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{{HeroTabs}}
{{Infobox hero
| key = hero_drifter
| voice_actor = Matt Mercer<ref>2026-01-28 - [[Kaori]]; Deadlock Discord - Link to Drifter's voice line "I’m exactly who you think I am" in response to speculation about Matt Mercer</ref>
| release_date = August 27, 2025
}}

'''Drifter''' is a [[Hero]] in ''[[Deadlock]]''. Something ancient has arrived in New York... a nameless horror known only as the Drifter. Relentless as time, as certain as death, once Drifter sets his eyes on a victim there's nothing they can do to stop him. They can try to run, but his Bloodscent drives him forward, leading him to isolated prey. Even if they manage to escape it doesn't matter, as Stalker's Mark allows Drifter to appear right behind his enemies before lunging in for the kill with a vicious Rend. Soon Eternal Night comes, and a faint whistling in the breeze will be joined by a chorus of screams.

Drifter was released on [[Update:August 27, 2025|August 27, 2025]] as the fifth hero of the [[Update:August 18, 2025|Six New Heroes]] update (fourth winner of hero vote).

== Abilities ==
{{Ability tabs
| name=Drifter
| ability2_notes=
* Damage is based on target's current health, not their max health. 
* Damage is divided up into is 0.5s intervals, starting immediately as the projectile connects. 
** This works out to approximately the same overall damage per second stated in the tooltip, just dealt smoother
* Projectile will phase thru inactive guardians and walkers (no enemies nearby) but will properly latch onto active guardians and walkers (enemies nearby), allowing you to teleport to them.
* Stalker's Mark does not damage guardians or walkers.
* Stalker's Mark damage over time and teleport components are separate; activating the teleport does not end the bleed effect prematurely. The bleed will last the full duration either way.
* Stalker's Mark can be applied to the [[Rejuvenator]], allowing Drifter to teleport to it. 
* Reactivating Stalker's Mark has a short cast time before teleporting.
** If the duration expires during the cast time, Drifter will not teleport to the target. 
| ability3_notes=
* Getting an assist on an isolated enemy hero grants the same bonuses as a kill.
* All "On Kill" bonuses, including those from assists, only trigger if the target is considered ''Isolated'' at the moment of death.
}}

== Weapon ==
{{WeaponCard|key=hero_drifter}}Crimson Grasp deals no damage beyond it's max range.

== Background ==
{{Fates_Tale|drifter}}

=== Lore ===
Unlike the other heroes, Drifter isn't participating in the ritual for a wish, but instead for the carnage.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Drifter Start): ''"Revel in the massacre, Drifter, it is the Hidden King's gift to you. All he asks in return... is that you summon him."''</ref> He views the wish as a "bonus".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"Fact of the matter is: I do this for free. The Patron's gift is just a bonus."''</ref>

The Drifter has lived for centuries.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt|voice line]] (Drifter Trapped in ult): ''"It wont be long before you find yourself feeling something that’s eluded you for centuries: fear."''</ref> His age is unknown, but he refers to New York as "New Amsterdam",<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"The elders of New Amsterdam are soft, clinging to archaic titles like they grant them real power."''</ref> which implies he's been around at least since 1665.<ref>[https://nyheritage.org/exhibits/immigration/new-amsterdam-becomes-new-york History of New Amsterdam]</ref> He also implies that he knew [[wikipedia:Doc_Holliday|Doc Holliday]] from the 19th century.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Holliday|number=3|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=I know whose gun that is. You gon' be able to make him proud?}}</ref>

Drifter is not the [[The Troubadour|Troubadour]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"The Troubadour ain’t got nothin’ on me."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Holliday): ''"Don't worry about the Troubadour, sheriff, worry about me."''</ref> He has never met him before, and only knows him by reputation.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Infernus|number=2}}</ref>

Drifter speaks in a [[wikipedia:Cajuns|Cajun]] accent from Louisiana, indicating that he may be associated with 17th century [[wikipedia:Acadians|Acadian]] French immigrants.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Shopkeeper|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Shopkeeper|transcription=You Louisiana boys know how to party.}}</ref>

Drifter has been hunted by the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]], the [[Venator|Swords of Saint Benedict]], and {{PageRef|name=Silver}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Grey Talon|number=3|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=What are the boys and girls of the Baxter Society gonna say about us workin' together?}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"How many of your order do I gotta kill before you realize you can't stop me?"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Silver}}'s in-game [[Silver/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Drifter): ''"I got you, you son of a bitch."''</ref> The [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission|OSIC]] aren't after Drifter.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Haze|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=OSIC finally coming for me?|hero_quote2=Haze|quote2=No, we're using you. If we were coming for you, you'd already be dead.}}</ref>

Drifter seems to be scared of fire, and expresses relief if he doesn't have to fight {{PageRef|name=Infernus}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Infernus|number=3}}</ref>

Drifter likes to steal his victim's coats.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Paradox|number=2}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Abrams|number=1}}</ref>

== Character interactions ==

* Drifter and [[Oathkeeper]] are old friends.<ref>[[Drifter/Quotes#Conversations|Drifter & Lady Geist Conversation 1]]</ref> Drifter can't believe {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}} could lock away "someone as fun as Oathkeeper".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Lady Geist): ''"I can't have you puttin' someone as fun as Oathkeeper under lock and key, Geist."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Lady Geist): ''"I can't believe someone like her trapped Oathkeeper."''</ref>
* Drifter thinks {{PageRef|name=Mina}} is a "pathetic excuse for a vampire".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (Mina killed in lane): ''"They took out that pathetic excuse for a vampire!"''</ref> Mina is terrified of Drifter.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (Pass Drifter on Zipline): ''"Did he notice me?! Oh God, I think he noticed me..."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (kill Drifter): ''"Get that thing away from me!"''</ref>
* Drifter warns {{PageRef|name=Holliday}} to let go of her obsession with the [[The Troubadour|Troubadour]] before the Troubadour finds out about her chasing him.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Holliday|number=1}}</ref>
* Drifter and {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} have a long history with each other. Drifter refers to Grey Talon by his first name "Wesley".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Bloodscent - Hero Specific|voice line]] (Bloodscent Hunting): ''"Wesley? It's time we finish this."''</ref> While Grey Talon despises Drifter,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Drifter): ''"I wasn't expecting to see the Drifter here, but I'm glad he showed up to get what's coming to him!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Drifter): ''"Finally..."''</ref> Drifter holds Talon in high regards.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Grey Talon): ''"The fun had to end sometime, didn't it?"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Grey Talon): ''"You had a good run, Talon."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"Wesley could never stop me, and you're no Wesley."''</ref> Drifter enjoys tormenting Talon, seemingly by hurting his loved ones.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"Always nice when I get to kill Wesley's friends."''</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Grey Talon|number=1|hero_quote1=Grey Talon|quote1=Did you do it?|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=Wesley... If I was gonna murder your grandkids, we both know I would've tied you down and made you watch.}}</ref> There was a particularly brutal interaction between the two in Oklahoma.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Grey Talon|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=The Patrons have a curious sense of humor now, don't they?|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=The silent treatment? Really? Don't tell me you're still raw about Oklahoma.}}</ref> {{PageRef|name=Vyper}} mentions that Drifter is a "legend" in Oklahoma.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Vyper|number=1|hero_quote1=Vyper|quote1=Yeah, it's because they never did time in OKC. Buddy, you're a legend there! You're like the... you're like the... the boogeyman!}}</ref>
* Drifter knew {{PageRef|name=Shiv}} before he joined the Baxter Society.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"The Baxter Society made you soft!"''</ref> If he kills Shiv, he calls him a "disappointment" and mentions that killing him feels "Shakespearean".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"You're such a disappointment, Shiv."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"You're not the man I thought you were, Shiv."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"Feels Shakespearean, don't it, Shiv?"''</ref> He also mentions that, had Shiv not "put himself in a muzzle, he'd be worried".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"If you hadn't put yourself in a muzzle, maybe I'd be worried."''</ref> When hunting Shiv, he refers to himself as an "old friend".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Bloodscent - Hero Specific|voice line]] (Bloodscent Hunting): ''"Why you hidin', Shiv? Don't want to say hello to an old friend?"''</ref> How Shiv and Drifter met each other is unknown.
* Drifter has killed Venators before,<ref name=":0" /> though he had higher expectations for the playable {{PageRef|name=Venator}}.<ref name=":2">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|context=(killed Venator)|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</ref> If they're on the same team, Venator promises to kill Drifter after the ritual.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Drifter|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=After the ritual's complete, I'm going to drive a stake in your heart.}}</ref>
* Drifter doesn't enjoy killing {{PageRef|name=Bebop}} because he's a machine,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Bebop): ''"Machines are so dissatisfying to kill."''</ref> {{PageRef|name=Sinclair}} because they're already dead,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Sinclair): ''"Not as much fun when they're already dead.''</ref> and {{PageRef|name=Victor}} because he's just putting him out of his misery.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Victor): ''"Ain't no fun when you're just putting someone outta their misery."''</ref>
* Drifter has high expectations for {{PageRef|name=Seven}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Seven): ''"And here I was hoping to find an equal..."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Seven): ''"I was expecting so much more from you, Seven."''</ref> but thinks he still has too much humanity left in him.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Seven): ''"That boy still has too much humanity left in him."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=The Doorman}} has met Drifter before.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Drifter): ''"Always a pleasure to see you again, Drifter."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Paradox}} is annoyed that Drifter has nothing worth stealing.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Paradox|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=You look annoyed.|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=I am annoyed. You don't have anything interesting to steal.}}</ref>
* Drifter thinks {{HeroIcon|Mirage}} is handsome. <ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Mirage|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=Ritual's starting, pretty boy.}}</ref>

== Update history ==
{{Update history}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
</gallery><gallery>
File:Drifter card.png|Drifter portrait
File:Drifter.png|Drifter icon
File:Drifter Render.png|Drifter in-game render
File:Drifter TitlePage.png|Drifter poster
File:Drifter Reference Sheet.png|Drifter reference sheet
File:Drifter name.png|Drifter name typography
File:Drifter Weapon.png|Drifter weapon - Crimson Grasp
File:Drifter card old.png|Previous Drifter portrait
File:Drifter psd.png|Unfinished Drifter model art
File:Drifter Gloat.png|Gloat icon for the Drifter.
File:Drifter Critical.png|Critical health icon for the Drifter.
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
* Drifter was one of the heroes in a private build who was accidentally leaked on stream in May 2025.<ref>2025-05-01 - atahutahatena on Reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumors - [https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1kclj5p/streamer_accidentally_leaks_hero_roster_of_a_more/ Streamer accidentally leaks hero roster of a more "secret" private Deadlock pre-alpha playtest build]</ref>
* Drifter leaves claw marks when sliding on a wall.
* Drifter's forward air dash and wall jump animation resembles the pounce animation of the Hunter, a recurring enemy in Valve's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_4_Dead_(franchise) Left 4 Dead] series. He also previously had other animations similar to the Hunter's attack and run.
* "Prowling in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Drifter in the [[Hideout]].
* Players under the effect of Drifter's "Eternal Night" ability are able to hear an eerily whistled rendition of [[wikipedia:Hush,_Little_Baby|Hush, Little Baby]], a lullaby typically sung by mothers to their children.<ref>2025-08-18 - [[Kaori]]; Deadlock Discord - "its "hush little baby"</ref>
** During the 2025 winter event, one of three Christmas songs would be whistled instead; [[wikipedia:Joy_to_the_World|Joy to the World]], [[wikipedia:Twelve_Days_of_Christmas|Twelve Days of Christmas]], and [[wikipedia:God_Rest_Ye_Merry,_Gentlemen|God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen]].
* Drifter has marks on his arms and hands that seem to be based on the [https://www.openculture.com/2018/08/hobo-code-introduction-hieroglyphic-language-early-1900s-train-hoppers.html Hobo Code].
* {{HeroIcon|Lash}} calls Drifter a "[[wikt:murderhobo|murder hobo]]",<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Lash|hero2=Drifter|number=1|hero_quote1=Lash|quote1=So, what are you supposed to be, some kind of murder hobo?}}</ref> a term commonly used to describe RPG players who kill NPCs indiscriminately. Drifter's voice actor [[wikipedia:Matthew_Mercer|Mat]]<nowiki/>[[wikipedia:Matthew_Mercer|thew Mercer]] is well-known as the Dungeon Master of the ''[[wikipedia:Dungeons_&_Dragons|Dungeons & Dragons]]'' webseries [[wikipedia:Critical_Role|''Critical Role'']].

== References ==
<references />{{Hero Navbox}}
[[Category:Heroes]]
[[Category:Drifter]]