Final Fantasy Commander Decks Full of Fun, Surprising References

Wizards of the Coast has been teasing the upcoming Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy crossover this summer, and the excitement among fans is palpable. At PAX East, the team unveiled a significant portion of the cards, covering both the main set and the Commander decks. These cards bring beloved characters and iconic moments from Final Fantasy's storied history to life, offering players a fresh take on their favorite games.

The Universes Beyond collaboration with Final Fantasy spans a traditional Commander format and a booster-driven series, meaning there’s plenty to explore. The main set dives deep into Final Fantasy’s mainline titles, from Final Fantasy 1 to Final Fantasy 16. Meanwhile, the Commander Decks zero in on four specific entries: Final Fantasy 6, 7, 10, and 14, each represented by iconic characters like Terra, Cloud, Tidus, and Y’shtola.

Among the standout cards revealed is Final Fantasy IV’s Cecil, whose mechanic revolves around his transformation from a Dark Knight to a Paladin. Summons from the Final Fantasy series are represented as "Saga Creatures," blending powerful yet temporary forces into the Magic universe. Cards like Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER, showcase the character's evolution across the FF7 universe, complete with art from Tetsuya Nomura and multiple transformations.

Capsule warriors will also find nods to classic moments, such as Clever Concealment, inspired by the Wall Market scene featuring Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa. Even the Secret Rendezvous card pays tribute to the Golden Saucer dating scenes with four distinct versions for Aerith, Tifa, Yuffie, and Barret.

Final Fantasy 14 fans will appreciate the attention to detail, with cards like Hildibrand Manderville capturing the eccentric gentleman's antics. The Archaeomancer's Map even features a real location from Gaganaskin Treasure Maps, delighting both Magic and Final Fantasy enthusiasts alike.

As the release date approaches on June 13, 2025, with pre-releases scheduled for the week before, fans eagerly anticipate the full set. Cards like Commune With Beavers hint at creative adaptations from other Final Fantasy games, leaving fans excited to dive deeper into this magical crossover.