Riot Introduces Free Card Game Demon’s Hand to League of Legends Client

Riot Games is no stranger to using the League of Legends client as a versatile platform for various projects, ranging from exciting new game modes to engaging summer events and even associated visual novels. It’s a clever way to explore the rich universe of League beyond the usual gameplay. Remember when they rolled out a point-and-click adventure game called “Jinx Fixes Everything” alongside Arcane? That was within the League client too. Then, on March 19, they came up with something different entirely—a game called Demon’s Hand, which immediately stood out as a unique offering from Riot. It somewhat evokes the mind-bending feel of Inscryption, a twisting card game known for its surreal vibe.

Set within the sprawling universe of League of Legends, Demon’s Hand transports you to the ancient, battle-scarred Noxian plains. Here, I find myself sitting opposite a cryptic, bandaged figure at a card table. This mysterious character feeds me bits of lore about the conquest of Sahn-Uzal, the demon Atakhan, and even hints at my own enigmatic identity. Despite not knowing who I am, things take an eerie turn after defeating the first boss, as I watch my hands transform, sprouting sharp claws aching with a concealed rage.

The unsettling narrative of Demon’s Hand is expertly intertwined with its card game mechanics, which take a lot of cues from poker. Having spent an embarrassing amount of time on Balatro lately, I found myself quickly getting the hang of it. The game is visually striking, featuring painted wooden cards that depict Noxian warriors and creatures. The soundscape—filled with the sounds of low horns and drums—adds a sense of gravity and suspense to each move. A masked guide watches over me, silhouetted against a sun that twists and changes as my own form does. It’s an intriguing little game, though it’s brief—my first playthrough was wrapped up in about 20 minutes. While enjoyable, I can only see myself going back for a couple more rounds.

Stumbling upon an Inscryption-style narrative right in my League of Legends client was unexpected, but definitely not unwelcome. With both League and Demon’s Hand available for free, it’s certainly worth a look if you’re a fan of card game roguelikes and the deep lore of League.