Magic The Gathering crosses over with Final Fantasy

 copyright: Final Fantasy is property of Square Enix, Magic The Gathering is property of Wizards of the coast and Hasbro.

brevity and ethics: i have no affiliation with Final Fantasy, Square Enix, Magic The Gathering or wizards of the coast. im just a fan.

The world of Magic: The Gathering is no stranger to epic crossovers, bringing in legends from He-Man, Transformers, and even Marvel Comics. The game's vast multiverse stretches far beyond Phyrexia and Theros, embracing new realms with each expansion. But among all these collaborations, few feel as perfectly suited as Final Fantasy. As crossovers go, Final Fantasy is arguably the most fitting for Magic: The Gathering. Both franchises boast expansive multiverses filled with high fantasy, intense battles, and rich storytelling. Their worlds are shaped by legendary heroes, powerful magic, and deep lore, making this collaboration feel not just exciting, but truly well-deserved.

The revealed cards showcase incredible potential and a lot of love for the Final Fantasy franchise. Aside from the lovable Cactuar, we’re getting a glimpse at some truly iconic legendaries—many of which are bound to become fan-favorite commanders. Take Cloud Strife, for example: a more aggressive Captain America-style leader who makes equipping gear more affordable while boosting his own abilities, making him both harder to take down and even more formidable in combat. It's clear that this crossover isn’t just fan service—it’s a powerhouse set in the making.

And if that wasn’t enough, Cloud Strife gets even angrier and stronger when you choose to run his other card—Cloud Strife, Ex-SOLDIER. This version represents a battle-hardened, more ruthless Cloud, bringing even more power to the table. With haste, he hits the battlefield ready to strike immediately, while his ability to draw cards keeps your hand full of options. But the real kicker? He can equip any target equipment card, meaning you can arm him with devastating gear like Worldslayer for total battlefield annihilation or Darksteel Plate to make him nearly indestructible.

This version of Cloud isn’t just a warrior—he’s a force of nature, embodying the relentless strength that made him an icon in Final Fantasy. Whether you’re going for raw aggression or an unstoppable tank, Cloud Strife, Ex-SOLDIER is ready to carry your deck to victory. 

Cecil’s journey of redemption is one of the most iconic in Final Fantasy history, and his Magic: The Gathering card beautifully captures that transformation. He starts as a Dark Knight, burdened by his past, only to embark on a path of atonement that ultimately leads him to become a Paladin—a true symbol of justice and light. This arc isn’t just a compelling narrative; it’s a defining moment of heroism that resonates across generations of fans.  

In Magic, this redemption is reflected in his powerful ability to protect others, granting indestructibility to your other cards. Just as Cecil rises from the darkness to shield his allies, his card embodies that same spirit—turning him into a steadfast guardian on the battlefield. It’s a perfect representation of his legacy, making him both a thematic and strategic powerhouse in the game.

This set doesn’t just bring Final Fantasy characters to Magic: The Gathering—it also introduces mechanics that feel right at home in both worlds. One of the standout additions is the Summon mechanic. Yes, the game about summoning monsters now has an actual summon mechanic! Wizards designed it in a way that truly fits, making summons enchantment creatures with a saga subtype. This means they enter the battlefield, gain counters, and can only attack once before being sacrificed on the third turn—mirroring the way summoned creatures appear, fight, and fade away in Final Fantasy.

Among the revealed summons, we get the Final Fantasy X version of Shiva, who, let’s be honest, still looks stunning. Her design stays faithful to the original while embracing Magic’s mechanics in a way that makes her a strong but fleeting force in battle.

And for a bit of fun, Final Fantasy XV’s fishing mechanic has also made its way into the set—as a enchantment card! That turns into a land. It’s an unexpected but hilarious inclusion that adds a bit of charm to an already exciting crossover. There's a lot more to the set I haven't talked to about, and it's only because I wanted to talk about some of the cards that stuck out or I thought were interesting enough to talk about now. No hate to Tidus I just wanted to talk about Cecil and cloud more. And when they finally show us Lightning I'll talk about her and Tidus maybe then. 

Overall, the Final Fantasy set is shaping up to be an exciting and heartfelt tribute to the legendary franchise. Every detail, from the stunning artwork to the carefully designed mechanics, reflects a deep love for Final Fantasy’s rich history. The inclusion of iconic characters, legendary summons, and even fun nods to in-game mechanics shows just how much care went into making this crossover feel authentic. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or just discovering its magic through Magic: The Gathering, this set offers something truly special.

With powerful new cards, creative mechanics, and a perfect blend of both universes, this release feels like a dream come true for fans of both games. I can’t wait to see how these cards play on the battlefield and what kind of decks players will create. June can’t come soon enough!