Final Fantasy Commander Decks Revealed, Feature Cloud, Tidus, and More

Magic: The Gathering's highly anticipated Final Fantasy crossover is almost here! This June, get ready for a fully draftable, Standard-legal set, plus four preconstructed Commander decks, each themed around a different mainline Final Fantasy game: VI, VII, X, and XIV.

A First Look at the Commander Decks:

Browse the image gallery below for an exclusive preview of the key card and packaging for each deck.

13 Images

Each 100-card deck features a blend of reprints with new Final Fantasy art and brand-new cards designed for Commander. The decks aren't just character-themed; they delve deep into the lore of each individual game.

Deck Selection and Design Choices:

Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt explains the selection process: While Final Fantasy VII and XIV were easy choices, VI and X required more deliberation, ultimately chosen due to their popularity within the development team. The decision reflected the team's passion for the franchise.

For Final Fantasy VII, the deck's narrative follows the 1997 original, but incorporates the modern aesthetics of the Remake trilogy in its art. Principal Narrative Game Designer Dillon Deveney explains this fusion of old and new.

Final Fantasy VI, with its pixel art origins, presented unique challenges. The team consulted directly with the Final Fantasy VI team, blending elements from original concept art, sprites, and Pixel Remaster portraits to create updated character designs for Magic.

Commander Choices and Deck Strategies:

Choosing the deck leaders was another key decision. While Cloud was an obvious choice for VII, other selections involved careful consideration. The team ultimately opted for the iconic lead characters, with Y'shtola from Final Fantasy XIV representing her Shadowbringers arc.

The color identities of the decks were strategically chosen to reflect both the game's themes and desired gameplay. All four decks include White, facilitating the inclusion of a wide range of heroes. Each deck's strategy is uniquely tied to its respective game:

• Final Fantasy VI: Focuses on rebuilding your party from the graveyard.
• Final Fantasy VII: Employs equipment strategies with a "power matters" element.
• Final Fantasy X: Uses the Sphere Grid system to empower creatures.
• Final Fantasy XIV: Leans into noncreature spellcasting.

Beyond the commanders, each deck includes many beloved Final Fantasy characters as legendary creatures and in spell art.

Release and Collector's Editions:

The Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set launches June 13th. All four Commander decks will be available in regular and Collector's Editions, the latter featuring Surge foil treatment for all 100 cards. This is a crossover that fans of both games won't want to miss! And don't worry if your favorite game isn't represented in these decks – all sixteen mainline games will be featured across the entire product line.

Which Final Fantasy Commander deck is your favorite so far?

Revival Trance - Final Fantasy VI (Terra, Herald of Hope)Limit Break - Final Fantasy VII (Cloud, Ex-SOLDIER)Counter Blitz - Final Fantasy X (Tidus, Yuna's Guardian)Scions & Spellcraft - Final Fantasy XIV (Y'shtola, Night's Blessed)

Do you enjoy that Magic: The Gathering is doing so many crossovers?

Yes, I want to see more of themI don't care either wayNo, I want Magic to just be Magic