The fifth set for the League of Legends TCG, Riftbound: Radiance, is set to disrupt the game's established meta with three new mechanics: Disarm, Show Off, and Deploy. These additions, along with music-themed card designs from Riot Games' roster, were revealed during a hands-on preview and interview with executive producer Chengran Chai.
Disarm is the most straightforward of the new keywords. When a unit with Disarm attacks, it reduces an enemy unit's might by one. For example, the new green Ahri, Confident, unit comes with Disarm and gains +1 Might when it reduces an enemy unit's might. The blue Kai'sa, Rebel, unit features both Disarm and the ability to grant spells Reaction speed during a showdown.
Show Off introduces a layer of player interaction and information warfare. Cards with Show Off gain an additional effect if the player reveals a qualifying card to their opponent. This mechanic is a trade-off, as revealing information can influence opponent's decisions. Chai described it as adding another dimension to the game's strategic depth, likening it to "5D chess."
Deploy is a new keyword specifically for Gear cards, allowing them to be played directly to a Battlefield. While deployed, the Gear provides an effect but can be destroyed if the opponent secures the Battlefield. Chai anticipates Deploy will significantly alter defensive strategies, citing examples like Jarvan IV's "E-Q" combo from League of Legends, which is mirrored in Riftbound by his Legend ability. This ability allows friendly units to move to a Battlefield when a Gear with Deploy is played there, provided one Power is paid.
Orianna's Legend ability allows a friendly Gear to become a Gear Unit at the start of the player's Main Phase, a mechanic that synergizes well with Deployable Gear. Her signature Gear, The Ball, also gains Ganking, enabling it to move between battlefields each turn. Both Show Off and Deploy are expected to increase the game's complexity, with Deploy and Disarm posing a particular challenge to established Hold strategies.
During the hands-on preview, various deck archetypes were tested in Pre-Rift and Sealed formats. One notable combination involved Jarvan IV's Legend ability with multiple Gears that have Deploy, especially when paired with a battlefield like Hunter's Circle, which reduces the cost of the first unit or gear played each turn. The card Portable Portal, a 2-cost Gear with Deploy, proved effective in enabling double attacks or facilitating tactical retreats for units.
Testing with a Ziggs and Bomb strategy revealed its difficulty in maintaining momentum without reliable detonation methods. The Ziggs, Explosive Champion Unit, can destroy a friendly gear when defending, potentially wiping out opponents before they can retaliate, and gains +2 Might if it does. Without this unit, a more balanced approach of loading one battlefield with Bombs and building a strong Hold on another was found to be more effective.
Radiance also introduces collectible elements, including Riot Games Music crossovers. The set features Overnumbered Heartsteel cards and SP K/DA cards, as well as Overnumbered Ekko, Revolutionary, showcasing his True Damage skin. These cards reflect earlier versions of the music concepts, as final designs were not yet complete during development. The Heartsteel Overnumbered cards feature K-pop photo card-inspired designs, with character "signatures" instead of artist signatures on the Signature variants. The rarest card in the set is the Ultimate Rare Battlefield, Packed Amphitheater, with a pack pull rate of 0.025%, significantly rarer than previous Ultimate Rares.
Radiance Pre-Rifts began at local game stores on October 16, with booster boxes, packs, and vaults releasing on October 23. While the set's complexity may present a learning curve for new players, it offers expanded variety and creative options for experienced Riftbound players.