Deadlock is a game that has a lot of unique visuals to it. As the game blends the gameplay of an arena shooter with a lane-based MOBA, the details of the orbs and the abilities of both allies and enemies can not only overwhelm players but potentially computers.
RelatedDeadlock: Beginner Tips
Before diving into a match of Deadlock, here are a few things to keep in mind.
PostsThankfully, due to its playtest nature, the game is in essence designed to be easier to access than a launch game would be. However, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to try and dig every framerate or improvement boost possible.
Deadlock is still in development, and these settings may change during development.
Best PC And Steam Deck Performance Settings For Deadlock
Like any game, the easiest way to control how it runs on your computer is in the in-game settings. As usual, a lot of the major settings like texture quality and anti-aliasing make the biggest difference, but there are more options to change if you want the best performance build of Deadlock on your computer.
Thankfully, Deadlock has two different ways you can change your settings. The basic settings are shown in a slider, where the left side is for performance and the right side is for visual spectacle. If you don't want to bother with adjusting every option in the advanced settings menu, just move the slider to the left.
However, if you want to adjust the settings, click the Use Advanced Settings button to unlock the option to change these video settings.
The Best Settings For Performance
Setting
Option
Description
Resolution
1920x1080
The default resolution for most computers is usually the best option for performance.
Refresh Rate
Match your monitor
Look into your monitor's settings to find out its highest refresh rate, and match it for the best performance.
Display Mode
Fullscreen
While windowed or windowed borderless is easier to control or switch out of, fullscreen is always the best for a game's performance.
Render Quality
55 percent
Anywhere between 50 and 60 percent is the sweet spot for performance without totally ruining the gameplay experience.
Anti-Aliasing
FXAA
When on, this will improve performance without taking much power out of your computer.
Texture Quality
Medium
Low is a valid option as well, but Medium doesn't take a lot more power and shows more visuals that players need to see for gameplay.
Screen Space AO
Off
Considering how much power it uses, keeping it off makes the most sense.
Distance Field AO
Off
Same description as the Screen Space AO, another powerful option that is best kept off.
Motion Blur
Off
Motion blur is entirely a choice for players because it will not affect performance much, if at all.
VSync
Off
While it can improve screen tearing, the potential input lag can be costly.
Distance Field Shadows
On
This offers shadows while adjusting the texture to make it easier on computers.
Post Process Bloom
On
While a visual effect, it is very minor and shouldn't affect performance much if on.
If any of these options confuse you, if you hover over them with your cursor, the game will show a short description as to what it affects and how much power it can consume. Due to that, people can adjust their settings to their liking.
Steam Deck users can stick to the performance settings above as well, most importantly keeping the Texture Quality to Medium, the Render Quality to 70 percent instead of 55, and FXAA on.
Best Medium-Range Settings For Deadlock
To thread the needle between performance and visual settings, the easiest way is to move the basic settings slider toward the two options in the middle. However, if you enable the advanced settings, here are the best options for the same settings as above.
The Best Settings For Medium-Range Deadlock Gameplay
Setting
Option
Description
Resolution
1920x1080
The default resolution for most computers is the best option for almost all computers.
Refresh Rate
Match your monitor
Look into your monitor's settings to find out its highest refresh rate, and match it to make the game run seamlessly.
Display Mode
Fullscreen
Fullscreen is still the best option for complex games, but Borderless Windowed is more viable in a build like this.
Render Quality
70 percent
Anywhere around 70-80 percent is a great spot if you want the game to run well and look good.
Anti-Aliasing
FXAA
Just like the performance build, it is worth it to activate anti-aliasing.
Texture Quality
Medium
Medium, just like the name suggests, is good quality while not taking too much out of a computer, but High can also be viable.
Screen Space AO
Low
To improve the visuals from the performance build, activating Screen Space AO will improve visuals.
Distance Field AO
Low
Just like Screen Space AO, improving the Distance Field AO will also improve how the game looks.
Motion Blur
Off
Motion blur is entirely a choice for players because it will not affect performance much, if at all.
VSync
Off
While it can improve screen tearing, the potential input lag can be costly.
Distance Field Shadows
On
The tradeoff between shadows and performance is good for this setting.
Post Process Bloom
On
This setting doesn't affect power or performance much.
There isn't a big difference between the performance settings and these medium-range settings because Deadlock is an early-access game, but just like the performance settings, you can adjust these settings more if you want better visuals.
Best Visual Settings For Deadlock
Last but not least, we have the most visual-focused settings choices for Deadlock. Either use the basic settings slider and move it to the right, or with the advanced settings, just turn every setting on or to the max.
The Best Visual Settings For Deadlock
Setting
Option
Description
Resolution
Match your setup
Either stick to 1920x1080, or if you have a multiple or larger monitor setup, adjust accordingly.
Refresh Rate
Match your monitor
Look into your monitor's settings to find out its highest refresh rate for the best visuals.
Display Mode
Fullscreen
Fullscreen is still the best option for complex games, but Borderless Windowed is still viable.
Render Quality
90 percent
90 to 100 percent is ideal for the ultimate visual spectacle.
Anti-Aliasing
FXAA
Just like the performance build, it is worth it to activate anti-aliasing.
Texture Quality
High
High is what you want for the best visuals in Deadlock.
Screen Space AO
Ultra
Anytime you see an Ultra option, get it for the best visuals.
Distance Field AO
High
Just like Screen Space AO, improving the Distance Field AO will also improve how the game looks.
Motion Blur
Off
Motion blur is entirely preferential.
VSync
Off
Just like Motion Blur, the choice is up to the player, but it usually isn't worth it.
Distance Field Shadows
On
Making shadows easier to run while keeping performance good is a nice option.
Post Process Bloom
On
This option simulates visual imperfections, so for true immersion, turn it on.
Options like V-Sync and Motion Blur are still optional choices for individual players, as they don't affect performance or visuals much outside of preference. However, for settings from Texture Quality to Render Quality, just turn it as high as it goes to your preference and PC build allows. This includes turning on Displacement Mapping, Area Lights, and Depth of Field.
Best Keyboard, Mouse, And Keybind Settings For Deadlock
Deadlock is an interesting game for keybindings because it uses both FPS and MOBA mechanics. The default way to play it is with a keyboard and mouse, but if you use a Steam Deck, the game has to be mapped differently.
To start, here are the best mouse settings for Deadlock. Mouse sensitivity is preferential, as some players like playing with high and others like low, but having a low sensitivity is usually better for shooting games.
- Mouse Sensitivity = 1.90
- Zoom Sensitivity = 1.00
- Toggle Zoom = On
These settings should also adjust based on which mouse you have, so make sure to test out your settings in practice mode to see which sensitivity is best for you.
Now, for the best keyboard and Steam Deck keybindings, there are two options. For new Deadlock players, or players new to MOBAs or even FPS games, sticking to the default keybindings is the best option. However, for experienced players of other games like Valorant, you can adjust specific keybindings to help match both games' controls together.
The keybindings below are only for the keys you should change, so if the keybind isn't listed here, keep it the same as the default option.
- Item 1 = 1
- Item 2 = 2
- Item 3 = 3
- Item 4 = 4
- Ability 1 = E
- Ability 2 = C
- Ability 3 = Z
- Ability 4 = X
While not the same as other shooters or MOBAs, this shift moves the ability keys and item keys around. Instead of keeping the abilities on the numbers 1-4, this keybinding moves them around your movement keys of WASD, making it easier and quicker to use your abilities with your left hand.
Aside from that, you can keep the movement and ping keys the same. As for Steam Deck players, here is the best keymapping for the console. For context, there is an extra step, as you need to first match the keybinding to what is needed to then match the controller to said keys.
- WASD controls = Left Joystick
- Mouse movement = Right Joystick
- Shift Key = L3
- F Key = R3
- Left Mouse = R2
- Right Mouse = L2
- Space Key = A
- Shift/Control Key = B
- R Key = X
- Q Key = Y
- Z Key = L4
- X Key = L5
- C Key = R4
- V Key = R5
- Escape Key = Pause Button
- Tab Key = R1
- Hold Action Set Layer = L1
- B Key = Down on Left Trackpad
How To Improve Deadlock Performance Outside The Game
Like any computer game, there is only so much you can change from inside. There are a lot of potential ways to improve performance outside of Deadlock, starting with updating graphics card drivers, which will usually improve performance across all games. Avoid running other programs in the background, like internet browsers or other games.
Upgrading your PC is another way to get better gameplay, but not always the most available. Lastly, changing your graphics card's settings to automatically run games with a focus on performance more than visuals is a sneaky way to get improved performance. To do so, go to your respective graphics card program and look for performance settings, whether for specific games or your entire computer.
NextDeadlock: Seven Hero Guide
Seven's electrifying loadout is yours to wield in Deadlock.
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