Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRat King became playable in Deadlock with the October 2, 2026 update. The update record says, “The Rat King is available to play now!” and describes no separate hero-unlock challenge, match requirement, or currency cost. You still need access to Deadlock itself; that is separate from choosing Rat King after entering the game.
Is Rat King playable in Deadlock?
Yes. The October 2 update announced, “The Rat King is available to play now!” The Deadlock Wiki’s update record marks him as playable and lists his weapon and abilities. The update announcement is reproduced by the community-maintained wiki; availability can change with later patches, so check the live game before relying on older information.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Microids House of the Dead Remake Video Game Disc for PlayStation 4 | $34.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Deadlock: Planetary Conquest | $3.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Deadlock: Planetary Conquest | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Deadlock 2 the Shrine Wars | $39.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Deadlock Rebels: An AFK Book (Overwatch) | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Do you have to unlock Rat King?
No separate unlock is described in the reviewed October 2 update. It does not mention a required number of matches, progression level, or in-game currency for Rat King. Once you can enter Deadlock, choose Rat King from the heroes available when preparing for a match. Exact menu labels and button prompts are not established in the available sources, and account-specific or match-mode restrictions are not confirmed.
Do you need an invite to play Deadlock?
Game access is different from hero availability. A September 29, 2026 report said Deadlock remained invite-only at that time. That status may have changed since the report, so check the current Deadlock Steam page for the latest access requirements. If you cannot enter the game, resolving that access issue—not unlocking Rat King—is the first step.
#1 Best Overall
- Classic light gun rebuilt with modern graphics
- Fast-paced zombie shooting action with multiple endings
- Cooperative game mode for shared action
- Updated controls optimized for PS4
- Replayable game with scoring and updates
What to expect from Rat King’s kit
The patch record lists Rat King as a Brawler. His listed weapon is Sovereign’s Decree, and his abilities are Scrap Grenade, Rat Swarm, Royal Pestments, and Rule, Ratannia!. The descriptions below summarize the update record, not an optimal build; later balance changes may alter the details.
- Scrap Grenade: Throws a scrap grenade that detonates multiple times, deals bullet damage, and slows. An enemy can knock it away with a melee.
- Rat Swarm: Sends rats that attach to enemies, deal spirit damage over time, and reduce bullet resistance. Enemies can dash to remove attached rats.
- Royal Pestments: Grants a barrier based on maximum health that can deflect bullets while it holds.
- Rule, Ratannia!: Plants a banner whose area effect damages and disrupts enemies while providing benefits to nearby allies.
In broad terms, the listed abilities make Rat King a close-range Brawler with a disruptive grenade, damage-over-time swarm, defensive barrier, and team-supporting banner.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why older availability information may differ
On September 29, PC Gamer reported that the City Never Sleeps update was introducing six heroes through a voting and release cycle, with two planned per week. That was an earlier forecast; the later October 2 availability notice is the relevant update for Rat King’s status. The September 29 report also described Deadlock as invite-only, but that access detail is time-sensitive.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Deadlock II the Shrine Wars
- Windows 95, NT
Rank #3
- 5 ways to play! Against PC, 2 player serial or modem, 7 player LAN/internet (Win95 only)
- Windows 95 & MS-DOS Computers, 486 DX@/66 MHz processor or faster
- 8 MB RAM, Win 3.1 or higher, double speed CD-ROM drive
- SVGA color graphics, MS compatible mouse, all major sound cards, NetBIOs compatible LAN
- Internet play via Mplayer and TEN (Win 95 only)
Rank #2
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.
