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The League of Legends tabletop spinoff is Tellstones: King’s Gambit, a bluffing game Riot announced in 2020 for two or four players. Riot describes it as a Demacian version of a game played across Runeterra—but that is fictional lore, not evidence that Tellstones is an ancient real-world board game.
What is Tellstones: King’s Gambit?
Riot Games announced Tellstones: King’s Gambit as its next board game in a January 11, 2020 post about its tabletop projects. Riot calls it a bluffing game with perfect information for two or four players. The announcement does not provide a full rulebook or a release-status update. Riot’s Riot Tabletop announcement
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Is Tellstones actually ancient?
Not according to the evidence Riot provides. The company says Tellstones is “a Demacian variant of a game played across Runeterra.” Demacia and Runeterra belong to League of Legends’ fictional setting, so the description places the game’s tradition in that world. It does not establish an ancient historical game from our own world or identify a real-world origin.
“Ancient” therefore works as a reference to the game’s fictional lore or as headline framing, not as a verified historical claim. Riot’s announcement also does not identify a real historical antecedent.
#1 Best Overall
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How does it compare with Mechs vs. Minions?
Riot positioned Tellstones as a smaller, competitive, faster-playing contrast to its first tabletop title, Mechs vs. Minions. The comparison is about the games’ intended style and physical presentation; Riot’s announcement does not establish exact playtime, review quality, or current availability for Tellstones.
| Riot’s description | Mechs vs. Minions | Tellstones: King’s Gambit |
|---|---|---|
| Play style | Cooperative | Competitive bluffing |
| Physical scale | Large game loaded with miniatures | Smaller |
| Emphasis | Narrative content | Faster play |
These are Riot’s characterizations in its 2020 announcement, not independent assessments.
Rank #2
- AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURE – The Trekking the National Parks Board Game 3rd Edition features upgraded artwork, a new Solo Mode, and engaging play that blends fun with learning. A favorite among educational board games and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Is Tellstones available now?
Riot’s announcement confirms the game’s name and format, but does not establish whether it is currently sold or in stock. A separate Riot Games Store page checked October 8, 2026 lists Mechs vs. Minions Classic Edition as a preorder, with estimated fulfillment beginning December 30, 2026. That listing concerns a different game and cannot confirm Tellstones’ availability. Riot Games Store: Mechs vs. Minions Classic Edition
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Riot’s later publishing news concerns separate projects, not Tellstones. In 2025, Riot named UVS Games as the publishing and distribution partner for Project K, a trading-card-game property; that announcement does not establish a connection between UVS and Tellstones. Riot’s Project K announcement
Rank #3
- Designed by MTG Champions: The Ascension Game 4th Edition was created by Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour Champions for a great ttrpg gaming experience in a single box
- Strategic Deckbuilding Game: Spend runes and acquire power to defeat monsters and build your hand in this strategic deck building game set in a unique fantasy world
- Remastered for Improved Gameplay: Experience better gameplay than ever before with Ascension’s remastered and refined game cards. Now offering new Solo Play allowing the card game to be played with 1-4 players
- New Game Board and Card Art: Features an all new premium Ascension game board and card art to awe fellow players at your next game night
- What’s Included: 181 Cards, 50 Honor Tokens, Premium Game Board, and a Rulebook. Ages 13+
Likewise, Riot’s 2024 decision to end new game development under Riot Forge followed the release of Bandle Tale and involved that third-party game-publishing label. Riot Forge is distinct from the 2020 Riot Tabletop announcement, so the change does not by itself establish Tellstones’ status. Riot’s 2024 player update and League of Legends’ Riot Forge explainer
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board - when you have five in a row, it’s a SEQUENCE
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- Easy enough for children, challenging for adults!
- Exciting gameplay develops STEM skills like strategy
- Includes 1 Folding Game Board (19.75" x 15.25"), 2 Decks of SEQUENCE Playing Cards (2.25" x 3.5"), 135 Playing Chips (50 Green, 50 Blue, 35 Red), and Complete Instructions
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