Ahead of the launch of Riftbound’s fourth set, Vendetta, Riot Games have added three more cards to their ban list. You can find out more about why each card is banned on the official Riftbound website, but it essentially boils down to cards causing problems that’ll get worse as the card pool deepens, or ones which are simply overpowered in the current meta.
Which Three Cards Have Been Added to the Riftbound Ban List?
As you can see from the above image, we have one Unit card and two Battlefields: Stealthy Pursuer, The Arena’s Greatest and Aspirant’s Climb. Given that three Battlefield cards were previously banned, this brings the total up to 5 banned Battlefield cards overall. The full ban list is now as follows:
- The Arena’s Greatest (Battlefield)
- Aspirant’s Climb (Battlefield)
- Called Shot
- Draven, Vanquisher
- Dreaming Tree (Battlefield)
- Fight or Flight
- Obelisk of Power (Battlefield)
- Reaver’s Row (Battlefield)
- Stealthy Pursuer
What Is the New Riftbound Ban List, and What Will I Find on There?
The reason that Riot Games have created a separate ban list is that they needed to ban a card from 2v2 play only. Though Wuju Bladesman isn’t banned from standard play, you won’t be able to use him in 2v2 play any more. This is because his bonus extends to the other player on your team, making him disproportionately used, especially among the top 2 player teams. Currently, he’s the only card to appear on the 2v2 ban list.
Can I Still Use Banned Cards in My Deck?
This might seem like a silly question; the cards are banned, after all, and not without serious thought and justification from Riot. However, you may still have these physical cards in your collection, and your deck. If you’re playing casually against opponents who are aware that these cards are in your deck, and have their blessing ahead of any game you play with them, then of course you’re free to use them outside of organized play. Banned cards are of course not allowed in any organized play or tournament setting, so it pays to be aware of the full, current list.
Do Card Bans Happen Often?
Given that Riftbound has attracted many players who are not necessarily that familiar with trading card games, it could be worrying to see a second round of cards being banned. Especially as the first bans occurred just a few months ago. However, the fact that Riot are willing to step up and be so proactive should be seen as positive, in my opinion. They’re not allowing cards to overpower the meta or cause undue frustration for players who have invested their time and money in the game, and that’s a good thing.
Riot are properly keeping an eye on the game and listening to the community. That certainly bodes well for the health of Riftbound in the present and future.
Check out our guide to the first cards banned in Riftbound, and our gallery of cards in Riftbound’s fourth set, Vendetta.
