Riftbound TCG Sees 300% Search Surge After Launch

The world of League of Legends has officially expanded into the trading card game arena, and the initial response has been nothing short of explosive. Riftbound, the new TCG from developer Riot Games, launched in Western markets on October 31, 2025, and has since captured the attention of a massive, dedicated fanbase.

Early data reveals a surge of interest that underscores the power of one of gaming's most beloved franchises. The game's rapid adoption signals a successful translation of digital MOBA excitement into a tangible, collectible format, creating significant momentum heading into the new year.

The scale of Riftbound's launch can be measured through compelling metrics from the world's largest online TCG marketplace. According to data from TCGplayer.com, consumer interest skyrocketed almost immediately after the game hit shelves.

Comparing the post-launch period to the two-week preorder window, daily searches for Riftbound on the platform grew by an astonishing over 300%. This surge in curiosity translated directly into market activity, demonstrating that fans were not just looking, but actively seeking to purchase and trade.

The sheer volume of activity highlights a robust and healthy secondary market from day one, a critical factor for the long-term viability of any new trading card game.

While search interest provides a clear signal of hype, the listing data from TCGplayer paints a picture of a thriving commercial ecosystem. The platform, which serves as a central hub for collectors and players worldwide, experienced unprecedented growth in Riftbound inventory.

In the first month following launch, the number of Riftbound cards and sealed products listed for sale on the site skyrocketed by 750%. The velocity of this growth was remarkable:

• October 30: Over 68,600 listings
• October 31: The number nearly doubled to over 118,100 listings
• November 30: The total catalog swelled to more than 585,000 listings

This rapid expansion of available inventory reflects both massive player-to-player trading activity and strong initial supply from distributors, meeting a clear and present demand.

The heart of Riftbound's success lies in its deep connection to the League of Legends universe and its iconic characters. Data on the most-searched cards between October 17 and December 7 reveals which champions resonated most powerfully with the player base.

Unsurprisingly, Jinx—the chaotic and beloved star of the hit Netflix series Arcane—topped the charts with an incredible 65,000+ searches. She was closely followed by the ever-popular fox spirit Ahri, who garnered more than 54,900 searches.

The demand demonstrates how Riot's multi-platform storytelling has created a unified and passionate fanbase. Other fan-favorites that drove significant search traffic included:

• Sett - The boss of Ionia
• Teemo - The notorious scout
• Darius - The mighty Hand of Noxus

Each of these characters recorded over 43,000 searches, proving that the game's appeal is built on years of character development and player affinity.

The success of Riftbound is not just a win for players, but a significant validation for the hobby of trading card games as a whole. The leadership at TCGplayer has taken note of the game's authentic connection with its audience.

Riftbound’s early success is a huge positive for the hobby and reinforces that fans are excited to engage with the worlds and characters they love in new ways. Trading card games are a compelling and social way to extend fan affinity when developed authentically and thoughtfully – and we see this via the demand on our marketplace.

These comments from Rob Bigler, CEO of TCGplayer, highlight a crucial point: the game's success is rooted in its thoughtful development and respect for the source material. It serves as a powerful example of how established intellectual properties can successfully branch into new genres.

The momentum for Riftbound shows no signs of slowing down. With the first chapter of its story now firmly established, attention is already turning to the game's first major expansion.

The next set, titled Spiritforged, is scheduled to launch in the West on February 13, 2026. The set had an earlier release in China on December 12, 2025, giving collectors there a first look at the new cards and mechanics.

For eager players in Western regions, preorders are already open for Spiritforged products, allowing fans to secure their first glimpse of the next wave of champions and strategies before the official release date arrives.

Riftbound's launch represents a landmark moment for licensed TCGs, proving that a beloved IP combined with solid game design can create a phenomenon. The explosive growth in both search interest and marketplace listings demonstrates a clear and sustained appetite for the game.

With a strong foundation built on iconic characters and a thriving community, the future looks exceptionally bright for Riot Games' newest venture. The journey of Riftbound is just beginning, and all indicators point to it becoming a major fixture in the trading card game landscape.