Riftbound says TCG will include all League of Legends champions

When Riftbound launched into the English-speaking market late last year, it quickly established itself as one of the most popular trading card games in the genre. The game’s momentum was recently on full display at Gen Con, where fans had the chance to dive into the world of the cards, meet creators, and explore the game’s exciting development roadmap.

A key part of the conversation surrounding Riftbound‘s future revolved around the massive roster of champions in League of Legends. When asked about the challenge of pulling new Legends from Riot Games’ extensive source material, game director Dave Guskin offered a perspective that is both optimistic and deeply rooted in community focus.

“No, it’s so great! I love it,” Guskin shared. “I mean, the more things there are that players love and want to connect with, the better it is for us. For me, it’s like, ‘how do we make sure that players who love a specific champion get to play that one?'” He emphasized that the goal is to acknowledge player passion while developing compelling gameplay.

This philosophy drives the team’s decision-making process regarding which characters receive the cardboard treatment. Guskin noted that selection involves a combination of two factors: what players are currently playing most in League of Legends, and how effectively a character would translate into a successful card design.

The approach isn’t just about mirroring popularity; it’s about crafting meaningful experiences. For instance, when developing cards, the team looks for ways to build something that genuinely feels right. They have already revisited older champions in Riftbound, demonstrating a commitment to evolving the game with community input.

A prime example of this iterative approach is Master Yi, who made his second playable appearance in the TCG with the game’s third set, Unleashed. This iteration included the new XP mechanic that League of Legends fans are familiar with, seamlessly integrating the game’s lore into updated mechanics.

Guskin confirmed the team is actively looking to bring more fan-favorite champions into the game. He mentioned that there are several highly popular characters yet to be featured, and the team plans to explore these relationships through upcoming sets. This focus on narrative depth means that anticipation is building for champions like Aurelion Sol, who was revealed in the recent sixth and seventh sets.

As Riftbound continues its journey, Riot Games is keeping the community engaged with regular updates. They are currently rolling out their second biannual State of the Game updates, which detail upcoming shifts in organized play and changes to the game’s mechanics, alongside a detailed roadmap for the set releases scheduled for 2027.