Riftbound Sideboard Rules: What is Sideboard in Riftbound?

You’re not alone if you have questions about the Riftbound sideboard rules. This relatively new TCG is quickly becoming one of our personal favorites, and customers ask us all the time how to play it - so we decided to put together this guide to the sideboard in Riftbound. 

So, what is sideboard in Riftbound? It’s just a set of 8 cards alongside your main deck. It sits outside the game until you need it. You can swap sideboard cards into your main deck between games to adjust your strategy based on what you’ve learned about your opponent.

But before we get into all the nitty-gritty details, we want to remind you that Danireon is your one-stop shop for Riftbound cards across every stage of deck-building. Set yourself up for success with one of our starter decks today if you haven’t already!

Key Takeaways

• The Riftbound sideboard holds either 0 or 8 cards. Nothing in between.
• Only valid Main Deck card types go in the sideboard (no Runes, Legends, or Battlefields).
• Sideboarding is always done between games. Not before the first game.
• Your Main Deck must hold 40 cards after each swap (one in, one out; two in, two out, etc.)
• The 3-copy-per-card limit applies to your Main Deck and sideboard combined.
• Danireon is your one-stop shop for Riftbound cards online. 

What is Sideboard in Riftbound?

So, what is sideboard in Riftbound? It’s just an extra pool of cards you register before a tournament. You have access to it in addition to your main deck of 40 cards. But when you can access your sideboard is the tricky part. Only between games. And only after your first game. 

The whole point is to let you adapt your strategy after each game based on what you’re learning about your opponent. Matches are best of three, so you can swap cards in and out between games one and two and two and three (if it goes that far).

We like to tell new Riftbound players to think about the sideboard as a toolshed, whereas your toolbox is your Main Deck. It’s what you plan on using for the game (like your toolbox is what you use for a job). But sometimes, you begin a job and realize you need to return to the toolshed for a different tool. 

Let’s use a more specific Riftbound example. Say your opponent stacks equipment on a single threat. You might not have expected that, and your Main Deck doesn’t have the right cards to defend against it. But you have the cards for a gear-heavy board in your sideboard! You can pivot the strategy for game two in an effort to turn the tide back in your favor.

Or, maybe you’re up against a strategy built around wide token pushes. You can then bring in answers to punish overextension. The sideboard just gives you more flexibility in how you play your opponent for a best-of-three match. 

How Many Sideboard Cards Riftbound? (and a Few Other Riftbound Sideboard Rules)

The Riftbound sideboard rules are super straightforward. You can have 0 cards in your sideboard, or you can have 8 cards in your sideboard. No more, no less. One or the other. You either register an 8-card sideboard or don’t register one at all.

Another important tidbit - your sideboard has to consist entirely of valid Main Deck card types. That means you can’t put Runes, Legends, or Battlefields in your sideboard. 

Also, every sideboard card must match your Champion Legend domain. You have to stick with the same color identity restriction as your Main Deck. Say your Legend limits you to two domains - your sideboard colors must match those colors.

You have to make sure your sideboard and Main Deck abide by the 3-copy limit, or your Sideboard (and potentially even your Main Deck) will not qualify for tournament play. You can have 2 copies of a card in your Main Deck and 1 more in your sideboard. Or vice versa. Or, 3 copies in your Main Deck and none in your sideboard (or vice versa).

That means in total, you’re allowed 48 cards (40 Main Deck + 8 sideboard). You can learn more about how many cards in a Riftbound deck in our blog. 

Tips on Making the Most of the Riftbound Sideboard

The best Riftbound players build their sideboards based on where their Main Deck loses. They keep track of the matchups they struggle with most, as these losing patterns give you insight into the cards you need in your sideboard.

Whatever you do, don’t waste all 8 sideboard slots with narrow tech that will only help you against a specific strategy. The whole point of your sideboard is to make sure you’re prepared for whatever your opponent throws at you. You’ll find better value with a versatile removal option that can be beneficial against both aggressive creature decks and heavy equipment decks. 

One of the most overlooked Riftbound sideboard rules is that you can change your Chosen Champion between games. Say your starting Champion blew it against your opponent’s strategy. Why would you run it back and hope the next game would unfold differently? 

Instead, swap a different one from your sideboard as long as it still matches your Legend. We’ve seen so many players get stuck on rotating spells and units when it could be as simple as swapping the Champion.

Don’t overthink your swaps, though. Your substitutions should be surgical. The best players usually only end up swapping out 2-4 cards from their sideboard to cover a bad matchup without gutting their entire strategy.

Oh - and know that your opponent is watching you like a hawk as you swap from your sideboard. They won’t be able to see which cards you’re bringing in, but they can count how many you pulled to try and predict your new strategy. 

Picking up Riftbound singles is the best way to build a versatile sideboard. That’s where we come in! Danireon is your trusted choice for all things Riftbound in North America. Pay us a visit in our Ottawa location or shop online today and set yourself up for success.

Wrapping Up Our Guide on the Riftbound Sideboard Rules

That should pretty much cover everything you need to know about Riftbound sideboard rules. Hopefully you have a solid grasp on what this element is and how you can use it to your advantage. 

Our blog has more great tips on how to win Riftbound if you’re just getting started. You can also find the best selection of Riftbound booster boxes, Riftbound starter decks, and more at Danireon. Shop now and see what catches your eye - and best of luck on the battlefield! 

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of a sideboard in Riftbound?

It’s to let you adjust your deck between games in a best-of-three match for tournament play (or casual play with friends). You can pivot your strategy after game 1 to try and win game 2, and then do so again for game 3.

How do sideboards work in Riftbound?

They consist of 8 cards that you can pull from after the first game. Every card that enters the Main Deck sends one into your sideboard, so your Main Deck stays at 40 cards. You can’t sideboard before the first game (or during a game). Your Legend, Runes, and Battlefields stay locked for the entire match. 

What is the sideboard size for Riftbound?

8 cards. Or zero. 

Can you sideboard before game 1 of Riftbound?

Nope. Game 1 is played with your Main Deck exactly as you registered it. You can pull from the sideboard between games 1 and 2, and between games 2 and 3.