Magic: The Gathering is set to make history with its upcoming collaboration with the iconic video game series Final Fantasy, as the eagerly anticipated expansion is expected to be the most profitable release in the trading card game’s history. This crossover, which merges two beloved franchises, has already sold out online ahead of its official release on June 13, 2025, and is generating significant buzz among fans and collectors alike.
First announced in October 2024, the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy set is the 105th expansion for the card game and marks a pivotal moment as the first Universes Beyond set to be legal in the game’s standard constructed format. This new set is not just a simple rehash of characters and elements; it has been meticulously crafted to resonate with fans of both franchises.
Wizards of the Coast (WotC), the company behind Magic: The Gathering, has implemented a three-tier system to determine which elements from Final Fantasy would make it into the game. According to Dillon Deveney, Magic’s principal narrative designer, “Tier one was ‘we have to include this, it’s evergreen, it’s the baseline expectation,’ like Chocobos and Moogles.” Tier two includes specific game nods such as iconic weapons and boss fights, while tier three consists of Easter eggs for die-hard fans.
One of the standout features of the set is the introduction of new mechanics, including the "Job select" mechanic, which reflects the RPG roots of Final Fantasy. Cards like White Mage's Staff and Black Mage's Rod create 1/1 Hero creature tokens that can be equipped, showcasing the series' emphasis on character roles. Additionally, the new "Tiered" mechanic allows players to increase the power of spells by paying more mana, mirroring the magic systems found in many Final Fantasy titles.
The collaboration spans all 16 mainline Final Fantasy games, with cards representing beloved characters like Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, and Squall Leonhart. Each character is designed to reflect their unique abilities and story arcs from the games. For instance, Cloud, Midgar Mercenary, has an ability that allows him to double the effects of equipment cards attached to him, while Sephiroth, Fabled Soldier, can sacrifice creatures to drain life from opponents.
Notably, the set includes multiple versions of fan-favorite characters. The card for Cid, a recurring character across the Final Fantasy franchise, is available in 15 different illustrations, each representing a different iteration of the character throughout the series. This attention to detail is indicative of WotC’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Final Fantasy while integrating it into the Magic universe.
During a recent PAX East panel, WotC showcased several cards from the upcoming set, revealing highlights from each game. Among the featured cards was Firion, Wild Rose Warrior from Final Fantasy II, who can duplicate Equipment cards for a turn, and Cecil, Dark Knight, who can transform into Cecil, Redeemed Paladin when certain conditions are met.
Final Fantasy’s iconic Summons are also represented in the set, with cards like Esper Valigarmanda and Bahamut making their debut. These cards not only serve as powerful allies in gameplay but also pay homage to their origins in the video game series.
WotC’s collaboration with Square Enix on this project has been in the works for five years, with both teams working closely to ensure that the final product meets the high expectations of fans. Zakeel Gordon, a Magic tabletop product architect, emphasized the importance of getting the details right, stating, “We wanted to make sure we were doing everything correctly. We wanted to make sure that the final product met our expectation, and was done in a way that we really think would excite players.”
The excitement surrounding the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy set is palpable, with many fans eager to see how the crossover will play out in gameplay. The set is expected to not only attract longtime fans of both franchises but also newcomers who may be drawn in by the unique combination of elements.
As Hasbro’s chief executive Chris Cocks noted, Final Fantasy is already shaping up to be the best-selling set in Magic: The Gathering history, even before its release. This indicates a strong demand and enthusiasm for the collaboration, which could pave the way for future crossovers with other beloved franchises.
In addition to the core set, there will also be preconstructed Commander decks and a bonus sheet featuring reprints from Magic’s history, all reimagined with artwork inspired by Final Fantasy. This adds an extra layer of excitement for collectors who are eager to get their hands on these unique cards.
With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and passion for storytelling, Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy is poised to make a significant impact on the trading card game landscape. As fans prepare for the release, the anticipation is building for a set that promises to deliver both gameplay depth and a heartfelt homage to one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history.
As the countdown to June 13 continues, Magic enthusiasts and Final Fantasy fans alike are gearing up for what could be a landmark moment in gaming history. Will this collaboration succeed in bridging two iconic worlds? Only time will tell, but the excitement is undeniable.
