Riftbound launches as Riot Games’ newest trading card game, officially hitting shelves on October 31 with massive anticipation from both players and collectors. Blending competitive gameplay, accessible mechanics, and deep collectible value, Riftbound taps into the rich world of League of Legends to create something instantly recognizable yet refreshingly new. The Origins set marks the game’s first major release, showcasing not only gameplay depth but also a range of early chase cards that already have collectors buzzing.
With the Chinese release setting high expectations, Western fans are preparing for what could become one of the most widely embraced TCG launches of the decade. Whether you’re chasing high-rarity foils or building a playable deck, Origins offers an incredible entry point into this evolving universe. For those eager to invest early, understanding which cards hold both gameplay power and long-term value will be key.
10. All Alternative Art Cards
The Origins set gives serious weight to alternative art variants (look for the “A” next to the set number) as each of the core champions gets one, rendered in a popular skin from League of Legends. These alt-arts are rarer than their standard versions and already command collector attention. Given their dual appeal, playable and collectible, acquiring a full alt-art suite is a smart early move. Each booster box promises an average of two or more alt-art pulls, and every one of them is a visual showcase. If you pull a foil Rare or Epic that also has an alt-art version, consider holding it as these are likely to appreciate in value once sealed products become scarce.
9. Thousand-Tailed Watcher
This Rare unit stands out as the most valuable Rare in Origins so far. It sweeps opposing boards and leaves a massive threat behind, making it a core card in Mind (Blue) domain decks. You’ll see it often enough to collect multiples, but don’t underestimate its value, as many Kai’sa – Daughter of the Void players are hoarding them for long-term builds. Its powerful board-clearing ability and recurring meta presence make it a must-keep card for both play and collection.
8. Whiteflame Protector
A towering Calm (Green) domain dragon, Whiteflame Protector is the answer to decks that overextend early. It stabilizes the board after rune acceleration turns, then swings games back with enormous damage potential. Decks led by Master Yi – Wuju Bladesman have begun leaning on this card to counter the Kai’sa-heavy meta, proving its importance in competitive evolution. With beautiful art and top-end power, this is one Calm card worth sleeving and storing long-term.
7. Time Warp
“Take an Extra Turn” has always been one of the most iconic lines in any TCG, and Riftbound wastes no time introducing it. Time Warp delivers late-game dominance, enabling players to push past mirror matches or instantly close games when both battlefields are maxed. Though not as ubiquitous as other spells, its power ceiling makes it an automatic pickup for anyone playing Blue decks. Extra-turn mechanics almost always become collectible over time, and this one’s no exception.
6. Icathian Rain
Kai’sa – Daughter of the Void dominates the eastern Origins metagame, making every card tied to her deck highly sought after. Icathian Rain might not be her single most important tool, but it’s certainly the flashiest and one of the hardest to replace. Against decks like Viktor – Herald of the Arcane, this card wipes out entire armies of fragile tokens in an instant. It even has the muscle to take down bulky threats such as Dr. Mundo – Expert when needed. Icathian Rain doesn’t ask much of you, just cast it and watch the field burn.
5. Deadbloom Predator
This monstrous unit shines in the same domain as Dazzling Aurora, letting you regain control the moment it lands. It’s extremely hard to remove efficiently, as each failed attempt triggers its painful deflect effect. The 8-might body alone makes it a game-ender, but its resilience cements it as one of Origins’ premier power cards. Expect it to become a staple in early tournaments and a high-priority pull for collectors chasing high-value Epics.
4. Sett – Brawler
Sett – Brawler is an embodiment of brute-force efficiency. The card thrives in aggressive Sett – The Boss decks, converting buffs into massive stats and overpowering opponents in close matches. Efficient, consistent cards like this age exceptionally well in TCG ecosystems, maintaining both playability and value over time. Expect Sett – Brawler to remain a cornerstone of red-based decks and one of Origins’ safest collector bets.
3. Ahri – Inquisitive
Ahri continues to enchant both players and collectors. Her ability to shrink opposing units’ might makes her a menace in Blue decks, especially when paired with Ahri – Nine-Tailed Fox as her leader. Her alternative artwork, inspired by the Coven Ahri skin, has already become one of the most talked-about visuals in the set. Combining iconic character appeal, strong gameplay, and a stunning variant, this card perfectly captures Riftbound’s collector spirit.
2. Kai’sa – Survivor
Kai’sa – Survivor anchors nearly every Fury (Red) deck in Riftbound Origins. She’s efficient, draw-generating, and downright oppressive when supported by acceleration tools like Ride the Wind. As one of the game’s most recognizable champions, her base version is already a premium pull, while her Lagoon Dragon-inspired alt-art promises serious chase-card status. Kai’sa is defining the launch meta, and every serious player or investor should own multiple copies.
1. Riftbound Showcase and Overnumbered Cards
Beyond standard alt-arts, Riftbound Origins features Showcase and Overnumbered versions of top champions, premium variants numbered beyond the regular set list. These cards boast unique foil patterns and often brand-new illustrations aimed squarely at collectors seeking exclusivity. Early boxes have confirmed these variants as some of the toughest pulls in the product line, driving early market speculation. As Origins matures, expect Showcase and Overnumbered cards to lead sealed-box value and become long-term investment cornerstones for the Riftbound TCG.
Riftbound: Origins is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new entries in the trading card scene. It captures the energy of League of Legends’ universe while delivering a layered, competitive TCG ecosystem. For collectors, these cards aren’t just strong, they’re the foundation of a brand-new collectible era. Whether you’re playing, investing, or simply admiring the art, Riftbound’s first set has already proven it’s here to stay.
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