Riot Games has officially unveiled the name of its highly anticipated trading card game, previously referred to as Project K. The game will be known as Riftbound, a title announced in a video shared on March 31, 2025, via the game’s X account (formerly Twitter). This new physical card game aims to bring the strategic excitement of the League of Legends universe to tabletop gaming.
Originally announced in December 2024, Riftbound is designed to accommodate various gameplay formats, including one-on-one duels, 2v2 matches, and free-for-all rounds. The game is set to launch with its inaugural set titled Origins, which features a collection of over 300 cards. Among these are Unit, Spell, and Legend cards, highlighting popular characters from the League of Legends roster, such as Jinx, Viktor, Lee Sin, Yasuo, Lux, Annie, and Master Yi.
In a bid to enhance player experience, Riot Games has made adjustments based on community feedback, particularly regarding card design and user interface. Game Director Dave Guskin and Executive Producer Chengran Chai expressed their commitment to refining the game, stating, "We heard player feedback on the design of cards, and went back to the drawing board to create more original art for the TCG." This effort has resulted in a design that many players have praised, with one commenter noting, "They look a lot less like cheap Uno cards with proper full art."
The upcoming Origins set will not only feature traditional cards but will also include select Legend cards that come in secret rare versions with unique illustrations, appealing to collectors and competitive players alike. Additionally, Riftbound will offer a Proving Grounds collection, a starter set designed for newcomers to the trading card game genre.
Fans can expect Riftbound to launch in China during the summer of 2025, with a subsequent rollout planned for English-speaking countries later in the year. The game is set to debut in October 2025 in these regions, with additional releases expected in 2026. The development of Riftbound has been supported by a partnership with UVS Games, a company with over 17 years of experience in developing and publishing tabletop games.
Furthermore, the naming rights for Riftbound were secured through collaboration with indie developer Barrel Smash Studios, which contributed its title to the project. This partnership reflects Riot's strategy to ensure a smooth launch and widespread availability for the game.
As excitement builds around the release, Riftbound will be featured at various upcoming Riot and tabletop events, allowing players to experience the game firsthand. The combination of a strong character lineup and innovative gameplay mechanics suggests that Riftbound could make a significant impact in the trading card game market.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the game, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions within the gaming community. Some players, particularly those from the digital card game Legends of Runeterra, have expressed disappointment, feeling that Riot's focus on Riftbound comes at the expense of the digital title, which has seen reduced support. As one player remarked, "Imagine if this game had an online counterpart. And maybe call it Legends of Runeterra? That would be sick." Another user lamented, "Legends of Runeterra died for this," reflecting a sentiment that Riot could have integrated aspects of the digital game into Riftbound.
Nevertheless, the excitement for Riftbound continues to grow, with many players eager to explore the new mechanics and card designs. The game's focus on social play and multiplayer formats aligns with current trends in trading card games, emphasizing the community aspect of competitive gaming.
In summary, Riftbound represents a fresh chapter in the League of Legends franchise, merging the digital legacy of the series with a new, tangible gaming experience. As Riot Games prepares for the launch, fans are encouraged to stay updated through the game’s social media channels and dedicated webpage for the latest news and developments.
