Riftbound Vendetta is the fourth main Riftbound set, with 166 numbered cards, nine new Legends, and the new Flow, Burn, and Empower mechanics. Released in English and Simplified Chinese on July 31, 2026, Vendetta centers on famous League of Legends rivalries while introducing new domain combinations, Unit-Gear cards, Crystal Rose alternate arts, Rival Overnumbers, and the first two-player Showdown Deck product.
Vendetta has a smaller base checklist than the three sets before it, but that tighter card pool brings several meaningful changes. Flow and Burn make the trash an active resource, Empower lets cards develop after they reach play, and new Legends unlock domain combinations that Riftbound decks could not previously use. Collectors also have a much larger chase pool than the 166-card base set alone suggests.
Riftbound Vendetta set overview
| Set name | Riftbound Vendetta |
|---|---|
| Set code | VEN |
| Set position | Fourth main Riftbound set |
| Preview season | July 6-18, 2026 |
| Pre-Rift start | July 24, 2026 |
| English release | July 31, 2026 |
| Simplified Chinese release | July 31, 2026 |
| French release | October 23, 2026 |
| Main set size | 166 numbered cards |
| New Legends | 9 |
| Main theme | League of Legends rivalries and new domain combinations |
| New mechanics | Flow, Burn, and Empower |
| New card concept | Unit-Gear |
| Decree cycle | Six spells, one for each domain |
| Booster display | 24 booster packs |
| Booster pack | 14 playable cards plus an informational insert |
| Showcase treatments | More than 50 across the wider Vendetta release |
| Collector highlights | Crystal Rose Special Alt Arts, Legend Overnumbers, signed Legend variants, and 22 Rival Overnumbers |
| New sealed product | Zed vs Shen Showdown Deck |
Riftbound Vendetta follows Riftbound Origins, Riftbound Spiritforged, and Riftbound Unleashed. The main Riftbound guide covers the trading card game as a whole, while the Riftbound release date guide shows how Vendetta fits into the wider set schedule.
Riftbound Vendetta card checklist
Riftbound Vendetta has 166 numbered cards, running from VEN-001 through VEN-166. The base checklist includes Commons, Uncommons, Rares, Epics, nine Legends with matching signature cards, and 10 Battlefields. Crystal Rose Special cards, alternate arts, Overnumbers, Runes, and tokens are outside the 166-card numbered set.
Each card name below links directly to its entry in the official Riftbound card gallery, where you can check artwork, card type, domain, rules text, and the latest official wording.
The collector numbers have a useful structure near the end of the set. VEN-139 through VEN-156 contain the nine Legend and signature pairs, while VEN-157 through VEN-166 are the 10 Battlefields. Cards 001 through 138 build out the six domains with units, champion units, spells, gear, and Unit-Gear cards.
The nine Riftbound Vendetta Legends
Riftbound Vendetta adds nine Legends and, more importantly for deckbuilding, introduces enemy-domain color combinations that were not previously available through the Legend pool. That gives older cards from the first three sets new partners and creates fresh ways to combine domain strengths.
| Legend | No. | Signature card |
|---|---|---|
| Akali, Rogue Assassin | 139 | Shuriken Flip |
| Renekton, Butcher of the Sands | 141 | Dominus |
| Zed, Master of Shadows | 143 | Death Mark |
| Nasus, Curator of the Sands | 145 | Siphoning Strike |
| Shen, Eye of Twilight | 147 | Shadow Dash |
| Jayce, Defender of Tomorrow | 149 | Acceleration Gate |
| Mel, Soul's Reflection | 151 | Rebuttal |
| Ambessa, Matriarch of War | 153 | Public Execution |
| Kennen, Heart of the Tempest | 155 | Lightning Rush |
The rivalry theme extends beyond the nine Legends. Shen and Zed, Nasus and Renekton, Mel and Ambessa, Jayce and Viktor, Vi and Jinx, and other League relationships appear across Vendetta's card pool and connected Rival Overnumber artwork.
What is new in Riftbound Vendetta?
The biggest gameplay additions in Riftbound Vendetta are Flow, Burn, and Empower. Each changes how you value resources. Flow creates extra value from spells in the trash, Burn deliberately moves cards from a Main Deck into the trash, and Empower lets cards already in play unlock additional power or abilities.
Vendetta also introduces Riftbound's first cards with multiple card types through Unit-Gear and adds a six-card Decree cycle built around opposing domains. The rules update accompanying the set also covers interactions involving Empowered cards, multiple card types, targeting, and other situations created by the new card pool.
If you are returning after an earlier expansion, the Riftbound rules guide covers the game's core systems and terminology. The official Riftbound website is the primary source for the live card gallery, rules documents, errata, organized play updates, and new set announcements.
The official Vendetta video introduces the set through its champions and rivalries, giving the expansion's theme a clearer sense of how those conflicts connect.
Those rivalries also influence gameplay. New Legend combinations expand the available deckbuilding space, while cards that care about opposing domains can change in value depending on the matchup.
How Flow works
Flow lets you play an eligible spell from your trash by paying its Flow cost, then banishes that spell after it is played. A Flow card therefore has another opportunity to be useful after it reaches the trash, but that second use is not repeatable indefinitely.
Iterative Design is a clear example. It normally costs 4 Energy and creates a 3 Might Mech unit token. Its Flow cost is 2 Energy and a Mind Rune, allowing you to play it from the trash for that alternate cost. Once played with Flow, the spell is banished instead of returning to the trash.
Flow changes how both players read the game state. A spell in the trash may still represent a future play, so discarding, burning, and tracking available resources becomes more important than simply counting cards in hand.
How Burn works
Burn X puts the top X cards of a Main Deck into that player's trash. Vendetta uses Burn both to fuel your own trash-based strategies and to remove cards from an opponent's remaining deck.
Kennen, Storm of Shuriken shows how Burn can work with Flow. When you play Kennen, you Burn 2. If one of those cards is a useful spell, later effects can potentially turn that card in the trash into another resource instead of leaving it inaccessible in the deck.
Self-Burn still comes with a cost. Every card sent from your Main Deck to the trash reduces the number of cards left to draw, so a Burn strategy needs enough payoff to make that trade worthwhile.
How Empower works
Empower is an activated ability that makes an eligible card Empowered after you pay its listed cost. Being Empowered does not provide one universal bonus. Instead, each card states what changes while it has the Empowered status.
Ambessa, The Wolf demonstrates the mechanic directly. She begins as a 4 Might champion unit. Her Empower ability costs 3 Energy and a Body Rune, and her card text provides additional benefits once she is Empowered.
This creates a second resource decision after a card reaches the board. You can spend resources on another permanent or invest them in a card you already control. Once a card becomes Empowered, it remains that way until it leaves the board or an effect disempowers it.
Unit-Gear and the six Vendetta Decrees
Unit-Gear cards
Vendetta introduces Riftbound's first cards with multiple card types. A Unit-Gear counts as both a unit and gear, allowing the same card to interact with effects that reference either type.
Patched Porobot makes the idea easy to see because its type line reads Unit Gear. Effects that count units can recognize it as a unit, while cards that care about gear can recognize the same permanent as gear.
That dual type also creates new reasons to revisit cards from earlier sets. An older effect that searches for, counts, or rewards one of those card types may gain another useful target when Unit-Gear is added to the deck.
Decrees
Vendetta contains six Decree spells, one for each domain, with each designed to be especially effective against the opposing domain. Decree is a named cycle of spells rather than a separate card type.
- Decree of Rage
- Decree of Focus
- Decree of Insight
- Decree of Strength
- Decree of Discord
- Decree of Unity
Decree of Focus provides a specialized tool against Fury strategies, while Decree of Unity can answer an enemy Chaos unit or gear. The other Decrees follow the same rivalry-driven pattern for their respective domains.
Their usefulness can shift with the metagame. A Decree may be relatively narrow when its opposing domain sees little play, then become a strong answer when that matchup becomes common.
Vendetta Runes, tokens and markers
Riftbound Vendetta also includes six basic Runes and six token or marker entries outside the numbered 166-card checklist.
| Code | Rune, token or marker |
|---|---|
| VEN-R01 | Fury Rune |
| VEN-R02 | Calm Rune |
| VEN-R03 | Mind Rune |
| VEN-R04 | Body Rune |
| VEN-R05 | Chaos Rune |
| VEN-R06 | Order Rune |
| VEN-T01 | Empowered |
| VEN-T02 | Gold |
| VEN-T03 | Mech |
| VEN-T04 | Recruit |
| VEN-T05 | Shadow Clone |
| VEN-T06 | Tentacle |
The Empowered marker tracks the new Empower status. Shadow Clone supports Zed-related cards, while Tentacle gives Bilgewater strategies another way to establish board presence. Gold, Mech, and Recruit return for cards that create those existing tokens.
Crystal Rose Special Alt Arts
Riftbound Vendetta includes six Crystal Rose Special Alt Arts based on the Crystal Rose skin line from Wild Rift. These cards use their own VEN-SP numbering rather than the normal 001-166 sequence or Overnumber numbering.
| Special no. | Card |
|---|---|
| VEN-SP1 | Kai'Sa, Survivor |
| VEN-SP2 | Sona, Harmonious |
| VEN-SP3 | Ahri, Inquisitive |
| VEN-SP4 | Sett, Brawler |
| VEN-SP5 | Ezreal, Prodigy |
| VEN-SP6 | Lux, Crownguard |
Crystal Rose cards can appear in normal Vendetta booster packs. Their distribution is closer to a base alternate-art card than an Overnumber, so collectors should treat the SP cards as a separate part of the wider Vendetta checklist rather than as ordinary Overnumber chases.
Legend Overnumbers and Rival Overnumbers
The Vendetta collector pool extends well beyond VEN-166. All nine new Legends have Overnumbered versions, and those Legend Overnumbers can also appear with an artist signature.
Vendetta adds another major chase with 22 Rival Overnumbers. These champion cards use diptych artwork, so two related cards form a larger composition when displayed side by side. That treatment turns League rivalries, friendships, and family conflicts into connected collector pieces.
Completing VEN-001 through VEN-166 therefore finishes the numbered base set, not a full Vendetta master collection. Crystal Rose SP cards, other Showcase treatments, Legend Overnumbers, Rival Overnumbers, signed variants, Runes, and tokens sit outside the main 166-card checklist.
Riftbound Vendetta booster packs and booster display
A Riftbound Vendetta booster display contains 24 booster packs, and each booster contains 14 playable cards plus one informational insert.
| Booster slot | Contents |
|---|---|
| Common | 7 cards |
| Uncommon | 3 cards |
| Foil | 1 Common, Uncommon, Rare, or Epic |
| Rare-or-better | 2 Rare, Epic, Alt, Special Alt, or Overnumber cards |
| Rune or token | 1 Token, Rune, or Alt Rune |
| Insert | 1 informational insert |
Pack collation is randomized across the print run. Alternate arts, Crystal Rose cards, and Overnumbers can appear in the relevant slots, but a specific treatment is not guaranteed in an individual pack or booster display.
A booster display is best suited to players who want broad coverage of Vendetta or simply enjoy opening sealed product. If your goal is a specific Legend, signature card, or competitive playset, singles give you much more control over what you receive.
Riftbound Vendetta Vault contents
The Riftbound Vendetta Vault contains six booster packs, 36 basic Runes, three double-sided full-art token cards, and a custom card storage box. It combines a smaller sealed opening with useful deckbuilding components.
| Vendetta Vault contents | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vendetta booster packs | 6 |
| Basic Runes | 36, six of each Rune type |
| Double-sided full-art token cards | 3 copies |
| Custom card storage box | 1 |
The Vault is particularly useful for a growing collection because the Rune pack gives you six copies of every basic Rune type. The storage box and token cards also provide practical value beyond the six boosters themselves.
The Vault opening below shows the product and its contents together, including how the booster packs and accessories are packaged.
If you already have enough Runes, tokens, and storage, compare the Vault with the cost of six loose boosters, a full display, or the singles you actually need. Its extra components are most valuable when you will use them.
Zed vs Shen Showdown Deck
The Zed vs Shen Showdown Deck is a two-player Vendetta product containing two complete 56-card preconstructed decks, two Vendetta boosters, two full-size paper playmats, two foldable paper deckboxes, and a rules and deck-building guide.
| Showdown Deck contents | Included |
|---|---|
| Zed preconstructed deck | 56 cards |
| Shen preconstructed deck | 56 cards |
| Vendetta booster packs | 2 |
| Paper playmats | 2 full-size playmats |
| Foldable paper deckboxes | 2 |
| Rules and deck-building guide | 1 |
Shen deck
The Shen side is led by Shen, Eye of Twilight and uses Order and Calm Runes. Champion options include Shen, Leader of the Kinkou Order, Shen, Scourge of Shadows, and Shen, Kinkou. Supporting cards include Shadow Dash, Steel Paws, Kennen, Keeper of Balance, Sacred Protector, Resonating Strike, Ki Barrier, Disciple of Shen, Soulspinner, and other Order and Calm tools.
Its Battlefields are Kinkou Temple, Grove of the God-Willow, and Threshold of the Gray. The included Rune pool has six Order Runes and six Calm Runes.
Zed deck
The Zed side is led by Zed, Master of Shadows and uses Chaos and Fury Runes. Its champion options include Zed, Without a Sound and Zed, From the Shadows, while Death Mark, Twilight Step, Perfect Execution, Gust Monk, Shadow Fiend, Shadow Assassin, Punching Poro, Ruthless Strike, Blade Twirler, and Kinkou Lifeblade support its game plan.
Its Battlefields are Zaun Warrens, Shadow Temple, and Threshold of the Gray, with six Chaos Runes and six Fury Runes in the Rune pool.
For two people learning Riftbound together, the Showdown Deck is the most complete Vendetta starting product. Both players get a finished deck and playmat, while the two boosters provide a small starting point for customization.
Vendetta Pre-Rift kits and promos
Vendetta Pre-Rift events began on July 24, 2026, one week before the full release. Each Pre-Rift kit gave players five Vendetta booster packs plus a seeded pack built around one of the nine new Vendetta Legends, providing the card pool needed for Sealed deckbuilding.
Players could also receive a Riven, Shattered promo with a special Pre-Rift stamp while supplies lasted. The promo itself was not added to the player's Sealed card pool. Vendetta Pre-Rift decks used a minimum of 25 cards, making the format a quick way to experiment with the new Legends and mechanics before release.
Vendetta also refreshed the Nexus Night promo pool with cards including Blade Twirler, Dune Surfer, Shadow Assassin, Field Musicians, Ol' Poro, Tomb-Raider Barbara, Cloud Drake, Grumpy Rockbear, Patched Porobot, Fretful Feline, Repair Specialist, Profiteer, Spiderling, Tornado Warrior, Gust Monk, Horns of the Dragon, Soulspinner, Hungry Wolf, Mel, Newly Awakened, and alternate Runes.
Vendetta Summoner Skirmish promos
The first Summoner Skirmish window following Vendetta began on August 17, 2026. Morgana, Vindictive is the participation promo, while Illaoi, Prophet of the Great Kraken is used for Top Cut and Champion rewards, while supplies last.
The second post-Vendetta window begins on September 14, 2026. Swain, Visionary is the participation promo, while Kayle, Justified is the Top Cut and Champion promo.
Important Riftbound Vendetta errata
Three Vendetta cards received official text errata around release. When the wording on a printed card differs from the current official text, the updated wording is used for gameplay.
| Card | What the errata changes |
|---|---|
| Astral Heron | The text clarifies that the cost reduction applies to the next card you play that turn. |
| Gangplank, Naval | The Empowered replacement effect clarifies that the +3 Might bonus lasts for the current turn. |
| Resonating Strike | The Reaction reminder text clarifies that it can be played at any reaction window, including before spells and abilities resolve. |
Checking the live card gallery is worthwhile when exact wording matters, especially for tournament play. Printed text can remain unchanged even after an official errata has updated how the card functions.
Which Riftbound Vendetta product should you buy?
The best Riftbound Vendetta product depends on whether you want to learn the game, open packs, build a particular deck, or chase collector treatments.
| Option | Best for | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Single booster | Trying the set | The smallest commitment if you simply want to open Vendetta cards |
| Booster display | Collectors and broad set building | 24 packs provide the largest standard sealed Vendetta opening |
| Vendetta Vault | Growing collections | Combines six packs with Runes, full-art token cards, and reusable storage |
| Zed vs Shen Showdown Deck | Two players learning together | Provides two complete decks, playmats, deckboxes, boosters, and a guide |
| Singles | Competitive deckbuilding | Lets you buy the exact cards and quantities your deck requires |
Singles are usually the efficient route once you know exactly which Vendetta cards your deck needs. A booster display makes more sense when opening packs and building broadly across the set are part of the appeal. The Vault adds useful Runes, tokens, and storage to a smaller sealed opening, while the Showdown Deck is designed for two people who want complete decks immediately.
Frequently asked questions about Riftbound Vendetta
What is Riftbound Vendetta?
Riftbound Vendetta is the fourth main expansion for Riftbound: League of Legends Trading Card Game. It contains 166 numbered base cards and introduces Flow, Burn, Empower, Unit-Gear cards, new Legend domain combinations, and rivalry-focused collector treatments.
When did Riftbound Vendetta release?
Riftbound Vendetta released in English and Simplified Chinese on July 31, 2026. The French-language release is scheduled for October 23, 2026. Pre-Rift events began on July 24.
How many cards are in Riftbound Vendetta?
Riftbound Vendetta has 166 numbered cards in its main set, from VEN-001 through VEN-166. Alternate arts, Crystal Rose Special cards, Overnumbers, signed variants, Runes, and tokens expand the collectible pool beyond those 166 cards.
What is the Riftbound Vendetta set code?
The set code is VEN. Main-set cards use collector numbers from VEN-001/166 through VEN-166/166, while Runes, tokens, and Crystal Rose Special cards use separate numbering.
What are the new mechanics in Riftbound Vendetta?
The three headline mechanics are Flow, Burn, and Empower. Flow lets eligible spells be played from the trash for their Flow cost before being banished, Burn sends cards from the top of a Main Deck to the trash, and Empower upgrades eligible cards already in play.
Which Legends are in Riftbound Vendetta?
The nine Vendetta Legends are Akali, Renekton, Zed, Nasus, Shen, Jayce, Mel, Ambessa, and Kennen. Each appears next to an Epic signature card in the final portion of the numbered card checklist.
What are the Crystal Rose cards in Vendetta?
The six Crystal Rose Special Alt Arts feature Kai'Sa, Sona, Ahri, Sett, Ezreal, and Lux. They use VEN-SP numbering and can appear in normal Vendetta booster packs.
What comes in the Riftbound Vendetta Vault?
The Vendetta Vault contains six booster packs, 36 basic Runes with six of each Rune type, three copies of a double-sided full-art token card, and a custom storage box.
Where Vendetta fits in Riftbound
Riftbound Vendetta makes a noticeable change to deckbuilding without requiring an oversized base set. Flow and Burn make the trash more important, Empower adds another decision after cards reach play, Unit-Gear creates new type-based interactions, and the nine Legends open domain combinations that were not previously available.
The collector side is equally distinct. Six Crystal Rose SP cards, Legend Overnumbers, signed Legend variants, and 22 Rival Overnumbers extend the chase beyond the 166-card checklist, while the Zed vs Shen Showdown Deck gives two new players a straightforward way to start with the set.
To compare Vendetta with earlier releases, revisit Origins, Spiritforged, and Unleashed. New players can use the main Riftbound guide and rules guide for the fundamentals, while the release date guide tracks where Vendetta sits in the expanding set lineup. The official Riftbound YouTube channel is another useful source for previews, developer videos, and future set updates.
