Rumors about a major new project from Valve are taking shape. DEADLOCK, formerly known by the codename Citadel, is positioned as an ambitious heroic shooter designed to compete in the market of PvP team games. The leaks paint a picture of a dynamic battle in which fantasy motifs and technology of the age of steam are intertwined.

According to preliminary information, players will face large-scale 6v6 battles on large-scale multi-level maps combining magic and steampunk. The gameplay promises to be hybrid: in addition to the classic team confrontation, it will feature elements of mobile strategy and Tower Defense — players will have to build defensive structures and control mobile trains to deliver valuable cargo. This creates a unique tactical layer where not only shooting skills are important, but also strategic planning.

The roster of heroes, according to leaks, will include both original characters and references to other Valve universes, which can be a real gift for fans of the studio. The developers seem to be striving to combine the recognizable mechanics of heroic shooters with a deep strategic component and Valve's proprietary attention to detail and balance.

Although the official announcement of the game is still ahead, the excitement around DEADLOCK is growing. The community is already building theories about possible mechanics, characters, and the connection of the project with other studio games. It remains to be seen whether Valve will confirm these rumors and present its new flagship PvP project to the world.