Get 5% off pre-orders on all Riftbound related products at

Use code:
ZONE5
for 5% off at checkout

Battlefields 101: Mastering Control and Trading in Riftbound

by | Aug 26, 2025 | Guides

1. What Is Riftbound Battlefields 101?

Battlefields are at the heart of every match in Riftbound. They aren’t just static zones; they are the arenas where momentum, resources, and victory points are earned. Riftbound Battlefields 101 is all about learning how to control these zones and make smart unit trades that decide the outcome of games.

If you’re completely new to the game, start with our How to Play Riftbound Guide to learn the fundamentals before diving into advanced battlefield strategy.

A strong battlefield strategy isn’t only about raw power. It’s about where you place your units, when you trade them, and how you balance offence and defence.

2. The Core of Battlefield Control

Battlefield control means deciding which zones to fight for and which to let go. This decision can make or break a match.

  • Defensive allocation: Sometimes it’s better to lightly defend one battlefield so you can invest more into another. But leaving a battlefield completely open can cost you points quickly.

  • Offensive focus: Stacking units on one battlefield often secures it, but it risks giving up ground elsewhere.

  • Balanced spread: A balanced distribution gives flexibility, but may reduce your ability to dominate any one zone.

Learning when to pivot between these approaches is the essence of Riftbound Battlefields 101.

3. Trading Units the Smart Way

Trading is the bread and butter of combat in Riftbound. Each trade — when units destroy one another — shifts the momentum of the battlefield.

Trading While Ahead

  • Use small, expendable units to remove larger enemy threats.

  • Keep your strongest units alive so they can carry momentum.

  • Build incremental advantages by forcing trades that favour you.

Trading While Behind

  • Trade evenly to slow the pace of the game until you can recover.

  • Force your opponent into trades that use up their premium cards.

  • Preserve your key units while chipping away at theirs.

Removal vs. Trading

Not all threats need to be traded unit-to-unit. Removal cards give you the ability to clear a battlefield without risking your own units, keeping pressure in multiple zones at once. A complete Riftbound battlefield strategy usually mixes both direct removal and trading.

4. Pro Tips for Mastering Riftbound Battlefields

Here are some advanced tips to sharpen your control of the game:

  • Redistribute units with purpose: Think about where each card has the most impact.

  • Movement abilities matter: Shifting units between battlefields at the right moment can swing momentum.

  • Hold reinforcements: Don’t play every unit immediately. Sometimes waiting for the right opportunity creates more value.

  • Adapt to your opponent’s playstyle: Recognise patterns — some players rush one battlefield, others spread out. Anticipating their moves is half the battle.

5. Conclusion: Why Riftbound Battlefields 101 Matters

Battlefields are where every game of Riftbound is won or lost. By mastering Riftbound Battlefields 101, you’ll learn how to:

  • Control zones without overextending.

  • Trade units efficiently to gain tempo.

  • Balance risk, defense, and offense for long-term success.

A well-executed battlefield strategy doesn’t just help you win trades — it helps you dictate the flow of the entire match. Focus on battlefield control, smart trading, and tactical positioning, and you’ll see your win rate rise dramatically.

More Articles

How to Master Riftbound Movement, Ganking, and Combos

How to Master Riftbound Movement, Ganking, and Combos

Riftbound Movement Guide: Master Movement, Ganking, Combo Strategy Movement is one of the most unique mechanics in Riot’s League of Legends trading card game Riftbound. Unlike traditional card games where units simply attack or defend, Riftbound introduces movement as...

How to Play Riftbound: League of Legends TCG Guide

How to Play Riftbound: League of Legends TCG Guide

Welcome to Riftbound! Whether you're a seasoned card-slinger or just getting into your first trading card game, you're in for a wild ride. Riftbound brings the world of League of Legends to the tabletop with fast-paced action, epic champions, and strategic gameplay....