Valve’s upcoming MOBA Deadlock has received its “City Never Sleeps” update, transforming the game’s Cursed Apple map into a neon-lit, supernaturally steeped version of 1950s New York. The overhaul deepens existing areas rather than replacing them, adding texture and character throughout.
The update arrives ahead of the game’s official launch. Beta invites have been “generously granted” by Valve and are obtainable through numerous Discord communities for players without friends already involved in the title.
A metropolis reborn
Broadway, previously the map’s bustling centre lane, has become a glowing neon metropolis complete with buzzing signs and s at its heart—a miniature rendition of 1950s Times Square. Greenwich, already overgrown with foliage, is now an occult take on Central Park featuring a university and arboreal garden, while York’s walker arenas have been converted into a stock exchange and a factory ground.
The map’s midway “districts” have also been reinvented. Previously mere extensions of the lanes, they now each possess distinct characters matched by their own neutral monsters, or “creeps”.
You’ve got a theater district full of creepy dolls piloted by phantom hands, floating festival spirits and haunted cabbage pots lurking in Chinatown, a plaza with an ominous demonic Atlas holding a glowing sphere—an Ixian embassy, perhaps?—plagued by decrepit souls and gutter ghouls.
New heroes
The update also introduces a new roster of heroes described as some of Valve’s best work yet. Among them are Violet, an art student; Deadman Danny, a skeletal salesman for Fairfax Industries’ weapons; Nurse Harrow; and the Rat King.
Taking the myth of the Baba Yaga—a witch that traditionally occupies a chicken-legged hut—and reinventing her as an old grandma who feeds pigeons, riding around on a bird-legged park bench? It’s just so, so good.
The existing cast has been expanded horizontally too, with dozens of new conversations and voice lines added between crew members to flesh out characters and hint at new lore.
According to coverage by PC Gamer, the writer found Deadlock’s Cursed Apple one of their favourite videogame settings in years—so appealing that they “almost wish it wasn’t wrapped up in a MOBA”.
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