- Riftbound Radiance leaks point to a fifth expansion adding 180 new cards on October 23, 2026
- Neeko debuts as the first true neutral champion, playable in any domain deck
- Her "Nico board" lets you borrow a second legend ability from three chosen legends
- Poster legends include Ekko and Seraphine, plus Evelynn, Ziggs, Jarvan IV, and Orianna
- Preorders for sealed product open October 6, 2026
Riftbound Radiance Leaks: What We Know So Far
Preview season for Riftbound's fifth expansion is officially underway, and the Riftbound Radiance leaks are already reshaping expectations for the metagame. The set introduces 180 new cards across all domains, plus brand-new card categories including Colorless cards, Multi-Domain cards, Heartsteel Overnumbered cards, and Ultimate Rares.
Video Highlights:
- First true Radiance neutral champion reveal: Neeko
- Neutral cards can slot into decks of any domain
- Neeko's mechanic lets you swap in a second legend ability
- Community speculation on Draven, Annie, and Master Yi synergy
The biggest early leak comes from an LCS broadcast reveal, where Neeko was shown as a six-cost champion unit with 4 might — and a text box unlike anything seen in Riftbound before.
The Star City Games card gallery for Radiance is updated daily during preview season and sorts every reveal by domain — bookmark it as your reference hub for the remaining leaks.
Neeko: The First Neutral Champion
Neeko's leaked card text reads roughly: "6 cost, 6 energy plus 1 power, 4 might. Neutral — neutral cards can go in decks of any domain. If Neeko is in your deck, choose three different legends in addition to your starting legend. When you play Neeko, choose one of those legends and add it to your legend zone while Neeko is on the board."
In practical terms, this creates a sideboard-like "Nico board" of three extra legends whose abilities you can borrow mid-game. Neutrals function like colorless cards in other trading card games — no domain restriction.
| Neeko Leak Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 6 energy + 1 power | Power likely payable with any color |
| Might | 4 | Undersized but can conquer in a pinch |
| Domain | Neutral | First true neutral champion |
| Nico board size | 3 different legends | Names must not match |
| Ability duration | While Neeko is on the board | Protect her to keep the ability |
Key questions remain open: whether the power cost truly works with any color, whether Nico board legends must match your domain identity, and how multiple Neeko copies stack. Expect answers when the official set FAQ drops.
Best Legend Combos to Pair with Neeko
The strongest Neeko pairings are generic, static abilities that don't require you to change your game plan. Here are the standout candidates from early analysis.
Draven
- Universally splashable ability
- Fits any aggressive deck
- Top community pick for Nico boards
Annie
- Two extra runes for reaction spells
- Fully static, no setup required
- Great with spell-heavy builds
Master Yi
- Defense buff when defending with one unit
- Passive value every turn
- Solid in any midrange shell
Rengar
- Units grow when you play units
- Pairs well with Darius for extra energy
Vex
- Card generation on hold triggers
- Ideal for hold-style decks
Diana
- Extra energy during showdowns
- Natural partner to Annie in spell decks
| Legend | Ability Type | Best Deck Fit | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draven | Static value | Any | ★★★★★ |
| Annie | Rune generation | Spell decks | ★★★★★ |
| Master Yi | Defensive buff | Midrange | ★★★★ |
| Rengar | Unit growth | Unit decks | ★★★★ |
| Vex | Card draw | Hold decks | ★★★★ |
| Diana | Energy ramp | Showdown decks | ★★★☆ |
Multiple Neeko copies on the board can stack borrowed legend abilities — imagine a single deck running Annie, Draven, and Diana passives simultaneously from your base.
How to Prepare for Radiance Release
Follow these steps to be ready when the set goes live.
Track Daily Reveals
Monitor the daily-updated Radiance card gallery through preview season, focusing on Mind, Body, and Order where most reveals have landed so far.
Preorder Sealed Product
Preorders open October 6, 2026. Secure boxes early if you plan to draft or build from fresh product.
Watch for the FAQ
The official set FAQ will resolve the open Neeko rulings — domain restrictions, power costs, and stacking behavior.
Prototype a Neeko Deck
Pick your starting legend, then shortlist three generic static-ability legends for your Nico board. Prioritize abilities that keep your deck functional without Neeko.
Test Before the RQ Circuit
Use the weeks before October 23 to goldfish builds so you can hit the ground running at launch events.
Evaluate Neeko as a high-roll one-of rather than an auto three-of — at six energy, you have to mean it, but most decks may want access to at least one copy for the upside.
Release Timeline and Checklist
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 26, 2026 | Preview season underway | Daily card reveals by domain |
| Oct 6, 2026 | Preorders open | Sealed product available |
| Oct 23, 2026 | Radiance release | 180 new cards |
Radiance Launch Checklist:
- Bookmark the daily Radiance card gallery
- Preorder sealed product starting October 6
- Watch for Neeko rulings in the set FAQ
- Draft a three-legend Nico board for your main deck
- Test your build before launch weekend events
Ekko and Seraphine headline Radiance, joined by Evelynn, Ziggs, Jarvan IV, and Orianna — with three more legends yet to be revealed.
FAQ
Q: What are the biggest Riftbound Radiance leaks so far?
The standout leak is Neeko, the first true neutral champion that can go in any domain deck and lets you borrow a second legend ability from a three-legend sideboard. The set itself adds 180 cards including new Colorless, Multi-Domain, Heartsteel Overnumbered, and Ultimate Rare cards.
Q: When does Riftbound Radiance release?
Radiance releases on October 23, 2026, with preorders for sealed product opening October 6. Daily card reveals run through preview season leading up to launch.
Q: Is Neeko overcosted at six energy?
Community analysis suggests the cost is fair given the text box power. A four-energy version would likely be a ubiquitous three-of; at six energy, most decks may instead run one copy for the high-roll potential of stacking extra legend abilities.
Q: Do the legends on Neeko's board need to match my domains?
This is unconfirmed. Early speculation assumes they do not need to match, partly because the current legend pool lacks depth in every color pairing. The official set FAQ should clarify before release.