Combat, Showdowns, and Controlling the Battlefield

Welcome back to our Riftbound Strategy Series! In the last two parts, you learned how to build your deck and how the Zones and turn structure work. Now it's time to get to the core gameplay loop—controlling Battlefields, fighting Combats, and mastering Showdowns.

Note: This is Part 3 of our 5-part series. Be sure to check out the previous posts on Deck Building and Turn Structure!

Why Control Matters in Riftbound

Battlefields are how you win. Scoring is about holding or conquering these Battlefields.

• If you have Units there and your opponent doesn't contest, you have Control.
• Control can be contested when opposing Units arrive.

Showdowns: Tactical Response Windows

A Showdown happens when combat initiates or a Unit enters a previously unoccupied Battlefield.

• Creates a Showdown State for the turn.
• Only Action and Reaction speed cards are playable.
• Focus determines who can act during the Showdown.

Combat Phases

1. Combat Declaration: Opposing Units meet.
2. Showdown Phase: Play Action/Reaction cards.
3. Combat Resolution: Calculate Might and determine winners.

Damage, Death, and Cleanup

• Units marked with damage ≥ their Might are killed.
• After Combat, resolve Cleanup:
  • Remove dead Units.
  • Reassess control.
  • Trigger state-based effects.

Scoring

Two main scoring types:

• Holding: Score during your turn if you control the Battlefield.
• Conquering: Score immediately upon gaining control during Action Phase.

Tips for Controlling the Battlefield

• Time Showdowns carefully—save Action/Reaction cards.
• Use movement wisely; don’t overcommit to contested Battlefields.
• Use battlefield-specific keywords like Ganking or Hidden to create surprise plays.

Coming Up Next

In Part 4 of our series, we’ll explore Keywords and Card Abilities so you can interpret any card text like a seasoned player.