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Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy Crossover Brings Beloved Characters to Life

Wizards of the Coast has unveiled more details about the upcoming Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy collaboration, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The crossover includes both a main booster set and specially designed Commander decks, packed with references that pay homage to the beloved RPG series.

The main set spans the entire Final Fantasy franchise, featuring characters and elements from Final Fantasy I through XVI. Meanwhile, the Commander decks focus on four iconic titles—Final Fantasy VI, VII, X, and XIV—each led by a legendary character: Terra, Cloud, Tidus, and Y’shtola.

Clever Mechanics and Nostalgic Callbacks

One standout feature is how the cards creatively blend Magic’s gameplay with Final Fantasy’s lore. For example, Cecil from Final Fantasy IV has a mechanic reflecting his transformation from Dark Knight to Paladin. Summons, a staple in Final Fantasy, appear as “Saga Creatures,” powerful but temporary forces on the battlefield.

Fans were particularly delighted by Sephiroth’s card, which showcases his evolution from a young SOLDIER to his infamous One-Winged Angel form. The artwork, contributed by Final Fantasy veteran Tetsuya Nomura, adds an extra layer of authenticity.

And, of course, no Final Fantasy set would be complete without Cid. The collection includes a version of Cid from each mainline game, with Final Fantasy XV’s older Cid making the cut over his daughter, Cindy.

Commander Decks Packed With Surprises

The recently revealed Commander decklists have sparked discussions among fans, who are uncovering clever references and nods to the original games. Reprints of classic Magic cards have been reimagined with Final Fantasy themes—for example, Skullclamp now features imagery from FFVII’s Jenova Project.

Emotional moments from the series also make an appearance. Together, Forever tugs at the heartstrings of Final Fantasy X fans, while Inspiring Call immortalizes one of the game’s most meme-worthy scenes.

Lighthearted Touches and Deep-Cut References

The set doesn’t shy away from humor, either. Clever Concealment playfully references FFVII’s Wall Market sequence, where Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa don disguises. Meanwhile, Secret Rendezvous offers four different versions of FFVII’s Golden Saucer date scene, featuring Aerith, Tifa, Yuffie, and Barret.

Final Fantasy XIV fans have been especially thrilled with the attention to detail. Cards like Hildibrand Manderville and Archaeomancer’s Map include subtle nods to in-game moments, sparking discussions and memes within the community. Even the Tome of Legends card replicates the Wondrous Tails journal, complete with the frustration of missing a four-in-a-row reward.

A Must-Have for Fans of Both Franchises

With its mix of deep-cut references, emotional callbacks, and clever mechanics, this crossover is shaping up to be a treat for Magic and Final Fantasy enthusiasts alike. The full set arrives on June 13, 2025, with pre-release events starting a week earlier.

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