How to Build Your Deck and Choose Your Champion

Welcome to our Riftbound blog series! If you're new to this innovative trading card game, you might be wondering: How do I actually build a deck? This post will guide you through the essentials of deck construction, champion choice, and domain identity—so you can hit the table ready to conquer.

Note: This is Part 1 of our 5-part Riftbound Strategy Series. Stay tuned for the next post on Zones and Turn Structure!

What Do You Need to Play?

• 1 Champion Legend: Defines your deck's Domain Identity.
• 1 Main Deck: At least 40 cards. Cards must match your domain identity.
• 1 Rune Deck: Exactly 12 rune cards, domain-matching.
• Battlefields: Varies by play mode, but also subject to Domain Identity.

Choosing Your Champion Legend

Your Champion Legend defines your Domain Identity. Cards must match these domains exactly. The Champion Legend starts in the Legend Zone and cannot leave it during play.

Building Your Main Deck

• Minimum 40 cards
• Max 3 copies of any named card (including Chosen Champion)
• Max 3 Signature cards total matching your Champion tag
• Subject to Domain Identity
• Deck contents are private during gameplay

Selecting Your Chosen Champion

This unit card starts in the Champion Zone. It must match your Champion Legend’s tag. You can include up to two more copies in your main deck.

Assembling Your Rune Deck

• Exactly 12 rune cards
• Must match Domain Identity
• Separate from Main Deck

Battlefields: Your Strategic Arena

Battlefields are placed at setup and can be the key to victory. They’re domain-limited and used to determine control and score points.

Example Deck Skeleton

Legend: Annie (Fury/Chaos)
Main Deck: Fury/Chaos Units, Gear, Spells, up to 3 Annie Signature cards
Rune Deck: 12 Fury/Chaos Runes
Battlefields: As dictated by mode of play

Tips for New Players

• Stick to the 3-copy rule and Signature limits
• Practice shuffling and clean deck separation
• Don’t ignore synergy—build to your Domain Identity

Coming Up Next

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll break down Zones, Setup, and Turn Structure so you'll know exactly how to lay out your board and master the flow of play. Stay tuned!