Magic: The Gathering Meets Final Fantasy in an Epic Crossover
Magic: the Gathering has been a staple in the Trading Card world for over 30 years and can be considered as one of the first, the Grandaddy of Trading Card Games, if you will.
In recent years, MTG's most popular and best selling products have been those that revolve around Collaboration with other big names. Whether that be in relation to something like Warhammer 40000, Lord of the Rings (Remember that 1 of 1) or even Assassins Creed, all of these franchises, hobbies and games all have one thing in common. Their fan bases are huge, passionate even obsessed!
Now it's my turn to join the club, because Magic: The Gathering has been diligently working on their next big collab... This new collaboration is with non other than the Final Fantasy franchise!
Square Enix (formally Square Soft) who have developed a whopping 16 games in this franchise now can add the Magic: The Gathering feather to their cap. Barring in mind that Square Enix are not exactly new to the TCG market seeing as the have their own dedicated Final Fantasy TCG series with the Opus expansions.
But when the Grandaddy of TCGs comes a' callin, you answer!
The Final Fantasy fanbase are Hardcore.. and I am one of them. Yes, most of us latch onto one or two games in particular in the franchise, and this new TCG crossover should deliver to absolutely every single one of them!
Covering the entire 16 individual games, their famous & infamous characters as well as all of the detailed archetypes you can expect from the many worlds in Final Fantasy.. Here's what we can expect!
In one of the most anticipated crossovers in trading card game history, Magic: The Gathering is teaming up with Final Fantasy to launch a Universes Beyond set like no other. Set to release in June 2025, this collaboration is not only a love letter to fans of both franchises but also a groundbreaking expansion that brings decades of storytelling and iconic characters into a new realm of play.
A Legendary Union
For years, fans have speculated and dreamt about what it would look like if the spells and planes of Magic intersected with the magic and mythology of Final Fantasy. That dream is finally becoming reality. This crossover will feature content from all sixteen mainline Final Fantasy games, encompassing an immense range of characters, settings, and lore.
What makes this release particularly special is that it marks the first time a Universes Beyond set will be Standard-legal. This means players can bring Final Fantasy cards to the tournament table, not just the kitchen table a major step for crossover content in Magic's competitive play.
Fan-Favourite Faces Return
Fans of the Final Fantasy series will be delighted to see legendary characters making their debut in cardboard form. Leading the charge are heroes and anti-heroes like Cloud Strife (FFVII), Sephiroth, Terra Branford (FFVI), Tidus (FFX), and Y’shtola (FFXIV). Even deeper cuts like Emet-Selch and Cecil Harvey from FFIV are represented, with unique card mechanics that reflect their in-game roles and transformations.
Some cards go even further in honouring the source material—like a double-faced Cecil card that allows him to evolve from Dark Knight to Paladin mid-game, or summoning spells that reflect classic Final Fantasy summons like Shiva, Ifrit, and Bahamut, designed with Magic’s signature flair.
Innovative Mechanics and Gorgeous Art
This set isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it brings fresh mechanics into the game, many inspired directly by Final Fantasy’s RPG systems. Players will see new "Saga Creatures," cards that combine narrative storytelling with combat power. A card like Summon: Shiva progresses through phases like a Saga, ending in a powerful creature entering the battlefield.
In terms of visual presentation, this is arguably one of the most stunning sets Wizards of the Coast has ever produced. Artwork from Final Fantasy legends like Yoshitaka Amano and Tetsuya Nomura graces select cards, offering collectors a rich variety of alternate art styles, from elegant to high fantasy to stylized modern takes.
A Product for Every Kind of Player
Wizards has ensured that both veteran Planeswalkers and new fans have multiple ways to enjoy this crossover. The June release includes:
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Commander Decks: Four pre-constructed decks themed around Final Fantasy VI, VII, X, and XIV. Each deck features a central commander—like Cloud, Terra, Tidus, or Y’shtola—built to reflect each character’s gameplay essence.
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Starter Kit: A great entry point for beginners, this set includes two ready-to-play decks that introduce Magic mechanics using Final Fantasy characters.
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Collector Boosters: Premium foil cards, exclusive art variants, and showcase treatments aimed at collectors and superfans.
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Bundles and Gift Boxes: Perfect for gifting or a personal treat, these packs offer a mix of booster packs, lands, and themed accessories.
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Accessories: Playmats, card sleeves, and deck boxes featuring Final Fantasy imagery to bring style to every match.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
This crossover is more than a marketing gimmick—it’s a cultural celebration of two storytelling giants that have shaped fantasy for generations. Whether you're summoning Knights of the Round in Final Fantasy VII or unleashing a massive combo in Commander, this set lets you do it with style, strategy, and a sense of wonder.
June 2025 can’t come soon enough.
