Riot Games has announced significant details about the upcoming expansion of its physical trading card game, Riftbound: Spiritforged. The expansion is set to launch in China on December 12, 2025, followed by an English release across North America, Latin America, EMEA, and Oceania on February 13, 2026. Players can look forward to new Champion Legends, alternate art editions, and innovative mechanics designed to enhance gameplay.
The expansion will feature twelve Champion Legends, including well-known characters such as Rek’Sai, Draven, and Irelia. In addition, three new mechanics will be introduced: Equipment, Gold, and Repeat. Equipment cards can be attached to units, providing ongoing benefits even if the unit is defeated. Gold tokens, associated with champions like Draven and Renata Glasc, will allow players to generate power flexibly. Repeat spells offer a unique twist, enabling players to pay a card’s cost a second time to amplify its effects.
The design of Riftbound: Spiritforged aims to merge the steelwork aesthetics of the Spiritforged theme with the mystical elements of Ionia’s Spirit Blossom universe. This blend will influence card design and the identities of the featured champions. Collectibility is also expanded through Spirit Blossom-themed alternate art, 30 Overnumbered cards, and 12 Champion Units within the Overnumbered series.
Future Expansions and Competitive Play
During the PAX Unplugged event, Riot Games provided additional previews, including Signature variants for select Overnumbered cards and new synergies between Spiritforged and the previous set, Origins. Game director Dave Guskin emphasized that the development team utilized community feedback from the launch of Origins to shape the new expansion effectively.
Riot has also confirmed the release of three additional Riftbound sets in 2026. The first, titled Unleashed, will arrive in May and introduce new Champion Legends such as Vi, Rengar, and Master Yi. Following that, Vendettas will be released in the third quarter, exploring longstanding rivalries with champions including Akali, Mel, and Ambessa. The final set, Radiance, is expected later in the year.
Riot is also gearing up for competitive play with a series of Regional Qualifiers. The first English qualifier will take place in Houston from December 5–7, followed by events in Bologna, Italy, from February 20–22, and Las Vegas from February 27–March 1. A total of 12 Regional Qualifiers will be held throughout 2026, with further details to be announced.
“We learned a tremendous amount from how players engaged with Origins,” Guskin stated. “Spiritforged builds on that foundation with new Champion Legends, new mechanics, and even greater collectability. We can’t wait to see what players create next.”
