Riot Games has announced exciting new details regarding the upcoming expansion of its physical trading card game, Riftbound: Spiritforged. The expansion is set to launch in English on February 13, 2026, following its debut in China on December 12, 2025. Players can look forward to new Champion Legends, alternate art editions, and innovative game mechanics.
The expansion will feature twelve Champion Legends, including popular characters such as Rek’Sai, Draven, Irelia, and Lucian. It introduces three new mechanics: Equipment, Gold, and Repeat. Equipment cards will provide strategic advantages by remaining in play even when the unit they are attached to is defeated. Gold tokens, associated with champions like Draven and Renata Glasc, will enable flexible power generation. Additionally, Repeat spells allow players to pay a card’s cost again to enhance its effects.
Riot Games has emphasized that this expansion blends the steelwork themes of Spiritforged with the mysticism of Ionia‘s Spirit Blossom universe. This combination influences both the design of cards and the identities of the champions included. The expansion further enhances collectability with Spirit Blossom-themed alternate art, thirty Overnumbered cards, and twelve Champion Units added to the Overnumbered series.
Insights from Community and Future Plans
At PAX Unplugged, Riot Games also shared previews of upcoming content, including Signature variants for select Overnumbered cards and new cross-set synergies between Spiritforged and Origins. According to game director Dave Guskin, feedback from the community following the launch of Origins played a significant role in shaping the new expansion.
Riot Games has also confirmed plans for the next three sets of Riftbound scheduled for 2026. The first, titled Unleashed, will be released in May and will introduce new Champion Legends such as Vi, Rengar, and Master Yi. Following that, Vendettas will explore longstanding rivalries featuring champions like Akali and Mel. The final set, Radiance, is slated for later in the year.
To further engage competitive players, Riot has announced a series of Regional Qualifiers. Houston will host the first English Regional Qualifier from December 5 to 7, followed by events in Bologna, Italy, from February 20 to 22 and in Las Vegas from February 27 to March 1. A total of twelve Regional Qualifiers are planned for 2026, with additional details forthcoming.
“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.”
