An Introduction to the Final Fantasy TCG
What is the Final Fantasy TCG?
Almost anyone that doesn’t live under a rock has heard of or played Final Fantasy, right? Well imagine my excitement as a card-games player when I heard they were making a TCG out of one of my most beloved games series. I was overjoyed. Following the success achieved by Square Enix’ flagship games series Final Fantasy, they decided to try their hand at developing a trading card game. After being first released in 2011 in Japan, the TCG game exploded onto the Japanese gaming scene, becoming a haven for competitive players and collectors alike. This popularity led to Square Enix releasing a global ‘English’ version of the game in 2016, for everyone around the world to enjoy.
Final Fantasy TCG (FFTCG for short) uses 24 sets (as of today) to draw lore from all 16 mainline Final Fantasy games, with spinoff games too, which ensures if you’ve played pretty much any FF game, FFTCG will have something for you! I'm Liam the community lead for FFTCG @ The Gamers Lodge so let's get in to this together!
Final Fantasy TCG - How do I play it?
FFTCG is an interactive turn-based trading card game. It is usually conducted by two players who play against each other in a best-of-one or best-of-three format. Each player builds a deck of exactly 50 cards, with an allowance of 8 cards for the limit break deck. Each player can play with up to 3 of any card (unless it is limited or banned), and can use self-made decks from booster packs or pre-constructed decks.
How do you win?
It’s actually pretty simple! All you need to do is deal 7 damage to your opponent before they do to you. However, you will need to battle through your opponents cards, while navigating through your own deck and plays to do so! You do this through the CP or ‘’Crystal Point’’ system.
Every card in the game has a value which needs to be paid in order to play it. You do this by discarding cards from your hand to the break zone to generate 2 CP of the element of that card. Light and Dark cards can be played by generating any colour of CP, but as a downside, can’t be discarded to create CP of their own. You can also generate CP using backups, which are quite similar to Lands in Magic the Gathering, and tap or ‘dull’ to generate 1 cp of their colour.
Trey is a 'wind' forward, and requires at least 1 wind CP to be paid towards his cost to play him onto your field from your hand.
Types of cards in FFTCG
Final Fantasy has a simple roster of card types which make learning the game an easier process than some other TCG's.
Forwards
Forwards are arguably your most important units in FFTCG, as they are going to be the ones that are dealing damage to your opponent, and protecting you from incoming damage.
Our Pick - Lightning
This forward version of Lightning can revive itself from the break zone during your turn. Due to her ‘Haste’ ability, she can attack the turn she enters, while also stopping an opponent’s forward from blocking—making her a powerhouse in the late game.
Backups
Backups are one of the ways that you generate mana. They sit in your backup zone and can be used from the turn after you play them. Some backups have powerful utility effects that can help you find important cards or swing the tide of battle.
Our Pick - Shantotto
Shantotto is a powerful backup that can remove ALL forwards in play from the game. This version was a mainstay in competitive play.
Summons
Summons work similar to ‘Instants’ in Magic the Gathering. They can be played at any time a player has a chance to act, often with powerful removal or defensive effects.
Our Pick - Valefor
Valefor, Yuna’s iconic summon, can return all forwards back to their owners’ hands—an incredible board reset tool.
Monsters
Monsters function as an in-between of forwards and backups. Some turn into forwards temporarily, others provide lingering effects that support your strategy.
Our Pick - Tonberry
Tonberry’s draw effect allows you to discard and later turn it into a forward, giving it flexible utility on defense.
Limit Break
Limit Break (LB) cards exist outside of the usual 50 card deck. These “hidden aces” can turn games around when timed right.
Our Pick - Ace
Ace can deal massive damage to your opponent’s forwards when played at the perfect moment.
Card Rarities: What do they mean?
FFTCG, like most card games, has a card rarity system. It determines how likely you are to pull a specific card from a pack or box.
Common (C)
Common cards are the most frequently found cards. Many are great for beginners and can synergize powerfully in decks.
Rare (R)
Rare cards step up in power and price, adding impactful effects to your strategies.
Hero (H)
Hero cards are stronger still and typically appear once per pack (or twice if you’re lucky and pull a foil too).
Legend (L)
Legends are premium cards with powerful effects that can define decks. They are much harder to find.
Alternate Art
Alternate Art cards can appear at any rarity. These feature stunning full-art or alternate designs and are highly sought after.
Final Fantasy Card Prices
FFTCG has its share of high-value collector cards, especially Signature Series full-art prints like the Cloud card below.
Full art signature edition Cloud
This card has a distinctive signature from the artist and is one of the most expensive FFTCG cards.
Where can I play FFTCG?
FFTCG is played all over the world! The Gamers Lodge is one of the only stores in the North-West of England that hosts weekly tournaments at 61a Kempton Street, Liverpool, L3 8HE.
For players elsewhere, use the Square Enix Store-finder page.
Is FFTCG dead?
No! FFTCG has survived the critical 3–5 year incubation period and still has a thriving global community. The Tokyo World Championships last year hosted 52 international players battling to become the 2024 champion.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get into a card game that’s easy to learn but deep to master — or are a long-time fan of Final Fantasy — FFTCG might be your forever game. It has simple mechanics, a low investment price, and a supportive community.
If you’re interested in playing, check out the r/FinalFantasyTCG subreddit, FFTCG YouTube creators, or drop by The Gamers Lodge and chat with an FFTCG expert.
Liam - FFTCG Community Lead @ The Gamers Lodge
Want to Find out about other card games?