The Bear Pit - Deadlock
The Bear Pit - Deadlock is a gaming podcast dedicated to Valve's hero shooter Deadlock, hosted by Deathy and rkryptic. The show takes its name from the Bear Pit, the canonical Deadlock location where Bebop once defeated Lash. Episodes cover heroes, builds, strategy, and the broader state of the game. The hosts mix analysis with casual banter, and Lash apparently remains unbothered by his past defeat.
Episodes
Are There Too Many Barriers In Deadlock? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the addition of Baba and Solomon to Deadlock, and the recent surge in the amount of barriers in the game. We also talk about potential rank redistribution and issues with visual clarity. Timestamps0:00 Intro2:15 Lots of Barriers14:50 Visual Clutter22:00 Baba38:00 Rank Redistr
Deadlock's Latest Update is Incredible | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the massive City Never Sleeps update for Deadlock. We talk about the good and the bad of the patch, what has been the best additions, and the new hero Rat King. We also predict the next Hero and what we hope to see out of the remaining unreleased heroes!Timestamps0:00 Intro4:
Click here to summon the patch | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we summon the patch.Timestamps0:00 SUMMONING RITUAL
Balance Feels Good, Except for... You Know... | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss some of the most significant changes of the recent September 19th balance patch. We give our opinions on the biggest winners and losers. The ranked season is coming to and end so we covered some of the things we liked and didn't liked this season and what can be improved
This meta sucks. Here's what Valve can do to fix it | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk through the recent meta development of the Egg, how we got here, and what can be done to fix it. We also cover Doorman and Radiant Regen in this week's Curiosity Corner. Timestamps0:00 Intro3:15 Egg Meta27:20 Mid Boss is Everything40:25 Doorman54:55 Deathy Side Note55:40 Rad
What We Want in the Patch | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the upcoming content patch for Deadlock, what we think will be in the update, and what we want in the update. We also discuss a recent game exploit. In the Curiosity Corner, we cover the rise of Spirit Venator and the item combination of Merc Mag and Spiritual Overflow.Tim
Is This Patch Frequency Sustainable for Deadlock? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the recent announcement from Yoshi, regarding the upcoming content update. We shine some light on the new Warden situation and his build and why he feels powerful right now. Lastly, in the Curiosity Corner, we talk about Lash and Lifestrike. Timestamps0:00 Intro5:15 Yoshi’s U
The Update Isn't This Week. Here's Why. | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the status of the long awaited Deadlock Content Update and some of the "leaks" associated with it. We break down hero Win Rates and why they differ so much in ranks. We also talk about some heroes we think may be undervalued at the moment, and in the Curiosity Corne
Celeste is out of control | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the recent balance patch and explain how Celeste has become the demon of Deadlock. We also cover the ranking system and how the community believes it's too slow. Lastly, in the Curiosity Corner, we talk about potential hero archetypes that could be added to Deadlock, and
Standard Queue Might Have Some Issues... | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss Standard Mode and some of the best heroes we've seen since the Ranked Update. We also discuss the Gridlock Deadlock LAN from this past week.Meet the Gargoyle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSLZ17jCjLUTimestamps0:00 Intro6:20 Standard Mode30:05 Best Ranked Heroes44:25 Ne
Our Thoughts On The Matchmaking Update | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the major matchmaking update. Our initial thoughts and what we like or don't like about the current systems. We also cover the recent minor balance patch and talk about McGinnis and anti-heal items in the Curiosity Corner.Rank Data: https://statlocker.gg/rank-migrationTim
Summoning the Patch ft. Wander | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we have Wander back on the Podcast to theorize what could be in the upcoming Matchmaking update. We also talk about our biggest wish. We finish with the Curiosity Corner as always and discuss Yamato and Extra Health. Timestamps0:00 Intro2:00 Biggest Patch Wish12:00 Hero MMR and Matchmak
Deadlock NEEDS to do this | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the issues with itemization and damage in Deadlock. We theory craft some new items that could be introduced to help, as well as, reworks to existing heroes. We finish the episode with discussions on Haze and Venator.Timestamps0:00 Intro2:25 Echo Shard and Outline5:00 Itemizat
Was Ranked a Mistake? Matchmaking Discussion | The Bear Pit
Welcome to the Bear Pit! Episode 30, where we discuss matchmaking, and the introduction of ranked.
Why Is Shiv So Impossible to Balance? The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we discuss the latest 'minor patch', which includes the Unstable Rift, urn changes, economy changes and much more! We also talk about Shiv, the unkillable demon of doom that has been terrorizing matchmaking at all ranks.
Sajam Says Deadlock Isn't Real | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we are joined by Sajam! Sajam is a veteran of the FGC and has worked for many years as a commentator and content create for various games. We were lucky enough to have a discussion about him, his past gaming experience, and how he got into Deadlock. We also discuss why we believe fighti
Why is this Update Taking so Long? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we speculate about why the upcoming Deadlock update has been delayed so much. We do an extended edition of the Curiosity Corner where we cover Viscous, Heroic Aura, Sinclair, and Armor Piercing Rounds. Timestamps0:00 Intro5:00 Where is the Patch29:50 Curiosity Corner30:30 Viscous40:35 H
Exploring Deadlock's Mid Game | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the recent June 11th balance patch and which heroes are the biggest winners and losers of the patch. We then do an in depth discussion on Deadlock's Mid Game and how you can approach it. Timestamps0:00 Intro5:40 Balance Patch Discussion39:00 Deadlock’s Mid Game1:21:15
The Future of Deadlock Objectives | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about what we learned from all the Urn changes and how we could apply those to future objectives in Deadlock. We also cover Gray Talon and Scourge in this weeks Curiosity Corner. Timestamps0:00 Intro3:25 What we learned from the Urn16:50 Future Objectives for Deadlock41:10 Gray
The Current State of Deadlock | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the current state of Deadlock. How the experimental changes to the Urn have affected the overall gameplay, and if we think that is good for the game. We go into more detail on a few heroes and talk about the recent Deadlock tournaments of Death Slam Invitational and Night
How Valve Can Fix the Urn | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the recent experimental change to the Urn and how it has changed Deadlock. We discuss the good, the bad, and some potential changes we would like to see. We cover the some of the major general changes from the patch and some heroes we think got the biggest buffs. Timestamp
Yoshi Confirms Balance Patch This Week | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the announcement of a balance patch by Yoshi. We also discuss some topics submitted by the community like Hero Strength vs Win Rate. In the Curiosity Corner we cover Warden and Blood Tribute. Timestamps0:00 Intro2:10 Yoshi Announcement5:00 Possible Balance Changes15:40 Her
Valve Needs To Patch This NOW | The Bear Pit ft. RyanCentral
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we are joined by RyanCentral and we discuss some of the most game breaking builds at the moment. We learn about Ryan's background in esports and cover some complaints about parries and silences in Deadlock. We finish things up in the Curiosity Corner, talking about Graves and Trophy
Are We In A Spirit Meta? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the recent Deadlock balance patch. We dive into the new item, Indomitable, talk about how boon scaling has drastically changed the game, and discuss some of the strongest heroes of the meta.Timestamps0:00 Intro2:15 We’re Getting Old4:00 Indomitable17:00 CC and Debuff Resis
When is the Next Major Update for Deadlock | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about when the next major Deadlock update could happen. We discuss some of the major aspects of the game that we would like to see updated. We also cover the current meta of destroying Shrines. In the Curiosity Corner we discuss Silver and Escalating Exposure.Timestamps0:00 Intr
Exploring Deadlock's Laning Stage | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the current laning meta in Deadlock and how to approach different phases of the lane stage. We cover some drama from Night Shift last week and discuss Infernus, Vyper, and Disarming Hex. Timestamps0:00 Intro1:20 Seagull Incident4:00 Laning Meta32:50 Night Shift Drama40:50
April Fools Upset A Lot Of People... Was it justified? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the surprise April Fools Event in Deadlock. We also take some time to go over some big changes in Esports. In this weeks curiosity corner we cover Haze and Silence Wave.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:45 April Fools Update13:25 Deadlock Esports23:40 Reddit Complaints36:20 Curiosity
What Can Be Done About Matchmaking? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about matchmaking, the general community feeling towards it, and some things we believe could help. We also discuss some of the recent balance changes, and cover Bebop and Trophy Collector in the Curiosity CornerLastly, don't forget to check out the Deathy Slam Content Creat
Does Valve's Balance Philosophy Work in Deadlock? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the Valve and IceFrog balance philosophy of "If everything is op, nothing is op." We also discuss recent balance changes and which heroes are stronger or weaker. In the Curiosity Corner we talk about Holy Locket.Lastly, don't forget to check out the Deathy Sl
Is Time to Kill Too Fast In Deadlock? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about Time to Kill in Deadlock and how the recent patches have tried to address it. We also talk about the most OP heroes of the patch and return to the curiosity corner to discuss Vindicta and the EggTimestamps0:00 Intro2:00 Time To Kill15:25 OP Heroes 48:10 Curiosity Corner1:0
Why Was This Update SO Big? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the largest balance patch to hit Deadlock. We cover some of the major changes to the game. We also cover some of the major hero reworks and more!Timestamps0:00 Intro1:45 Why Patch SO BIG?8:30 Power Scaling11:20 Structures and Game Time20:30 New Hero Power Identity28:50 End
Balance Patch Coming This Week! | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the upcoming balance patch, announced by Yoshi. Our major discussion this week is about Deadlock's problem with long games and how to end the game. Our Reddit Complaints this week are about Hero Balance and Matchmaking. The Curiosity Corner focuses on Mirage and Echo S
The Legend of the Trackball - Speaking to Zerggy | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we are joined by Zerggy! We get to have a discussion about him, his past gaming experience, and how he got into Deadlock. We also discuss the current meta of Deadlock, what it's like to play competitively, and what we hope to see in the future!Find Zerggy Live on Twitch here:https:/
We Got 6 New Heroes. What Now? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the new hero release of Apollo. We rank all the new heroes in power and discuss what is next for Deadlock!Timestamps:0:00 - Intro2:05 - Apollo18:20 - Voting Stats21:55 - 6 Hero Power Ranking35:50 - What’s next for Deadlock?53:00 - Death Slam Events1:01:25 - Closing
Deadlock's New Heroes Are Giving it Crazy Momentum | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the 4 recently released Deadlock heroes: Graves, Celeste, Silver, and Venator. Timestamps:0:00 Intro3:45 Celeste27:00 Venator40:05 Graves52:50 Silver1:05:30 Announcements1:10:03 Closing
New Hero, New Patrons, New Items, and More! | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the recent Old Gods, New Blood Major Update. We discuss the new hero Rem, the new patrons, the map rework, new items, and more!Timestamps:0:00 Intro2:25 Rem16:45 Street Brawl36:10 New Patrons and Bases46:10 New Items52:00 Map Changes54:30 2026 Predictions57:45 Outro
What Does Deadlock Need To Be The Next Big Game? ft. Wander | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we have our first ever guest, Wander, talk a bit about himself, his past gaming experience, and how he got into Deadlock. We also discuss the future of Deadlock and what we believe is needed for it's success.Find Wander Live on Twitch here:https://www.twitch.tv/wanderdl0:00 Intro1:00 Wh
Update still in January, Urn Discussion & More | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the Urn and why it it may feel a bit unfun to engage with. We also talk about Reddit's obsession with the patch release and what we think could be expected. This week's Curiosity Corner segment includes discussion of Abrams and Kinetic Dash.0:00 Intro0:50 The Urn31
Are Comeback Mechanics Healthy For Deadlock? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the somewhat misunderstood comeback mechanics of Deadlock. We also cover the Reddit complains of items and matchmaking. Lastly, we discuss Doorman and Toxic Bullets in the curiosity corner.0:00 Intro1:00 Comeback Mechanics27:25 Spirit vs Bullet Counters46:00 Matchmaker54:1
Bebop buffs... And ETA for the big patch? | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about a surprise balance patch release and some heroes that we had some fun playing during the Deadlock Holiday Event.Patch Notes: https://forums.playdeadlock.com/threads/12-29-2025-update.95233/0:00 Intro1:00 Patch Discussion34:30 Big Patch News34:35 Holiday Event Surprises44:0
Our Deadlock 2026 Wishlist | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about what we hope to see from Deadlock in 2026. It is our Wishlist of updates, changes, and content that we want added to the game in the next year.0:00 2026 Wishlist33:00 Reddit Complaints50:00 Curiosity Corner67:00 Happy Holidays
2 patches in 2 days | The Bear Pit
CONTEXT: There was an update hours after we recorded this episode. Here's the patch notes: https://forums.playdeadlock.com/threads/12-16-2025-update.93983/Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we talk about the newly released Holiday Event in Deadlock. We cover some common complaints from Reddit, some heroes and items t
Deadlock's next major update "probably delayed" | The Bear Pit
Welcome to The Bear Pit, the new Deadlock focused podcast brought to you by Deathy and rkryptic. In this episode we break down the recent announcement from Yoshi about the latest update being delayed until the new year. We also discuss the recent November balance patch and how that has changed the meta of Deadlock.
