Browse Riftbound Rules Questions
Page 82 of 133 · 6,620 verified questions. Each links to the full ruling.
If Darius is the third card played in the turn would he be readied?
No, if **Darius, Trifarian** is played as the third card in a turn, he will not be readied by his ability.
Are Might, EnergyCost and PowerCost a trait?
Yes, Might, Energy Cost, and Power Cost are considered traits of a game object. According to Rule 454.3.a, these three values are specifically categorized as traits that are subject to arithmetic modification (the third layer of effect application):
If there is a condition on a gear: "if condition met, do x" does the gear put the trigger on a chain if the condition is not met? Can I react to it?
Whether a gear's ability goes on the chain depends on how the condition is phrased. ### 1. If the condition is part of a Triggered Ability (e.g., "When you play me, if you control 2 or more gear, attach me...") According to **RiftJudge FAQ #8211**, abilities with conditions after the comma (like "if you control...") **do go on the chain**...
If I have a Zhonya Hourglass and 3 creatures dying in a Showdown, who picks the order the creatures die and which one is saved by Zhonya?
When multiple units die simultaneously in combat (such as during the Combat Damage Step), the controller of **Zhonya's Hourglass** chooses which unit to save.
Vex attacks into Reavers Row, the defender decides to use the Reavers Row trigger, can you still play spells during this trigger with Vex discounting them? Or does it not classify as a combat?
Yes, this is considered combat, and you can play spells while the **Reaver's Row** trigger is on the chain, provided they are **Reaction** spells.
How does Dazzling Aurora work with Deadbloom Predator Showdown?
When **Dazzling Aurora** triggers at the end of your turn, it interacts with **Deadbloom Predator** as follows: ### How the Interaction Works 1. **Dazzling Aurora Trigger:** At the end of your turn, Dazzling Aurora triggers. You reveal cards from the top of your Main Deck until you reveal a unit. You play that unit and recycle the rest of the...
If I target Lonely Poro and another unit with Piercing Light, do I have to target Poro first in order to not trigger its Deathknell?
No, *Lonely Poro*'s *Deathknell* will not trigger in this scenario, and changing the order of targets in *Piercing Light* will not change this outcome.
If we start a chain of reactions and triggers as we resolve them, can other reactions be played into the chain such as Discipline being resolved mid-chain to draw Defy and then playing Defy before the first spell is resolved?
Yes, you can absolutely do this. In Riftbound, chains do not resolve all at once; instead, they resolve one item at a time, and players have opportunities to add new reactions to the chain between each resolution.
Do repeat spell that choose target make you choose twice to the same target so you pay the deflect cost twice?
Yes, if you use **Repeat** to target a unit with **Deflect** twice, you must pay the **Deflect** cost twice. According to **Rule 735.1.c**, **Deflect** is a mandatory additional cost applied "for each time they choose me." Because **Repeat** (Rule 746.1.d) causes the spell's instructions to be executed an additional time, and choices for that additional execution are made during the...
If Mystic Reversal takes control of Discipline targeting Irelia, does Irelia Fervent still trigger and Irelia Blade Dancer still trigger if new targets—not Irelia—are reselected, does the original Irelia player still get to use their legend ability if the spell is taken?
To address your question regarding the interaction between *Mystic Reversal*, *Discipline*, and *Irelia, Fervent*, we must look at the timing of "choose" triggers and the mechanics of control changes.
Can I play Deathgrip if I have no friendly units?
No, you cannot play **Deathgrip** if you have no friendly units. According to Rule 355.10.c, the instruction "Kill a friendly unit" in **Deathgrip** targets that unit. Because the spell requires you to choose and kill a friendly unit as a target to resolve its effect, you must have at least one friendly unit available to be targeted when you play...
I play Wages of Pain and my opponent plays Retreat. Do I still get the gold?
Yes, you will still create the Gold gear token even if the target of *Wages of Pain* becomes invalid (e.g., because your opponent used *Retreat* to return it to their hand).
Does Viktor Innovator make a Recruit if the spell was countered with Defy?
No, Viktor, Innovator will not create a Recruit token if the spell you played was countered by Defy. According to **Rule 425.1.b**: "A card that is Countered is not considered to have been played."
Do Seals enter ready?
Yes, Seals enter the board in a Ready state. According to Rule 149.1, "Gear enter play Ready." As Seals are a type of Gear, they follow this rule by default unless a specific card effect states otherwise. This allows you to use a Seal immediately on the same turn you play it.
Can I attach Gear to a Sprite token?
Yes, you can attach gear to a Sprite token. According to **Rule 182.1.d**, a token unit is a unit and follows all rules for its type unless otherwise specified. Since Sprite tokens are unit tokens, they are valid targets for any effect or action that allows you to attach gear to a unit.
Does Breakneck Mech deflect Thousand Tail Summon effect?
No, **Breakneck Mech** does not cause **Thousand-Tailed Watcher's** "When you play me" ability to trigger **Deflect**. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #8483**, **#4229**, and **#4422**, the **Deflect** keyword only imposes an additional cost on spells and abilities that "choose" (target) a specific permanent.
Does Eager Apprentice reduce repeat costs?
Yes, Eager Apprentice reduces the total cost of a spell that includes a **Repeat** cost. According to RiftJudge FAQ #629, Eager Apprentice reduces the total cost of a spell (which includes the base cost plus the optional **Repeat** additional cost) once.
Do I have to declare Tricksy Tentacle targets initially or only on resolution?
To determine when you must declare targets for **Tricksy Tentacles**, you must declare the targets (the enemy units you intend to move) and the destination location when you finalize the spell onto the chain, not upon resolution.
If I am attempting to conquer on my turn and an opponent ride the wind over, are they attacker or defender?
In this scenario, **you are the Attacker** and **your opponent is the Defender**. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #9032** and **Rule 442.1.a**, the attacker and defender designations are determined by who first applied the "Contested" status to the battlefield.
Can you play a reaction if my opponent attaches a Gear?
Yes, you can play a reaction if your opponent attaches a gear using an **Equip** ability. According to **Rule 818.1**, **Equip** is an activated ability. Activating an ability follows the same process as playing a card, which includes adding a pending item to the chain and creating a closed state (Rule 150.2.a, Rule 386–389). Because the ability is placed on...
Can you play an action on top of a reaction during a showdown?
No, you cannot play an **Action** spell on top of a **Reaction** spell during a showdown. According to the rules and established gameplay mechanics:
If I play Whirlwind, do I have to pay deflect cost if I target an opponent's unit with deflect?
No, you do not have to pay the Deflect cost when playing **Whirlwind**. According to the **RiftJudge FAQ #3908**: > "Whirlwind does not trigger deflect because it does not target. Deflect is a passive ability that levies an additional cost only for spells or abilities that target the permanent with deflect."
After playing Imperial Decree I use Bellows Breath on two units and they react with a hidden card Emperor's Divide. Do I damage the units?
To determine if your units take damage, we must look at the chain and the timing of the effects. ### The Chain Sequence 1. **You play *Bellows Breath*:** You choose up to three units at a battlefield as targets. This places *Bellows Breath* on the chain. 2. **Opponent reacts with *Emperor's Divide*:** Your opponent flips their hidden *Emperor's Divide* face-up...
If I use Flash on my unit after it is being targeted by a Hidden Blade, do I still draw 2?
No, you do not draw 2 cards. According to the **RiftJudge FAQ (ID 2778)**, if you use Flash to move a unit targeted by Hidden Blade back to base in response, the target becomes illegal because it is no longer at a battlefield. When Hidden Blade resolves, it cannot find the target at the battlefield, which makes it impossible to...
Does Fox-Fire choose a target?
Yes, **Fox-Fire targets**. According to Rule 355.10, a game object mentioned in the text of a spell is a target unless it meets specific exceptions. Fox-Fire instructs you to "Kill any number of units at a battlefield," and per Rule 355.11 and the associated FAQs, these units are chosen and locked in as targets when the spell is put on...
If a Spend Setts buff to increase his Might to 8, can I trigger the Fiora legend?
Yes, spending Sett, Brawler's buff to increase his Might to 8 will trigger Fiora's Legend ability. According to the official rulings for this interaction (RiftJudge FAQ #30, #528, #641, and #8727), this occurs because Sett drops below the "Mighty" threshold (5+ Might) before regaining it.
Does Vex Apathetic target?
No, **Vex, Apathetic** does not target. According to **Rule 355.10.d**, a game object is not a target if it is "programmatically selected based on its characteristics rather than chosen by the spell or ability’s controller."
Can Ruin Runner be targeted by Switcheroo?
No, **Ruin Runner** cannot be targeted by **Switcheroo**. **Ruin Runner** has the ability: *"I can't be chosen by enemy spells and abilities."*
If I attempt to conquer with Glasc Mixologist in an empty battlefield and my opponent Hidden Blades him, can I play my Deathknell unit in the battlefield I was attempting to conquer?
No, you cannot play the unit from your trash to that battlefield. ### The Ruling According to **FAQ #9184**, when you move a unit to an empty battlefield to attempt to conquer it, you are the attacker and you **do not control** that battlefield until the showdown is resolved and you have successfully conquered it. Because you do not control...
When you play a card like Deathgrip, when does the controller have to announce which friendly unit they are going to kill?
When you play a card like **Deathgrip**, you must announce and choose the friendly unit you intend to kill **when you play the spell**, as part of the process of placing it on the chain.
Can both be revived because of the double Deathknell effect of Karthus on Glasc Mixologist when my opponent plays Singularity on my Glasc Mixologist and Karthus, Eternal?
Yes, both **Glasc Mixologist** and **Karthus, Eternal** will trigger their *Deathknell* effects (if they have them), and because **Karthus, Eternal** is on the board when the *Deathknell* triggers occur, the *Deathknell* effects will trigger an additional time.
If Karthus, Eternal dies together with another unit with Deathknell, does that Deathknell still trigger an additional tile?
Yes, the other unit's **Deathknell** effect will still trigger an additional time. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #5353** and **FAQ #8974**, this interaction works because Karthus, Eternal's ability ("Your [Deathknell] effects trigger an additional time") is a **passive ability**, not a triggered ability.
When you equip Blade of Ruined King to Unsung Hero, which triggers first? Unsung Hero becomes mighty and dies from Blade of Ruined King, or Blade of Ruined King kills Unsung Hero before she becomes mighty?
To determine the interaction between *Blade of the Ruined King* and *Unsung Hero*, we must look at how costs are paid and how the game processes the "Kill" instruction.
If I play a unit in my base, is my opponent able to play a hidden card?
No, your opponent cannot play a hidden card in response to you playing a unit to your base. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #7317**: * When you play a unit, it enters the chain as a pending item. * When you finalize the unit, it is removed from the chain immediately. * Units do not linger on the chain, and at...
If I play Fizz Trickster, can the spell he casts target him?
Yes, a spell cast by Fizz, Trickster can target him, provided the spell's own targeting requirements allow it. According to Rule 355.9.c: "An ability of a permanent can target that permanent, because abilities and their sources are separate objects." While Fizz's ability is the *source* that allows you to play the spell, the spell itself is a separate game object.
Do conquers on one battlefield cause damaged units on the other battlefield to heal?
No, conquering a battlefield does not cause units on other battlefields to heal. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #6111** and **#4324**, units heal at the end of **combat** and at the end of the **turn**. Conquering a battlefield is a game action (Rule 464.1), but it is not combat. Therefore, it does not trigger the "Combat Cleanup" step where healing occurs.
Do you get a point instantly when you conquer a battlefield? Can a move to an empty battlefield be reacted to? If that reaction kills your unit, do you get the point?
Yes, you score a point instantly when you conquer a battlefield. Here is the breakdown of how these mechanics interact based on the official rules.
Can I reattach an already attached equipment if I control Forge of the Fluft?
Yes, you can use the ability granted by the **Forge of the Fluft** battlefield to move equipment that is already attached to a unit.
There is a combat between enemy player unit attacking and Ferocious Forerunner, both units have the same might. Defender has Tideturner hidden on battlefield. Both players pass so unit and Forerunner trade. Can defending player play Tideturner after combat, for example on Forerunner's deathknell ability?
Yes, you can play Tideturner as a reaction to the Deathknell ability of your Ferrous Forerunner. ### Explanation According to the **Showdown Flow** and **Chain Rules**, triggered abilities like Deathknell use the chain. Because the chain is open for reactions when a triggered ability is placed on it, you are permitted to play Tideturner from its hidden state at that...
Can hidden units be played to Rockfall Path?
Yes, it is legal to hide a unit card facedown on Rockfall Path. However, you cannot play that unit while it is hidden there.
If my opponent plays a unit with Ambush to a battlefield where they control a unit, can I react by killing their only unit to prevent the Ambush unit from entering play?
Ruling: No, you cannot react to prevent the Ambush unit from entering play. Units (including those with Ambush) immediately resolve when played and do not create a reaction window.
Does Eager Apprentice reduce repeat costs?
Yes, Eager Apprentice reduces the total cost of a spell that includes a **Repeat** cost. According to RiftJudge FAQ #629, Eager Apprentice reduces the total cost of a spell only once, even when that spell is repeated. The cost reduction applies to the combined total of the spell's base cost and the additional **Repeat** cost.
How does a Repeat on Hard Bargain work? Do you target one spell so that the opponent needs to pay 4 energy to use it, or do you target 2 different spells?
When you play **Hard Bargain** with **Repeat**, you have flexibility in how you use it. You can choose to target the same spell twice or two different spells.
If I have Glass Mixologist alone at a battlefield and my opponent plays Singularity to kill it, can I play the summoned unit back to that same battlefield? What if I have another unit there?
Yes, you can play the unit from your trash to that battlefield in both scenarios. ### The Ruling According to the **Glasc Mixologist** card text, it has a **Deathknell** ability: *"You may play a unit with cost no more than [3] and no more than [A] from your trash, ignoring its cost."*
In a 2v2 team setting, are there still only 3 battlefields and the first player does not get to draw a card?
In a 2v2 (Magma Chamber) game, there are indeed 3 battlefields used, and the player going first does not draw a card during their first Draw Phase.
How does `soraka` interact with `temporary`? Do they go back to base when they die? Do they still have `temporary`?
Based on the rules and the provided FAQs, here is how **Soraka, Wanderer** interacts with units that have the **Temporary** keyword:
If you conquer Forgotten Monument before turn 3 does it count as a conquer for triggers etc?
No, you cannot conquer **Forgotten Monument** before your third turn, so it cannot count as a conquer for any triggers.
Can I recycle a mech from my hand to activate Rumble Hotheaded?
No, you cannot recycle a Mech from your hand to activate the ability of **Rumble, Hotheaded**. According to RiftJudge FAQ #3053, the term "unit" without further specification refers only to units on the board (base or battlefield). Units in your hand are in a non-board zone and are not considered "units" for the purpose of Rumble's ability.
If I have a unit in base, then my opponent uses Charm to move it to a BF he controlled with one unit, and then for my action window I used Rebuke to move his unit back to his hand, do I get a point for conquering even though it's my opponent's turn, and if I am using a Draven Glorious Executioner legend, does that count as a combat win, can I draw a card?
To address your questions, let's break down the sequence of events based on the rules of Riftbound. ### 1. Do you get a point for conquering? **Yes, you can score a conquering point in this scenario.**
Does Switcharoo take Gear Might Aswell?
Yes, **Switcheroo** takes into account the current Might of the units, which includes any bonuses from attached gear. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #9201** and **FAQ #6847**, Switcheroo does not look only at base Might. When it resolves, it calculates the difference between the two units' **current Might** (which includes all active modifiers, buffs, and equipment) and applies a persistent +X...