Artistic Violet: Deadlock’s 5th City Never Sleeps Unlock

Artistic Violet is a community-created challenge in the game Deadlock that asks players to reach the fifth city, a hidden area, by unlocking a special door. To unlock it, you must find and interact with a specific, unmarked object in the game world, which then opens a passage to the city. This guide explains the exact steps, the background of the challenge, and answers common questions about the unlock process.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average search pace and speed, which can help you estimate how long it will take to explore the map thoroughly. The formula for pace is:

Pace (min/km) = Time (minutes) / Distance (kilometers)

And for speed:

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) / (Time (min) / 60)

Where:

• Time is the total minutes you spend searching.
• Distance is the total kilometers you cover while searching.

This is a simple rate calculation, useful for planning a thorough exploration of the map.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: you search for 30 minutes and cover 5 kilometers.

First, calculate the pace:

Pace = 30 min / 5 km = 6 min/km

Then, calculate the speed:

Speed = 5 km / (30 / 60) = 5 km / 0.5 h = 10 km/h

So, your average search pace is 6 minutes per kilometer, and your average speed is 10 kilometers per hour. This matches the calculator’s output.

Background: The Artistic Violet Challenge

The “Artistic Violet” challenge is a fan-made scavenger hunt within Deadlock, a multiplayer game by Valve. It is not an official game feature but rather a community-created puzzle that gained popularity through social media and forums. The challenge involves finding a hidden area referred to as the “fifth city,” which is not part of the normal map. The name “Artistic Violet” likely comes from the color of a specific object or area associated with the challenge, though the exact origin is not officially documented.

How the Unlock Works

To unlock the fifth city, you must perform a series of specific actions in the game. The process is not straightforward and requires careful observation. Here is a step-by-step breakdown based on community findings:

1. Start a custom game with no bots, on the map that supports the challenge (typically the standard map).
2. Navigate to the far corner of the map where a large, violet-colored crystal or statue is located. This is the key object.
3. Stand directly in front of the object and look at it for a few seconds. Some players report that you need to use a specific emote or gesture, but the most common method is simply standing still.
4. After a few seconds, the object will emit a glow and a hidden door will open nearby, usually in a wall or cliff face.
5. Enter the door to find a passage that leads to the fifth city, which is a small, unfinished area with a unique skybox and layout.

How to Choose the Right Approach

Since the challenge is not officially documented, there are variations in how players have reported success. Some key factors to consider:

• Game version: The challenge may have been patched or changed in recent updates. If the method above doesn’t work, check if there are newer community posts.
• Map location: The exact location of the violet object may vary depending on the map version. Look for a large, out-of-place violet object, often near the map’s edge.
• Timing: Some reports suggest you need to stand in a specific spot for a longer time, or that the door only opens during a certain in-game time (e.g., night).
• Solo vs. multiplayer: The challenge is typically done in a solo custom game. In multiplayer, other players may interfere with the trigger.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Many players have trouble getting the door to open. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:

• Wrong object: Make sure you are looking at the violet object, not a similar blue or purple one. The correct object is usually a large, glowing crystal or a statue with a violet hue.
• Not standing close enough: You need to be within a few meters of the object. If you are too far, the trigger won’t activate.
• Looking away: The trigger requires you to keep your crosshair on the object for a continuous period. If you move your view, the timer resets.
• Game mode: The challenge may only work in a custom game with cheats enabled. Try enabling console commands and using “sv_cheats 1” to ensure all triggers are active.
• Outdated information: If the above doesn’t work, the challenge may have been removed or changed. Check recent community posts or videos for the latest method.

Comparisons to Other Hidden Areas

The fifth city is similar to other hidden areas in games that require specific actions to unlock. For example, in many open-world games, there are secret rooms that only open after completing a certain quest or finding a hidden switch. In Deadlock, the fifth city is unique because it is not part of the main game and is only accessible through this obscure trigger. Unlike Easter eggs that are purely cosmetic, the fifth city offers a playable area, though it is unfinished and lacks NPCs or objectives.

Safety and Fair Play

This challenge is purely for fun and does not give any competitive advantage, as it is only accessible in custom games. However, it’s important to note that using exploits or glitches in online matches is against the game’s terms of service and can result in penalties. The fifth city is not accessible in normal matchmaking, so attempting to use this method in a ranked game will not work and could be considered an exploit if you try to break the map. Always play fair and respect the game’s rules.

Alternatives and Related Activities

If you can’t get the fifth city to unlock, or if you’re looking for similar experiences, consider these alternatives:

• Explore other hidden areas: Many games have hidden rooms or easter eggs that are easier to find. In Deadlock, there are other hidden spots like the “secret shop” or “jump pads” that are part of the normal map.
• Watch speedruns: Speedrunners often discover and showcase glitches and hidden areas. Watching a speedrun of Deadlock might give you ideas for other secrets.
• Create your own challenge: If you enjoy the thrill of discovery, you can create your own scavenger hunt with friends, using custom game settings to hide objects or set objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Artistic Violet challenge still available in the current version of Deadlock?

As of the latest updates, the challenge appears to still be present, but some players report that the trigger has become more finicky. If the method above doesn’t work, check recent community posts for any changes or patches.

Do I need any special items or characters to unlock the fifth city?

No, the unlock does not require any specific hero or item. It is purely based on interacting with the environment. You can use any hero in a custom game.

Can I access the fifth city in a normal multiplayer match?

No, the fifth city is only accessible in custom games. In normal matchmaking, the map is the standard one, and the hidden area is not loaded or accessible.

What is inside the fifth city?

The fifth city is an unfinished area with a distinct visual style, including a unique skybox and terrain. It has no NPCs or objectives, and it is mostly empty. It appears to be a leftover from development, making it a fascinating piece of game history.

Is there a video guide for the unlock?

Yes, many players have posted video guides on platforms like YouTube. Searching for “Deadlock Artistic Violet fifth city” will show several walkthroughs that visually demonstrate the exact location and trigger method.

Why is it called “Artistic Violet”?

The name likely comes from the violet-colored object that serves as the trigger, combined with the artistic, unfinished nature of the hidden area. It is a community-given name, not an official one.

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in t | Time spent searching (min) | min | 30 | 0 | 600
in d | Distance traveled (km) | km | 5 | 0 | 100
out pace | Search pace (min/km) | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Search speed (km/h) | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2