Even if you're not a Magic: The Gathering player, you've likely noticed its growing catalog of video game crossovers featuring franchises like Fallout, Tomb Raider, and Assassin's Creed. Today we're exclusively previewing what might be the most exciting collaboration yet: Final Fantasy. And not just one installment - spanning from Terra to Y'shtola, four mainline games are represented across specially crafted Commander decks.
Browse the image gallery below for an exclusive preview of each deck's showcase card and packaging, then continue reading for insights from Wizards of the Coast about deck contents, game selections, and more.
Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering - Commander Decks Reveal
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Scheduled for June release, Magic's Final Fantasy crossover will launch as a fully draftable Standard set accompanied by four preconstructed decks. Each 100-card deck blends reprinted Magic cards with Final Fantasy-themed artwork alongside brand new Commander-focused designs. Unlike typical Commander precons centering on character types or strategies, these decks each focus on a specific Final Fantasy installment - specifically VI, VII, X, and XIV.
"Final Fantasy's incredible depth of lore, beloved characters, and unique worlds gave us more than enough material to build entire decks around single games," explains Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt, Commander Lead for the project. "This focused approach let us dive deeper into each title's narrative, capturing iconic moments we couldn't have included otherwise."
"...we're fortunate to have so many passionate Final Fantasy fans here."
The development team selected these four titles balancing gameplay considerations with mainstream recognition. Holt notes Final Fantasy VII and XIV were obvious choices, while VI and X required more deliberation before ultimately winning selection as team favorites. "This project uniquely engaged everyone during development since we're fortunate to have so many passionate Final Fantasy fans here."
Even within these selections, creative decisions remained. With Final Fantasy VII's remake trilogy releasing alongside this Magic set's development, the Commander deck's narrative direction became a key consideration. Dillon Deveney, Principal Narrative Game Designer, clarifies the deck primarily follows the 1997 classic while incorporating visual elements from modern remakes.
"Our core approach honored Final Fantasy VII's original PlayStation narrative while leveraging Remake and Rebirth's modern aesthetics to enhance character designs and locations," Deveney explains. "For scenes appearing in both versions, we could showcase them traditionally, reinterpret them, or blend both approaches. We hope this captures nostalgia while feeling fresh."
Final Fantasy VI presented unique artistic challenges with its pixel-art legacy. Deveney aimed to honor fan expectations while expanding character designs, explaining Wizards consulted directly with Square Enix's FFVI team during the translation process.
"We analyzed Yoshitaka Amano's concept art, original sprites, and Pixel Remaster portraits to synthesize definitive character designs," says Deveney. "Artists enhanced details while preserving core elements through collaboration with Square Enix. We hope these designs evoke how players 'remember' their favorite characters."
With games selected, the team faced Commander's other key requirement: choosing deck leaders. While Cloud naturally headlines FFVII's deck, other selections required deliberation. Y'shtola's popularity and magical prowess made her FFXIV's ideal representative.
"Y'shtola's Shadowbringers arc offered rich material," Holt notes. "We considered customizable 'Warrior of Light' commanders but favored focused execution."
The decks creatively translate RPG narratives into Magic's five-color system. Holt explains FFVI's graveyard recursion reflects rebuilding parties after World of Ruin, while FFVII's equipment theme suits Cloud's iconic weaponry.
"Supporting characters were equally important," Holt emphasizes. "While I can't reveal specifics, fans will find favorite heroes and villains throughout each deck's cards."
Launching June 13, Magic's Final Fantasy set ensures broader representation beyond these four games. Holt confirms all sixteen mainline titles will appear across various products.
Following Warhammer 40,000 Commander's precedent, these decks release in Standard ($69.99) and Collector's ($149.99) editions, the latter featuring premium Surge foil treatments.
Continue reading for our complete interview with Wizards of the Coast's Daniel Holt and Dillon Deveney:
