The new trading card game Riftbound, part of the popular League of Legends franchise, has experienced a significant surge in popularity since its launch on October 31, 2025. Data shows that searches for Riftbound skyrocketed over 300% compared to the pre-order phase, with over 6,300 searches per hour exclusively through TCGplayer, a leading platform for trading card games. TCGplayer CEO Rob Bigler noted that this early success indicates a strong fan engagement with beloved characters in novel formats. Iconic characters like Jinx and Ahri saw massive search volumes, highlighting the game’s ability to resonate with players. Currently, the second expansion titled Spiritforged is set to launch on February 13, 2026, following its initial release in China. Collectors are gearing up for preorders as demand continues to rise.

What makes Riftbound so popular among TCG players?

Riftbound's popularity is driven by its strong connection to the League of Legends universe, allowing fans to engage with their favorite characters in a new gameplay format. The game's unique mechanics, coupled with the massive interest in League of Legends and related media, such as the Netflix series Arcane, contribute to its explosive growth in both engagement and marketplace activity.

Riftbound builds on the expansive lore and characters of League of Legends, which has a dedicated fan base. This connection is bolstered by media adaptations like Arcane, which have introduced the game's characters to a broader audience. With its rich narrative and character focuses, Riftbound serves both as a nostalgic experience for long-time fans and an enticing entry point for newcomers to the franchise.