The latest VALORANT update, Patch 10.04, introduces a variety of significant changes, shaking up the gameplay meta. With Season 2025 // Act 2, Riot Games has unveiled a brand-new Duelist, Waylay, along with changes to the map pool and reworks for existing Agents.
This patch is expected to have a major impact on competitive play, as it not only brings in a new Agent with unique light-based abilities but also introduces map adjustments and important nerfs and buffs to various Agents. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest update. For further VALORANT news, please click here.
Waylay Joins VALORANT as the Latest Duelist
Ahead of the VALORANT Masters Bangkok Grand Final, players got their first look at Waylay, the newest addition to the Duelist roster. Her light-powered abilities allow her to move quickly across the map and stun opponents, creating opportunities for swift eliminations.
Waylay’s mobility-focused skill set makes her an exciting choice for aggressive players looking to dominate fights. With Patch 10.04 now live, players can finally test her full range of abilities in ranked and casual play.
Agent Balance Changes – Buffs and Nerfs
Patch 10.04 introduces a range of changes to existing Agents, adjusting their abilities to better balance the game. Here are the key buffs and nerfs included in the update:
Clove
- Meddle: No longer explodes after 1.3 seconds. Instead, it detonates after hitting the ground, with a reduced timer of 0.75 seconds.
- Ruse: Cooldown increased from 30 to 40 seconds.
- Pick Me Up: Health buff duration increased from 8 to 10 seconds, but move speed duration reduced to 3 seconds.
Deadlock
- Barrier Mesh: No longer a signature ability; it now costs 400 credits.
- GravNet: Becomes Deadlock’s new signature ability with a 40-second cooldown. The size has been reduced from 16m to 13m.
Iso
- Undercut: Charge count reduced from 2 to 1, cost increased from 200 to 300 credits. Now applies Suppression along with Vulnerability.
- Contingency: Gains an Alt-Fire mode, allowing the moving wall to travel at half speed.
- Double Tap: The shield break now applies a Heavy Penetration tag, slowing Iso significantly upon breaking.
- Kill Contract: If Iso does not have Double Tap active, the Ultimate will automatically apply the buff, ensuring that duel victories always spawn an orb.
Neon
- Overdrive VFX: Updated visuals to improve clarity and directionality when Neon is using her Ultimate.
Tejo
- Guided Salvo: Damage decreased from 70 to 65. It now deals 50% less damage to non-player objects.
Map Rotation & Ascent Changes
VALORANT’s map pool has undergone another rotation, removing Abyss and Bind and bringing Icebox and Ascent back into play. While Icebox remains unchanged, Ascent has received a key adjustment to improve gameplay flow.
Ascent Map Change
- B Main: A portion of the B Lane wall has been changed to a non-pennable wall, meaning bullets can no longer pass through this section.
This update aims to reduce spam tactics and force players to rethink their approach when attacking or defending B Site.
How Patch 10.04 Impacts VALORANT
Patch 10.04 delivers one of the biggest shifts in recent VALORANT updates. Waylay’s debut will likely change team compositions, and the Agent ability adjustments will affect strategies across competitive play. Additionally, Ascent’s map tweak could influence site execution tactics for both attackers and defenders.
With Season 2025 // Act 2 officially underway, players can now explore all the latest changes, refine their gameplay, and adapt to the evolving meta. The update is live now, so jump in and experience the latest version of VALORANT firsthand!
