Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Universes Beyond – New Mechanics and Cards Unveiled at PAX East 2025

At PAX East 2025, Wizards of the Coast presented an extensive array of new information regarding the forthcoming Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set. This eagerly awaited crossover merges the strategic elements of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) with the deep narrative and legendary characters from the Final Fantasy series. The panel featured significant designers from both MTG and Square Enix, providing fans with a comprehensive overview of novel mechanics, card types, and artwork that celebrate years of Final Fantasy history.

A Dream Collaboration Comes to Reality

First hinted at MagicCon: Las Vegas in 2023, the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set has been in the works for over five years. As per Shoichi Ichikawa, producer of the Final Fantasy franchise, the partnership seeks to “combine the captivating storytelling of Final Fantasy with the enjoyable and strategic gameplay of Magic: The Gathering.” The design team, consisting of Zakeel Gordon, Daniel Holt, David Deveney, and MTG veteran Gavin Verhey, are admirers of both universes and have developed a set that respects the heritage of each.

New Mechanics Inspired by Final Fantasy Gameplay

This set introduces several groundbreaking mechanics taken directly from Final Fantasy’s gameplay systems, character types, and magical traditions. Here’s a summary of the newly revealed and returning mechanics discussed during the PAX East panel:

1. Enchantment Creature — Saga

In order to illustrate formidable Summons like Bahamut and Shiva, the set features a new hybrid card type: Enchantment Creature — Saga. These cards operate similarly to traditional Sagas, with effects that activate over several turns. Additionally, they become creatures themselves, often leading to a powerful assault before departing the battlefield—reflecting the transient essence of summons in Final Fantasy titles.

2. Job Select

Inspired by Final Fantasy’s renowned job system, the Job Select mechanic enables Equipment cards to designate a creature type to the equipped creature. For instance, Summoner’s Grimoire assigns the Shaman type and facilitates free creature summoning when attacking or entering the battlefield. This feature introduces an extra level of personalization and synergy, reminiscent of job transitions in games such as Final Fantasy V and Tactics.

3. Hero Creature Type

Initially introduced in the Marvel Secret Lair, the Hero creature type will have a more prominent role in this Universes Beyond set. Anticipate legendary figures like Cloud, Lightning, and Zidane depicted as Hero creatures with special abilities linked to their individual storylines.

4. Transform

Transform returns with a Final Fantasy flair. Characters like Clive (Final Fantasy XVI) and Terra (Final Fantasy VI) can switch into their Eikon or Esper forms under particular circumstances. This mechanic embodies the essence of character development and magical awakening central to numerous Final Fantasy stories.

5. Adventure Lands

For the first time in MTG history, lands will incorporate the Adventure mechanic. These dual-function cards permit players to cast a spell from the land before using it as a mana source. The first showcased card, Zanarkand, Ancient Metropolis, symbolizes the green land within this five-card cycle. Each land is connected to a well-known Final Fantasy locale.

6. Legendary Artifact Crystals

Crystals are a recurring theme in Final Fantasy, appearing here as Legendary Artifacts. Each crystal lowers the mana cost of spells of its color and contributes a secondary effect that embodies its elemental essence. For example, the Darkness Crystal enhances black spells and introduces a thematic gameplay twist.

7. Meld

The notable Meld mechanic makes a comeback, though with limited availability. Only one meld pairing appears in the set: Vanille and Fang from Final Fantasy XIII merge to create Ragnarok, Divine Deliverance. This rare transformation nods to the duo’s crucial impact in their game’s climax.

8. Tiered

Tiered is a new modality mechanic that emulates Final Fantasy’s magic enhancement system. Cards like Fire Magic provide three spell options—Fire, Fira, and Firaga—depending on the amount of mana expended. This mechanic enriches strategic depth and reflects the MP-based spellcasting found in the RPG series.

A Collector’s Paradise: Chocobos and Serialized Cards

For collectors, the set features an exclusive series of Chocobo-themed cards inspired by the cherished Chocobo breeding side quest from Final Fantasy VII. These cards are unique to Collector Booster packs and display a variety of color schemes. The standout is the Golden Chocobo, a serialized card limited to merely 77 copies globally.

Every Cid, Ever

In an homage to one of Final Fantasy’s enduring traditions, the set incorporates 15 distinct representations of Cid—one from every mainline game. Each Cid card is tagged with the title of its originating game, enabling fans to easily recognize their favorite version of the iconic engineer.

Artwork and Design Brilliance