Don't let Deadlock's MOBA tag scare you off—there's a quick play mode for dummies which is the perfect entry point

Don't Let Deadlock's MOBA Tag Scare You Off—There's a Quick Play Mode for Dummies

If you've ever been hesitant to dive into the world of MOBAs, you're not alone. With a history of being dragged into a few League of Legends games and a general reluctance to engage with the complexity of the genre, I've always approached MOBAs with caution. However, everything changed when Valve semi-released Deadlock into alpha. After spending nearly 100 hours with the game, I still haven't mastered its MOBA intricacies—but I've learned that this isn't unusual. The game's complex mechanics, intense team fights, and extensive item list can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with the genre. But there's no need to be intimidated, as Deadlock offers a more accessible alternative: Street Brawl.

A Gateway to Deadlock's World

I initially dismissed Street Brawl as a casual 4v4 mode, thinking it was a simplified or lesser version of Deadlock's main gameplay. That was a mistake I've had to live with ever since. Street Brawl is the perfect entry point for new players or those still getting their head around Deadlock's features and mechanics. While it doesn't include everything from the main mode—like farming—it's an excellent place to start.

The biggest advantage of Street Brawl is its significantly shorter match length. Instead of playing a 40-minute match where you're often at a disadvantage, Street Brawl games last for 15 minutes at most, and even less if you're heavily outmatched. This condensed format makes it easier to grasp the basics without feeling overwhelmed by the game's complexity.

Another benefit is how it introduces items in a more manageable way. In Deadlock, items can be overwhelming, especially if you don't have time to read up on them during a match. But in Street Brawl, you pick three items out of nine before each round begins, and you can't buy any more during that round. This gives you plenty of time to study the few items you've selected and decide which ones work best for your playstyle.

Why Street Brawl Is a Game-Changer

What I've learned in Street Brawl has had a huge impact on my experience in Deadlock's main mode. It's helped me understand which items are most effective for certain heroes and how to counter others. But more than that, Street Brawl is just a lot of fun. Without the stress of managing multiple lanes or farming for gold, you can focus on what really matters: annihilating Lash players and throwing pillows full of bricks at your opponents.

If you've avoided Deadlock in the past because of its MOBA tag, know that you don't have to worry. With Street Brawl, even someone like me—someone who's not exactly a MOBA expert—can enjoy the game and learn the ropes at a comfortable pace. So go ahead, give Deadlock a try, and don't let its MOBA reputation deter you. The quick play mode is the perfect way to ease into the game and discover why it's so much more than just another MOBA.