Valorant patch 7.10 finally buffs underrated agent, Deadlock

Riot Games has finally addressed Deadlock’s underperformance with substantial improvements in Valorant patch 7.10. The Norwegian sentinel, despite her compelling visual design and lore, struggled to find relevance in the competitive meta due to inconsistent ability performance.

Deadlock’s initial kit failed to compete with established sentinels like Killjoy and Cypher, resulting in one of the lowest pick rates across all ranks. These comprehensive buffs specifically target her most unreliable tool—GravNet—transforming it from a situational gadget into a core defensive asset.

The patch 7.10 adjustments elevate GravNet from a minor inconvenience to a legitimate threat that demands enemy attention and resources to counter effectively.

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Deadlock’s GravNet: Complete Rework Analysis

Deadlock’s GravNet undergoes its most significant revision since the agent’s debut, addressing fundamental design flaws that limited its effectiveness. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown of patch 7.10 improvements:

• GravNet now applies persistent debuffs that remain active until manually removed, regardless of positioning
• Affected players experience substantial mobility reduction and increased gravity effects, significantly impacting movement abilities
• Removal duration increases from 0.85 seconds to 1.5 seconds, creating longer vulnerability windows
• Area of effect expands from 6 meters to 8 meters, covering approximately 78% more ground

These changes fundamentally alter how GravNet functions in combat scenarios. Previously, enemies could simply exit the field to eliminate the slow effect, making it ineffective against coordinated pushes or mobile agents.

The reworked GravNet introduces strategic depth that rewards precise placement and timing. Optimal usage now involves predicting enemy routes rather than reactive deployment.

Advanced placement strategies include chokepoint coverage during executes, post-plant scenarios, and retake situations where every second counts. The expanded radius allows for covering multiple entry points simultaneously, forcing attackers to either commit to removing the net or find alternative routes.

Common tactical errors to avoid: placing GravNet in open areas where enemies can easily circumvent it, using it without supporting utility, and deploying it too early in rounds.

Counterplay considerations: Enemies now face a strategic dilemma—spend valuable time removing the debuff or fight with significant disadvantages. The increased removal time creates opportunities for follow-up plays and information gathering.

These substantial improvements position Deadlock as a legitimate alternative in the sentinel role, particularly for players who prefer area denial over information gathering. Her updated kit now complements aggressive defensive playstyles that punish rushed site executions.

Agent synergy opportunities emerge with controllers like Viper and Brimstone, where GravNet can trap enemies in already hazardous areas. The persistent debuff synergizes exceptionally well with damage-over-time abilities and trap combinations.

Map-specific applications shine on sites with narrow chokepoints such as Ascent B Main, Bind Hookah, and Split A Main.

Beyond the GravNet enhancements, patch 7.10 includes critical bug fixes, Jett’s Blade Storm animation refinements, and quality-of-life improvements that enhance overall gameplay fluidity.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Valorant patch 7.10 finally buffs underrated agent, Deadlock Deadlock's GravNet receives major buffs in Valorant patch 7.10, transforming the underused sentinel into a competitive pick