When Does Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Come Out? A Comprehensive Guide
The anticipation is palpable. For years, fans have dreamed of a crossover between the sprawling worlds of Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy. Now, the dream is finally becoming reality with the upcoming Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set, promising a truly epic battle between iconic heroes and villains. This article will delve deep into the release timeline, explore the card lists, discuss potential collectible value, and provide everything you need to know about when Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering finally comes out. Let’s break down the details, explore the excitement, and get you ready to build your ultimate Final Fantasy/MTG deck.
The Release Timeline, When Can You Play?
The release schedule for Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering has been carefully phased, catering to collectors and players who want to gradually build their collections. The set's release is broken into three waves, each featuring unique cards and themed boosters. Wave 1, including the initial blind booster packs and special edition, dropped on August 11, 2023. Subsequent waves are scheduled for: Wave 2, including the Challenger Deck and more core cards, will release on September 8, 2023, followed by the complete set, including all the cards, on September 22, 2023. The Challenger Deck, a pre-constructed deck designed for competitive play, is a particularly sought-after item, often selling out quickly. Planning your purchasing strategy now will be crucial to securing the cards you want, especially considering the limited print run and high demand.
Card Lists & Set Breakdown: What to Expect
The core of the Final Fantasy Magic: Gathering set is centered around iconic characters and creatures from across the Final Fantasy franchise, reimagined as Magic: The Gathering cards. Expect to see cards featuring Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, Yuna, Kefira, and a host of other familiar faces, each with unique abilities and mechanics reflecting their roles in the games. Wizards of the Coast has released several preliminary card lists, revealing a blend of powerful spells, formidable creatures, and synergistic combos. There are both Standard cards, accessible for standard play, and Legendary cards, offering more advanced gameplay possibilities. Pay close attention to the rarity levels, the Legendaries and Mythics will undoubtedly drive the most significant collectible value. The inclusion of "Chant" cards, which represent iconic Final Fantasy musical themes, adds a unique and engaging element to the game.
Collectible Value & Investment Potential, Are These Cards Worth It?
The potential collectible value of Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering cards is already generating considerable buzz, particularly for the limited edition products and the highly desirable Legendary cards. The set's limited print run, combined with the passionate fanbases of both Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy, will almost certainly drive up the value of key cards over time. Expect the Challenger Deck to hold a premium value, followed by cards featuring iconic characters like Sephiroth. Early reports suggest that some cards are already exceeding retail prices on the secondary market. Investing in the set could be a worthwhile venture for serious collectors, but it’s important to remember that collectible card values can be volatile. Carefully assess your collection strategy and consider focusing on cards with high rarity and potential for future demand.
Key Points
- Release Waves: The set launches in three waves: August 11th, September 8th, and September 22nd.
- Challenger Deck: A pre-constructed deck with high collectible value.
- Collectibility: Iconic characters and limited print runs drive potential value.
- Synergistic Gameplay: Final Fantasy themes and mechanics create unique combos.
- Community Excitement: Both Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy communities are eager for this crossover.
FAQs
Q: How much do the booster packs cost? A: Booster packs typically retail for around $12.99 - $19.99, but prices can fluctuate based on demand and retailer.
Q: Will there be a digital version of the set? A: Yes, Wizards of the Coast has announced a digital version of Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to experience the set through Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Q: Are there any competitive formats for this set? A: Absolutely! The Challenger Deck is designed for competitive play, and Wizards of the Coast is developing Standard and Limited formats specifically for Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering.
Q: Can I build a deck exclusively using Final Fantasy characters? A: Yes! The set's card design encourages players to create decks centered around Final Fantasy characters and themes, embracing the crossover's core concept.
Q: What's the difference between the Challenger Deck and regular booster packs? A: The Challenger Deck is a pre-constructed deck with a specific strategy and a guaranteed pull of key cards, while booster packs contain random cards with varying rarity levels.
References
- Wizards of the Coast - Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering: https://magic.wizards.com/en/final-fantasy-magic
- Reddit, r/magicTCG: (Numerous discussions regarding set details and speculation) https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/
- MTGGoldfish, Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering Preview & Strategy: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/final-fantasy-magic-the-gathering-previews-strategies/