Valorant patch 10.04 brings Clove nerfs, new map rotation

Khizar Mundia Published 04/03/2025

Riot Games has released the patch notes for the upcoming Valorant 10.04 patch, with Clove nerfs highlighting the list of agent changes and a new map rotation coming into play.

Valorant’s newest agent Waylay was announced during the Masters Bangkok 2025 grands finals, and fans were happy with the duelist’s abilities, which could be a game-changer. With the new agent’s addition, there are also the changes the new patch will bring to the game.

Riot has now informed fans about these latest changes, among which a standout fact is that Clove will be getting heavily nerfed, which is bad news for players that use the Scottish agent. Along with changes to the game’s agents, Riot is rotating the maps that will be used in competitive and deathmatch queues.

Clove and Iso receive nerfs in the new Valorant patch

Riot has delivered nerfs to two arguably overpowered agents, Clove and Iso, in Valorant’s new 10.04 patch to ensure the game’s agents are better balanced.

The biggest change players may see is the updates to Valorant’s agents. Clove is getting balance changes that will make it likely that players use other agents as well. Clove’s Ruse cooldown has been increased from 30 seconds to 40 seconds, making it more difficult for players to layer in the ability. The duration of the Pick Me Up health buff has also been increased, while the duration of the move speed has been decreased.

Valorant patch

Clove isn’t the only agent to face significant changes in the new patch, as Iso players will notice his Double Tap tagging change has been reverted. When his shield is broken, the agent will be slowed down significantly, making him easier to kill. Another major change is with Iso’s ult. With the new patch, every time the player wins inside Iso’s ult as the duelist, an orb will be guaranteed to spawn. Additionally, his Contingency ability is reworked to let players alt fire to slow down the wall’s progress forward.

Neon players will notice some VFX changes in the Agent’s Overdrive, and Tejo’s Guided Salvo’s damage has been decreased from 70 to 65. Lastly, Deadlock’s Barrier Mesh will now cost 400 credits, and her GravNet ability is now a signature ability with a 40-second cooldown.

Ascent and Icebox make a Valorant map rotation comeback

Icebox and a reworked Ascent are back in the map rotation with the Valorant 10.04 patch, while Abyss and Bind have been removed.

Riot has added Ascent back into the mix, but with a twist. Weapon spam in the map is a significant issue, and to tackle that, attackers will be given protection at the barrier drop when approaching B Main. Part of the B Main wall along B Lane has been made solid, preventing spam entirely. Riot is trying to ensure everyone can enjoy the map and that players don’t take unfair advantage overly much of spam spots.

Khizar Mundia

About Khizar Mundia

Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.

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