76

Riftforce is a fast-paced two-player duel card game where players draft different elemental guilds, combine their unique powers, and battle for control of the rifts. Players lay down cards and trigger powerful combos using numbers and colors to attack specific rows and score points.

Where to buy

If BGV helped you pick your next game, buying through our links helps our small team keep the site running. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

76

The Verdict

based on 21 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Simple rules with surprising strategic depth
Vibrant, colorblind-friendly art
High replayability via varied elemental guild drafts
Compact, portable, tense two-player dueling
Generic theme, lacks thematic identity
Close games can hinge on hand-refill timing
Tracking multiple faction powers can be fiddly
May lack depth for seasoned gamers long-term
90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Space-Biff!, Dan ThurotArticle

“What a delightful surprise. One of my favorite styles of play, and Riftforce has shown me a whole new way to think about a battle line.”

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
All You Can Board, All You Can BoardVideo

“I really really really love real force honestly like the the biggest the and i mean i should say the only criticism i can come up with and i mentioned with you is personally i don't i i would have found a different way to differentiate the lanes”(25:52)

88
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game Rundown, Board Game RundownVideo

“These guys knocked out of the park, honestly. Uh, One More Time Games, this is really solid, and I'm really glad we had a chance, uh, to check it out.”(12:35)

85
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
GamingTrendArticle

“I'm happy to say that Riftforce is a welcome addition to my collection. With its quick gameplay, beautiful art, and simple rules it is sure to make it to my table frequently.”

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Giant Brain, Iain McAllisterArticle

“Riftforce contains a huge amount of potential replayability. The variety of the powers, the simplicity of the rules, and the depth of play will see me backing it for sure and being a game I pull out to show people the potential of finely honed small box games.”

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Discriminating Gamer, The Discriminating GamerVideo

“Ray and I just had an absolute ball with Rift Force so the recommendation for Rift force is buy it”(4:58)

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board's Eye View, Board's Eye ViewArticle

“We've hugely enjoyed our plays of Riftforce. We loved the fact that the game has simple rules yet it allows for depth through the interplay of the various guild powers.”

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Dude! Take Your Turn!, whovian223Article

“If you are into 2-player games, Riftforce is a solid choice for your lunchtime entertainment.”

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
AV ClubArticle

“Riftforce checks all of these boxes: it's replayable, the interaction is constant, it's in a small box and could easily be carried without it, since it's just a large deck of cards and some damage point tokens.”

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game QuestArticle

“My shelf of two-player only games is pretty sparse. Even some of my favorites, like Sekigahara, have left my collection just because the opportunity to play a 3+ hour game with just one other player never arises. Riftforce, however, is going to stick around for now.”

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
One Board Family, Ryan GutowskiArticle

“Overall, Riftforce may not offer enough depth to keep seasoned gamers engaged long-term. However, it's probably just the right game for new gamers that are looking to experience a tight head-to-head card battle game with their spouse or child.”

78
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
What's Eric Playing?Article

“Riftforce has some nice and compelling back-and-forth play with lots of combat and damage for players who enjoy a little bit of violence in their two-player spaces. If that's you, you like modular games, or you just wanna be a crystal guy, you'll probably enjoy Riftforce! I think it's fun.”

Stay in the loop

Fresh reviews, hyped games and top lists — straight to your inbox, once a week.

Board Game Verdict

© 2026 Board Game Verdict

AboutMethodologyEthicsFAQContact usPrivacy policy·····