How to Unlock More Passive Slots in League of Legends Swarm

League of Legends’ newly released Swarm mode has taken players by storm with its unique mechanics and progression system. A core feature in this mode is the passive slot system, which players can expand over time. If you’re wondering how to unlock more passive slots to strengthen your champion’s build, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, from initial unlocks to advanced strategies for maximizing their utility.

Gaining access to additional passive slots significantly improves your gameplay, allowing for deeper strategic customization and survivability. We'll break down how to unlock the 5th and 6th slots, how to prepare for harder difficulties, and how to effectively use the passives you gain.

What are passive slots in Swarm

In Swarm mode, passive slots are special upgrade nodes that allow you to equip enhancements to boost your champion’s stats. Each champion begins with four slots, which can be filled with passive upgrades that increase health, armor, attack damage, and other core attributes.

Unlocking more passive slots gives you a tactical edge. With up to six total slots, you can create builds tailored to different scenarios—whether it's reducing cooldowns, improving health regeneration, or increasing overall damage output. These extra slots help players build more advanced and efficient loadouts, boosting both offense and defense depending on the challenges faced.

Unlocking the 5th and 6th Passive Slots

If you're looking into how to unlock more passive slots, especially the fifth and sixth ones, the answer lies in progressing through Swarm’s increasing difficulty levels. Start by completing the main storyline in standard mode to unlock access to Hard mode. Once you’re in Hard mode, look for specific milestone challenges—these are tied to in-game objectives that must be completed to unlock the fifth passive slot.

The sixth slot becomes available after advancing into Expert mode, which unlocks after completing the entirety of Hard mode. At this point, your focus should shift toward optimizing champion builds, leveling up, and farming gold. Champions like Leona, who greatly benefit from cooldown reduction, increased health, and enhanced armor, are strong choices for climbing these difficulties.

Additionally, check the upgrades section for quests tied to newly unlocked champions and gear. These progression-based tasks often grant bonus stats and open up more of your skill tree, making it easier to qualify for the final passive slot unlocks.

Transitioning from Hard to Expert Mode

Progressing into Expert mode in Swarm is no easy feat, but it can be manageable with the right preparation. To begin, unlock Matchmaking Isle by successfully completing levels in Hard mode. This matchmaking option pairs you with other players on similar maps, allowing for coordinated tactics and knowledge sharing.

One crucial tip is to prioritize movement speed early on, which helps when farming crates for gold—essential for unlocking better gear and passives. Make it a habit to complete every quest tied to passive upgrades, including those that appear across normal, extreme, and matchmaking difficulties. Doing so not only grants access to Expert mode but also ensures you have a solid build ready for it.

Tips for optimizing passive slots

When configuring your passive loadout, it’s important to tailor selections to your champion’s strengths. For instance, champions with strong crowd control abilities should focus on passives that extend stun duration or reduce ability cooldowns. Mixing offensive and defensive passives helps strike the right balance between survivability and damage output.

You should also pay attention to the enemy team composition. If they’re heavily focused on burst damage, include passives that increase your armor, shield, or healing potential. Against tankier opponents, passives that improve penetration or amplify damage over time become vital.

A flexible strategy is key. Test various combinations to learn which passives synergize best with your chosen champion and adapt as needed based on the challenges you encounter. The deeper your understanding of passive builds, the more efficiently you’ll be able to dominate in Swarm mode.

Master the Art of Passive Slot Management

Knowing how to unlock more passive slots in League of Legends Swarm mode can transform your experience and give you a distinct edge in both solo and matchmaking challenges. As you progress through Hard and Expert modes, each additional slot offers a new opportunity for customization and tactical depth. Whether you're optimizing for tankiness, damage, or utility, refining your passive setup is essential to success. Equip the right passives, focus on milestone quests, and you’ll be well on your way to climbing every difficulty with confidence.