Magic: The Gathering has given fans an exciting first look at its upcoming Universes Beyond crossover with Final Fantasy, teasing a set that brings legendary characters and themes from across the Final Fantasy franchise into the MTG universe. Slated for a June 2025 release, this highly anticipated collaboration marks another milestone in the Universes Beyond series, following successful sets with The Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, Warhammer 40,000, and Fallout.
In an exclusive preview, Square Enix producer Shoichi Ichikawa and MTG product architect Zakeel Gordon provided a glimpse into what fans can expect. The crossover will spotlight characters like Lightning, Tidus, Yuna, and Sephiroth, with representation promised for every major numbered entry in the Final Fantasy series. Iconic characters such as Cloud Strife, Terra, and Noctis will also be featured, along with familiar Final Fantasy summons, monsters, weapons, and the fan-favorite Chocobos.
According to Gordon, the set will be the “largest collection of Final Fantasy artwork ever in a single game,” offering an exciting blend of work from MTG’s established artists, classic Final Fantasy art, and brand-new pieces designed specifically for this crossover. Artists including Joseph Weston, Wanjie Li, Yuu Fujiki, and Néstor Ossandón Leal are contributing to the set, with more names expected as the release approaches.
Final Fantasy 9’s Kefka Palazzo, is featured in jaw-dropping form in a card.
A World of Rich Lore and Complex Narratives
Beyond just the characters, fans can look forward to a rich array of locations drawn from Final Fantasy’s storied universe. Worlds like Spira, Vana’diel, Gaia, and Ivalice—each known for complex narratives and memorable moments—will be woven into the MTG framework, promising to add immersive backdrops and breathtaking visuals to gameplay. This crossover will bring forth fan-favorites in Final Fantasy’s vast history, including intricate plot elements and deeply emotional narratives.
What Fans Might Not See
With so many legendary characters to choose from, some fan favorites may not make the cut. While icons like ViVi Ornitier, Cid, Tifa Lockhart, and Auron weren’t directly mentioned in the preview, there is hope that they’ll appear in the final version. Regardless, it’s unlikely that all beloved figures will be included in a single set.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Collaboration in 2025
Alongside this crossover, MTG’s Universes Beyond will also launch a collaboration with Marvel’s Spider-Man, beginning a multi-year partnership. Together, MTG and Marvel aim to bring even more beloved characters into the MTG card universe, with Spider-Man kicking off the series next year.
