Riot Games Unveils League of Legends Trading Card Game Set to Dominate TCG Retailers in 2025

Riot Games has officially announced Project K: The League of Legends Trading Card Game (TCG), set to introduce beloved Champions from the popular franchise to tabletop gaming.

The excitement began in September 2024, when a cryptic teaser video surfaced on the Chinese social media platform Bilibili, igniting speculation about a new League of Legends card game. Now, Riot has confirmed the project with a comprehensive preview, which can be viewed here.

While this is not Riot’s first venture into the trading card game genre—having previously launched the digital game Legends of Runeterra—Project K marks the company’s inaugural attempt at a physical TCG. The initiative aims to attract newcomers to the League universe while still appealing to its entrenched fan base.

Project K Expands TCG Possibilities

The creators of Project K have emphasized that this game is not simply a physical version of Legends of Runeterra. Instead, it is envisioned as a new trading card experience with unique mechanics tailored for engaging gameplay.

“It’s our privilege to develop a game based on the League IP that thoughtfully caters to a different audience,” stated Game Director Dave Guskin. “We want players to connect over the table and dive deeply into the gameplay, settings, and characters they cherish.”

Though Project K will draw inspiration from the successful champion design principles seen in Legends of Runeterra, it will introduce thematic deck-building centered around iconic League characters. Expect decks that showcase strategic elements, such as an aggressive Volibear deck focused on offense, a tempo-driven Jinx deck, and a token-based Viktor deck.

Additionally, the developers announced the inclusion of 2v2 multiplayer modes at launch, along with organized play events focused on fostering competitive engagement among players.

Riot Games has announced ‘PROJECT K’, their new physical TCG League of Legends game
▪️ Releasing in 2025
▪️ Not a physical Legends of Runeterra, but inherits lore from that game
▪️ Card art feature aspects of all parts of Runeterra and other League IP
▪️ Much like League, all… pic.twitter.com/JjYMAo5Jlc

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) December 6, 2024

Executive Producer Chengran Chai confirmed the company’s aspirations for a competitive structure ranging from local stores to national and potentially global tournaments. However, the developers advised that a simultaneous worldwide release is unlikely, opting instead for a staggered launch strategy.

China is set to be the first market to experience Project K, with an anticipated release in early 2025, significantly due to Riot’s established relationship with local printing partners.

Looking ahead, the team is exploring additional printing options and will provide more details on the global rollout very soon.

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