Even if you're not a Magic: The Gathering player, you've likely seen its recent video game crossovers—Fallout, Tomb Raider, Assassin's Creed, and more. But get ready for one of the most exciting yet: Final Fantasy. This isn't just one game either; from Terra to Y'shtola, four mainline titles are represented in the upcoming Commander decks.

Browse the image gallery below for a sneak peek at the key card and packaging for each deck. Then, join us as we discuss the deck designs, the game selection process, and much more with Wizards of the Coast.

Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering - Commander Decks Revealed

13 ImagesLaunching this June, this Final Fantasy crossover includes a fully draftable, Standard-legal set and four preconstructed Commander decks (shown above). Each deck boasts 100 cards: reprints with new Final Fantasy art and brand-new cards designed for Commander. While Commander precons often center on characters, colors, or strategies, these decks uniquely focus on individual Final Fantasy games—specifically VI, VII, X, and XIV.

“Final Fantasy games are brimming with rich lore, beloved characters, and unique settings,” explains Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt, Commander Lead for the set. “Focusing on a single game per deck provided ample material and allowed us to delve deep into each game's narrative, capturing cherished moments that might have been missed otherwise.”

"...we have so many passionate Final Fantasy fans on the team.”“The team selected these four games based on gameplay considerations and the games’ overall popularity. While Final Fantasy VII and XIV were easier choices, VI and X required more discussion, ultimately chosen partly due to team favorites,” Holt says. “This project saw incredible team investment at every stage, as we have so many passionate Final Fantasy fans on the team.”

Even with the games chosen, directional decisions were needed. Final Fantasy VII’s remake trilogy coincided with this set's development. Does the Commander precon reflect the original or its reimagining? Dillon Deveney, Principal Narrative Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast and Narrative Lead for the set, clarifies: the story follows the 1997 classic, but incorporates modern aesthetics.

“Our approach to Final Fantasy VII was to capture the original PS1 game’s narrative, while leveraging Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth’s modern aesthetics to enhance character designs, story moments, and locations,” Deveney explains. “Where scenes existed in both, we chose between the original, the modern interpretation, or a unique blend. Hopefully, this deck feels nostalgic yet fresh to fans of both versions!”

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)

AnswerSee ResultsNostalgia plays a significant role, especially with *Final Fantasy VI*, which lacks the modern art references of the other games. Deveney explains their approach: staying true to the pixel art sprites and concept art while enhancing them. "The character designs should feel familiar, a hybridization of various references and new ideas." WOTC even consulted the *Final Fantasy VI* team to update the character designs for *Magic* art.

“We developed a workflow using concept and card artists to synthesize hallmark designs from Yoshitaka Amano’s concept art, original sprites, and FFVI Pixel Remaster portraits. We encouraged artists to add details and explore textures. Then, we'd meet with the Final Fantasy VI review team for feedback on preserving core elements and incorporating new ones.”

"It's our hope that the [FF6] character designs should feel like how you ‘remember’ them..."The four games were selected, but Commander deck design needed character choices. Cloud was an obvious choice for VII, but others required brainstorming. Celes was considered for VI, focusing on the World of Ruin, while Yuna was considered for X. Ultimately, they chose the main characters, but Final Fantasy XIV, being an MMO, presented a unique challenge.

“For Y’shtola, the choice was based on her popularity, spellcasting abilities, and story, offering a wide range of abilities to build the deck around,” Holt explains, noting this deck specifically represents her Shadowbringers arc. While a customizable "Warrior of Light" commander was explored, those ideas were complex, and the deck still features plenty of moments from that storyline.

Fitting an entire game's story into a *Magic* deck with color restrictions presented a challenge. Holt points out that all four decks include White, "for theming and to accommodate the wide range of heroes."

Deck VI centers on rebuilding your party from the graveyard. Deck VII uses Cloud's swordsmanship, incorporating green to tie in power matters and references to the Planet and lifestream. Deck X, despite Tidus' counter-passing abilities, utilizes the Sphere Grid leveling system to empower creatures. Deck XIV's theme was tricky, but its color identity allowed for noncreature spellcasting while including desired characters.

"...fans can expect to see some of their favorite characters in the 99 of each deck..."While Commander focuses on the leader, RPGs feature supporting casts. "Getting beloved characters into these decks was crucial," Holt states. "While I can't reveal specifics, fans can expect to see many favorite characters as legendary creatures and on spells."

The Final Fantasy set releases June 13th. If your favorite game or character isn't featured (or even if it is!), don't worry—Holt assures that "all sixteen mainline games will have their moments."

Similar to the 2022 Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks, these decks will be available in regular ($69.99 MSRP) and Collector's Edition ($149.99 MSRP) versions. The Collector's Edition features all 100 cards with Surge foil treatment.

The full, unedited interview with Daniel Holt and Dillon Deveney follows:

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

AnswerSee Results