What is Riftbound? - League of Legends Trading Card Game

Riftbound is Riot’s new League of Legends trading card game. Not to be confused with its predecessor Legends of Runeterra, Riftbound is an entirely separate entity that exists within the physical space.

It was initially planned to be released exclusively in China, but that quickly changed after seeing the reception from the rest of the community.

While it’s definitely visually inspired by Runeterra (reusing a large amount of its artwork), there is no correlation when it comes to gameplay. Most importantly, Riftbound is not a digital game, but an entry into the realm of tabletop gaming!

Given Riot’s original plans, Riftbound is currently set up with a staggered release schedule. For the time being, sets will first be released in China, then a couple months later in English.

• Set 1: Origins launched in China on August 1st, 2025.
• • The English release date was October 31st, 2025.
    
• Set 2: Spiritforged launched in China on December 12th, 2025.
• • The English release date is set for February 13th, 2026.

While we don’t know all of the details just yet, they are planning to eventually reach a state of global parity. It’s possible things will be sorted out by Set 3 or 4, but given production and other logistics, we’ll have to wait and see.

To review the latest info regarding upcoming set releases, go here!

In Riftbound, players take control of a deck that’s helmed by a specific Champion Legend; each boasting their own unique ability. Every game is a race to conquer and hold various battlefields, ultimately aiming to score enough points to win.

When you build a deck in Riftbound, the cards you choose to include must correspond to the two colored Domains of your Champion Legend. This gives each Legend their own identity, allowing players to be creative, while avoiding the issue where decks feel the same.

Riftbound is designed to support 1v1 and multiplayer formats, including both 2v2 and four player free-for-all. Whether you’re new to card games or a veteran to the genre, there’s a little something for everyone.

There is currently no information regarding a digital client, but knowing the existence of Legends of Runeterra, it’s hard to imagine there not being one eventually.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated if any news is shared.