How to Play Frontline / Tank in Deadlock (Role Guide 2026)
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Every team needs someone willing to walk in first — the body that starts the fight, eats the first wave of damage, and makes space for the gun-carries to do work. Playing frontline well is one of the highest-impact, lowest-glory jobs in the game, and it wins a ton of matches. If you're checking your stats on www.deadlock.io and your team keeps getting dived, this is the role that fixes it.
Deadlock.ioQuick answer: The frontline's job is to initiate fights, soak damage, hold space and peel for the carries. Build durability (Battle Vest, Bullet/Spirit Resilience) plus a fight-defining active like Colossus or Unstoppable.
The best frontline heroes
Abrams — dive bruiser, self-heal 
Mo & Krill — burrow disruptor 
Warden — lockdown duelist 
Bebop — hook initiator 
Viscous — tanky zoner
Engage vs peel
- Engage when you have an active up, a number advantage shows on the map, or you can catch an out-of-position carry. You're the one who starts the fight.
- Peel when your carry is being diven — turn your body and CC between them and the threat. Make the enemy spend cooldowns on you.
- Hold space — stand on the contested ground so the enemy can't path through it freely.
Durability items
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
 Battle Vest /  Bullet Resilience | Core bullet resist (these replaced the old "Bullet Armor"). |
 Colossus | Grow large, gain resists, slow nearby enemies — a teamfight engage button. |
 Unstoppable | Immunity to stun/silence/root — Deadlock's BKB. |
 Metal Skin /  Juggernaut | Bullet immunity / shrug off kiting while you dive. |
Note: "Bullet Armor" was reworked — the current items are Battle Vest (T2) and Bullet Resilience (T3). The big T4 actives change often, so re-check stats.
