Riot Games has locked in its release schedule for Riftbound in 2026, pulling back the curtain on a four-set roadmap that will carry the League of Legends card game through the year. With the launch set Origins finally becoming easier to find on shelves, the timing feels right for Riot to announce what's next.
Spiritforged kicks things off on February 13, introducing equipment-based mechanics that let players attach gear to units. The set brings a heavy roster of champions from the MOBA universe: Azir, Draven, Ezreal, Fiora, Jax, Rumble, Rek'Sai, Ornn, Sivir, Lucian, Renata Glasc, and Irelia. Fiora and Rumble each get dedicated Champion Decks for players looking to build around those characters. New keywords like Quick-Draw, Repeat, and Weaponmaster round out the mechanical additions.
Unleashed follows on May 8, zeroing in on the jungler role from League of Legends with a focus on progression and hunting mechanics. The set introduces XP levels, Ambush, and Hunt keywords, featuring champions like Jhin, Rengar, Pyke, Vi, Lillia, and Vex. Notably, Unleashed debuts Ultimate rarity, an exceptionally rare designation currently held exclusively by Baron Nashor, which appears in fewer than one percent of booster packs.
July 31 brings Vendetta, a more compact set containing 166 cards built around shadowy and martial themes. Champions include Zed, Shen, Ambessa, Renekton, Nasus, and Akali. Riot has signaled that Vendetta will mark a turning point for the game's regional divisions, merging the Chinese and North American release schedules into a single coordinated launch. Pre-release events are scheduled for July 24-26.
The final 2026 set, Radiance, arrives October 23. Details remain under wraps, with Riot keeping its champion roster, mechanics, and overall identity secret for now. Pre-release play opens October 16-18.
Riftbound faced inventory challenges at launch in late 2025, with scalpers quickly snapping up stock faster than shelves could be restocked. Origins, the game's foundational set, has seen supply improve markedly in recent months. The tutorial set Proving Grounds and Champion Decks featuring Lee Sin, Victor, and Jinx are becoming more readily available at suggested retail prices, signaling that Riot's increased printing efforts are paying off.
The year ahead will test whether Riftbound can establish itself alongside established heavyweights like Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokemon in a notoriously competitive market. Consistent quarterly releases and growing availability suggest Riot is committed to the long game.
Author Emily Chen: "Riftbound's roadmap shows Riot learned from its supply disasters and is building momentum, but four sets in a year is ambitious for a game still proving it can hold a mainstream audience."
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