Riot Games has unveiled a new roguelike card mini-game within the League of Legends client, called The Demon’s Hand. While the game comes with minimal instructions, players can turn to our comprehensive guide for everything they need to know, including gameplay mechanics, ranks, suits, hand types, and more.
Ultimate Guide to Playing The Demon’s Hand
You can dive into The Demon’s Hand directly through the League client after updating to the latest version.
To grasp the mechanics of The Demon’s Hand, think of it as a Poker-inspired game. Each card features three critical elements: a picture, a number (comparable to Poker ranks like Jack, Queen, King, and Ace), and a suit. The card’s picture denotes its rank, simplifying your choices. For instance, two cards showing the number five will have identical images.
Your objective is to create the optimal five-card hand to attack your opponent. As you progress, you’ll unlock different Sigils (power-ups) that enhance your damage output. Each round allows you to discard up to three times, and you can discard up to five cards in each action.
After forming the best hand possible, click the Attack button. The game will then compute your damage based on your hand’s rank, as well as any effects from your Sigils or match conditions.
On the table, there’s also an Attack Coin. With every attack you make, this coin’s value decreases. Once it hits zero, your opponent retaliates.
Your opponent will also have a visible card at the top of the table, displaying their identity and two numbers. The black number in the bottom left indicates the damage they’ll inflict when the Attack Coin reaches zero, while the red number in the bottom right shows their current health.
In each match, aim to deplete your opponent’s health while minimizing the damage you take from them.
As you defeat enemies, you’ll traverse a branching map with varied destinations, including tougher foes for better rewards, a shop for Sigils, and a campfire to recuperate health. Each map culminates in a boss fight, featuring unique mechanics and elevated Health and Damage stats.
The ultimate goal in The Demon’s Hand is to navigate each map strategically, using your Sigils to conquer bosses and survive till the end.
Comprehensive List of Hand Rankings and Damage Outputs
The hand rankings in The Demon’s Hand align closely with traditional Poker but feature distinct nomenclature. Every Attack or hand delivers unique Base Damage, which can be influenced through various modifiers such as Sigils, Critical Damage Cards, and match conditions.
Below are the hand rankings (Attacks) along with their damage details:
| Attack/Hand | Poker Equivalent | Description | Base Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | High Card | Single high value card | 10 |
| Dyad | Pair | Two cards of the same number | 20 |
| Dyad Set | Two Pair | Two sets of Dyads | 40 |
| Triad | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same number | 80 |
| Tetrad | Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same number | 100 |
| March | Straight | Five sequential number cards | 125 |
| Horde | Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 175 |
| Grand Warhost | Full House | Three cards of the same number and 2 cards of another number | 400 |
| Marching Horde | Straight Flush | Five cards of sequential order in the same suit | 600 |
| The Demon’s Hand | Royal Flush | Five highest value cards in the same suit | 2000 |
- Solo (High Card) – A single high-value card
- Dyad (Pair) – Two cards sharing the same number
- Dyad Set (Two Pair) – Two sets of Dyads
- Triad (Three of a Kind) – Three identical cards
- Tetrad (Four of a Kind) – Four identical cards
- March (Straight) – Five sequential cards
- Horde (Flush) – Five cards of the same suit
- Grand Warhost (Full House) – Three cards of one rank and two of another
- Marching Horde (Straight Flush) – Five sequential suits
- The Demon’s Hand (Royal Flush) – Five of the highest ranked cards in a suit
Complete List of Sigils and Their Effects
Throughout your journey in The Demon’s Hand, you will encounter various points on the map where you can purchase Sigils in exchange for the Gold you earn during your run. These Sigils offer unique abilities, enabling you to develop diverse playstyles. Players can equip up to six Sigils at once and have the option to sell unwanted Sigils for 2 Gold each at vendors.
Most Sigils obtained initially are Common. Engaging in League of Legends matches and completing missions can unlock up to 24 more powerful Rare Sigils.
Here’s a list of all the common Sigils available in The Demon’s Hand:
All Common Sigils in The Demon’s Hand
| Sigil | Effect | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment | Attacks that involve a March deal +70 damage. | 7 |
| Alignment+ | Attacks that involve a March deal +140 damage. | 20 |
| Authority | Grants +70% damage if the Attack contains only Command Cards (Jack, Queen, King, Ace). | 14 |
| Conformity | Deals +70% damage if the Attack contains only cards of the same rank. | 15 |
| Conversion | Grants 2 Gold for each unused Discard at the end of battle. | 11 |
| Dismissal | Every discarded card grants +5% damage to the next Attack. | 6 |
| Dismissal+ | Every discarded card grants +10% damage to the next Attack. | 15 |
| Dyadic | Attacks containing a Dyad deal +30 damage for each Dyad present. | 7 |
| Dyadic+ | Attacks containing a Dyad deal +70 damage for each Dyad present. | 18 |
| Flow | Attacks containing a Horde deal +100 damage. | 8 |
| Flow+ | Attacks containing a Horde deal +200 damage. | 20 |
| Fortification | Reduces damage from the enemy’s first Attack by 50%. | 9 |
| Harmony | Attacks containing a Grand Warhost deal +150 damage. | 7 |
| Harmony+ | Attacks containing a Grand Warhost deal +300 damage. | 18 |
| Heroism | Command cards remain in attacks. | 6 |
| Isolation | Solo Attacks deal +40 damage. | 6 |
| Isolation+ | Solo Attacks deal +100 damage. | 15 |
| Luck | Enhances the chance to draw Critical cards by 5%. | 12 |
| Malice | First Attack of each battle delivers +30% damage. | 11 |
| Malice+ | First Attack of each battle delivers +60% damage. | 22 |
| Meditation | Heals for 40% of damage taken following each battle. | 10 |
| Protection | Reduces all damage taken by 1 (increases to 3 when health falls below 50%). | 12 |
| Rage | Delivers +30% damage when health is below 50%. | 14 |
| Reckoning | Deals +25 damage. Each enemy defeated grants a permanent +5 damage. | 12 |
| Refusal | Increases discard count by 1. | 9 |
| Refusal+ | Increases discard count by 2. | 18 |
| Respite | Delays all enemy Attacks by 1 turn. | 14 |
| Rushing | Deals +75 damage, decreasing by 15 after each battle. | 8 |
| Solitude | Solo Attack grants +125% extra damage for the subsequent Attack. | 22 |
| Tempo | Grants an additional +15 damage after each Attack in battle. | 6 |
| Tempo+ | Grants an additional +30 damage after each Attack in battle. | 15 |
| The Commander | Command cards deliver +30 damage. | 10 |
| The Commander+ | Command cards deliver +70 damage. | 23 |
| The Mastermind | Grants an additional +20% damage this battle if an Attack has not yet been used. | 24 |
| The Moon | Cards in the Moon suit deliver +15 damage. | 6 |
| The Quest | Grants +75% damage to a random Attack type after each enemy attack. | 16 |
| The Spy | Every 2-3 discarded cards places a Command card from the deck on top before drawing. | 7 |
| The Sun | Cards in the Sun suit deal +15 damage. | 6 |
| The Swarm | Delivers +125 damage if the Attack contains 3 or more cards. | 23 |
| Triadic | Attacks containing a Triad deal +85 damage. | 8 |
| Triadic+ | Attacks containing a Triad deal +170 damage. | 20 |
| Weakening | Reduces 50% damage from the enemy’s next Attack if the Attack contains a Critical card. | 8 |
How to Obtain Rare Sigils
Riot Graydiance has shared that Rare Sigils in The Demon’s Hand drop randomly based on the time spent in various League games. Players seeking quicker progress and enjoyment in Arena mode can benefit, as it accelerates the invisible missions that track progress toward unlocking Rare Sigils by 30% faster than in Summoner’s Rift or ARAM modes.
Unlocking all 24 Rare Sigils requires extensive gameplay in League of Legends.
Complete List of Rare Sigils in The Demon’s Hand
Here is the collection of Rare Sigils discovered thus far:
| Sigil | Type | Effect | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) The Stone | Damage | Cards in the Stone suit deal +10% damage. | 10 |
| (2) The Fire | Damage | Cards in the Fire suit deal +10% damage. | 10 |
| (3) Remembrance | Damage | Deals +2 Damage for each card not currently in the deck. | 11 |
| (6) The Miracle | Damage | Attacks with only Critical Cards deal +200% damage. | 14 |
| (7) Fervor | Damage | Grants +0% chance to draw Critical Cards, reduced by 4% after each battle. | 14 |
| (8) Scarring | Damage | Deals +0 Damage and gains +7 damage after each enemy Attack. | 15 |
| (9) Kinship | Damage | Deals +30% damage if Attack consists only of cards of the same color. | 15 |
| (10) Onslaught | Damage | Delivers +5% damage for each card used in an Attack. | 16 |
| (11) Rejection | Damage | Deals +35 damage for each card not scored in an Attack. | 20 |
| (12) Rhythm | Damage | Deals +50 damage for each unique Attack type played this battle. | 20 |
| (1) The Feint | Utility | Draws a Critical Card after executing a Solo Attack. | 7 |
| (4) Desperation | Utility | Grants an additional Discard after each enemy attack. | 13 |
| (1) Charisma | Economy | Reduces costs of purchasing and re-rolling Sigils by 1 Gold. | 5 |
| (2) The Beggar | Economy | Gains 1 Gold if the Attack contains 3 or more number cards. | 9 |
| (3) Repetition | Economy | Grants Gold equal to the number of times an Attack has been executed in this battle (up to 3). | 15 |
| (2) Reflection | Other | After each enemy Attack, the lowest value card in hand becomes a duplicate of the highest rank card in hand. | 19 |
| (3) Rebounding | Other | Gains a Discard if the Attack contains 5 cards. | 25 |
Unlocking Seasonal Rewards in The Demon’s Hand
The Demon’s Hand mini-game is available for six weeks, featuring four unique limited-time missions. Completing these missions rewards players with various themed items. Below are the seasonal rewards and how to obtain them:
- The Demon’s Hand Emote – Earned by finishing the Story Mode in The Demon’s Hand, along with 500 Battle Pass Experience.
- Illustrative Icon – Achieved by completing Hard Mode in The Demon’s Hand, granting 250 Battle Pass Experience.
- The Demon’s Hand Icon – Obtained by finishing Demon Mode in The Demon’s Hand, rewarded with 250 Battle Pass Experience.
- The Demon’s Hand Title – Earned by collecting all 24 Rare Sigils, providing an additional 250 Battle Pass Experience.
Top Strategies for Winning in The Demon’s Hand
As a roguelike game, every run through The Demon’s Hand can differ significantly. With numerous randomized elements, some sessions will feel easier than others. Crafting the best strategy with the tools provided by the game is essential for success. Here are some foundational tips to enhance your performance in The Demon’s Hand:
- Plan Ahead. Remember that Discards are available only for the duration of the encounter. Be cautious of burning through your options against high-health enemies without clear foresight. If you’re holding a hand like a Dyad or March and have several choices, consider holding back cards that could contribute to a Horde in upcoming hands.
- Utilize Five Cards in Solo Attacks. If your hand offers limited options, maximize your use by employing a Solo Attack (high card) while selecting five cards; this merely uses up the others. This can help you draw more valuable cards for your hands.
- Synergize Sigil Effects. While it’s tempting to grab any beneficial Sigil, it’s more effective to pick those that complement one another. For example, pairing Dyadic Sigils with Harmony Sigils will improve your overall damage output when executing a Grand Warhost Attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the mini-game The Demon’s Hand available?
The Demon’s Hand mini-game will be available for six weeks, during which players can complete special missions for rewards.
What are Sigils in The Demon’s Hand?
Sigils are bonuses that provide unique effects, enhancing gameplay and damage output. Players can collect and equip multiple Sigils during their runs.
How can I save my progress in The Demon’s Hand?
Your progress in The Demon’s Hand is automatically saved within the League of Legends client, meaning you can return to your run whenever you choose.
Are there rewards for playing The Demon’s Hand?
Yes, completing missions within The Demon’s Hand allows players to earn various themed rewards, including emotes, icons, and titles.