On March 31, 2025, Riot Games surprised the gaming world with an announcement that has League of Legends fans and collectible card game enthusiasts alike in a frenzy: Riftbound: League of Legends Trading Card Game ( Riftbound for short) is on the way! After months of speculation under the codename "Project K," Riot has finally lifted the curtain and given us our first look at this physical TCG that brings the world of Runeterra to the gaming tabletop. In this blog, we'll dive deep into the details—from the basics to the game mechanics to the products and community reaction. Grab your tea (or mana potion), because here's everything you need to know ahead of release!
What is Riftbound?
Riftbound is a classic trading card game set in the League of Legends universe. Imagine being able to control your favorite champions like Annie, Garen, Jinx, or Yasuo not just onscreen, but as physical cards in your hands, play them strategically, and compete against friends. Riot Games has teamed up with experienced partners like Shining Soul (for China) and UVS Games (for English-speaking countries) to bring this project to life. Unlike the digital Legends of Runeterra, Riftbound relies on the charm and social interaction of a tabletop game—perfect for cozy evenings with friends or heated tournaments at the local game store.
The name "Riftbound" is a clever reference to Summoner's Rift , the iconic setting of League of Legends . Fun fact: The name originally came from Barrel Smash Studios, an Australian indie studio that transferred it to Riot. A small but powerful hint at how much love and history went into this project.
When and where will Riftbound be released?
The rollout of Riftbound is planned in several phases:
- Summer 2025: Launch in China, in collaboration with Shining Soul.
- October 2025: Release in English-speaking countries, supported by UVS Games, a TCG veteran with almost 20 years of experience.
- 2026: More regions will follow, although Riot has not yet revealed any exact details.
You can buy the game both online and in local game stores, and UVS Games is already planning organized events to bring the community together. Those who can't wait will have the chance to try Riftbound for themselves at Riot and tabletop events in 2025. So keep an eye out for announcements!
The heart of Riftbound: Game mechanics
Riftbound is designed to appeal to both TCG newbies and seasoned strategists. The basic idea: You choose a champion as the centerpiece of your deck—similar to the Commander format in Magic: The Gathering —and build your strategy around them. Whether you defend with Garen's unwavering strength or blow everything up with Jinx's chaos, the choice is yours.
Game modes
- 1v1: Classic duels for intense head-to-head matches.
- 2v2: Team action where cooperation and tactics are the focus.
- Free-for-All: A wild mode where everyone plays against everyone else – perfect for larger groups.
Card types
The game offers a variety of cards that make your strategies flexible:
- Units: Supporters for your champion.
- Legends and Champions: The stars of your deck.
- Abilities (Spells): Powerful spells for the perfect moment.
- Gear: Buffs for your cards.
- Runes: Additional effects for more depth.
- Battlegrounds: Locations that influence the gameplay.
With over 300 cards in the "Origins" launch set, there's plenty of room for creativity and experimentation. What's especially exciting: Secret Rare versions with unique art will be available—a treat for collectors!
The launch set: “Origins” and the products
Riftbound kicks off with the "Origins" set, which includes over 300 cards and highlights champions like Annie, Garen, Jinx, Lee Sin, Lux, Master Yi, Viktor, Volibear, and Yasuo. Here are the products you can expect at launch:
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Champion decks
Pre-constructed 56-card decks centered around champions like Viktor, Jinx, or Lee Sin. Ideal for getting started right away. -
Riftbound: Proving Grounds
A starter set for 2-4 players containing four decks (Lux, Annie, Master Yi, and Garen). Perfect for beginners or groups looking to explore the world of Riftbound together. -
Booster packs
14 cards per pack, with different rarity levels to optimize your decks and start the hunt for rare cards.
The maps themselves were designed with great attention to detail. Riot listened to community feedback and reworked the designs with original art and a cleaner interface—a sign that they want to develop this game not just for us, but with us.
The people behind Riftbound
Chengran Chai, Executive Producer at Riot, emphasized the importance of the community to the project: "We're incredibly grateful for the anticipation and interest from players around the world. This feedback has encouraged us to make the experience even better by rethinking previous design decisions and conducting further playtests." The result? A TCG that's both accessible and deep—a balancing act Riot aims to master with flying colors.
Community reactions: enthusiasm and skepticism
The announcement of Riftbound has sparked mixed emotions. TCG fans are excited for a new physical experience with their beloved League champions, while some Legends of Runeterra players are concerned that their digital card game could be neglected in favor of Riftbound . While Riot has assured that both games will coexist, discussions in forums and on social media show that the community remains vigilant.
Nevertheless, anticipation prevails. The idea of bringing Runeterra into the real world strikes a chord—especially with those who love the social aspect of tabletop games. Riftbound could be just the right tool to unite digital and analog fans.
Conclusion: Why Riftbound is a must-try
Riftbound promises to combine the magic of League of Legends with the tactical depth of a trading card game. With a strong launch set, diverse game modes, and a focus on community feedback, Riot has all the ingredients for a hit. Whether you're a collector looking to hunt down Secret Rares or a strategist looking to build the perfect deck, there's something for everyone here.
For more information, visit the official website www.riotgames.com or follow Riftbound 's social media channels. Mark your calendars for summer 2025 (China) or October 2025 (English-speaking countries) and get ready to dive into the world of Runeterra—this time with cards in hand!
