League of Legends Fans, Brace Yourselves: The Physical Card Game Riftbound is Here, But It’s Already Selling Out!
Riot Games has unleashed a new beast into the world of trading card games (TCGs) with Riftbound, a physical card game set in the beloved League of Legends universe. Since its announcement, the hype has been palpable, and now that the first set, Origins, has hit the shelves, it’s causing a frenzy. But here’s where it gets tricky: the demand is so high that finding it at its original price is like hunting for a rare champion skin. Scalpers are swooping in, marking up prices, and leaving fans scrambling. So, where can you buy Riftbound without breaking the bank? Let’s dive in.
Where to Find Riftbound (Without Getting Ripped Off)
As of now, your best bet is to purchase directly from Riot’s official channels, though be prepared for a $20 shipping fee and potential stock shortages. Trusted resale platforms like TCGPlayer are also options, but proceed with caution—prices can be inflated. Riot is reportedly working overtime to restock major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, so patience might be your best strategy. But here’s the controversial part: should Riot have anticipated this demand and printed more from the start? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
What Should You Buy? A Beginner’s Guide to Riftbound Products
If you’re new to Riftbound, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Fear not—we’ve got you covered. While we won’t teach you how to play here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to get started.
1. Riftbound Proving Grounds Starter Set: The Perfect Entry Point
For beginners, the Proving Grounds starter set is a no-brainer. It includes four pre-built decks featuring fan-favorite champions like Annie, Garen, Lux, and Master Yi. Designed for two to four players, this set offers a guided play experience with upgrade suggestions using cards from booster packs. At its standard price of $29.99, it’s a steal—if you can find it in stock.
2. Champion Decks: Dive Deeper with Jinx, Lee Sin, or Viktor
Next up are the Champion Decks, each centered around a specific champion: Jinx, Lee Sin, or Viktor. These 56-card decks come with a playbook, upgrade recommendations, and an Origins booster pack. Plus, each includes a paper playmat, so you’re ready to play right out of the box. Normally priced at $19.99 each, these decks are a great way to explore different playstyles.
3. Booster Packs and Boxes: The Heart of Any TCG
No TCG is complete without booster packs, and Riftbound delivers. Each pack contains 14 cards: 7 Commons, 3 Uncommons, 2 Foil Rares or Better, and 1 Foil of any rarity. For the serious collector, booster boxes (24 packs) are available, promising “more than 2 special alt-art cards.” Once prices stabilize, expect to pay around $119.99 per box. But here’s where it gets controversial: are booster boxes worth the investment, or are they just a gamble? Share your opinions below.
4. Special Sets: For the Collectors and Die-Hard Fans
At the time of writing, two special collector’s sets are available (or were, before they sold out). The Arcane Box Set features exclusive art cards for champions like Jinx, Vi, and Viktor, while the Worlds 2025 Bundle includes a Panda Teemo promo, oversized Battlefield cards, a playmat, deckbox, and card sleeves. Priced at $99.99, the Worlds Bundle has seen hefty markups, so proceed with caution.
The Scalper Problem: A TCG Tradition or a Preventable Issue?
The surge in scalping isn’t unique to Riftbound—it’s a common issue in the TCG world. However, Riot has stated they’re printing more, so holding off on overpriced purchases might pay off. But this raises a question: should companies like Riot implement stricter measures to combat scalping, or is it an unavoidable part of the market? Let’s discuss.
Final Thoughts: Is Riftbound Worth the Hype?
Riftbound is more than just a cash grab—it’s a well-crafted game that captures the essence of League of Legends. Whether you’re a seasoned TCG player or a LoL enthusiast, there’s something here for you. Just be patient, avoid the scalpers, and wait for restocks. And this is the part most people miss: the true value of Riftbound lies in its community and the stories you’ll create around the table.
What’s your take on Riftbound? Are you diving in, or waiting for the dust to settle? Let us know in the comments!
