Paradox
Calculated · Disruptor · Tactician
Lore
Paradox. An artifact of time, and the name of a notorious thieves' guild... one that prides themselves on constructing elaborate heists that target the most untouchable of individuals and institutions. What does Paradox do with the countless artifacts, state secrets, and celebrity paternity tests that they have stolen? Put it on display at pop-up museums, so that they can show the world that no one is out of Paradox's reach.
Shrouded in mystery, each member of Paradox dons a mask and takes on the organization's name. They are everywhere. They are nowhere. And if they want something, they are inevitable.
Challenging to learn · Trade Secret
Manipulating time lets Paradox outpace an enemy in one on one combat. She thrives by subjecting her enemies to timely swaps into a waiting pulse grenade, her wall, or into the middle of her teammates.
The Oracle’s file on Paradox What fans say about Paradox
In-game biography · Source notes · Art from Deadlock Wiki · Game assets © Valve
Paradox’s abilities
Pulse Grenade
Throw a grenade that pulses, dealing damage and time slowing
Throw a grenade that begins pulsing when it lands. Each pulse expands the radius and applies spirit damage, time slow, and stacking increased damage for Paradox against the victim.
- Pulse Damage
- 35 + 0.3 × Spirit
- Damage Amp per stack
- 4%
- Radius Per Pulse
- +1m
- Pulse Interval
- 0.8s
- Amp Duration
- 8s
- Time Slow
- 20%
- Slow Duration
- 0.2s
Upgrades
- 1 AP
-12s Cooldown
- 2 AP
+20.0 Pulse Damage and increased Spirit scaling
- 5 AP
+4.0% Damage Amp and +1.6s Duration
Base values with no items, from the Deadlock API, November 2, 2026. Patches change them.
The file on Paradox
Everything confirmed. Pick a box, then open any source to see the proof.
Origins
How Paradox got here.
Paradox is both a time artifact and a thieves' guild that pulls off elaborate heists.
SourceParadox’s biography
In the game“An artifact of time, and the name of a notorious thieves' guild”
Paradox’s biography It shows what it steals in pop-up museums, to prove nobody is out of reach.
SourceParadox’s biography
In the game“Put it on display at pop-up museums”
Paradox’s biography Every member wears a mask and takes the name. This one says she's Scottish.
SourceParadox’s biography, Paradox
In the game“each member of Paradox dons a mask and takes on the organization's name”
Paradox’s biography “This may surprise you, Haze; but as a Scottish woman I don't particularly give a shit about American artifacts.”
Paradox, to Haze, before a match
Why Paradox is in the ritual
Their own words first. The Patrons want something, so read theirs as offers.
It's the greatest heist of all, as the Hidden King frames it.
SourceThe Hidden King
In the game“Paradox, today marks the greatest heist you've ever performed. Don't fail your king.”
The Hidden King, to Paradox, as a match begins It may also be about rank. The Patrons say it will prove her to her colleagues.
SourceThe Hidden King, The Archmother
In the game“Once you summon The Hidden King, the other members of Paradox will know why you are fit to lead.”
The Hidden King, to Paradox, as a match begins “You seek the validation of your colleagues, Paradox? Then steal the crown of The Hidden King and become legend.”
The Archmother, to Paradox, as a match begins
Factions and organizations
Who they work with, fight and answer to.
Paradox
It's her guild, and she says it always comes together like a family.
SourceParadox
In the game“You know nothing of Paradox. Like any family we can get competitive with each other, but ultimately we always come together in the end.”
Paradox, to Venator, before a match The Baxter Society
She wants to rob it, and knows what happened to the last one who tried.
SourceParadox
In the game“Oh I know what happened to the last member of Paradox that tried to steal from The Baxter society. That's why I want you to get me in.”
Paradox, to Grey Talon, before a match Fairfax Industries
Blackmail on it is next on the gallery's list.
SourceParadox
In the game“Blackmail on Fairfax, The Ghent Altarpiece, The Tome of Anubis….”
Paradox, to Wraith, before a match The OSIC
She warns Holliday against trusting it.
SourceParadox
In the game“Don't trust the OSIC. Their goals and your goals are not in alignment.”
Paradox, to Holliday, before a match
Cool facts
The small things worth knowing.
Paradox stole Booth's Derringer, and calls herself a Scottish woman who doesn't care about American artifacts.
SourceHaze, Paradox
In the game“Are you're one who stole Booth's Derringer?”
Haze, to Paradox, before a match “This may surprise you, Haze; but as a Scottish woman I don't particularly give a shit about American artifacts.”
Paradox, to Haze, before a match “Of course we stole it.”
Paradox, to Haze, before a match The next items for the gallery include blackmail on Fairfax.
SourceParadox
In the game“Blackmail on Fairfax, The Ghent Altarpiece, The Tome of Anubis….”
Paradox, to Wraith, before a match Paradox wants Grey Talon to get her into the Baxter Society's Manor House, because of what happened to the last thief.
SourceParadox
In the game“I'd love to see the inside of The Manor House”
Paradox, to Grey Talon, before a match “Oh I know what happened to the last member of Paradox that tried to steal from The Baxter society. That's why I want you to get me in.”
Paradox, to Grey Talon, before a match Lady Geist visited the Paradox Museum and calls it overwrought.
SourceLady Geist
In the game“You know I've been to the Paradox Museum last summer.”
Lady Geist, to Paradox, before a match “Homer is also overwrought.”
Lady Geist, to Paradox, before a match
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