Unlike the other heroes, Drifter isn't participating in the ritual for a wish, but instead for the carnage.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Patron}}s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Drifter Start): ''"Revel in the massacre, Drifter, it is my gift to you. All I ask in return is that you summon me."''</ref><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>
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>
Unlike the other heroes, Drifter isn't participating in the ritual for a wish, but instead for the carnage.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Patron}}s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Drifter Start): ''"Revel in the massacre, Drifter, it is my gift to you. All I ask in return is that you summon me."''</ref><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>
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.
Drifter speaks in a [[wikipedia:Cajuns|Cajun]] accent from Louisiana, indicating that he may be associated with 17th century [[wikipedia:Acadians|Acadian]] French immigrants.
Drifter has been hunted by the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]] and the [[Venator|Venators]] of the Vatican.<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>{{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> The [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission|OSIC]] don't seem to be after Drifter.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Haze|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=OSIC finally coming for me?}}</ref>
== Character interactions ==
== Character interactions ==
Line 73:
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* 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 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>
* 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>
* Drifter knows {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} and references a past interaction in Oklahoma.<ref>[[Drifter/Quotes#Conversations|Drifter conversations]]</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 enjoyed the hunts and holds Talon in high regard.<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>
== Update history ==
* 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.
{{Main|Drifter/Update history|l1=Update history}}
* 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>
{{Update history}}
* 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>
* Characters that are scared of Drifter include {{PageRef|name=Mina}},<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> {{PageRef|name=Vyper}}<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Vyper|hero2=Drifter|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=What, you lookin' to get drinks?|hero_quote2=Vyper|quote2=Y'know, I was lookin' to get as, uh, far away from you as possible while you were still in a good mood... but if you're buying I'm good for, like, a cocktail or two.}}</ref> and {{PageRef|name=Wraith}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Wraith|number=3|hero_quote1=Wraith|quote1=Glad you're on our side, Drifter.|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=You should be, Wraith, otherwise I...|hero_quote3=Wraith|quote3=No need to threaten me, I'm already scared of you.}}</ref>
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.
While the enemy is bleeding you can re-activate Stalker's Mark to instantly appear behind their back.
x0.015
2%/sec
Bleed Damage
5s
Duration
0%
Healing Reduction
0Charges
0%Bullet Resist
-1sCharge Delay
After ambushing:
0%
Fire Rate
1
-8% Bullet Resist
2
-10s Cooldown and +3s Duration
5
+1.5% Bleed and -40% Healing Reduction
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.
Bloodscent
80m
0
Isolated heroes leave a trail as they move, and emit their heartbeat from afar.
You deal amplified damage against isolated heroes, and when isolated heroes die nearby you gain permanent weapon damage.
15%
Amplified Damage
20m
Isolation Range
0mMove Speed
On Isolated Hero Death:
3%
Permanent Weapon Damage
On Isolated Hero Death:
x0
0%
Missing Health as Healing
1
+3m/s Move Speed when around an isolated enemy hero
2
On isolated hero death: Heal 24% of your missing health and restores 2 Stamina
5
11% Amplified Damage
Notes
Getting an assist on an isolated enemy hero kill grants 40% of the normal on-kill rewards. This includes:
+2% Permanent Weapon Damage.
6 seconds of cooldown reduction (if the Ability Point 2 upgrade is taken).
1.2 Stamina restored (if the Ability Point 2 upgrade is taken).
All "On Kill" bonuses, including those from assists, only trigger if the target is considered Isolated at the moment of death.
Eternal Night
100m
6.5s
0
145s
Surround nearby enemy heroes in darkness, severely limiting their vision of other units. Affected enemies are briefly revealed to you and are considered isolated for the duration.
An ancient vampire roaming across America, the nameless monstrosity known as The Drifter has been preying on the living for generations.
Unlike most vampires, Drifter doesn’t value finery or titles and has naked contempt for vampiric laws and tradition. This refusal to toe the line has made him a marked man all over the North American Baronies; but while Viscounts and Elders cry for his execution, Drifter continues to do what he pleases...
Lore
Unlike the other heroes, Drifter isn't participating in the ritual for a wish, but instead for the carnage.[1][2]
The Drifter has lived for centuries.[3] His age is unknown, but he refers to New York as "New Amsterdam"[4], which implies he's been around at least since 1665.[5]
Drifter is not the Troubadour.[6][7] He has never met him before, and only knows him by reputation.[8]
Drifter speaks in a Cajun accent from Louisiana, indicating that he may be associated with 17th century Acadian French immigrants.
Drifter and Oathkeeper are old friends.[12] Drifter can't believe Lady Geist could lock away "someone as fun as Oathkeeper".[13][14]
Drifter thinks Mina is a "pathetic excuse for a vampire."[15]
Drifter warns Holliday to let go of her obsession with the Troubadour before the Troubadour finds out about her chasing him.[16]
Drifter and Grey Talon have a long history with each other. Drifter refers to Grey Talon by his first name "Wesley".[17] While Grey Talon despises Drifter,[18][19] Drifter enjoyed the hunts and holds Talon in high regard.[20][21][22] Drifter enjoys tormenting Talon, seemingly by hurting his loved ones.[23][24] There was a particularly brutal interaction between the two in Oklahoma.[25]Vyper mentions that Drifter is a "legend" in Oklahoma.[26]
Drifter knew Shiv before he joined the Baxter Society.[27] If he kills Shiv, he calls him a "disappointment" and mentions that killing him feels "Shakespearean".[28][29][30] He also mentions that, had Shiv not "put himself in a muzzle, he'd be worried".[31] When hunting Shiv, he refers to himself as an "old friend".[32] How Shiv and Drifter met each other is unknown.
Drifter doesn't enjoy killing Bebop because he's a machine,[33]Sinclair because they're already dead,[34] and Victor because he's just putting him out of his misery.[35]
Drifter has high expectations for Seven,[36][37] but thinks he still has too much humanity left in him.[38]
Drifter was one of the heroes in a private build who was accidentally leaked on stream in May 2025.[44]
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 Left 4 Dead series.
Drifter formerly possessed animations similar to the Hunter's in older builds of the game:
Drifter's light melee animation before the August 29, 2025 update resembles one of The Hunter's possible claw attack animations.
Drifter's sprinting animation following the August 29, 2025 update and prior to the September 4, 2025 update resembles The Hunter's running animation.
"Prowling in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Drifter in the Hideout.
References
↑Patrons in-game voice line (Drifter Start): "Revel in the massacre, Drifter, it is my gift to you. All I ask in return is that you summon me."
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Select): "Fact of the matter is: I do this for free. The Patron's gift is just a bonus."
↑The Doorman's in-game voice line (Drifter Trapped in ult): "It wont be long before you find yourself feeling something that’s eluded you for centuries: fear."
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Select): "The elders of New Amsterdam are soft, clinging to archaic titles like they grant them real power."
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Bloodscent Hunting): "Wesley? It's time we finish this."
↑Grey Talon's in-game 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!"
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Grey Talon): "The fun had to end sometime, didn't it?"
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Grey Talon): "You had a good run, Talon."
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Calico): "Wesley could never stop me, and you're no Wesley."
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Calico): "Always nice when I get to kill Wesley's friends."
↑Drifter And Grey Talon Conversation 1 - "Did you do it?" - "Wesley... If I was gonna murder your grandkids, we both know I would've tied you down and made you watch."
↑Drifter And Grey Talon Conversation 2 - "The Patrons have a curious sense of humor now, don't they?" - "The silent treatment? Really? Don't tell me you're still raw about Oklahoma."
↑Drifter And Vyper Conversation 1 - "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!"
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Shiv): "The Baxter Society made you soft!"
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Shiv): "You're such a disappointment, Shiv."
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Shiv): "You're not the man I thought you were, Shiv."
↑Mina's in-game voice line (Pass Drifter on Zipline): "Did he notice me?! Oh God, I think he noticed me..."
↑Vyper And Drifter Conversation 2 - "What, you lookin' to get drinks?" - "Y'know, I was lookin' to get as, uh, far away from you as possible while you were still in a good mood... but if you're buying I'm good for, like, a cocktail or two."
↑Drifter And Wraith Conversation 3 - "Glad you're on our side, Drifter." - "You should be, Wraith, otherwise I..." - "No need to threaten me, I'm already scared of you."
Rend
16m
16s
spirit damage. If the enemy is in close range, deal bonus 
melee damage.
x1.4
40
x1.2
61.8
8m
Close Range
1
