Valorant Patch 10.4 introduces significant changes that will impact both ranked and professional play. This update includes adjustments to Clove, Deadlock, Iso, Neon, and Tejo, alongside a minor change to Ascent. Let’s break down these updates and how they will affect the game.

Clove Adjustments: A Buff Disguised as a Nerf?

Clove’s changes are being described as a nerf, but in reality, they introduce significant improvements. The cooldown on Clove’s smokes has increased from 30 to 40 seconds, which appears to be a nerf at first glance. However, the major alteration comes with Clove’s grenade, “Medal.” Previously, the grenade exploded on a set timer, but now it detonates upon ground contact after 750 milliseconds. This change enables players to perform precise lineups, making Clove significantly more effective in coordinated play. Additionally, the “Pick-Me-Up” ability now provides a longer healing duration, increasing from 8 to 10 seconds, while its movement speed buff has been reduced. The net effect of these changes may actually make Clove more viable in both ranked and professional games.

Deadlock: More Flexibility, But At a Cost (Valorant Patch 10.4)

Deadlock receives some of the most peculiar changes in Patch 10.4. Her “GravNet” grenade is now a signature ability with a 40-second cooldown, reducing its size but increasing its overall usage frequency. However, the cost of her wall ability has been raised to 400 credits, making Deadlock one of the most expensive agents in the game. The wall, which was previously a signature ability, is now a purchasable utility, significantly impacting Deadlock’s defensive capabilities. While these changes benefit attacking strategies by allowing more aggressive grenade usage, they create challenges for defensive setups.

Iso: A Complete Kit Rework

Iso undergoes major changes aimed at making him more than a one-trick duelist. His “Undercut” grenade now applies suppression for four seconds upon impact, making him a serious counter to Sentinels. The number of grenades is reduced to one, but its price is increased to 300 credits. “Contingency,” Iso’s wall ability, now has an alternate slow-cast mode, allowing for more tactical use in site execution and post-plant scenarios. The “Double Tap” ability is slightly nerfed by applying a heavier slow when his shield breaks. Additionally, his ultimate, “Kill Contract,” has been adjusted to always spawn an orb, ensuring he can reliably chain his abilities. These changes enhance Iso’s strategic depth, making him more valuable in high-level play.

Neon’s Minor Adjustment: Improved Sound Clarity

Neon’s “Overdrive” has been adjusted for better directional clarity, allowing opponents to pinpoint her movement more easily. While not a significant change in competitive play, it improves audio feedback for players facing Neon.

Tejo’s Guided Salvo Nerf: A Needed Adjustment? (Valorant Patch 10.4)

Tejo receives a minor nerf to his “Guided Salvo” ability, reducing its damage from 70 to 65 per explosion. Additionally, it now deals 50% less damage to non-player objects, meaning it can no longer destroy Killjoy’s “Lockdown” with a single salvo. While this change makes Killjoy’s ultimate more resilient, it does not fundamentally alter Tejo’s strength in professional play, where his versatility remains a key factor.

Ascent Map Change: Wallbang Nerfs

Ascent receives a minor modification at the B Main entrance, where a specific wall section is now non-penetrable. This prevents early-round bullet spam, making B Main a safer entry point for attackers. While this tweak improves initial engagements, Ascent still lacks the broader changes many players hoped for.

Impact of Patch 10.4 on Ranked and Pro Play

The Valorant 10.4 update introduces several agent balance changes that will influence ranked and professional play. Clove may see an increased pick rate due to her improved grenade, while Deadlock’s changes could make her more viable on attack but weaker on defense. Iso’s overhaul gives him more strategic depth, potentially boosting his presence in high-level matches. Teo’s nerf to Guided Salvo is unlikely to impact his meta dominance, and Ascent’s minor adjustment may lead to a small shift in site take strategies. Overall, this patch offers a mix of buffs and nerfs that will shape how players approach the game in the coming weeks.