Dynamo's wish and motivation in the ritual is to get his human body back.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Killstreak|voice line]] (high killstreak): ''"No one will stop me from getting my body back!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Dynamo start): ''"Your lust for knowledge changed your body. Are you strong enough to do what it takes to change it back?"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Dynamo start): ''"Your wife seeks to embrace flesh, not steel. Don't fail her. Don't fail yourself. Complete the ritual."''</ref>
Dynamo lost his body 50 years before the ritual, during the first [[Maelstrom]].<ref>{{BackgroundCite|name=Warden|quote=Most people think the supernatural came into the world 50 years ago. (...) When the portal opened in Central Park, Warden’s parents realized not only was everything they were told was true, they were unprepared.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Dynamo|file=Prof lose late 02.mp3|context=(lost match)|transcription=It's okay, I've... I've grown used to this body. I can wait another fifty years.}}</ref> He has not touched an [[Astral Gates|Astral Gate]] since his body was transformed,<ref name=":1">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Grey Talon|number=1|hero_quote1=Grey Talon|quote1=Have you been to Ixia, Professor?|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=I won't lie: After what happened to my body, I decided to stay clear of Astral Gates. But I hear that South Ixia is beautiful.}}</ref> although he has done a lot of research into Astral Gates.<ref name=":2">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Seven|number=2|hero_quote1=Seven|quote1=I'm a fan of your work, Professor.|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=I am... flattered and horrified in equal measure.|hero_quote3=Seven|quote3=Your research into the Astral Gates paved the way for my own. In my rare moments of doubt, sometimes I even wonder if I would have become the man I am were it not for you.}}</ref><ref>[[The New York Oracle|Newscaster Headline 16]]: ''"Read our exclusive interview with [[Dynamo|Professor Dynamo]] to hear his thoughts on [[Astral Gates]], the eclipse, and what it's like to live life without a body."''</ref>
Dynamo is married to a woman named Marla.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Dynamo|file=Prof kill hornet 01.mp3|context=(close call)|transcription=For a minute there, I thought Marla was going to be a widow!}}</ref> They have been married for 31 years.<ref>[[Dynamo/Quotes#Conversations|Dynamo and Kelvin conversation]]</ref> Marla bakes Dynamo key lime pies, even though he can't eat them.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Vyper|number=3}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Pre-Game|voice line]] (pre-game ping): ''"I don't wanna get you all too excited, but Marla gave me one of her famous key lime pies to share after we win."''</ref> The first thing Dynamo intends to do once he gets his body back is to "give Marla a hug and not let go for about 3 months."<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Lash|number=3|hero_quote1=Lash|quote1=What's the first thing you're gonna do when The Lash gets your body back?|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=I believe you mean the Patron. But to answer your question... give Marla a hug and not let go for about 3 months.}}</ref> Dynamo and Marla have visited the [[Paradox Museum]].<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Paradox|number=2|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=I took Marla to the last pop-up. Truly... wonderful things to behold.|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=I think you'll enjoy our next event. I'll make sure you get in.|hero_quote3=Dynamo|quote3=I can't wait!}}</ref> During the winter season, Dynamo and Marla go carolling together.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Shopkeeper|voice line]] (buy T4 item during Winter Update): ''"It was great seeing you and Marla caroling last night, professor!"''</ref>
Dynamo built and designed his own gun, the "Vonnegun".<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=McGinnis|number=3|hero_quote1=McGinnis|quote1=Neat gun!|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=Thanks. I designed it myself.}}</ref>
Dynamo's connections in science and academia are described as "vast".<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#2a - Party Planning|Chapter 2a]] - {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Yes, but your connections with science and academia are vast."''</ref>
Dynamo's youth as an undergraduate student involved a lot of fist fights.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Generic Voice Lines|voice line]] (generic melee kill): ''"This takes me back to undergrad."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Situational|voice line]] (successful parry): ''"You think I've never been in a fist fight before?"''</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Abrams|number=1|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=Mr. Abrams, if you think this is the first fight I've been in, you've never played pinochle in Bristol.}}</ref>
Dynamo prefers working with people as opposed to lying to them, as shown when confronting Wraith.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Wraith|number=2|hero_quote1=Wraith|quote1=Not a poker guy?|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=I prefer working with people, not lying to them.}}</ref>
Dynamo likes to go to the New York Library to think.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Mirage|number=3}}</ref> He hopes to visit South Ixia someday.<ref name=":1" /> Dynamo isn't a fan of the [[Fairfax Industries|Occult Industrial Complex]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed McGinnis): ''"Never was a fan of the occult industrial complex..."''</ref> Dynamo appreciates the work of the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Shiv): ''"I admire what the Baxter Society does, but I can't let you stop me."''</ref>
In a [[Seasonal events|Winter season]] voice line, Dynamo says he didn't sleep the night before the [[Maelstrom]] because he was "afraid of death".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Dynamo|file=prof_select_seasonal_01.mp3|transcription=T'was the night before the Maelstrom, and all through the house, a Columbia professor got no sleep because he was afraid of death.}}</ref><!-- (This line was removed, in case it's added again) Dynamo was an acquaintance of Maximilian Fairfax. They had a group of friends called "the Squid Boys".[1] -->
== Character interactions ==
* Most characters are apologetic when fighting Dynamo.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s [[Dynamo/Quotes#Enemy Heroes|enemy interactions]]</ref>
* Dynamo showcases courage by telling {{PageRef|name=Abrams}},<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Abrams|number=2|hero_quote1=Abrams|quote1=Stay close to me Professor, I'll keep you safe.|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=Detective, I was about to say the same thing to you.}}</ref> {{PageRef|name=Shiv}}<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Shiv|number=3|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=Stay close to me, Shiv. I'll do my best to keep you in the fight.|hero_quote2=Shiv|quote2=Professor, you couldn't keep me out of a fight.}}</ref> and {{PageRef|name=Warden}}<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Warden|number=2|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=I appreciate the sentiment, Warden, but don't worry about me. I'll be beside you, not behind you.}}</ref> that he'll stay close to them during the fight.
* Dynamo is {{HeroIcon|Pocket}}'s godfather. He recognizes Pocket and says he would have helped them if he knew they were alive. Pocket didn't tell Dynamo that they survived because they weren't sure if they could trust him.<ref name=":02">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Pocket|number=3}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Pocket}}'s in-game [[Pocket/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Dynamo): ''"I knew I couldn't count on you."''</ref>
* Dynamo defends his wife's honor from {{PageRef|name=Lash}}'s insults.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Lash|number=2}}</ref>
* Dynamo and {{HeroIcon|Kelvin}} are friends. They last saw each other at the [[Black Château]], before Kelvin disappeared.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Kelvin|number=1}}</ref> Dynamo is a fan of Kelvin's books.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Kelvin): ''"It's an awkward time to say this, Kelvin, but I love your book."''</ref>
** Dynamo sometimes refers to Kelvin as "Kevin".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (ping see Kelvin): ''"I see Kevin!"''</ref>
* Dynamo warns {{HeroIcon|Wraith}} not to take advantage of his students who frequent her casino, otherwise he'll step in.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Wraith|number=1}}</ref>
* Dynamo asks {{PageRef|name=Infernus}} to help him pick a hat at a haberdashery.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Infernus|number=2|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=I was thinking of buying a hat, and I would love it if you would join me at the haberdashery.|hero_quote2=Infernus|quote2=Professor, you don't gotta waste a favor on that. I got you.}}</ref>
* Dynamo's lust for knowledge leads him to ask questions about other characters, such as how {{PageRef|name=Seven}} survived his execution,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Seven|number=3|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=I'm sure it's a touchy subject, but I simply must know how you stopped your soul from being obliterated!}}</ref> how {{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s time manipulation works,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Paradox|number=1|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=So, how does time manipulation work?}}</ref> what the [[Astral Gates|Djinn]] are like,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Mirage|number=1|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=I've wanted to speak to a Djinn for quite sometime. I imagine they are a fascinating people.}}</ref> what the contents of {{PageRef|name=Abrams}}' Tome and {{HeroIcon|Pocket}}'s case could be,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Abrams|number=3|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=I... don't suppose I could... take a look at that Tome, when all this is over?}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Pocket|number=1|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=After the ritual, I don't suppose I could... take a look at that case?}}</ref> what {{PageRef|name=Viscous}} is,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Viscous|number=1|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=When the ritual is over, I'd love to pick your brain.|hero_quote2=Viscous|quote2=Please don't stab my face.|hero_quote3=Dynamo|quote3=Oh, it's an expression. It means "to ask questions".}}</ref> and if {{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s sword is an heirloom.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Yamato|number=3|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=Forgive my ignorance, Yamato... but is that sword a heirloom?}}</ref>
* In ''[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]],'' one of the possible routes involves Dynamo gathering the "greatest minds" for {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}'s gala to help with her failing ward.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#2a - Party Planning|Chapter 2a]]</ref> He seems to know [[Johann Geist (Jr.)|Johann Jr.]],<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#2a - Party Planning|Chapter 2a]] - {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Hello, professor. I believe Johann told you to expect me."'' - {{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}: ''"Uh, he said his grandmother would like to have a chat, but you don't..."''</ref> he invites {{PageRef|name=McGinnis}} to the gala and he gives Lady Geist {{PageRef|name=Abrams}}' business card.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#3a - The Gala|Chapter 3a]]</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Ivy}}'s sister, [[The Arroyo's#Sophia Arroyo|Sophia Arroyo]], is studying at Columbia under Dynamo.<ref name=":0">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Ivy|file=tengu_kill_dynamo_03.mp3|context=(killed Dynamo)|transcription=I think I just beat up Sophie's professor.}}</ref> Sophia speaks highly of Dynamo,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Ivy}}'s in-game [[Ivy/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (Clutch Dynamo heal): ''"Sophie was right, you are the best!"''</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Ivy|number=1|hero_quote1=Ivy|quote1=It's nice to meet you, Professor. Sophia speaks very highly of you.}}</ref> and Dynamo thinks she's a great student.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Ivy|hero2=Dynamo|number=2|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=She's a great student, but... Lately she's been falling asleep in class. She says she's been pulling long shifts at her job, and it's wearing her out.}}</ref> Ivy worries her fighting Dynamo during the ritual would preconceive him against Sophia.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Ivy|file=tengu_kill_dynamo_04.mp3|context=(killed Dynamo)|transcription=Please don't take that out on Sophie, professor!}}</ref> Dynamo reaffirms Ivy that Sophia's grades won't be affected by Ivy's actions in the ritual.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Dynamo}}'s in-game [[Dynamo/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Ivy): ''"I assure you, Ivy, your behavior will not impact my grading of Sophia Arroyo."''</ref>
* Dynamo used to be friends with [[Maximilian Fairfax]]. Dynamo believes Fairfax has "warm nostalgia" for him and considers Fairfax a "complicated man" as opposed to a bad man.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Pocket|number=2}}</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Haze}} tells Dynamo that [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission|OSIC]] agent Marlowe has an offer for Dynamo to join them. Dynamo declines, claiming to be happy in the "Private sector". Dynamo mistakes Marlowe for his wife, Marla.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Haze|number=1}}</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|McGinnis}} offers to upgrade Dynamo's body, although Dynamo declines as he intends to get his human body back after the ritual.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=McGinnis|number=1|hero_quote1=McGinnis|quote1=How's that body working out for ya? (...) Well, if you ever want an upgrade or something, you may call!|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=I appreciate the offer, Miss McGinnis. But hopefully after today, your services won't be needed.}}</ref>
* While on the same team, {{PageRef|name=Drifter}} threatens to kill Marla if Dynamo fails the ritual.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Drifter|number=1}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}} respects Dynamo's courage for enduring his body being torn apart and wishes he had the same optimism Dynamo has.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Grey Talon|number=2}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Vindicta}} wants to speak to Dynamo if they fail the ritual, due to [[John Hathorne]] planning to give a speech at Columbia College.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Vindicta|number=3}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Mirage}} asks Dynamo if he can give him and [[Nashala Dion|Nashala]] a tour of Columbia College.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Mirage|number=2|hero_quote1=Mirage|quote1=Professor, would you be willing to give Nashala and I a tour of Columbia?|hero_quote2=Dynamo|quote2=It would be my pleasure.}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Seven}} is a fan of Dynamo's research into [[Astral Gates]] and holds him in high regard.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{PageRef|name=Seven}}'s in-game [[Seven/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Dynamo): ''"Professor Dynamo, it was a great honor."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}} and {{PageRef|name=Mina}} dislike Dynamo's jacket.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Dynamo|hero2=Lady Geist|number=1}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (pass Dynamo on zipline): ''"What a wretched jacket."''</ref> {{PageRef|name=Graves}} thinks the jacket is cool.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Graves}}' in-game [[Graves/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Dynamo): ''"If it makes you feel better, I think your jacket's cool."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Rem}} says Dynamo smells like banana bread.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Rem}}'s in-game [[Rem/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Dynamo): "He smells like banana bread."</ref>
Internal namesCodenames used for this hero in the game files:
Prof_dynamo; Prof; Sumo; Jeong
Professor Dynamo is a Hero in Deadlock. He is a man of wit, using his brain and his brawn to provide support to his teammates by healing them, teleporting them, knocking his opponents into the air, and when the time is right, unleashing a Singularity which can drastically shift the tides of battle.
Once just a mere professor for Columbia College, his life would change after letting his ego get the best of him when he and his team of professors were studying an Astral Gate in New York. Dynamo ventured too close to the anomaly which obliterated his body and reduced it to that of a dying star. But that didn't stop him, because although his body may be gone, his spirit and curiosity live on, with his condition only further fueling his desire for knowledge and a way out of his metal body.
The pull is continuously applied, so enemies caught in radius cannot be pulled away, except for instant displacement effects such as Paradox's Paradoxical Swap.
As a Scientist, Professor Dynamo always had an inquisitive mind. So when a rift in space and time opened up in central park he was first on the scene to investigate – and while he expected such a majestic sight to be life changing, he was thinking more in a metaphorical way as opposed to having his body atomized and reduced to a tiny dying star.
But while his body is gone, his spirit and lust for knowledge lives on. A tenured professor at Columbia College, Dynamo looks to learn more about his condition while maintaining his class load, after all: he has future minds to inspire.
Dynamo is also referred to as prof (Professor) in the game files.
Dynamo was named Sumo in Neon Prime, and later renamed to Jeong. He was renamed to Dynamo still during Neon Prime.
Dynamo is voiced by John Patrick Lowrie,[1] who is known for voicework in other popular Valve titles (e.g. Sniper in Team Fortress 2, Pudge in Dota 2.)
Some of Dynamo's voice lines were based on conversations between John and Deadlock writer Steve Jaros about quantum physics.[4]
The name of Dynamo's weapon, the Vonnegun, is an homage to American author Kurt Vonnegut. Ironically, Vonnegut was famously a pacifist and claimed that a virtuous scientist was one who refused to develop weapons.[5]
This may also be a reference to Vonnegut's short story Report on the Barnhouse Effect, about a professor who develops the power of telekinesis and calls it "dynamopsychism".
When casting Quantum Entanglement, a crest of the sun with a planetary body orbiting around it appears as a destination marker. The crest is styled after Renaissance depictions of the sun, as it sports a hatched style and a serene face.
In a concept artwork and in The Binding of Oathkeeper, Dynamo had a different design in which his head had a different shape and was attached to his body, and he wore gloves.
One of Dynamo's early concept designs was a paranormal pizza delivery guy called Lil' Dynamo.[6]
"Pontificating in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Dynamo in the Hideout.
References
↑ 1.01.12024-11-29 - John Patrick Lowrie on X - "Glad to be the voice of Dynamo in the new Valve game Deadlock!"
↑2025-02-25 - Kaori; Deadlock Discord - "Fred just was stepping in to record temp stuff when JPL was unable to record so it was always going to be replaced"
↑2024-08-10 - Yoshi, Deadlock Discord - "Reminds me of a pizza delivery concept we didn't go with" (...) "That was a version of dynamo yeah, he had a diff ability then"
48 Damage Per Second
Kinetic Pulse
1
5s
26s
spirit damage and applying 
knockup.
x1.55
115
Displacement
16m
Pulse Range
1
Quantum Entanglement
10m
1.4s
10m
1.4s
Disabled by Slowing Hex
Rejuvenating Aurora
30/s
5s
Healing amplified by Healing Booster and affected by healing reduction
Healing triggers Healing Tempo's unique effect
Singularity
stun, and pulling in nearby enemies.
Triggers Reactive Barrier
CC effect suppressed by Unstoppable
Paradox's 
Paradoxical Swap.
Dynamo portrait
Dynamo icon
Dynamo in-game render
Dynamo select background
Dynamo reference sheet
Dynamo name typography
Dynamo weapon - The Vonnegun
A crest of the sun used to show Quantum Entanglement's destination
Previous Dynamo portrait
Dynamo's model before the 2025-05-08 Update
Dynamo 2024 Winter skin
Dynamo concept art
Dynamo visual novel art
Dynamo visual novel art - Tuxedo
Concept art - "Lil' Dynamo"
Sumo (Neon Prime)
Sumo using Black Hole (Neon Prime)
Gloat portrait for Dynamo.
Critical health portrait for Dynamo.
TF2 Sniper Actor Answers Your Questions on YouTube
