Even if you're not a dedicated player of Magic: The Gathering, you've likely heard about its exciting crossovers with popular video game franchises like Fallout, Tomb Raider, and Assassin’s Creed. Now, we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive first look at one of the most anticipated collaborations yet: Final Fantasy. This set isn't just about one game but features iconic characters from four different mainline Final Fantasy titles—ranging from Terra to Y’shtola—each represented in specially curated Commander decks.
Flip through the image gallery below to see the lead card and packaging for each deck. Then, continue reading for an in-depth discussion with Wizards of the Coast about what you can expect from these decks, why these particular games were selected, and much more.
Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering - Commander Decks Reveal
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Set to launch this June, the Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy crossover will be a fully draftable, Standard-legal set, complemented by four preconstructed Commander decks showcased in the gallery above. Each deck contains 100 cards, featuring a blend of reprints with new Final Fantasy artwork and brand new cards tailored specifically for the Commander format. These decks are uniquely themed around individual Final Fantasy games—specifically, games 6, 7, 10, and 14.
“Final Fantasy games are rich with flavor, beloved characters, and unique settings, providing ample material to craft a full deck around a single game,” explains Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt, who leads the Commander aspect of the set. “Focusing on one game allowed us to delve deeply into its lore, capturing cherished moments from the storyline that might have been overlooked otherwise.”
The selection of these four Final Fantasy games was a strategic choice, balancing gameplay considerations with the popularity of each game's narrative. While Final Fantasy 7 and 14 were clear choices, 6 and 10 required more discussion, partly because they are favorites among the team. “This project saw immense enthusiasm from everyone at Wizards of the Coast, given the passion for Final Fantasy among our staff,” Holt notes.
Navigating the narrative direction, especially for Final Fantasy 7, was complex given the ongoing remake trilogy. Dillon Deveney, Principal Narrative Game Designer and Narrative Lead for the set, clarifies that while the deck's art incorporates elements from both the original and the remakes, the story itself remains true to the 1997 classic. “Our aim was to honor the original Final Fantasy VII narrative while enhancing it with the modern aesthetics from the remakes,” Deveney says. “We chose to either replicate scenes from the original, reinterpret them through the modern lens, or creatively blend both, ensuring a nostalgic yet fresh experience for all players.”
AnswerSee ResultsAddressing the challenge of Final Fantasy 6's nostalgic appeal, Deveney explains that they aimed to stay true to the game's pixel art and limited concept art while enhancing them. “We wanted the character designs to evoke how fans remember them, blending various references and new ideas,” he says. The team worked closely with the Final Fantasy 6 creators, pulling from Yoshitaka Amano’s original concept art, the original game sprites, and the Pixel Remaster portraits to create a cohesive and updated look.
Choosing the lead characters for each deck was a thoughtful process. While Cloud was a straightforward pick for Final Fantasy 7, other choices involved more deliberation. Celes was considered for 6 given its focus on the World of Ruin, and Yuna was a contender for 10. Ultimately, the team opted for the lead characters of each game, with Final Fantasy 14 featuring Y’shtola during her Shadowbringers arc. Holt mentions they explored a customizable “Warrior of Light” concept but decided to celebrate the personal hero's journey within the existing framework.
Crafting a deck that encapsulates an entire game's story, characters, and themes within Magic's five-color system required careful planning. Holt explains that the color identity was chosen to reflect both the game's theme and the desired gameplay. All four decks include White to accommodate the wide range of heroes, while each deck's strategy aligns with its source material. For example, the Final Fantasy 6 deck focuses on rebuilding from the graveyard, reflecting the game's World of Ruin phase. Final Fantasy 7 leverages Cloud's swordplay with equipment strategies, enhanced by green to incorporate 'power matters' and lifestream themes. The Final Fantasy 10 deck captures the essence of the Sphere Grid system, empowering creatures through a white-blue-green strategy. The Final Fantasy 14 deck, with its white-blue-black identity, emphasizes noncreature spells while featuring key characters.
Beyond the lead characters, Holt assures fans that the decks will also celebrate the broader cast of each game. “Final Fantasy games are filled with both beloved and villainous characters, and it was crucial to include them in these decks,” he says. “While specifics on characters and abilities are under wraps, fans can look forward to seeing their favorites as new legendary creatures and in action-packed spells within each deck's 99 cards.”
The Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy set will be released on June 13. Even if your favorite Final Fantasy game or character isn't featured in these decks, Holt reassures that all sixteen mainline games will have their moment in the accompanying products. Echoing the successful model of the Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks from 2022, these decks will be available in both regular (MSRP $69.99) and Collector’s Edition (MSRP $149.99) versions, the latter featuring a special Surge foil treatment for all 100 cards.
Read on for the full, unedited interview with Wizards of the Coast’s Daniel Holt and Dillon Deveney:
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