Instalock: What Does it Mean to Instalock a Character?
In multiplayer games where you pick a character before the match starts, you’ll often hear the term “Instalock.” It’s used when someone instantly locks in a character, hero, agent, or champion the moment the selection phase opens—usually without thinking about the team’s overall strategy or what others might want to pick.
Normally, during the draft or character selection phase, players are supposed to take turns choosing their characters. This gives everyone a chance to plan ahead, coordinate, and build a balanced lineup that improves the odds of winning.
But when someone instalocks, they skip all of that. They rush to claim a character without giving their teammates any time to discuss picks or come up with a plan. A lot of players see this as selfish because it puts personal preference ahead of teamwork and strategy.
Is Instalocking Really That Bad?
For many gamers, yes, it is. There are several reasons why instalocking tends to leave a bad taste:
- It can create teams with poor balance, where too many players fill the same role or lack synergy altogether.
- It cuts off opportunities for teammates to talk and coordinate properly before the match even begins.
- It often stirs up frustration and arguments, with some players feeling ignored or pressured into roles they didn’t want.
- Teams that don’t coordinate well usually don’t perform well either, which can make the whole match a lot less fun.
- In most gaming communities, instalocking is looked down on because it goes against the values of teamwork and fair play.
That said, there’s still a good chunk of players who don’t think instalocking is bad at all. In fact, some argue that character selection should be a “first come, first served” deal, and whoever locks in first deserves the pick.
Is Fast Picking Always Instalocking?
Not necessarily. Sometimes players quickly pick because they’re highly skilled with a specific character and want to make sure they get it. It’s not always about ignoring the team—it could just be about securing their best option. As long as players stay open to communication and are willing to adjust if needed, quick picks don’t have to be a problem at all.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve got new information — level up your game with HuskyBoost! Buy the best boosting and unlock your true potential today.
