Riot Games, the developer behind the League of Legends universe, clarified on Tuesday, July 9 the release schedule for its highly anticipated physical trading card game, Riftbound. The launch will begin in China on August 1, followed closely by the English version in late October 2025. The goal is to synchronize Chinese and global releases starting next year.

The first set, titled Origins, will feature over 300 unique cards and offer various options for players: booster packs, preconstructed champion decks built around some of LoL’s iconic characters such as Jinx, Viktor, and Lee Sin, as well as a starter box called Proving Grounds designed for 2 to 4 players with simplified decks.

Designed for competition

Riftbound was designed with multiplayer gameplay in mind, offering formats like 1v1, 2v2, and free-for-all for up to four players, with an emphasis on strategic interaction. The TCG also stands out thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics focused on controlling battlefields to score victory points—eight points are required to win a match.

Riot Games' commitment to Riftbound is significant, as shown by its extensive internal development and active response to player feedback, notably through a redesign of the card visuals ahead of launch. A robust community program is also planned from the outset, including local player events and regional tournaments with prizes, set to begin in December 2025, and ultimately leading to a World Championship. All signs point to Riot’s intent to build a lasting competitive community, leveraging its proven expertise in esports—while also supporting the game beyond the traditional trading market.