Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To play Deadlock with a friend, add them as a Steam friend if needed, then use Deadlock’s in-game invite or social function to bring them into your game space. Once you’re together, choose a queue that allows your party: Standard has no party-size or skill-spread restrictions, while Ranked is limited to solo players or eligible duos.
How do I invite my friend to Deadlock?
- Add them on Steam first if they are not already your friend. Steam lets you find someone through Community search, share an invite link, or add them from their profile. Steam accounts with limited status can receive friend invitations but cannot send them. See Steam Support’s friend guide.
- Use Deadlock’s in-game invitation or social function. Valve has documented inviting trusted friends through an in-game function. The old instruction placed it at the bottom right of the Dashboard, but that location is historical: Deadlock replaced the Dashboard with the Hideout in its August 2025 update. Valve says players can invite friends to their Hideout or join a friend’s. The available official guidance does not establish the current button label or exact screen position, so look for the invite/social controls in the current game interface rather than relying on old Dashboard directions. Valve developer Yoshi’s 2024 instruction; Valve’s Hideout update.
- Choose a queue after you are grouped. Select Standard for a group of any size or with a broad range of skill. Choose Ranked only if the party meets its current limits, described below.
Which Deadlock queue can your party play?
Valve’s July 30, 2026 matchmaking update describes two choices, Standard (unranked) and Ranked. The rules below reflect that update and may change.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Situation | Suitable option | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| More than two players, or a group with varied skill levels | Standard | No party-size or skill-spread restrictions, according to Valve’s update. |
| Two players looking for competitive matches | Ranked, if eligible | Ranked permits duos within the published rank limits. |
| A player is completing calibration | Queue solo | Parties are not allowed during the eight calibration matches. |
Can we queue Ranked together?
Yes, if you are a duo and meet the rank-spread rule. Under Valve’s July 30, 2026 update, Ranked currently accepts only solo or duo parties. A duo must be within one Rank of each other; if both players are Eternus, they may queue together when they are within three Subranks. Players cannot be in a party during their eight calibration matches. Check the Valve matchmaking update for the current rules before queuing, since these limits are time-sensitive.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
What if my friend does not have Deadlock yet?
They need a playtest access invitation before they can join you in the game. That access invitation is different from a party or match invitation: access lets the player into Deadlock, while an in-game invite brings someone who already has access into your game space. The access guide explains the distinction and describes sending an access invitation to a Steam friend: Deadlock playtest access guide.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 2
Rank #4
Sale
Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset - Black | DTS Headphone:X 2.0, 50 mm audio drivers, USB and 3.5 mm jack, Flip-to-Mute mic, PC compatible
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
Rank #3
Sale
Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headphones with Noise Canceling Mic, LED Light Over Ear Headphones for Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Laptop, Mobile White
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
Rank #2
Sale
Ozeino Wireless Gaming Headset for PS5, PC, Switch| Lossless Audio-40H Batt | Play & Charge, 2.4GHz USB & Type-C, Flip Mic, Works with PS4, Mac, laptop, mobile, Ideal for FPS, RPG
- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Razer BlackShark V2 X Xbox Gaming Headset, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Black
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
