Riot Games Unveils the Riftbound 2027 Roadmap, Introduces Draft Play and Four More Sets

When Riot Games launched Riftbound earlier this year, the focus was naturally on introducing players to a brand-new trading card game. Now, with the game’s first anniversary approaching, the conversation has shifted from Can Riftbound succeed? to Where does it go next?

The latest State of the Game update answers that question in a big way.

Riot didn’t simply announce the next expansion. Instead, it unveiled a roadmap stretching through the end of 2027, introduced new products for collectors and new players alike, showcased original artwork and concept art, and offered an early glimpse into how Riftbound will continue evolving. While many of the biggest gameplay reveals are still being saved for upcoming Organized Play announcements, there was plenty here for players to get excited about.

Celebrating Riftbound’s First Year

Before looking ahead, Riot is giving players several ways to celebrate the game’s first anniversary. Launching alongside Radiance on October 23 are the Gift of the Rift anniversary bundle, the English-language Secret Garden Gift Box, and perhaps the most eye-catching collectible of the announcement, the Riftbound x T1 2025 Worlds Champion Collection.

The Secret Garden Gift Box immediately stands out thanks to its gorgeous storybook-inspired artwork and premium presentation. Between the themed accessories, exclusive cards, and vibrant illustrations, it feels designed as much for collectors as players.

Meanwhile, the T1 collection celebrates the reigning World Champions with a premium acrylic display featuring custom cards for each member of the championship roster. Rather than functioning as another boxed product, it feels closer to a display piece that commemorates one of League’s most iconic organizations.

Legacy Introduces Riftbound’s Biggest New Way to Play

The headline announcement is undoubtedly Riftbound: Legacy, launching on January 29, 2027.

While every expansion introduces new Champions and strategies, Legacy does something far more significant by becoming Riftbound’s first expansion specifically built around Draft.

Limited formats have always been one of the hallmarks of successful trading card games, challenging players to evaluate cards differently while creating an experience that feels fresh every time packs are opened. Designing an expansion for Draft also means approaching card balance differently than a traditional Constructed release, making Legacy one of the most ambitious sets Riot has attempted so far.

The expansion also revisits the roots of League of Legends through a League of Legends Classic crossover, blending nostalgia with one of Riftbound’s newest ways to play.

New Legends will include:

• Ashe
• Garen
• Heimerdinger
• Illaoi
• Karma
• Lux
• Tryndamere
• Vladimir
• 4 others, to be confirmed

This set will have a massive 346 cards, including 93 showcase variants, and pre-con decks for Tryn, Lux, Garen, and Ashe. A Vault Bundle and Pre-Rift kits.

Proving Grounds Gets a Second Edition

Legacy won’t be arriving alone.

Just a few weeks later, Proving Grounds: Second Edition releases on February 19, refreshing Riftbound’s introductory experience with updated Champions and products designed to make learning the game easier. Something Dave hinted to me in our meeting.

This is an encouraging sign for the long-term health of the game. Rather than assuming everyone interested has already joined, Riot is continuing to invest in products that lower the barrier to entry for completely new players.

Follwing this will be the Reckoning

Riftbound’s seventh set, arriving on April 30, 2027, following Pre-Rift events from April 23-29.

Built around the theme “Awaken the Ancients,” the set will introduce several new Legends, including:

• Aurelion Sol
• Cho’Gath
• Shyvana
• Vayne
• Zilean
• Four additional Legends (to be revealed)

The expansion features 264 cards, including 67 Showcase variants, and will launch alongside booster packs, Champion Decks for Shyvana and Vayne, a Vault Bundle, and Pre-Rift kits.

Riot is keeping most of The Reckoning under wraps for now, with more details expected during next year’s first State of the Game.

Original Artwork Continues to Set Riftbound Apart

One of the quieter announcements may end up having the biggest long-term impact.

Riftbound continues moving away from relying exclusively on existing League of Legends splash art by commissioning original illustrations created specifically for the card game.

Akali is one of the best examples shown during the presentation. Rather than depicting another dramatic combat scene, her new artwork captures a relaxed moment enjoying ramen, giving the character a personality rarely explored in traditional promotional art.

Ekko also receives an original illustration, and Riot confirmed that more Champions will continue receiving exclusive artwork going forward.

It’s a subtle change, but one that helps Riftbound establish its own visual identity instead of simply adapting another game.

Small Improvements That Players Will Appreciate

Beyond the major announcements, Riot also highlighted several refinements that demonstrate how the game continues to mature.

Cards now feature improved directional indicators (an arrow) and cleaner visual elements designed to make effects easier to read during gameplay. Riot also introduced gray-backed text to help understand who/what you’re interacting with.

None of these changes will headline a product announcement, but they’re exactly the kind of quality-of-life improvements players appreciate after hundreds of games.

The Roadmap Doesn’t Stop at Legacy

The future extends well beyond Set 6.

The Reckoning, arriving on April 30, 2027, promises some of Runeterra’s biggest Champions. Its key art alone, featuring the imposing presence of Aurelion Sol, suggests a much grander scale than previous expansions.

Beyond that, Riot offered the earliest glimpse yet at Sets 8 and 9.

Set 8 heads to Bandle City, with colorful concept art showcasing whimsical forests, playful creatures, and the lighter side of Runeterra. Set 9 appears to take the opposite approach, teasing mysterious libraries, eerie spectral figures, and darker environments that hint at an entirely different tone.

Although these images are still early concept art rather than finished products, they offer a fascinating look at Riot’s creative process months before official reveals begin.

Riftbound Is Finding Its Identity

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the entire presentation isn’t a specific expansion.

It’s confidence.

A year ago Riot was introducing players to an unfamiliar game. Today it’s talking about Draft, collector products, revised starter experiences, original artwork, premium packaging, four future expansions, and an Organized Play roadmap that has yet to be revealed.

Every announcement points toward the same goal: building Riftbound into more than another collectible card game based on a popular IP. The continued investment in exclusive artwork, thoughtful product design, and new ways to play suggests Riot is committed to making Riftbound something that can stand alongside the biggest names in the genre rather than living in their shadow.

With Organized Play details still on the way, this State of the Game may not have answered every question players have. What it did provide, however, was the clearest picture yet of Riftbound’s future, and if this roadmap is any indication, 2027 could be the game’s most exciting year yet.