Deadlock's new ranked mode is driving players mad as they try to escape the casual modes and climb back to where they were
Valve wasn't joking when they said the next few weeks would be "rocky".
Deadlock, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, recently introduced a new ranked mode, replacing a rudimentary version that had been in place for the past couple of years. Valve, the game's developer, warned players that the transition would be rocky as everyone settled into their correct ranks. However, the adjustment seems to have been more severe than anticipated.
Players are struggling with the new system, which requires 15 wins on a hero to play them in ranked. This has proven to be a significant challenge for those who have historically played only a single hero, as they are now forced to branch out in order to progress. Furthermore, the absence of voice chat during matches has made it difficult for players to coordinate strategies, an issue that is particularly disruptive given the game's casual mode is designed to be a more accessible alternative to ranked play.
Another issue that has emerged is the inconsistency in ranked matches. Players who were previously in the highest tier are finishing their placement matches several levels lower than expected. This inconsistency has caused confusion, as points systems that track progress to the next rank can fluctuate based on the skill level distribution of the players in a match.
Valve's update also introduced a new standard mode for casual play, which has further complicated the situation. Some players are discovering that they are being forced to play casual mode while trying to accumulate enough wins to qualify for ranked. This has led to frustration, as players feel they are being penalized for their lack of experience with certain heroes.
While some Reddit users have suggested that players simply need to remove their expectations and enjoy the game, others remain disappointed with the new ranked system. Valve has not made any drastic changes since the update, but it remains to be seen how things will shake out in the coming months.
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