Valve’s newest title, Deadlock, has quickly become one of the most talked-about games of 2025. Combining MOBA-style mechanics with a hero-shooter twist, the game already feels promising even in its early access stage. But here’s the problem: if you check the Deadlock Steam page, you’ll notice there’s no “Play” or “Install” button—just a wishlist option. So how exactly do you get into Deadlock right now? Let’s break it down step by step.
How Early Access Works
Currently, Deadlock is in a closed playtest. That means you can’t simply download it directly from Steam unless Valve has given your account an invite. Some lucky players have been randomly selected, but for most, the main way to get in is through friend invites.
The Friend Invite System
If you have a friend who already owns Deadlock, they can invite you:
- They open Deadlock in their library.
- Click the “Invite Your Friends” button.
- Select you from their Steam friends list.
Once invited, you’ll receive an email linked to your Steam account with a big blue button to accept. From there, the game will appear in your library and can be downloaded. Invites usually arrive within a few hours, though it may take up to a day or two.
Important note: If you’re using a limited Steam account (one that hasn’t spent at least $5 on games or items), you won’t be eligible to receive Deadlock invites.
What If You Don’t Have Friends With Deadlock?
If none of your friends own the game, you’re not out of luck. You can find players willing to share invites, but be careful. Here are the safer options:
- Deadlock Subreddit (r/deadlockthegame): There’s a pinned Invite Megathread where players offer invites. This is moderated, but always watch out for scammers.
- Community Discord: The official Deadlock Discord has an invite giveaway channel where players help each other get access.
- Trusted Gaming Communities: Some Discord servers and communities host invite-sharing channels.
Avoid shady links or anyone asking for payment—Deadlock invites are free. Never pay for one.
Safety Tips When Looking for Invites
- Only accept invites that arrive via email from Valve’s official address.
- Do not click random links in Steam messages or community hubs.
- Avoid getting invited by known cheaters—if the inviter is banned, all their invitees risk being banned too.
- Never share your Steam friend code publicly—give it only to trusted individuals.
Adding Friends on Steam
If you do find someone willing to invite you, here’s how to add them:
- Click your profile name on Steam.
- Go to the Friends tab.
- Select Add a Friend to get your friend code.
- Share that code with the inviter privately.
At the moment, the only reliable way to access Deadlock early is through the friend invite system. If you’re lucky enough to know someone with the game, that’s the easiest route. Otherwise, your best bet is to try the subreddit or the official Discord community—while staying cautious of scams.
Deadlock is shaping up to be one of Valve’s biggest releases in years, and getting in early not only gives you a head start but also lets you experience the game while it’s still evolving. Stay patient, stay safe, and hopefully, you’ll be dropping into Deadlock soon.