Wizards of the Coast just dropped a bombshell at PAX East: we’re getting a Final Fantasy Golden Chocobo MTG card that might break the collectible market.
The June 13th release will feature that iconic golden bird in what promises to be one of the most sought-after special editions in Magic history.
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The FFVII Golden Bird That Started It All
If you played Final Fantasy VII back in the day, you know exactly why this is a big deal. The Golden Chocobo wasn’t just another mount – it was the ultimate gameplay flex.
This golden-feathered MVP could run across mountains, rivers, and oceans like they were nothing, giving you access to the game’s most broken summon: Knights of the Round. That 13-hit monster basically let you skip most boss fights if you had the patience to sit through its animation.
Getting one required what felt like a PhD in Chocobo breeding:
- Catching specific birds from around the map
- Grinding out Gold Saucer races until your thumbs hurt
- Feeding greens that cost more gil than you wanted to spend
- Following a breeding sequence that made no sense without a guide
Mike’s Chocobo Breeding Guide became required reading for anyone serious about completing the game.
Other FF games tried to recapture the magic. FF9 let you evolve Choco through a digging minigame until it turned gold and could fly. FF13-2 had a Golden Chocobo monster you could add to your party. But ask any longtime fan, and they’ll tell you – FFVII’s golden bird is the GOAT.
Traveling Chocobo: Actually Good or Just Collector Bait?
The new “Traveling Chocobo” card isn’t just banking on nostalgia – it might actually be tournament viable.
Here’s what we’re getting:
- 2G mana cost (pretty efficient)
- 3/2 stats (solid for the cost)
- The ability to play lands and Bird spells from your library’s top card
- Double triggers from lands and Birds entering the battlefield
That’s actually… really good? The official Scryfall listing confirms these abilities, and MTG brewers are already cooking up some nasty combos.
The most obvious plays are with landfall triggers. Stick this next to an Avenger of Zendikar and suddenly you’re drowning in plant tokens. Field of the Dead becomes twice as deadly. Omnath decks get even more explosive.
Bird tribal fans are also eating good. Kangee decks get double anthem effects, and Donal’s token production goes into overdrive.
The card feels most broken in Commander, where Derevi players are probably cackling with glee right now. Double untap shenanigans? Yes please.
The 77-Copy Golden Version Is Pure Insanity
Here’s where WotC decided to get crazy. There will be exactly 77 copies of a special “Serialized Golden Chocobo” variant.
According to the official collecting guide, each card gets:
- Sequential numbering from 1 to 77
- Gold foil treatment with neon ink highlights
- English-only printing
- Exclusive placement in Collector Boosters
The 77 count is an obvious nod to Final Fantasy VII, and we all know cards #7 and #77 will command extra premiums.
Is this WotC’s attempt to recreate the Post Malone million-dollar “One Ring” moment? 100%. And it might work.
The Rainbow Chocobo Squad
Not lucky enough to pull the golden ticket? There are other fancy versions to chase:
Neon ink variants:
- Pink
- Green
- Yellow
- Blue
Japan gets an exclusive Black Chocobo with neon accents, which will inevitably show up on eBay at ridiculous markups.
The regular version comes in standard and foil treatments, featuring killer art from Ashley Mackenzie and Toni Infante.
What This Means For Your Wallet
Let’s be real: most of us will never own the Golden Chocobo serialized card. If you’re a player who just wants the gameplay, grab the regular version and call it a day.
But if you’re a collector with deep pockets? The race is on. Preorder Collector Boosters from your local shop or the usual online suspects. Expect sellouts within minutes when preorders go live.
For the rest of us, just enjoy the secondary market chaos that’ll unfold when someone pulls #7/77 and lists it for the price of a nice car.
According to Gavin Verhey in a PAX East interview, Chocobos were always going to be a centerpiece of this crossover. “They’re Tier 1, the evergreen parts of Final Fantasy,” he explained, and the serialized treatment proves they know exactly what fans want.
- Also Read: Pokemon Go Crowned Collection Challenge.
FAQs About The Final Fantasy Golden Chocobo MTG Card
Will the Golden Chocobo serialized version break the bank?
Almost certainly. The market for ultra-rare crossover collectibles has gone wild lately, and this has all the ingredients for a perfect storm: beloved franchise, meaningful numbered limitation (77 copies), and that sweet FF7 nostalgia factor. Six figures for the low-numbered copies wouldn’t be shocking.
Can I actually play with this card or is it just for collectors?
Both! All versions have identical gameplay rules, so even the serialized version is tournament legal. But would you bring a potentially $50K+ card to FNM? Didn’t think so.
How does Traveling Chocobo stack up against similar cards?
It’s like someone smashed Future Sight and Panharmonicon together but made it more focused. Unlike those cards, it specifically works with lands and Birds, making it less universally broken but potentially more explosive in the right deck.
Why only 77 copies of the golden version?
It’s a direct callout to FF7, where the Golden Chocobo originated. In the game, 7777 is also a special number that triggers the “All Lucky 7s” status when your HP hits that exact value.
What other Final Fantasy goodies are in the set?
Plenty! We’ve seen Ifrit and Shiva summon cards, and Sazh comes with his own baby Chocobo that packs a landfall ability. The set appears to be hitting all the fan-favorite characters and creatures across the series.
Will this card see competitive play?
Absolutely. The double trigger effect alone makes it viable in several existing archetypes, especially Commander. Derevi, landfall strategies, and Bird tribal are all natural homes for it. Standard and Modern brewers will find uses too, though the impact might not be format-warping.
The Bottom Line
The Final Fantasy Golden Chocobo MTG crossover is going to be one for the record books when it drops on June 13th. Whether you’re in it for the gameplay or the collecting, there’s something here worth getting excited about.
For longtime FF fans especially, seeing that legendary golden bird immortalized in what might become one of MTG’s most valuable cards feels weirdly appropriate. After all, both represent that sweet intersection of dedication, luck, and knowing exactly which guides to read online.
Now excuse me while I set an alarm for when these preorders go live.
