Riftbound Community FAQ

Showdown

Showdown occurs when a battlefield (BF) becomes contested

  • If the BF is uncontrolled, an open showdown without combat occurs
  • If the BF is controlled by another player, Combat occurs with showdown as a part of it
  • If the showdown is part of combat, the attacker and defender are the relevant players
    • Others may become relevant if triggers they control happen during showdown or if they are invited by a relevant player
    • The attacker is the controller of the unit that applied the contested status to the BF
  • If the showdown is not part of combat, all players are relevant players

Visualisation of Showdown: Link

If the showdown is part of combat, it may begin with an initial chain:

  • "When I attack" triggers are put on the chain first
  • "When I defend" triggers are put on top
  • Players may react

After the initial chain is resolved, focus goes to the player that contested the BF. A player with focus may do one of the following things:

  • Play an action or reaction spell
  • Activate legally timed abilities
    • Cards or abilities will start a chain, at the end of which focus will pass to the next relevant player
  • Invite players to act
    • Invitations may be refused
    • If accepted, the invited player gains focus and must play a spell or activate an ability right away
  • Pass focus

When all relevant players have passed in succession, showdown ends and a cleanup occurs. If there was no combat and the unit is still at the BF, it is conquered

  • If the player has already scored a point on that BF this turn (for example by holding it), the BF is not conquered again. No point is awarded and "When you conquer" triggers do not trigger.

Relevant CRD Rules:

528. Relevant Players
545. Showdown
630.1. Conquering

Going Further

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