Final Fantasy Commander Decks Full of Fun, Surprising References

Wizards of the Coast is gearing up for an exciting summer with their latest Universes Beyond collaboration, bringing the iconic world of Final Fantasy into the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Over the weekend, they unveiled a substantial portion of the cards from both the main set and the specialized Commander decks, sparking excitement and nostalgia among fans of the beloved video game series.

This crossover event spans the entire mainline of Final Fantasy games, from the inaugural Final Fantasy 1 to the upcoming Final Fantasy 16. The main set includes cards that represent key moments and characters from across the franchise. On the other hand, the Commander decks zoom in on four specific titles—Final Fantasy 6, 7, 10, and 14—with Commanders Terra, Cloud, Tidus, and Y'shtola leading the charge.

The cards showcased at the recent Magic: The Gathering panel at PAX East beautifully capture the essence of individual Final Fantasy characters. For instance, Cecil from Final Fantasy IV has a unique mechanic that reflects his transformation from a Dark Knight to a Paladin. Summons are brought to life with a "Saga Creature" setup, blending the mechanics of Magic with the lore of Final Fantasy.

Notable cards like Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER, feature stunning artwork by Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura, illustrating Sephiroth's evolution throughout Final Fantasy 7. Another highlight is the inclusion of Cids from each numbered Final Fantasy game, with a nod to the classic Cid from Final Fantasy XV.

Following the panel, Wizards of the Coast released the decklists for the four Commander decks, allowing fans to delve into the art and gameplay adaptations of these iconic games. The integration of Final Fantasy lore into Magic cards is both creative and respectful, with cards like Skullclamp drawing inspiration from the Jenova project in Final Fantasy 7, and Together, Forever evoking the emotional journey of Final Fantasy 10.

The set also embraces lighter, more humorous moments from the series. Clever Concealment pays homage to the Wall Market scene from Final Fantasy 7, while Secret Rendezvous offers four different versions of the Golden Saucer date scene, each featuring a potential date with Cloud.

Fans have been quick to appreciate the attention to detail, with cards from the Final Fantasy 14 set referencing specific in-game locations and memes, such as the "This is Thancred" meme and the Wondrous Tails book depicted on the Tome of Legends card.

The full set of Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy crossover will be released on June 13, 2025, with a pre-release weekend a week prior. Below are some of the products available for purchase:

Out June 13### Starter Kit

17$19.87 at Walmart$19.87 at AmazonOut June 13### Play Booster Box (30 Packs)

0$139.90 at Walmart$144.95 at AmazonOut June 13### Bundle

8$69.87 at Walmart$69.99 at AmazonOut June 13### Collector’s Edition Commander Deck Bundle

5$599.96 at AmazonOut June 13### Commander Deck Bundle

2$279.96 at AmazonOut June 13### Commander Deck 1 - Revival Trance

3$74.87 at Walmart$69.99 at AmazonOut June 13### Commander Deck 2 - Limit Break

8$74.87 at Walmart$69.99 at AmazonOut June 13### Commander Deck 3 - Counter Blitz

3$74.87 at Walmart$69.99 at AmazonOut June 13### Commander Deck 4 - Scions & Spellcraft

2$74.87 at Walmart$69.99 at AmazonOut June 13### Gift Bundle

3$159.99 at Walmart$89.99 at AmazonOut June 13### Collector Booster Box

1$709.99 at Walmart$455.88 at Amazon

This collaboration promises to bring a fresh and engaging experience to both Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy fans, blending the strategic depth of Magic with the rich storytelling of Final Fantasy. The detailed homage to the source material and the inclusion of beloved characters and moments make this set a must-have for enthusiasts of both franchises.