Riot Integrates Free Card Game ‘Demon’s Hand’ into League of Legends Client

Riot Games has habitually integrated various projects into the League of Legends client, enhancing the way we engage with its universe beyond just the iconic MOBA. They’ve offered new game modes, seasonal events, and even visual novels. Remember when Arcane premiered? It came with a delightful surprise—a point-and-click adventure called Jinx Fixes Everything, right in the client. Now, as of March 19, there’s a fresh addition called Demon’s Hand. It’s a departure from what Riot typically delivers, channeling vibes reminiscent of the surreal card game Inscryption.

Demon’s Hand unfolds within the League of Legends realm, particularly across the storied Noxian plains. Imagine sitting across a card table from a cryptic, bandaged figure who dishes out fragments of lore about Sahn-Uzal’s conquest, the demon Atakhan, and the enigma of your own identity. It’s a mystery since my character’s past is clouded, yet triumphing over the game’s first boss reveals a startling twist: my hands transform with ominous claws, hinting at a latent wrath.

This captivating and eerie narrative is beautifully complemented by the game’s card mechanics, clearly inspired by poker. Given my recent deep dive into Balatro, adapting to Demon’s Hand was seamless. Visually, the game stands out; those wooden slabs adorned with Noxian warriors and creatures are a treat. The audio—blaring horns and rhythmic drums—intensifies the suspense, giving weight to each move. My enigmatic guide, masked and shadowed against the shifting sun, adds to the game’s atmospheric allure. It’s a neat little diversion that’s over fairly quickly—my initial playthrough wrapped up in just about 20 minutes, and I could perhaps only muster a couple more attempts.

Discovering a narrative reminiscent of Inscryption tucked inside my League of Legends client was indeed unexpected, but it’s a welcome surprise. Both League and Demon’s Hand are free, so if you enjoy roguelike card games or are keen on League’s lore, I’d suggest diving into this intriguing experiment.