Is Deadlock Free & How to Get Access (2026)

Deadlock is free to play during its closed beta — but only if you have an invite. The game is still invite-only, and the main way in is a Steam friend invite sent from inside the game. Valve hasn’t set final pricing, though most expect a free-to-play model at full release.

Here is how Deadlock access works — whether it’s free, how the invite system works, and the ways to get in.

Is Deadlock free & how to get access

The key facts on cost and access.

How the friend-invite system works

Deadlock is still an invite-only closed beta, so you can’t just buy or download it. The primary way in is a Steam friend invite: someone who already has access sends you a Steam Playtest invite from inside the game, and it arrives through the Steam app — usually within about 20 minutes to 3 hours. A few requirements apply: you need a non-limited Steam account (accounts with no purchases can’t receive invites), and you must already be Steam friends with the person inviting you, since strangers can’t invite you until a friend request is accepted. Once you’re in, access stays on your account.

Ways to get an invite

Four routes into the Deadlock beta.

Once you’re in, see our Deadlock beginner’s guide, best beginner heroes and what is Deadlock guides.

Quick access checklist

What to sort before you can play.

Deadlock access FAQ

Deadlock is in active development and still invite-only. Access rules and pricing may change — we update this guide as Valve shares more.