, taking advantage of their defensive position.

Destroying a guardian early might seem like a victory, but it pushes you into enemy territory, making it easier for opponents to gang up on you. Maintain a balance between pushing and retreating unless you’re well-equipped to confidently press forward and unlock Flex Slots.

Overextending in a lane also leaves you vulnerable to ganks, a strategy where enemies from other lanes ambush you. To reduce the risk, consider survivability items like Restorative Shots or Extra Regen to escape tricky situations. Heroes like Wraith and Infernus are also excellent at keeping a safe distance.

Alternatively, you can turn the tables by setting up ganks in other lanes. Rotation heroes such as Yamato or Shiv excel at surprise attacks, allowing you to disrupt enemy laning efforts and support your team effectively.

Choosing the right items early can make a significant difference in your laning performance. With early-game items priced at just 500 souls, investing wisely can enhance your damage and survivability. Here are some top recommendations:

• Headshot Booster: Boosts damage on headshots and increases your bullet shield for better durability.
• Hollow Point Ward: Enhances damage when above 60% health, ideal for sustained fights near healing sources.
• Monster Rounds: Amplifies damage against minions, perfect for players focusing on last hits.
• Restorative Shot: Heals you every 6.2 seconds based on your target, providing excellent sustain in challenging lanes.
• Extra Regen: Helps you survive enemy pressure when struggling to secure last hits.
• Healing Rite: A great alternative to Extra Regen, offering healing benefits for both you and your teammate.

By mastering these tips and strategies, you’ll not only dominate the laning phase in Deadlock but also set the foundation for a strong mid and late game. Have you tried these techniques? Share your favorite laning heroes and strategies in the comments!