If you’ve spent any time on gaming forums or Steam communities lately, you’ve probably seen tons of questions popping up about Valve’s new 6v6 hero shooter, Deadlock. It’s been building hype for months thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, unique hero abilities, and mix of MOBA and FPS mechanics that feel totally fresh compared to other games in the genre. One of the most common questions I’ve seen from curious players is how long is the deadlock playtest, especially for people who just got their invite or are waiting to get access. I’ve been in the playtest for three months now, and I’ve gone through three different testing cycles, so I’ve got all the insider details you need to plan your time and know what to expect when you get in.
How Long Is the Deadlock Playtest for Individual Players?
If you’re rushing to figure out how long is the deadlock playtest right after getting your invite, the first thing to check is the email you received, because it will list your exact access window. That said, there are standard time frames that apply to most testers. Most first-time playtesters get 72 hours of continuous access when they receive their initial invite, unless the invite is specifically for a shorter weekend stress test. I got my first invite during a 48-hour weekend stress test last spring, so I only had two full days to play, but I submitted three detailed bug reports and filled out every feedback form they sent, so I got kept on for the full two-week feature test phase that ran right after.
If you make it into the core closed beta tester group, you’ll get access for the entire duration of any active phase, which can last anywhere from two to four weeks. You don’t have to play 8 hours a day to keep that access, either. You just need to log in a few times a week and submit feedback every so often to show you’re actively participating. It’s worth noting that access doesn’t roll over between phases. If you finish a two-week test phase, you’ll have to wait for an invite to the next one, even if you were a top tester in the last round. That’s because Valve sometimes limits access for specific phases to test new player onboarding, so even veteran testers might sit out a cycle every now and then.
Breakdown of Full Deadlock Playtest Phase Durations
Valve runs different types of playtest phases throughout the year, each with a different length and specific testing goal. The length of the phase will directly impact how long you can access the game if you get an invite for that cycle. Here’s a breakdown of the most common phase types I’ve participated in so far:
- Stress test phases: These last 24 to 48 hours total, and are designed to test server load, matchmaking speed, and stability during peak player counts. You usually only get access for the full duration of the stress test if you sign up in advance, and invites are sent out just a few hours before the test starts. These phases often have the most bugs, because Valve is intentionally pushing the servers to their limit, so don’t be surprised if you get kicked out of matches or experience lag during these runs.
- Feature test phases: These run 1 to 2 weeks, and focus on testing new hero releases, map updates, or game mode changes. Testers who provide high-quality feedback during these phases often get invites to future tests automatically. During the last feature test I joined, we were testing a new support hero, and I got an extra week of access after the phase ended to play additional matches with the hero and share more detailed feedback about her ability balance.
- Closed beta phases: These are the longest, running 3 to 4 weeks at a time, and include a larger pool of testers to evaluate overall game balance, progression systems, and core gameplay loops. These phases are the best for new testers, because you have more time to learn the game, try different heroes, and give more thoughtful feedback, rather than rushing to fit play time into a 48-hour window.
So, if you see people talking about being in the playtest for months, they're likely part of the core testing group that gets invited back for every phase. You don't have to be a pro player to get into that group, by the way. I’m just an average casual player who plays 3-4 matches a night after work, fills out every feedback form, and reports weird glitches when I run into them, and I’ve been invited to the last four phases straight. The Valve team actually responds to feedback too, I once reported a bug where a hero’s ultimate ability wasn’t working correctly on one map, and they fixed it in a patch three days later, then sent me a note thanking me for the report. That was a pretty cool touch.
Factors That Can Change Your Deadlock Playtest Access Length
Even if you get an invite for a 48-hour stress test or a two-week feature test, there are a few factors that can make your access longer or shorter than the advertised time. Feedback submission is the biggest factor that extends your access, by far. The entire point of the playtest is to gather input from players to improve the game, so Valve prioritizes people who actually take 5 minutes after their matches to fill out the short feedback surveys. You don’t have to write a 10-page essay about every match, even short notes like “this hero’s movement speed feels too slow” or “the tutorial didn’t explain how to buy items clearly” are incredibly valuable.
On the flip side, there are things that can cut your access short immediately. If you’re reported for toxic behavior, like harassing teammates, throwing matches, or cheating, you will get banned from the playtest permanently, no second chances. I saw two people get banned from the last closed beta phase for yelling slurs in voice chat, and they won’t be getting invites to any future tests. If you don’t log in for more than 48 hours during an active phase, your access might be revoked and given to another player on the waitlist. That makes sense, right? Valve has a limited number of test spots, so they don’t want to waste them on people who aren’t going to play. Another thing to note: if you sign up for specific targeted tests, like testing a new controller support feature or a ranked game mode, you might get extra access time specifically to test that feature, even if the main phase is ending. I know a few players who got an extra 10 days of access last phase to test the new ranked placement system, because they had submitted lots of feedback about game balance in the past.
Tips to Maximize Your Time During the Deadlock Playtest
Whether you only have 48 hours for a stress test or two full weeks for a closed beta phase, you want to make the most of your time, both to enjoy the game and to increase your chances of getting invited back for future tests. Block off dedicated play time before you accept your invite. If you get an invite for a weekend test and you already have plans to go out of town, don’t accept it. You can usually defer your invite to the next phase, and that way you don’t waste a spot that could go to another player who has time to test.
Second, take quick notes as you play. I keep a note on my phone open while I’m playing, and I jot down any bugs I see, balance issues, or things I find confusing, so I can fill out the feedback form quickly after my session. It only takes a few seconds, and it makes giving feedback way easier than trying to remember everything you noticed after 3 hours of playing. Third, play different parts of the game, not just your favorite hero or game mode. Try out support heroes even if you usually play damage, play the casual mode even if you only like ranked, and test out the customization options and progression system too. The more parts of the game you test, the more valuable your feedback is, and the more likely you are to get flagged as a high-quality tester.
Don't forget to link your main Steam account properly when you sign up for the playtest, because if there's an issue with your account, you might lose access mid-test and have to go through the waitlist all over again. I made that mistake once, I had an old secondary Steam account linked to my sign-up, and when I got my invite, I tried to switch it to my main account, and I lost access for half of the phase. It was super frustrating, and I missed out on testing the first version of the new map that rolled out during that cycle. Finally, don’t share screenshots or footage of the playtest unless Valve explicitly says you can. The playtest is under NDA, and if you leak content, you’ll get banned immediately, no questions asked.
At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how long is the deadlock playtest, because it depends on the phase you're invited to and how much you participate in the testing process. If you're joining for the first time, you can expect at least 48 hours of access, and if you take the time to submit thoughtful feedback, you can easily extend that to a few weeks or even get invited back for future phases. The playtest is still evolving as Valve gets closer to a full public release, so access times might shift a bit in the future, but these guidelines hold for all current testing cycles. If you're still waiting for an invite, make sure you've signed up on the official Steam page and have your Steam notifications turned on, so you don't miss your window when it arrives. Once you get in, don’t stress too much about winning every match, focus on having fun and sharing your honest thoughts, that’s what the playtest is for anyway.