League Patch 10.4 to feature jungle changes, Stopwatch nerfs, more

An early preview of League of Legends Patch 10.4 has been revealed, with big changes coming to the jungle, some of the game’s most powerful items, as well as some quirky picks that have weaseled their way into the meta.

After a few bot lane focused patches to kick off Season 10, other parts of Summoner’s Rift will be receiving some love across Patch 10.4.

Focused changes towards the jungle and top lane will be the major talking points of the February 19 update, as well as touch-ups to a few items and runes that have dominated the meta at the start of the season.

Lead gameplay designer Mark ‘Scruffy’ Yetter dropped players a preview of what to expect from the next patch on February 10, with one of the more extensive changelists of Season 10 so far.

Scruffy has mentioned Riot were looking at increasing jungle pool diversity to make the role more “appealing,” with a select few champions getting changes to help them clear the neutral camps.

While Darius, Garen, Talon, Zed, and Diana were on the initial list for Patch 10.4 changes, Scruffy’s preview also includes a new name not mentioned before ⁠— Mordekaiser, the Master of Metal.

• Read more: Aphelios to receive ultimate nerfs in League Patch 10.4

Most of the changes being shipped to these champions is increased damage to monsters, as well as some defensive upgrades. Diana’s passive, Zed’s passive, and Garen’s E, Judgment, will now deal 150% damage to monsters, which includes jungle camps but not lane minions.

The most major nerf in Patch 10.4 is coming to Stopwatch. A 50 gold increase on its cost, up to 650, will make getting the initial life-saving item harder, especially for supports on a budget.

Nerfs to Perfect Timing are also coming, so getting a free Stopwatch will also be more difficult. To compensate for the changes, Stopwatch-component items like Zhonya’s Hourglass and Gargoyle’s Stoneplate are having their combine costs reduced by 50 gold.

Top lane is also being targeted in the upcoming patch, with nerfs on the way for Soraka and Sona who have found themselves a niche on the north side of Summoner’s Rift.

• Read more: League Patch 10.4 PBE update targets Soraka top

The two enchanter ‘supports’ will be shifted back into the bot lane, with nerfs to their defensive stats making them more susceptible to dying in a solo lane.

More “top lane influence” changes to give the role more impact are coming in Patch 10.5, according to Scruffy.

This is on top of nerfs to Aphelios, Singed, and Aurelion Sol. Jayce, Gnar, Sylas, Rammus, Udyr, Amumu, Caitlyn, and Lux will be buffed, alongside Sunfire Cape, the Exhaust summoner spell, and runes Phase Rush, Hail of Blades, and Unflinching.

League Patch 10.4 is expected to drop on February 19.