Riot Games is stepping into the world of physical trading card games with Riftbound, a League of Legends-inspired TCG that combines tactical movement, fast-paced gameplay, and deep deckbuilding. Designed to appeal to both casual and competitive players, Riftbound leverages the MOBA’s iconic champions and a set of innovative mechanics to deliver something fresh even for those unfamiliar with League of Legends.
At a recent hands-on preview event, attendees explored the basics of Riftbound, experimented with deckbuilding, and played multiple rounds in both 1v1 and multiplayer formats. Matches typically lasted between 15-20 minutes, offering a strategic experience without becoming bogged down in complexity.
How to Play Riftbound: Gameplay Basics
Riot describes Riftbound as a “mobility game,” where players earn points by taking and holding control of battlefields. Units are deployed from a player’s base onto central battlefield cards. Moving a unit onto an unoccupied battlefield earns 1 point, and controlling it each subsequent turn scores additional points. The first player to reach 8 points in a 1v1 match (or 11 in team games) wins.
Choose Your Champion (Deck)
To play Riftbound, you’ll need a deck. You can build one from scratch or start with a preconstructed deck and swap cards as you collect more and refine your strategy.
The centerpiece of your deck is your Champion Legend. This card determines your deck’s two domains (colors), and the chosen champion starts faceup on the board. You’ll send your champion into battle alongside units, cast spells to support them, and equip powerful gear to turn the tide.
Each champion encourages a different strategy. Some decks aim for fast strikes, others build a massive army, and some revolve around a single powerful and mobile fighter. Champions are bolstered by supporting units, spells, and gear that reflect their identity and playstyle.
Win Battlefields to Win the Game
Each player brings one Battlefield card into the match, and once the game begins, all Battlefields are up for grabs. Players compete to control these areas by moving champions and units onto them. Gaining control of a Battlefield scores a point immediately, and holding it on future turns scores more.
But if your opponent already controls the Battlefield, combat breaks out. Units use their might (combat strength) to deal damage, and if your forces outlast the opponent’s, you seize control. Timing your pushes and choosing the right Battlefield to contest is crucial.
Fuel Your Power with Runes
Playing and using cards does not come for free Riftbound uses Runes, drawn from a separate Rune deck, as your resource system. Each turn, you draw two Runes of your deck’s colors and use them to pay for cards.
Runes can be:
Exhausted (turned sideways) for a temporary payment.
Expended (returned to the deck) to pay for stronger cards that require a specific color.
This dual-cost system adds flexibility and planning, as powerful cards cycle your Rune deck and force you to think several turns ahead.
Strategic Movement and Combat
Unlike many TCGs, Riftbound emphasizes movement and unit positioning. Cards begin at your base and must move to a battlefield to score points or engage in combat. Units in your base are safe from most effects, allowing for “turtle” strategies where you build a strong board before committing to battle.
Starting hands consist of four cards, which keeps gameplay brisk. Each turn presents meaningful decisions without overwhelming complexity, making the game feel closer to an RTS than a traditional TCG.
Champions and Signature Cards
Before the match begins, each player reveals their Champion and Signature card. Signature cards serve as powerful “ultimate” abilities that can be activated when affordable providing a big play moment without relying on random card draws. However, because they’re revealed from the start, there’s no surprise factor, making timing essential.
Riftbound Release Timeline
June 9 - July 18, 2025: Preview Season with rolling card reveals
Late July - October 2025: China-exclusive release
October 2025: Global launch for all regions
Riot plans to release quarterly card sets post-launch, keeping the meta fresh and introducing new champions, mechanics, and battlefields over time.
With its mobility-based scoring, streamlined mechanics, and colorful cast of champions, Riftbound is shaping up to be a standout in the crowded TCG space. Whether you're a League of Legends veteran or entirely new to the IP, Riftbound is easy to pick up, tough to master, and rewarding to play both casually and competitively.
What are your thoughts on the rules? Are you excited to play and try the game? Let us know what deck you want to play in the comments below!
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