Get ready, fans of both Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy! Next month heralds the release of one of the most eagerly awaited sets in Magic history: an entire expansion themed around the legendary Final Fantasy franchise. This crossover unites two beloved worlds, making it not just significant for Magic but also for its diverse player base. If you’re a Final Fantasy enthusiast wondering how to dive into Magic, you’ve come to the right place.
What Is Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy?
Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy is a delightful addition to the Universes Beyond initiative by Wizards of the Coast, which explores crossovers with different franchises. Over the past few years, the company has introduced special sets inspired by various properties, spanning from Fallout to Doctor Who. Among these, the Tales of Middle-earth set, focusing on The Lord of the Rings, marked a significant release, setting the stage for Final Fantasy.
This Final Fantasy set stands out as it’s the first Universes Beyond expansion to be Standard legal, meaning it can be played in Magic’s main format, which involves two players using 60-card decks. This accessibility makes it easier for newcomers to grasp the game, as Standard utilizes the latest expansions for its card pool. Upon its release on June 13, the Final Fantasy cards will join the current 14 Standard-legal sets, although they will rotate out annually. However, don’t fret; they’ll still be playable in formats like Commander, Modern, and Pioneer.
Where Should You Start with the Final Fantasy Set?
If you’re eager to get your hands on Final Fantasy cards, you’re in luck. On release day, you can grab a starter kit containing two pre-constructed 60-card decks filled with cards from the new set. Each kit also includes deck boxes, exclusive cards featuring Cloud and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, and a rulebook for beginners—priced at around $20, it offers an affordable entry point.
Want to get a head start? Pre-release events begin on June 6 in local game stores. These gatherings provide a relaxed atmosphere for new and experienced players alike to play with new cards before their official release. You might need to sign up or simply show up, but participating usually involves purchasing a pre-release pack, complete with life counter dice, six booster packs, and a special promo card. These events use a Sealed Deck format, where you’ll construct a 40-card deck from the contents of your pre-release pack. Although it may seem daunting for first-timers, these events foster a casual environment ideal for making friends while learning.
Next Steps: Collecting Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy
As you embark on your journey as a new player, there are various ways to enrich your collection:
- Play Boosters: Each booster pack contains 14 random cards, including one guaranteed rare card.
- Collector Boosters: These 15-card packs focus on rare and variant cards, offering unique artwork and exclusive foil versions but at a higher price point, often around $38 (€35).
- Bundles: The regular bundle includes nine play boosters and two exclusive foil full-art cards. A Gift bundle arrives later and features an additional Collector Booster.
- Commander Decks: Four pre-constructed decks, each themed around a popular Final Fantasy game, will be available, allowing for a distinct play experience.
Is It Necessary to Buy Collector Boosters and Collector Decks?
While the allure of rare cards may tempt you to purchase Collector Boosters and Collector Decks, it may not be the best choice for beginners. Collector Boosters, priced significantly higher than regular boosters, are primarily suited for seasoned collectors. Most variant cards are also available in Play Boosters. The key exclusive items are special foil variants. For those starting with Magic, it’s best to prioritize budget-friendly options before splurging.
Next Steps: Learning Magic
So, you’ve got your cards—now what? One viable approach is using the Starter Kit to learn the fundamental rules of Magic while enjoying the Final Fantasy theme. This set includes aspects of Magic you’ll encounter across other expansions, ensuring a well-rounded introduction to the game. The Final Fantasy set introduces new mechanics such as Tiered and Job Select, enriching your gameplay experience.
Alternatively, you could explore the more extensive gameplay of Commander through one of the pre-constructed decks. This format involves larger player counts and longer games, allowing for broader strategies and card interactions. Each Final Fantasy Commander deck is distinct and ready to play right out of the box.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also buy boosters and build your own decks. This DIY approach might be overwhelming initially, but it’s an excellent way to deepen your understanding of deck synergy over time.
Where Can I Play My Final Fantasy Cards?
Since the Final Fantasy set is Standard legal, you can utilize these cards across multiple formats in Magic, including Modern, Pioneer, Legacy, and Vintage. To play them online, both Magic Arena and Magic Online will host the Final Fantasy set starting June 13. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase digital versions separately. The Starter Kit gives you access to digital codes for each deck, making it easier to connect with players worldwide.
Where to Go After Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy?
While you can limit your Magic journey to the Final Fantasy set, its role as the first Universes Beyond expansion playable in Standard offers opportunities to explore existing non-Final Fantasy cards as well. Getting familiar with Magic rules and strategies can enhance your experience as you traverse this expansive multiverse of card games.
If you decide to stay focused on Final Fantasy, you’re in for a treat. This set intricately references key moments from the series, celebrating its legacy with stunning artwork. Overall, Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy promises to captivate fans from both franchises, making it the most significant crossover yet.
Go forth, and let your adventures in the realms of Magic begin! And remember, there’s always more to explore at Moyens I/O.