The Final Fantasy universe is making its way into Magic: The Gathering through the highly anticipated Universes Beyond set, and one of the most exciting legendary creatures to debut is none other than our troubled hero from Final Fantasy 7: Cloud, Ex-SOLDIER.

Designed as a Naya-colored commander (Red, Green, White), Cloud embodies the power, speed, and adaptability that fans know and love. This spiky-haired Human Soldier Mercenary (a mouthful even for Barett) is a five-mana 4/4 with haste and 2 other abilities. When Cloud enters, you can attach one Equipment to him for free. His next ability lets you draw a card for each equipped attacking creature you control when Cloud attacks and leads the charge. Then, if Cloud has at least 7 power (when you attack), you create 2 Treasure tokens. Very flavorful and on-brand. In a previous article, I speculated that Cloud was to be an Esper-card but having access to red makes Cloud a stronger Equipment-matters commander.

His natural haste ensures he can make an immediate impact, while his auto-attachment ability accelerates your tempo, mitigating one of the biggest downsides of Equipment decks - paying multiple costs just to suit up a creature. The card draw on attack is an incredible advantage, rewarding both a Voltron (one massive threat) and Go-Wide (multiple attackers) approach. Finally, his Treasure generation at 7+ power provides ramp and explosiveness, fueling additional spells or bigger Equipment plays.

All his abilities let Cloud, Ex-Soldier down two main paths: a Go-Deep Voltron and Go-Wide Aggro playstyle. Let's break down his potential as a commander.

The Voltron Strategy - Big Sword = Big Damage

Cloud's natural synergy with Equipment makes him a prime candidate for a Voltron strategy, where you stack him with powerful weapons to dominate the battlefield. His auto-attach ability means you'll always get immediate value when he enters, making high-impact swords and buffs a priority.

Key Equipment Choices

• Swiftfoot Boots - Cloud's auto-attach ability makes having protective Equipment like these boots an essential.
• Colossus Hammer - A classic for Voltron decks, this gives +10/+10, easily pushing Cloud above the 7-power threshold for Treasure generation. With auto-attach, you bypass the expensive equip cost.
• Sword of Fire and Ice - Protection, card draw, and burn make this one of the most versatile Equipment pieces.
• Sword of Feast and Famine - Untapping lands after attacking gives you massive tempo, especially when you're drawing multiple cards each combat.
• Umezawa's Jitte - A Swiss-army knife that provides removal, buffs, or lifegain as needed.
• Blackblade Reforged - Since Cloud is a legendary creature, this Equipment scales well as the game progresses, making him an even bigger threat.

Supporting Cast (of Cards)

• Open the Armory - Tutors an Equipment directly to your hand - like accessing your entire inventory in a Final Fantasy game. (Now imagine the menu movement and button sound effects!)
• Sigarda's Aid - Allows you to play Equipment at instant speed and auto-attach them.
• Puresteel Paladin - Draws you cards on Equipment entry and removes equip costs entirely if you have Metalcraft.

This Voltron builds plays into Cloud, Ex-Soldier's strengths as his haste lets him swing into battle immediately. Auto-attaching a big Equipment lets him hit for huge damage while keeping you gassed up with both mana (from the Treasures) and cards.

The Aggro Swarm Approach - Go Wide for Maximum Draw

While Voltron is an obvious strategy, Cloud, Ex-Soldier also supports a go-wide strategy because of his ability to draw a card for each attacking creature you control. If you can flood the board with creatures, Cloud will ensure you always have more gas in hand.

Key Aggro Pieces for Your AVALANCHE err Army

• Adeline, Resplendent Cathar - Produces an attacking token every time you swing, multiplying Cloud's card draw.
• Kemba, Kha Regent - Generates Cat tokens for each Equipment attached to Cloud, making a massive board presence.
• Toski, Bearer of Secrets - An indestructible card-draw engine that further rewards aggression.
• Akiri, Fearless Voyager - Another card draw engine that protects your equipped creatures.
• Reyav, Master Smith - Grants double strike to an equipped creature, pumping up your damage output.

Supporting Cast (of Cards)

• Secure the Wastes - Instant-speed token generation to boost your attack phase.
• Flawless Maneuver - Protect your entire party when Cloud is on the field.
• Anointed Procession - If you're generating tokens through Equipment synergies, doubling up is even better.
• Chivalric Alliance - Gives you a repeatable way to make tokens while drawing more cards.

This go-wide approach lets you draw more cards from having more bodies attacking your opponents. Remember: Cloud doesn't just draw one--he draws for every attacking creature, making this an engine for card advantage. Equipment still plays a role, but doesn't have to be the sole focus. Buffs from Equipment like Embercleave can close out games quickly.

More Speculation

Since we don't yet know the exact contents of Cloud's Universes Beyond Commander deck, we can speculate on what Equipment might be included. Personally, I'm beyond excited for a Buster Sword card. With the myriad weapons available to Cloud in the original and remake games - there will be more swords than you can shake a stick at.

Final Thoughts

Cloud, Ex-Soldier is an exciting Equipment-focused commander. The combo of haste, auto-attach, card draw, and mana ramp makes him a battlecruising powerhouse. No doubt about it, soldier boy here will be a fan-favorite and my entire Final Fantasy loving body is ready.