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A new episode of Valorant is coming soon, set to deliver one of the bigger updates in the game’s three-year history. In addition to the new Team Deathmatch game mode and updated daily mission system, Riot Games announced new two new Agents that will join the roster this year. One is coming much sooner than the other, though. Here’s what we know about Valorant Agent 23, codenamed ‘Deadlock,’ including their abilities and release date. This article has recently been updated with new information and a trailer reveal.
Deadlock Abilities
Riot Games has now revealed a trailer that provides an overview of Deadlock’s abilities. Specific information about her kit was leaked online by dataminers, and we can therefore share with you now the information they have relayed:
- GravNet (C)
- EQUIP a GravNet grenade. FIRE to throw. ALT FIRE to lob the grenade underhand. The GravNet detonates upon landing, forcing any enemies caught within to crouch and move slowly.
- Sonic Sensor (Q)
- EQUIP a Sonic Sensor. FIRE to deploy. The sensor monitors an area for enemies making sound. It concusses that area if footsteps, weapons fire, or significant noise are detected.ย
- Barrier Mesh (E)
- EQUIP a Barrier Mesh disc. FIRE to throw forward. Upon landing, the disc generates barriers from the origin point that block character movement.
- Annihilation (X)
- EQUIP a Nanowire Accelerator. FIRE to unleash a pulse of nanowires that captures the first enemy contacted. The cocooned enemy is pulled along a nanowire path and will die if they reach the end, unless they are freed. The nanowire cocoon is destructible.
The abilities don’t come as too much of a surprise, remember. Previously, in a video showcase, Anna Donlon, the game’s executive producer, suggested that the Agent โwill stop you dead in your tracks and pull you in for a closer look.โย That sounds very much like a trap sentinel, similar to someone like Killjoy or Cypher.
Understandably, fans were delighted with these words and are looking forward to the new agent’s appearance as soon as possible. Thankfully, that’s exactly what they got with the image you can see above. What we see is Agent 23 working on a tabletop full of gadgets, again suggesting that their abilities are some sort of trap or trip devices.
Notably, there’s actually a card included in the recent Battle Pass that refers to a device called a “death trap,” and it’s very similar in appearance to what we can see on the table.
Valorant Agent Deadlock Trailer
As reported earlier today, Deadlock has now been given a video trailer, which you can watch below.
Deadlock Teaser Timeline
Below you can read the original article’s findings on various Twitter teasers and datamines prior to the above information arriving.
The first is the codename, which at this stage could be one of two possibilities. The first is ‘Cashew,’ which was actually datamined earlier this year by ValorLeaks:
New Agent Codename: Cashew | #VALORANT
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) March 7, 2023
The second possible name is ‘Cable,’ which was more recently leaked:
New Agent Codename: Cable | #VALORANT
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) June 20, 2023
The third and final is the correct name, Deadlock:
New Agent: Deadlock | #VALORANT
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) June 21, 2023
Latest Valorant Agent Teasers
Drone is on the approach, but battery levels are critical. Still no signs of life. Going in on foot. -Sova out. pic.twitter.com/7KqJo058Os
— VALORANT (@VALORANT) June 19, 2023
Riot Games has recently teased Cashew/Cable once again with a short video scene. As you can see above, it features Sova and his drone looking at some strange object in the distance while searching for “signs of life.”
More recently:
Deadlock Teaser #3 | #VALORANT pic.twitter.com/C7VNUgU5a1
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) June 23, 2023
Lore & Backstory
Fans have done a whole investigation about the Sentinel and their backstory, keen to piece together where they fit into the weird and wonderful lore of Valorant. All signs so far point toward the Agent hailing from Norway. Why? Because eagle-eyed observers noticed waffles with brunost and black coffee on the table in the left corner of the image — a classic dish of Norwegian cuisine.
What Is Agent 23 Release Date? Answered
Agent 23 is set to launch along with Valorant Episode 7, which will release on June 27/28 (North America/South America get it a day earlier). Again, alongside the new Episode will be the Team Deathmatch mode and an overhaul to the game’s progression systems.
Do keep in mind that as is typical you will have to unlock the Agent by earning XP via in-game missions and challenges. Agent 23 will not be available until you have either ticked these off or purchase the Agent with in-game currency (which costs actual money).
Related:
Valorant Team Deathmatch: Release Date, Features, & How To Play
Of course, much of what we know so far is just speculation. Only time will tell as to whether our assumptions are correct. You can be sure that The Nerd Stash will keep this article updated moving forward.
Valorant is only available on PC.
