Legendary FPS streamer and former professional player Shroud has publicly praised Valve’s upcoming game Deadlock, calling it “one of the best games ever made,” in a glowing tribute that has gone viral in the gaming community.
Such recognition carries a lot of weight for a star streamer who is recognized for his exquisite taste in shooters, and it has fans excited.
What Is Deadlock?
Deadlock is Valve’s highly anticipated fusion of third-person shooter mechanics and Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) gameplay. Built on the Source 2 engine, the game features 6v6 team-based combat across three distinct lanes.
In order to advance waves of troops toward the enemy’s “patron,” a floating orb-like objective that must be destroyed to ensure victory, players engage in combat with distinct heroes, each of whom brings special skills to the table. Along with features like sliding, double-jumping, zip lines, and a system of in-game souls for purchasing items, the maps are brimming with tactical depth, including guardians and walkers guarding the patron.
Deadlock experienced tremendous popularity when it was first revealed in early invite-only testing; by August 2024, its Steam site went live, and by September, the number of concurrent players had skyrocketed to over 160,000.
By reducing the number of lanes from four to three, drastically altering the item shop, adding heroes, and introducing a dynamic “Hideout” menu hub and six new playable characters in the August 19, 2025, patch, one of which was released right away, while the others were drip-fed based on player votes, Valve has since improved the experience.
Why Shroud Believes Deadlock Is One of the All-Time Greats
Shroud’s compliments are not exaggerated. Deadlock is “still one of the best games ever made,” he said recently, adding that it’s “probably the best third-person shooter I’ve ever played.” From someone who has streamed and mastered several competitive shooters, that is a bold statement.
1. A Game That Feels Fresh and Deep
Deadlock isn’t just another MOBA or shooter. It’s a clever hybrid that blends fast-paced gunplay with layered strategy and mobility. From customized hero builds to dynamic map traversal mechanics, the game offers both immediacy and nuance. Shroud’s infectious enthusiasm reflects that rare blend of accessible yet deep gameplay.
2. Proven Track Record of Valve Quality
Valve has a storied history of refining groundbreaking titles. Early coverage had PC Gamer and The Verge marveling at the game’s gothic, steampunk-inspired aesthetics, drawing favorable comparisons to BioShock Infinite, Team Fortress 2, and Half-Life 2 environments. Each update shows continued polish and confidence in Deadlock’s evolving identity.
3. Promise That Outweighs Player Count Worries
During the game’s early access, Shroud is aware of the tumultuous player count. He noted that although the development build has experienced spikes, such as more than 160,000 concurrent players, there are also worries about drop-offs and how new players may be impacted by that notion. Despite these early swings, he is still optimistic that the quality will eventually entice gamers to return.
Shroud’s endorsement of Deadlock, calling it one of the greatest games he’s ever played, reflects a wider enthusiasm for the work that Valve is delivering. Deadlock is positioned to become a pivotal game in the MOBA space thanks to its genre-blending concepts, frequent updates, and increasing streamer-driven buzz. We are all eagerly waiting for the official launch of this MOBA FPS hybrid.
