Riftbound introduces new competitive bans to improve game balance

Riftbound introduces new competitive bans to improve game balance

On March 30, 2026, Riot Games announced the first-ever wave of competitive bans for the Riftbound trading card game, effective March 31, 2026.

orgRiot Games
techRiftbound

The bans target seven specific cards and battlefields in the Standard Constructed format, including Draven, Vanquisher, which was targeted to reduce early-game pressure.

conceptStandard Constructed
otherDraven, Vanquisher

Other removals include Miracle deck staples like Called Shot and Scrapheap to prevent tournament delays, and battlefields like The Dreaming Tree to balance card draw.

otherCalled Shot
otherScrapheap
otherThe Dreaming Tree

Developers noted that these bans are based on lessons learned from the Origins and Spiritforged sets to nip problems in the bud.

otherOrigins
otherSpiritforged

Notably, these cards remain legal in other formats like Draft, ensuring that the competitive scene remains fair and diverse while preserving card accessibility elsewhere.

conceptDraft

This new active approach represents a major developmental pivot for Riftbound as it matures.

techRiftbound
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Comprehension Questions

When did the first-ever wave of competitive bans in Riftbound go into effect?

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Correct Choice

March 31, 2026

Why was the card 'Draven, Vanquisher' banned?

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Correct Choice

To reduce oppressive early-game pressure.

Which format are the bans specifically targeting?

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Correct Choice

Standard Constructed format

What is one of the three criteria developers use to decide on bans?

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Correct Choice

Unhealthy overrepresentation

What happens to the banned cards in the Draft format?

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Correct Choice

They remain legal.

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