Valve’s newest game, Deadlock, offers an intriguing combination between Hero Shooter and MOBA, giving fans of both genres a thrilling experience. However, with such a combination, the game has several complexities that many new players might get confused about initially.

One such confusing mechanic in the game is the four flex slots the players need to unlock in each match, which are used to provide players with additional buffs and advantages over their enemies. Having upgradeable items in general, a staple among the best MOBAs out there, can feel out of place for Hero Shooter veterans. This guide is here to help explain how these flex slots work — and how to unlock them.

deadlock-dynamo-build-guide
Deadlock: Dynamo Build Guide

Learn how to dominate your foes and take over the game as Dynamo with our complete build guide showcasing his best items and playstyle in Deadlock.

Flex Slots In Deadlock, Explained

flex slots

Item Progression is one of the most essential mechanics in Deadlock. Players must gather enough souls throughout each match to progress through the three categories of items available (Weapons, Vitality, and Spirit). The game offers multiple item tiers that players can obtain, each of which grants a unique kind of boost to players in the early, mid, and late game phases.

Nevertheless, a limited number of items are available for the players to use, and each category can have up to a maximum of four items at a time. As a result, players may find themselves with additional souls in the late stages of the game without anywhere to use them.

This is when the flex slots come into play, giving the players an additional four spots to add more items from any preferred category. The total number of item slots for each player will, therefore, increase from 12 to 16 after the four flex slots are unlocked.

How To Unlock All Four Flex Slots In Deadlock

flex slot unlocked

There are a total of four flex slots available for players to unlock during a match, where they can use items from any of the categories they want. Unlocking the flex slots becomes essential, especially during the mid-and late-game stages, to keep par with the enemies and gain certain advantages over the opposing heroes.

Each of the four flex slots has requirements that each player must complete to be unlocked. The requirements are:

  • Slot 1: Unlocked after your team destroys all enemy Guardians.
  • Slot 2: Unlocked after your team destroys an enemy Shrine.
  • Slot 3: Unlocked after your team destroys an enemy Walker.
  • Slot 4: Unlocked after your team destroys all enemy Walkers.

Collective teamwork is required to unlock the flex slots; if one of your teammates has fulfilled the prerequisite, that means everyone on your team will be able to access that particular flex slot. You can only really complete the conditions to unlock the first, second, and fourth spots once you're into the late game. To unlock the third slot as soon as possible, however, it is strongly advised that you work with teammates to coordinate and target one of the lane's Walkers as soon as possible — this can provide a noticeable boost early in the game.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Deadlock Tag Page Cover Art
Deadlock
Display card tags widget
Shooter
MOBA
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Developer(s)
Valve
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Publisher(s)
Valve
Engine
Source2
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
Shooter, MOBA