On May 10, 2025, the eagerly awaited Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY set made its grand debut at the PAX East convention in Boston, MA. This crossover set has fans buzzing with excitement as it merges the beloved Final Fantasy universe with the iconic trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. The showcase featured a behind-the-scenes panel hosted by Ben Starr, the English-language voice actor for Final Fantasy XVI's main character, Clive Rosfeld. Joining him were Wizards of the Coast (WotC) employees Gavin Verhey, Zakeel Gordon, Daniel Holt, and Dillon Deveney, along with professional wrestlers and avid Final Fantasy fans Kenny Omega and Adam Cole.
The panel provided a glimpse into the cards that will be part of this unique set, which spans the entire Final Fantasy series, from the original Final Fantasy I all the way to Final Fantasy XVI. Among the highlights were the double-faced card Garland, Knight of Cordelia // Chaos, showcasing the villain's transformative nature. The set also introduced the new Job select mechanic, which is reminiscent of the Living weapon mechanic, allowing players to create a 1/1 colorless Hero token that has Equipment attached to it.
Each installment of Final Fantasy got its due recognition in the set. For Final Fantasy I, players can look forward to a set of Equipment featuring the Job select mechanic. In Final Fantasy II, the main protagonist Firion is represented in both the main set and a Through the Ages version that reskins Sram, Senior Edificer. Quirky cards like Commune with Beavers from Final Fantasy II highlight the franchise's playful side.
Final Fantasy III showcases the iconic Crystals, with the Darkness Crystal as a legendary artifact. The set also introduces the first Town land subtype with Adventurer’s Inn. As for Final Fantasy IV, players will find Cecil, a dark knight turned paladin, and Kain, Traitorous Dragoon, as part of the lineup.
In Final Fantasy V, Gilgamesh makes a comic appearance, while Bartz and Boko introduce the beloved Chocobos alongside the Magic: The Gathering mechanic Affinity for Birds. Final Fantasy VI takes a bold step with the introduction of summons, represented as Sagas, a type of enchantment with effects over a number of turns. The main set features Terra, Herald of Hope, and the notorious villain Kefka, who appears as a double-faced card.
Chocobos are a focal point of the main set’s exclusive collectibles, with four Neon Ink versions of the Traveling Chocobo card (yellow, green, blue, pink) available only in Collector Boosters. The black Chocobo will be Japanese-language only, while the golden Traveling Chocobo, featuring just 77 printed cards, is the sole serialized offering of the set. This limited edition is expected to be a hot commodity among collectors.
Moving on to Final Fantasy VII, the set includes Cloud Strife as Cloud, Midgar Mercenary, and iconic villain Sephiroth, who appears as a double-faced card. Aerith Gainsborough’s final ability is a nod to one of gaming's most poignant moments. The beloved Tifa Lockhart also makes an appearance in both the main set and her Commander deck.
Final Fantasy VIII introduces moody protagonist Squall, SeeD Mercenary, and his love interest Rinoa Heartilly, whose reveal drew cheers from the audience. VIII villain Ultimecia’s double-faced card allows its controller to take an extra turn, a first for an uncommon card.
Final Fantasy IX kicks off with the villainous Kuja, Genome Sorcerer // Trance Kuja, Fate Defied, while Zidane Tribal is previewed as a powerful Magic: The Gathering card. Vivi Ornitier’s abilities encourage casting noncreature spells, employing the new Tiered ability to enhance spells like Fire, Fira, and Firaga.
The third Commander deck is themed after Final Fantasy X, led by Tidus, Yuna’s Guardian. The main set includes Yuna, Hope of Spira, with mechanics designed to leverage various Summon enchantment creatures. The set also features legendary lands with Adventure spells, including the first in a cycle, Zanarkand, Ancient Metropolis // Lasting Fayth.
Final Fantasy XI, the franchise's first massively multiplayer online game, is represented with three previews, including Absolute Virtue, Dragoon’s Wyvern, and Shantotto, Tactician Magician. Final Fantasy XII introduces a card depicting Balthier and Fran together, while Through the Ages presents The Imperial City of Archades.
Final Fantasy XIII showcases Lightning, Army of One, and features a unique meld ability with Fang, Fearless l’Cie and Vanille, Cheerful l’Cie, allowing players to create Ragnarok, Divine Deliverance. Final Fantasy XIV brings to life characters like the quirky detective Hildibrand Manderville and features the final Commander deck led by Y’shtola, Night’s Blessed.
Lastly, Final Fantasy XV pairs Noctis, Prince of Lucis, with his antagonist Ardyn, the Usurper. The previews for Final Fantasy XVI focus on summoners Jill, Shiva’s Dominant // Shiva Warden of Ice, and Clive, Ifrit’s Dominant // Ifrit, Warden of Inferno.
As for Cid, a staple across the Final Fantasy series, players will find fifteen printings of Cid, Timeless Artificer available, with no limit on the number of cards named Cid that can be included in a deck.
Serialized cards have become a hallmark of Magic: The Gathering, with previous sets featuring limited runs that have fetched astronomical prices. The One Ring card from the 2023 Lord of the Rings crossover sold for an astounding $2.6 million, setting a high bar for collectible cards. The upcoming Final Fantasy crossover set is poised to become the best-selling Magic: The Gathering product ever released, with the golden foil Traveling Chocobo likely to be among the most sought-after cards.
As excitement builds ahead of the set's official launch on June 13, 2025, fans are already gearing up for what promises to be a historic release in the world of trading card games.
