Magic: The Gathering has officially revealed three exciting new playing cards from its highly anticipated “Final Fantasy” set. Variety provides the exclusive first look at the preview images, showcasing the collaboration between Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix, the creators of the beloved Final Fantasy video game series.

The trio of newly unveiled cards includes iconic elements from the Final Fantasy universe: The Strahl (known as Smuggler’s Copter), Luka Stadium (derived from Strixhaven Stadium), and Tidus, Zanarkand Fayth. Each card beautifully integrates themes and characters from the Final Fantasy lore, enriching the gameplay experience for fans and collectors alike.

“The Strahl, or Smuggler’s Copter, is a significant addition. In our previews, we showcased Balthier and Fran, who are known for their affinity for vehicles, which is a key mechanic in their storyline,” explained Gavin Verhey, principal designer and set design lead for the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy collection to Variety. “The Strahl represents their ship, and while fitting it into the main set proved challenging, we decided to include it on a bonus sheet. This allows players to see Balthier, Fran, and the Strahl together, creating an exciting interaction. The Smuggler’s Copter is a cherished card in Magic history, making this connection even more special.”

“Gavin was incredibly understanding when fans were searching for a place for these characters in the main set — I was one of those people,” remarked Dillon Deveney, principal game designer. “Every day, I advocated for this iconic inclusion from Final Fantasy. The sky pirates are legendary and hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Eventually, Gavin found the perfect spot on the bonus sheet for the Smuggler’s Copter. The timing could not be better, as this connection back to Magic reinforces its legacy, particularly since Smuggler’s Copter debuted alongside a pair of sky pirates. I was thrilled that my dream came to fruition through this collaboration.”

“Thrasios is an outstanding example of our collaboration with Square Enix,” Verhey stated. “We carefully selected which cards to include and presented them with an initial list of ideas. Square Enix expressed genuine enthusiasm for Thrasios. It’s essential to highlight that this is a mutual passion — they are big fans of Magic: The Gathering. Our weekly discussions often revolve around gameplay experiences, and our time spent at the Square Enix office included exciting games of Commander. They love cards just as much as we do. When we mentioned Thrasios, their excitement was evident. Hence, we decided to include it in the set, reflecting our shared passion for the game.”

“The entire process was fueled by a shared passion, especially for Final Fantasy X, which happens to be my personal favorite in the series,” stated Daniel Holt, senior game designer. “Fans frequently asked whether elements like Blitzball or iconic scenes would be included. Blitzball was a recurring topic related to Final Fantasy X, and while some aspects will feature in the Commander deck, many fans expressed desires for Strixhaven Stadium to represent a Blitzball stadium. I specifically designed the original Strixhaven Stadium, and incorporating this element allows me to merge my favorite game with this unique overlay. It fits seamlessly within the deck since it utilizes counters, aligning perfectly with characters like Tidus. This integration is a perfect blend in every conceivable way.”

The Magic: The Gathering “Final Fantasy” collection is set to be released on June 13, featuring cards inspired by all sixteen major titles in the Final Fantasy franchise. Players can expect to “cast powerful spells, summon iconic characters, and even traverse their favorite locales on the back of a Chocobo. This collection encompasses numerous elements from the games, allowing players to weave together their unique stories.”

“Since its inception in Japan in 1995, Magic: The Gathering has seen a thriving community,” stated Zakeel Gordon, executive producer. “We’ve received numerous positive market signals and excitement from our Japanese audience regarding distribution and retail opportunities for this intellectual property. To celebrate this moment, we have several special promotions planned for Japan. Overall, our focus is on embracing the authenticity of what this collaboration represents to the market and honoring the rich history of video gaming culture in the region, all while generating global excitement among our players.”