Magic: The Gathering Market Trends — Crashers and Climbers This Week (June 23)
Exciting News for Magic: The Gathering Fans: New Final Fantasy Universes Beyond Set Arrives
Great news for collectors and players alike: the latest Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set has hit the shelves, bringing with it a host of exciting cards. This new expansion has already sparked renewed interest in some older cards, as new synergies emerge and boost existing strategies.
As with any major release, market prices are experiencing fluctuations—some cards are climbing in value, while others are dropping. This creates opportunities for savvy collectors to pick up sought-after cards at more reasonable prices, without the need to purchase countless booster packs.
Market Crashers: Price Drops After the Set Launch
Following the release, we’re seeing significant price declines across many Final Fantasy cards as the market begins to stabilize. This trend suggests that now might be a good time for collectors to acquire certain chase cards at more affordable prices.
For example, Lightning, Army of One, in her borderless variant, once traded at around $90, but has since dropped to approximately $50. Will it rebound? That’s uncertain, but keeping an eye on its market trajectory could prove beneficial.
Notable Price Changes
- Rhystic Study (Stay with Me): This full-art card featuring Tidus and Yuna was over $230 but is now around $100. As one of the most popular cards from the “Through the Ages” collection, its value remains interesting for investors.
- Cloud, Midgar Mercenary (Borderless): Once near $110, it has now fallen to about $50, a significant decrease since launch week.
- Vivi Ornitier: Although still on the rise, Vivi’s price has dropped from $100 to approximately $55-60, making it a potential target for future appreciation.
- Sephiroth, Fallen Hero (Extended Art): This highly sought-after card has plummeted from around $100 to just $7, illustrating the volatility typical after a big set release. Waiting to see how the market stabilizes could be a wise move.
Market Climbers: Cards on the Rise
Interestingly, some cards related to Final Fantasy have experienced a surprising surge in value, especially those with connections to Doctor Who. For instance, Danny Pink has seen its price jump from $4 to over $12, thanks to its ability to draw cards from counters—making it a valuable addition for Tidus decks.
Similarly, Barbara Wright—though not an obvious choice—has gained popularity due to her ability to manipulate and accelerate the deployment of Summons from the set. Her price has risen from just $1 to around $4, indicating growing interest among players.
Other Notable Climbers
- Tekuthal, Inquiry Dominus: This Phyrexian Horror, which fits well within Final Fantasy themes, doubles counters proliferation—perfect for Tidus strategies. Its price has climbed from $6 to over $14.
- Vivi Ornitier: The beloved character continues to appreciate in value, with foil versions exceeding $4 and the regular card around $55-60, up from previous lower prices.
- Mesmeric Orb: Paired with either The Water Crystal or Mothman Fallout decks, it can lead to infinite milling or Rad counter explosions. Currently priced at $24, it’s up $7 compared to last week, suggesting further potential for growth.
Sealed Sets and Market Opportunities
If you’re looking to expand your collection, sealed Final Fantasy sets are becoming increasingly rare and valuable. If you find any in stock, it might be a smart move to purchase now before prices climb further.
For collectors and investors, staying informed about market trends can pay off. Keep an eye on the latest releases, and consider exploring other TCG markets such as Pokémon, where similar price movements and opportunities are happening.
Market Insights and Final Thoughts
Overall, the post-release period is characterized by significant price volatility, with some cards experiencing rapid declines while others gain momentum. Patience and careful observation can help you identify the best moments to buy or sell.
Remember, the market is constantly shifting—what’s hot today may cool off tomorrow, and vice versa. Staying updated with reliable sources and market data will ensure you make informed decisions in your collectible card journey.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.