Magic: The Gathering's upcoming Final Fantasy crossover is shaping up to be a major event for fans of both franchises. This June, a fully draftable, Standard-legal set will launch alongside four preconstructed Commander decks, each themed around a different mainline Final Fantasy game: VI, VII, X, and XIV.

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

Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt explains the selection process: while Final Fantasy VII and XIV were easy choices, VI and X were chosen based on team favorites and gameplay potential. The team's passion for Final Fantasy is evident throughout the development process.

The Final Fantasy VII deck balances nostalgia for the original game with the modern aesthetics of the Remake trilogy. The narrative follows the 1997 classic, but the art incorporates elements from both versions.

Final Fantasy VI, with its pixel art origins, presented unique challenges. Wizards of the Coast collaborated directly with the Final Fantasy VI team to update the character designs for Magic's art style, blending elements from original concept art, sprites, and the Pixel Remaster.

Commander deck leaders were carefully chosen: Cloud for VII was obvious, but others involved more deliberation. Terra (VI), Tidus (X), and Y'shtola (XIV, during her Shadowbringers arc) were ultimately selected. While a customizable "Warrior of Light" commander was considered, it proved too complex.

Each deck's color identity and gameplay were carefully considered. All four decks include White, both for thematic reasons and to accommodate a diverse roster of characters. Deck strategies are tied to the core mechanics and themes of their respective games: rebuilding your party (VI), equipment strategies (VII), the Sphere Grid system (X), and non-creature spellcasting (XIV).

Beyond the commanders, each deck features numerous other beloved Final Fantasy characters as legendary creatures and spells. While specific details are yet to be revealed, fans can expect a wide array of familiar faces.

The set's release date is June 13th. Both regular and Collector's Editions will be available for each deck, with the latter featuring Surge foil treatment on all cards. While only four games are represented in the Commander decks, Holt assures fans that all sixteen mainline games will be featured in the broader 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