As a Final Fantasy fan who also happens to be knee-deep in Magic: The Gathering decks, June 13, 2025, can't come fast enough. But hey, we're getting our first card previews on February 18, which means it's officially time to let the speculation train leave the station - full speed ahead!

Ever since the set was announced, I've been obsessing over which iconic heroes will get legendary cards and what color combos they'll rock. We've only seen a bit of artwork so far from the Sneak Peek video, but that's not stopping me from speculating wildly. So, here's my take on the possible colors, themes, and abilities for some of Final Fantasy's biggest names!

Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7)

Colors: Esper (White, Blue, Black)

Cloud, my favorite protagonist (I literally have a Buster Sword tattooed on my arm!), is the ultimate conflicted hero - shattered memories, a traumatic past, and the impossible choice between two amazing beauties, Tifa and Aerith.

As a former SOLDIER, White represents Cloud's discipline and sense of duty. His identity crisis and introspective nature make him a Blue boy, while his struggle with inner darkness (you know, that Sephiroth-whispering-in-his-head stuff from the Remake trilogy) adds a splash of Black.

I'd bet my entire Commander collection there'll be some sort of Limit Break mechanic. As for abilities, Double Strike and Vigilance fit the ex-SOLDIER boy perfectly. I imagine him as something like Marneus Calgar: two unique abilities, one or two keyword abilities, and a solid body. Maybe even some Equipment synergy for that iconic sword.

Terra Branford (Final Fantasy 6)

Colors: Simic (Green and Blue)

Despite being a half-Esper, Terra feels right at home as a Simic legendary creature. Her deep connection to magic is pure Blue, and her raw, untamed magical power screams Green.

For abilities, Flying is a no-brainer (hello, Esper form!). Thematically, it would make sense for Terra's transformations to involve Morph, or she could even be a double-faced card - human on one side, Esper on the other. She might play like Jadzi, Oracle of Arcavios, with a massive spell like Ultima anchoring her flip side.

Lighting (Final Fantasy 13)

Colors: Jeskai (White, Blue, Red)

Like Cloud, Lightning's military background ties her to White for discipline and duty. Her fiery passion and quick temper bring in Red, while her sharp strategic mind adds a dash of Blue.

We already know there's an upcoming card titled Lightning, Army of One - but what does it do? My guess: Haste (because, duh), with a triggered ability that deals damage to any target. Imagine a Lightning Bolt effect stapled to a legendary creature. Maybe something like:

"Whenever Lightning attacks alone, she deals 3 damage to any target."

Simple, clean, and absolutely devastating in the right deck.

Zidane (Final Fantasy 9)

Colors: Izzet (Blue and Red)

Zidane is a free spirit, a thief, and a master of chaotic tomfoolery - perfect for Red. His clever, adaptable nature fits right into Blue, making him a classic Izzet legend.

His Trance ability from the game boosts his power, so something like a temporary power boost feels fitting. I could see an ability like:

Keyword-wise, Prowess feels right, and something evasive like Skulk would reflect his sneaky, rogue vibes. Cards like Bria, Riptide Rogue or Lilah, Undefeated Slickshot might hint at his playstyle.

Clive Rosfield (Final Fantasy 16)

Colors: Mardu (Red, Black, White)

Final Fantasy XVI is basically "Clive's Revenge Quest: The Game," which makes Black an obvious fit for his ambition and thirst for vengeance. Red captures his fiery emotions (literally - he's the Dominant of Ifrit), and White reflects his strong sense of justice and desire to protect those he loves.

I'd give Clive Trample and Menace to reflect his relentless aggression. Maybe even a transformation mechanic, like:

A beastly, powerhouse card with that Mardu-flavored mix of violence and honor.

Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII)

Colors: Blue and Black (Dimir)

Squall's stoic, brooding personality is peak Blue - logical, reserved, and obsessed with control. But his deep emotional struggles and isolation tie him to Black as well.

His Gunblade would almost certainly be represented as Equipment, and I'd expect abilities like Deathtouch or First Strike. Maybe even something like:

A classic Dimir value engine with a touch of self-inflicted pain to reflect his emotional baggage.

The Final Thought

Will any of this be remotely accurate? Probably not. But half the fun of Magic's Universes Beyond sets is speculating, dreaming up mechanics, and imagining how our favorite characters might translate into cardboard glory. One thing's for sure: this set is going to be legendary.