Magic: The Gathering, a trading card game with a rich history spanning decades, is teaming up with Square Enix to bring fans an extraordinary Final Fantasy-themed card set. This collaboration merges the iconic characters, locations, and creatures from the beloved Final Fantasy series with the strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of trading card games, this guide breaks down all the available products to help you decide which ones fit your interests and playstyle.
Commander Decks Designed for Final Fantasy Fans
The highlight of this crossover is the specially crafted Commander decks, tailored for Magic’s popular multiplayer format where players build 100-card decks led by a unique commander card. Four decks represent different Final Fantasy titles: Final Fantasy VI featuring Terra, Final Fantasy VII with Cloud, Final Fantasy X starring Tidus, and Final Fantasy XIV showcasing Y’shtola. Priced around $70 each, these decks offer a competitive and diverse card pool, making them ideal for players who want to dive into Commander mode or who have a favorite Final Fantasy game. Collector’s Editions with foil versions of every card are also available but come at a premium price.
Play Boosters: Collect and Expand Your Deck
For those who simply want to collect or build their own decks, Play Boosters are the standard option. Each booster pack costs about $7 and contains 14 Final Fantasy-themed cards. Buying a full box, which runs just over $200, is a great way to amass a large collection. These boosters provide a straightforward way to enjoy the set’s variety without committing to a full deck.
Collector Boosters: Chase the Rarest Cards
Collector Boosters offer a more exclusive experience, containing cards with higher rarity and unique aesthetics. These packs are perfect for collectors aiming to obtain the most visually striking and valuable cards in the set. However, they are produced in limited quantities and are unlikely to be reprinted, so availability can be scarce. Securing these early is advisable for those interested in the rarest Final Fantasy Magic cards.
Bundles That Offer Value and Extras
Final Fantasy Bundle
This bundle includes nine Play Boosters, 32 land cards (half full-art and half foil), a spindown die for tracking life totals, and a deck box. Priced at $69.99, it’s a solid choice for players who want a mix of cards and useful accessories.
Gift Bundle
An upgraded version of the standard bundle, the Gift Bundle adds a Collector Booster to the mix alongside nine Play Boosters, 32 full-art lands (split evenly between foil and non-foil), a spindown, and a storage box. It retails for approximately $89.99, offering more value for collectors and players alike.
Pre-Release Pack: Experience the Thrill of Early Play
Magic: The Gathering hosts special Pre-Release events where players can get early access to new sets. The Pre-Release Pack, sold exclusively at these events, contains six booster packs, a special rare or mythic rare card, a deck box, and a spindown die. Players use these cards to build a 40-card limited deck and compete in tournaments, often with prizes for winners. This is an excellent opportunity for newcomers to experience the game’s competitive side and for veterans to test new strategies.
Starter Decks for Casual Play
For those interested in a more relaxed introduction to Magic: The Gathering, the Starter Deck pack features two pre-built decks themed around Cloud and Sephiroth. Priced at $19.99, this set is perfect for casual gaming sessions or for players who want a quick way to jump into the Final Fantasy universe within Magic.