‘Magic: The Gathering’ Unveils More Final Fantasy Crossover Cards Ahead of Expansion Launch

As the release date approaches, ‘Magic: The Gathering’ has showcased new character cards from its forthcoming Final Fantasy crossover set. Among the new additions are Final Fantasy XIV characters Hildibrand Manderville and Zenos yae Galvus, as well as fresh card art featuring iconic figures from across the franchise, including Tifa, Squall, Kefka, and Sephiroth.

This expansion is part of Magic: The Gathering’s ongoing Universes Beyond initiative, which brings characters and settings from other franchises—like Assassin’s Creed and The Lord of the Rings—into the card game’s universe. According to Wizards of the Coast, the Final Fantasy set will be the 105th expansion overall and will be playable in both Standard and Draft formats. The set is also expected to include notable locations and story moments from across the mainline Final Fantasy titles, as well as Commander Decks led by protagonists like Cloud and Y’shtola.

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Ahead of its official June 13 release, Magic: The Gathering gave fans a preview of a few more cards from the set. Zenos and Hildibrand, two fan-favorite characters from Final Fantasy XIV, are set to feature as legendary creature cards in the new set. Hildibrand, known for starring in the beloved side quest series, will feature an Adventure effect that can summon a Zombie creature token when activated with two Black Lands. Zenos will appear as a double-sided card that can evolve into the formidable dragon Shinryu. Once Shinryu enters play, its Burning Chains ability becomes available—an effect that could prove valuable in multiplayer Commander games, though it might also make the card’s user a target for other players.

Cloud and Sephiroth had already been confirmed as part of the starter kit, but legendary versions of their cards were teased during PAX East, where standees for Tifa, Squall, and Kefka also appeared. Attendees noted that instead of full card details, the displays promoted an upcoming panel scheduled for May 10, where more card reveals will be made. The panel will be hosted by Final Fantasy XVI voice actor Ben Starr. Discussions on the r/MagicTCG and r/FinalFantasy subreddits suggest that fans are eager to see which additional characters might be unveiled as part of the crossover.

—Silviya.Y