Wizards of the Coast just gave fans their most ambitious crossover yet. The Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy set, dropping June 13, packs over 400 cards inspired by Square Enix’s legendary RPG series. Featuring all 16 mainline Final Fantasy games, the new expansion isn't just a mashup of worlds—it’s a masterful blend of gameplay and nostalgia that targets both MTG players and Final Fantasy fans.
Over 400 Cards Fuse Final Fantasy Heroes With MTG Mechanics
The main set includes more than 400 cards, with four pre-constructed Commander decks each containing 100 cards. The cards aren’t random guest appearances either. Each one is designed to reflect the character, story, and gameplay style from the original Final Fantasy titles. Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, Terra, Kefka, and Yuna all have unique abilities that feel true to their games—and strategic in MTG.
One of the most eye-catching features is the use of double-faced cards. Just like Final Fantasy battles often shift in real-time, these cards transform mid-game. Cecil from FFIV switches from Dark Knight to Paladin based on your life total. Sephiroth evolves into One-Winged Angel when you pull off his signature move—turning the card’s flavor into functional power.
Final Fantasy: Through The Ages Brings Iconic Artwork And Card Reprints
Alongside the main set is the Through The Ages bonus sheet. It reimagines 64 classic Magic cards using Final Fantasy themes and artwork. These aren’t just skins—they’re fusion concepts. A card like Atraxa, Grand Unifier, takes on the form of Sephiroth, complete with art from Tetsuya Nomura. These cards will appear in one out of every three Play Boosters and Collector Boosters, making them highly collectible.
The bonus sheet features 4 cards for each Final Fantasy game, giving players another layer of deck-building options. It's a smart move that appeals to longtime MTG players who love the old cards, and Final Fantasy fans who want to see their favorite characters in new roles.
Sephiroth And Aerith Create A Morbidly Brilliant Synergy
Some of the most talked-about cards from the recent PAX East reveal are Final Fantasy VII’s Sephiroth and Aerith. Their mechanics even recreate one of gaming’s most infamous moments. Sephiroth lets you sacrifice creatures to draw cards—echoing his ruthless combat style. Aerith, on the other hand, grows stronger as you gain life and passes her +1/+1 counters to other legendary creatures when she dies.
Their interaction encourages players to use Sephiroth to sacrifice Aerith, not just for value, but for flavor. It’s grim, but it fits the story perfectly. This kind of thematic design—where gameplay mirrors narrative—is rare and well executed.
Job Select Cards Mirror Final Fantasy Class Systems
The set introduces Job Select cards that create Hero tokens and instantly equip them with gear. Casting a Black Mage’s Rod turns your creature into a Wizard. Using a White Mage’s Staff makes them a Cleric. This mechanic captures the essence of Final Fantasy’s class system in a way that’s both intuitive and powerful.
These combos open up new strategies. For example, Yuna from FFX can resurrect enchantment creatures, making your Summons more flexible. Pair her with a Job Select Grimoire, and you can flood the board with powerful creatures faster than your opponent expects.
Adventure Lands And New Mechanics Change The Battlefield
For the first time, Magic introduces the Adventure mechanic on land cards. Zanarkand from FFX lets you cast a spell first, then use the card as a land. This twist on land utility adds another layer of decision-making to the game, inspired by Final Fantasy’s strategic use of locations and resources.
Another highlight is the Tiered Magic system, seen in cards like Fire Magic. Spells grow stronger depending on how much mana you invest, mimicking the charge-up style of magic casting in the games.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have For Fans Of Both Franchises
Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy isn’t just a crossover—it’s a carefully crafted celebration. It respects the mechanics of both MTG and Final Fantasy, blending them into something that’s more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re building a deck around Gilgamesh’s equipment overload or playing a control game with Zodiark’s board wipe, this set delivers variety and depth.
Square Enix and Wizards of the Coast didn’t just slap logos on cards. They created a set where every draw feels like pulling a Limit Break. With prerelease events starting June 6 and full release on June 13, players will soon get to test their strategies in a world where crystals, summons, and mana collide.