Deadlock’s latest update introduced Baba, a character that turns traditional combat on its head with her flair for Spirit damage and unusual mobility. Players intrigued by heroes who blend mystical power with sharp gameplay will find Baba a compelling addition that demands a dynamic approach to every fight.
Baba joins the roster of six new heroes in the City Never Sleeps update, instantly standing out for her eccentric style and gameplay mechanics. More than a fresh face, she offers players a fresh way to engage — one that mixes supernatural elements with fast-paced action.
Her toolkit is an eclectic mix of Spirit damage, swift repositioning, crowd control, and a bird-themed ultimate that can sway team fights in surprising ways. This unique blend makes learning her nuances rewarding for those who dare to dive in.
Understanding Baba means delving into her unusual weaponry, mastering her Spirit abilities, and adapting to her style of hit-and-run and disruption. Expect fights that favor quick decision-making and strategic pressure rather than brute force.
Who even is Baba?
Baba draws inspiration from the enigmatic Baba Yaga folklore but morphs into something distinctly her own within Deadlock’s universe. She embodies a supernatural aggressor who thrives by combining mobility with Spirit-infused attacks, making her a wild card in combat scenarios.
Unlike straightforward damage-dealers, Baba relies on her Spirit powers to hunt down and manipulate foes. Her ability to poke at a distance and then swiftly move in or escape makes her well-suited for players who favor dynamic engagements over static confrontations.
Deadlock Baba Weapon Explained
The core of Baba’s firepower is the Bunko-Night Special, a quirky rapid-fire weapon that fires in pellets, adding a tactile flair to her combat style.
- Bullet Damage: 8.8 per shot (3 pellets)
- Clip Size: 15 rounds
- Fire Rate: 3.23 shots per second
- Damage Falloff: Effective between 15 to 42 meters
- Reload Time: 2.5 seconds
Her weapon gains a significant boost when Baba uses Threadsap to steal Spirit from enemies. Holding onto Spirit charges up the weapon, letting each bullet inflict additional Spirit damage, rewarding aggressive sustained fights.
What are Her Abilities?
Threadsap is Baba’s bread and butter for Spirit damage. It allows her to sap strength from enemies and soften them up for follow-up attacks, especially her rapid-fire shots.
This ability encourages players to stay engaged instead of retreating immediately after a hit. Effective use of Threadsap can tilt the scales by gradually weakening foes over the course of a skirmish.
For best results, open fights with Threadsap on targets who can’t easily escape to maximize damage and control.
Granny Long Legs Explained
Granny Long Legs provides Baba the mobility she desperately needs to weave in and out of combat. This ability dramatically enhances her movement and survivability.
Activating this ability extends Baba’s bench into long legs for 10 seconds, granting faster movement, higher jumps, and resistance to both debuffs and melee attacks.
While Granny Long Legs is active:
- Light melee attacks turn into a powerful kick that knocks back enemies.
- Heavy melee becomes a ground pound dealing Spirit damage, knocking opponents up and slowing them.
- Holding crouch charges a high jump, enabling clever positioning.
- The cooldown after use is 32 seconds, slightly increased in recent patches.
This skill is truly Baba’s swiss army knife for mobility and close combat, letting her chase fleeing targets or disengage smartly when needed.
Baba’s Brew Explained
Baba’s Brew is a versatile ability that can shield allies, disrupt enemies, or deal damage over time — making it a tactical tool with multiple uses depending on the flow of battle.
When activated, Baba brews a pot of tea cycling through three effects:
- Soothing Barrier: Provides a 90 base shield to allies
- Silence: Prevents enemies from using abilities
- Scalding Burn: Applies Spirit damage over time and reduces Spirit resistance
Baba can pause the brewing process to lock in the preferred effect, then toss the pot into the fight, impacting the zone with that effect to benefit her team or disrupt foes.
Feed The Birds Explained
Feed The Birds is possibly the most whimsical, yet impactful, part of Baba’s kit. This ability channels to cover enemies with bread, stacking a slow effect heavily.
Once the channel finishes, a flock of pigeons rains down, dealing Spirit damage and transforming targets into pigeons themselves temporarily, adding both damage and crowd control.
This ult shines brightest against clustered enemies or when layered atop other crowd control tactics from your team.
Pro tip: Coordinate with allies before unleashing Feed The Birds to maximize its combo potential rather than using it impulsively.
How to Play Baba in Deadlock
Baba thrives as an aggressive, Spirit-centric hero who stays proactive rather than passive. Her gameplay revolves around seizing moments and moving unpredictably to keep opponents off-balance.
Typically, engagements begin by applying pressure with Threadsap to weaken foes, then activating Granny Long Legs to engage or reposition when the opportunity arises. Baba’s Brew helps her survive or shift the tide in longer clashes, while Feed The Birds can seal the deal when timed well.
Many new players falter thinking Baba is a straightforward damage dealer, but her strength lies in blending disruption, mobility, and Spirit damage into a cohesive assault that demands tactical positioning and timing.
Baba Role and Playstyle Explained
Baba’s role straddles the line between a Spirit damage dealer and a disruptive controller. Her gameplay rewards those who like to manipulate the battlefield actively instead of just firing from a distance.
She’s particularly suited for players who enjoy swift movement and creating pressure from unexpected angles, thriving on momentum and adaptability.
Is she based on Baba Yaga?
Baba clearly nods to the legendary Baba Yaga, weaving in thematic elements like magic and forest mystique. However, Deadlock’s Baba is not a mere retelling — she’s reimagined with a distinct personality and abilities fitting the game’s mix of the supernatural and modern combat.
Deadlock
Genre: Action-Adventure
- Release Date
- August 23, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Valve
- Publisher(s)
- Valve
Official Site and Steam page available for more details.
Deadlock hero Baba in action showcasing abilities and style
Deadlock gameplay featuring Baba using Threadsap and Granny Long Legs abilities