Hero Archetypes and Role Selection

Patch/context note

• Primary roster overview: wihHFTapEGk
• Cross-game hero matching: m5_o7MhK2CA
• Patch-volatility/tier context: jbD_H7KXnI8, kYZdmFLrjmY
• Treat this page as hero-selection guidance (playstyle fit first), not a permanent tier-list snapshot.

Archetypes (quick picker)

• Brawlers / Frontliners: get in, stay in, absorb pressure, disrupt space.
• Spirit Nukers / Hit-and-Run Casters: burst windows, flanks, cooldown timing.
• Pick / Setup Heroes: catch and isolate targets for team follow-up.
• Utility / Support: enable teammates (heals, shields, mobility, control).
• M1 Carries (aim-scaling weapon carries): farm into high late-game DPS.

Comprehensive hero list by archetype

Cross-game starting picks (validated beginner mapping)

• Shooter DPS background: start with Haze (simple kit, aim-forward conversion).
• Hero-shooter support background: start with Page or Kelvin.
• Hero-shooter tank background: start with Abrams or Mo & Krill.
• MOBA carry background: start with Seven (scaling carry) or Victor (lower aim requirement).
• MOBA support/roam background: start with Dynamo.
• MOBA mid/playmaker background: start with Paradox (and then test Holliday).

“I liked X game/role before Deadlock” quick recommendations

• MOBA tank/support players: Abrams, Mo & Krill, Kelvin, Dynamo, Viscous, Ivy
• FPS aimer/sniper players: Vindicta, Grey Talon, Fentor, Wraith
• Assassin/roamer players: Haze, Calico, Pocket, Lash, Drifter
• Macro/split-push players: Mirage, Wraith, Drifter, Ram, Doorman
• Enchanter/support mains: Page, Ivy, Dynamo, Viscous
• Juggernaut/bruiser lovers: Victor, Abrams, Shiv, Lady Geist
• Combo/playmaker lovers: Paradox, Holliday, Bebop, Lash

If you keep facing certain meta heroes (build/playstyle adaptation, not counter-pick)

• Vs Celeste-heavy lobbies

  • Playstyle: stay mid-range, avoid clumping on ult bounces, punish when Lighteater is down.
  • Items: early spirit resist + Dispel Magic to remove Lighteater debuff.

• Vs Graves-heavy lobbies

  • Playstyle: avoid long trades in Gravestone, clear summons quickly, fight outside her short range.
  • Items: value AoE/waveclear and anti-sustain pressure.

• Vs Apollo-heavy lobbies

  • Playstyle: bait Repost first, then commit cooldowns; deny follow-up dashes after first engage.
  • Items: spirit resist, Spellbreaker, and slows/disables (Slowing Hex profile) are high value.

• Vs Silver-heavy lobbies

  • Playstyle: kite and space; burst before or right as she is about to enter wolf form.
  • Items: anti-weapon defenses (Metal Skin, disarm effects) are high value.

• Vs Vender-heavy lobbies

  • Playstyle: avoid close corridors/trap zones; force open-space fights.
  • Items: Metal Skin and anti-burst tools versus his weapon/execute windows.

• Vs Rem-heavy lobbies

  • Playstyle: protect sinner timings, clear helper pressure early, and punish Rem when isolated.
  • Items: anti-engage tools and reliable waveclear are priority.

Practical selection method (for climbing)

1. Choose one primary archetype that matches your instincts.
2. Pick 2 heroes in that archetype:
   • one stable/easy gameplan,
   • one high-ceiling hero you can grow into.
3. Play at least 5–10 games each before swapping.
4. Keep one fallback hero with reliable waveclear and self-sufficiency for chaotic lobbies.

Caveats

• Archetype fit is fluid; many heroes are true hybrids.
• Tier strength is highly patch-sensitive and rank-sensitive.
• Cross-game comparisons are about feel and learning style, not exact kit equivalence.