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Not all crossovers are created equal. This one? It’s a limit break to Magic’s design space—an explosive blend of nostalgia, mechanics, and power that reshapes Commander and beyond.
The Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy set is stacked with hits. Whether you’re here for Commander staples, spicy new combos, or iconic references from across the franchise, this crossover delivers.
This list isn’t just the flashiest cards or the priciest pre-orders. These are the ten cards that genuinely excite me. Either for their power, design, or future potential. Let’s dive in.
1: Vivi Ornitier
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/248/vivi-ornitier
A spicy new commander that’s already turning heads—[[Vivi Ornitier]] is full of combo potential. The big synergy that people are talking about? [[Quicksilver Elemental]]. Here’s how it works:
When a card refers to itself by name (like Vivi does), that can be replaced with "this card." So when Quicksilver Elemental copies the ability, it would say:
{0}: Add X mana in any combination of {U} and/or {R}, where X is Quicksilver Elemental’s power. Activate only during your turn and only once each turn.
Now, since the Quicksilver’s ability is a new instance each time it copies Vivi, you get a fresh activation. Each loop gives you 3 mana—use {U} to copy again, and bam: infinite {U} and {R} mana.
Even outside the combo, Vivi’s great. Any pump spell becomes a ritual. Cantrips become mana-neutral. Toss in a few 0-cost artifacts and you’ve got a stormy Cheeri0s-style engine. Plus, Vivi pings everyone every time you cast a noncreature spell. That wincon’s baked in.
I expect to see this at casual EDH tables and maybe even at cEDH ones. Izzet Prowess might not need it in Standard, but I wouldn’t rule it out either.
2: Buster Sword
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/255/buster-sword
Big sword go boom. [[Buster Sword]] might not command the same pre-order buzz as Vivi, but it’s still hot.
This goes right into Voltron builds or equipment-heavy decks. The free spell effect? Disgusting with extra combats. It’s Cloud’s iconic blade, so naturally it fits right into the Limit Break precon. Cards like [[Quietus Spike]] make it even nastier. Imagine swinging and shaving off most of someone’s life.
3: Starting Town
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/289/starting-town
This land’s a banger, especially for faster formats like cEDH or Modern.
It’s closest to the “fast land” cycle like [[Darkslick Shores]], but instead of caring about land count, it cares about turn number. Early turns, this is basically a dual land. It might not beat [[Mana Confluence]] for flexibility, but not having to pay life to tap for {C} can be clutch.
4: Lightning, Army of One
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/233/lightning-army-of-one
Let’s get ready to rumble. [[Lightning, Army of One]] brings First Strike, Trample, and Lifelink. But the real spice? Stagger
Give her double strike and suddenly we’re talking quad damage. Even just with First Strike, she can buff all your regular attackers for the normal combat step.
Quick rules bit: with Trample, you still have to assign lethal damage before assigning to the player. So even if damage is doubled, the Trample math happens before that. Just something to keep in mind when calculating blowouts.
5: The Earth Crystal (and the cycle)
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/184/the-earth-crystal
I’m highlighting The Earth Crystal, but the whole cycle deserves a look.
The Earth Crystal and [[The Darkness Crystal]] are the standouts. Earth plays well in +1/+1 counter decks (like the Counter Blitz precon). Darkness reanimates for 6 mana. Fine value in the right shell.
[[The Fire Crystal]] is decent. Haste is great in EDH, and copying your own creatures has value. But you can’t copy your opponent’s stuff, which limits its potential.
[[The Wind Crystal]] gives your creatures flying and lifelink—could be a finisher, but leaves you vulnerable after swinging out. [[The Water Crystal]] is last for me. Mill-focused, and only hits opponents. Good in a dedicated mill deck, but narrow otherwise.
6: Triple Triad
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/166/triple-triad
A great flavour win. [[Triple Triad]] perfectly captures the FFVIII minigame’s vibe while offering real gameplay value.
Each upkeep, every player exiles the top card of their library. You can play yours—and all others with lower mana value—for free.
At worst, it’s card draw. At best? Free Eldrazi. Eldrazi decks or [[Rakdos, Lord of Riots]] players are going to love this.
7: Edgar, King of Figaro
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/51/edgar-king-of-figaro
Two abilities, both solid:
ETB: draw for each artifact you control.
Two-Headed Coin — First coin flip each turn is guaranteed heads.
[[Yusri, Fortune’s Flame]] players should take notice. Edgar’s a great support piece for coin-flip shenanigans. Just note: it’s only the first flip. Follow-up flips from [[Mirror March]] won’t be affected.
8: Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/115/sephiroth-fabled-soldier-sephiroth-one-winged-angel
Only the second non-planeswalker that gives you an emblem. [[Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER]] turns into [[Sephiroth, One-Winged Angel]], granting:
Super Nova — As this creature transforms into Sephiroth, One-Winged Angel, you get an emblem with “Whenever a creature dies, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.”
Whenever Sephiroth attacks, you may sacrifice any number of other creatures. If you do, draw that many cards.
Once you’ve got that emblem, it's game on. Emblems are permanent and unremovable.
You can’t blink Sephiroth to re-trigger the emblem, but cards like [[Agatha’s Soul Cauldron]] can let you stack triggers by giving his ability to others.
9: Y’shtola Rhul
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/86/yshtola-rhul
Where [[Obeka, Splitter of Seconds]] lets you double up upkeeps, [[Y’shtola Rhul]] gives you extra end steps.
It’s blink city. Play her in a deck with [[Soulherder]], [[Thassa, Deep-Dwelling]], or [[Conjurer’s Closet]] and start chaining value. Kill-on-sight commander potential.
10: Terra, Magical Adept
https://scryfall.com/card/fin/245/terra-magical-adept-esper-terra
Don’t be fooled by the front. [[Terra, Magical Adept]] might look Gruul, but her back side is five-colour.
She’s an all-star for Saga decks, potentially rivaling [[Tom Bombadil]]. Her trick? Temporarily copying enchantments, then stacking lore counters.
You can combo with clone effects like [[Spark Double]] to go infinite. Or build around big enchantments like [[Smothering Tithe]] and copy them instead.
Rule tip: when you add 3 lore counters, you can trigger all chapters of a Saga—fast. Just be careful: if you don’t have other valid targets, infinite loops with clones can force a draw.
Final Thoughts
Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy is a knockout. It’s packed with powerful cards, flavourful callbacks, and even reprints like [[Dark Confidant]]. There’s something here for everyone—Commander fans, lore lovers, competitive grinders, and Final Fantasy newcomers alike.
This could’ve easily been a Top 30 list. [[Ultima]] as a surprise sweeper. [[Restoration Magic]] as a sneaky one-mana protection spell. The hits keep coming.
Thanks for sticking with me. If you're picking up any Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy products, booster boxes, commander decks or anything Magic: The Gathering we’ve got you covered here at Gathering Games.
