The next set of Riftbound, Riot Games’ League of Legends trading card game, is making its way out of the jungle. And if you get lucky with your pack openings, you might just be able to leap out of the bushes in style.
Riot Games gave us the opportunity to premiere a card for Riftbound Unleashed, featuring the jungling hunter Rengar. His official Legend has already been revealed, but for our showcase, we’re spotlighting the spectacular artwork on the “overnumbered” version of Rengar’s Legend. Here’s the special edition of Rengar, Pridestalker.
“Overnumbered” is Riot’s way of adding a little extra rarity to some cards, putting them beyond the normal numbering of the set; in the bottom-left corner, you’ll notice the “227/219” marking, as well as the gold hexagon in the lower center. These are particularly rare options that come with alternative art and, sometimes, an artist signature.
In this case, we have Duy Nguyen putting a gorgeous painterly treatment to Rengar. The details are really great; the eye colors pop, the lush foliage feels right at home for Unleashed’s theme, and the little details on Rengar’s face accentuate his ferocity in combat.
The Fury/Body (Red/Orange) combination makes Rengar seem like an aggressive Legend option, with an ability that should let him get out units early and seize an advantage. If I got Rengar at a pre-release, I’d immediately start looking for cheap, solid creatures to roll out for a fast lead, and some battlefields that could net me some value for early captures and holds. Note that his ability says you give “a unit” plus-one Might, not the unit played, which could also lend itself to some tricky combat plays.
Preview season is still underway for Riot’s card game, rolling out through March 26. Chinese language Pre-Rift events kick off on April 3, while English language begins May 1. The release date will be staggered as well, with Chinese language launch on April 10 and English on May 8.
