In a spectacular reveal at PAX East, Wizards of the Coast pulled back the curtain on Magic: The Gathering: FINAL FANTASY, a highly anticipated Universes Beyond set that brings the legendary FINAL FANTASY franchise into the world of Magic. Launching June 13, the crossover set features characters, creatures, story moments, and visuals from every mainline FINAL FANTASY title, from the pixel days of the NES to the photorealistic drama of FINAL FANTASY XVI.
This marks the most comprehensive collection of FINAL FANTASY artwork ever released in a single game product, spanning sixteen core entries. Over 100 legendary creature cards are included, allowing players to summon the likes of Cloud Strife, Terra Branford, Yuna, Lightning, and even classic summons like Bahamut and Ifrit to the battlefield. Fans of the series can relive their favorite adventures in a whole new way, with art and flavor text designed to reflect key story moments, iconic weapons, and unforgettable battles.
“This collaboration is a sincere tribute to FINAL FANTASY as told through the lens of Magic: The Gathering,” said Zakeel Gordon, Executive Producer for Magic. “Whether you’re a FINAL FANTASY fan, a Magic: The Gathering player, or both, we hope players see our reverence for FINAL FANTASY reflected in everything from the artwork to the game design, all the way down to the flavor text.”
Magic the Gathering: FINAL FANTASY Gameplay: Magic Mechanics Meet RPG Flavor
While FINAL FANTASY provides the lore and imagery, the Magic team has infused this set with RPG-inspired mechanics that pay homage to the franchise’s tactical roots:
- Job Select: Equipment cards now feature a new ability called Job Select, mimicking FINAL FANTASY’s famous job system. Gear can drastically change a hero’s abilities, just like in the games.
- Saga Creatures: Legendary summons come to life as Saga Creatures, a brand-new Magic card type that evolves through phases, mirroring how Eidolons and Espers change the tide of battle.
- Transforming Double-Faced Cards: These cards reflect FINAL FANTASY’s narrative depth, turning minigames, boss fights, and pivotal story twists into gameplay-changing transformations.
- Tiered Spells: Inspired by FF’s spell tiers (like Fire → Fira → Firaga), this mechanic lets players invest more mana for stronger effects.
- Adventures and Landcycling also return, with town-based adventure cards and land fetch abilities to evoke exploration and overworld travel—key themes in the RPG series.
In addition, a Bonus Sheet titled FINAL FANTASY Through the Ages will include reprints of iconic Magic cards featuring official FINAL FANTASY artwork by legendary artists like Yoshitaka Amano and Tetsuya Nomura.
Magic the Gathering: FINAL FANTASY Commander Decks and Secret Lair Drops
Preconstructed Commander decks will also release alongside the main card set. Commander Decks usually revolve around the different factions present in the crossover content. This time around, each Commander Deck is themed around a specific FINAL FANTASY game. Although many players would love to see their favorite installment represented, it would be nearly impossible for Wizards of the Coast to include all sixteen games, so the four titles chosen include some of the most iconic games in the series.
- FINAL FANTASY VI – Embrace rebellion and Magitek mayhem.
- FINAL FANTASY VII – Lead the fight against Shinra with Avalanche.
- FINAL FANTASY X – Master Aeons and tackle the trials of Yevon.
- FINAL FANTASY XIV – Take on primal threats in the ever-expanding online world.
Along with the Commander Decks, collectors will enjoy three Secret Lair drops that offer exclusive FINAL FANTASY-themed cards with standout visual treatments in Secret Lair’s distinct style. Details on those releases are coming soon.
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Shoichi Ichikawa of Square Enix, producer of FINAL FANTASY VII: Ever Crisis, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“We hope that players appreciate and enjoy the care and attention to detail in every single card. This set was made by people who truly love FINAL FANTASY and Magic.”
The set is now available for preorder in Play Boosters, Collector Boosters, Bundles, and Commander Decks, as well as digital formats on MTG Arena. A special holiday release is also in the works for later in the year. Whether you’re a Black Mage main or a mono-blue control fanatic, Magic: The Gathering: FINAL FANTASY offers a nostalgic fusion of two legendary franchises, where Ultima spells meet counterspells, and Chocobos can join your deck.
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