How to Set Ability Cast Modes in Deadlock

In Deadlock, mastering the use of abilities can be critical, especially in high-stakes battles where every second counts. Whether you’re trying to interrupt Seven’s ultimate ability or chase down an escaping Haze, having precise and quick reactions is key. To minimize delays and prevent Deadlock casting errors, the game offers customizable settings for fast casting.

​​​​"1. How to Set Ability Cast Modes in Deadlock","1.1. Why Adjust Cast Modes?","1.2. Quick Cast Settings","1.3. Alternate Ability Usage","1.4. How to Set These Options"

Why Adjust Cast Modes?

By default, abilities that target an enemy in Deadlock require a second button press to confirm the cast, which can slow down your reaction time in heated situations. For example, if you’re using Paradox’s area-of-effect grenade, the time spent aiming can mean lost opportunities. Meanwhile, certain abilities like Warden’s alchemical flask are cast instantly. To improve responsiveness and speed up your ability usage, you can adjust the game’s quick cast settings.

Quick Cast Settings

The latest Deadlock updates introduce three cast modes you can set individually for each hero’s abilities:

1. Instant Cast — The ability is activated as soon as you press the button. This is ideal for abilities that don’t require precise aiming and need to be used quickly.

2. Cast on Confirm — The ability activates only after pressing the button and confirming with a second press, usually the fire button. This mode is preferred for abilities that need careful aiming, such as Paradox’s grenades.

3. Quick Cast — The ability activates when you release the button, allowing for faster combinations of abilities. This is especially useful for heroes with a fast attack pace, like Paradox, Yamato, and Bebop.

These modes can be customized for each hero individually, as well as for items, allowing you to fine-tune controls based on your play style.

What Roles Do Characters Have in Deadlock?

Alternate Ability Usage

Some abilities have an alternate usage Deadlock mode, especially if they’re cast on yourself. This is useful for abilities like Bebop’s sticky bombs, Dynamo’s quantum entanglement, or Seven’s static charge. Deadlock provides three options for alternate casting:

1. Hold Key — Activates the ability by holding the button down, useful for quickly casting abilities on yourself or allies.

2. Double Press — Activates the ability with a double-tap, which helps avoid accidental use when not needed.

3. Assign an Extra Key — Set a dedicated button for alternate casts, which by default is the mouse wheel (M3).

How to Set These Options

To set up quick and alternate casting in Deadlock for your abilities:

1. Open the game’s settings menu.

2. Navigate to the ability control section.

3. Select your preferred quick cast mode for each ability.

4. Set alternate keys for abilities that require special self-casting or support for allies.

These settings will enable you to cast abilities in Deadlock efficiently, saving time and reducing errors in the heat of battle.