Deadlock developers seem to have done it again. They have released an update that completely changes how the game is approached at an intermediate and higher level of play. Although it has been labelled as a ‘minor update.’
For the longest time, Valve has been trying to make tweaks to the game’s urn mechanics. And so they did, not once but multiple times. Although it was a refreshing change, the fun did not last long enough once the complaints started coming.
The skirmishes were far too much for players to deal with, considering the underlying problems with matchmaking. Eventually, running the urn turned into the main determining factor behind a match, besides other objectives.
Fans were not really happy with the new Urn updates
One of the main factors for this was ‘souls’. Since it is the main currency for progressing in a match, the urn became one of the most hectic objectives. But all things considered, the opinions were not completely one-sided, since a lot of people also loved the new urn mechanic.
All of that is changing now with the newest update. Valve has decided to turn the urn mechanic back into its original state. No more King of the Hill skirmishes. Instead, there’s a new mini-game that has been introduced.
Instead of urns in the middle of lanes, now players will have to deal with the Unstable Rift minigame. This is a completely new mini-game that creates an interdimensional rift in the middle of the game every 6 to 7 minutes.
Teams will have to fight and secure a rift when it opens up. The winning side gets rewarded not with souls, but with rift troopers. These are a special kind of trooper units that have increased health and damage and will aid in pushing lanes.
Smaller rifts are not out of place since the Maelstrom event exists
Devs have made sure that souls are not the main currency determining this new mini-game. Because the Rift Troopers do not drop souls when killed. Other additions to this mini-game include characters being revealed on the map as soon as they get close to the rift.
As for lore reasons on why the rift appears, there are no official descriptions from Valve yet. But considering how the whole game is set around a massive astral gate that opens up, connecting Earth with other interdimensional worlds, it’s not too hard to find small rifts out of place.
There is also the matter with Patrons at hand who are trying to enter the real world. And perhaps aiding their cause with small rifts for special troopers is the most they can do right now.
