In the vast, interconnected worlds of gaming fandom, passion often takes tangible form. For one dedicated Elden Ring enthusiast, that passion manifested as a breathtaking labor of love: a fully custom Magic: The Gathering deck, meticulously crafted over the course of an entire year to honor FromSoftware's landmark dark fantasy epic. Shared with the world on the Elden Ring subreddit by the creator Ric_Adbur, this collection of 18 stunning cards instantly captured the imagination of the community, proving the enduring power of the Lands Between to inspire incredible fan creations.
The project is a masterclass in thematic adaptation. The deck brings the mythos of Elden Ring to life through the mechanics and aesthetics of the classic card game. Central figures from the game's pantheon have been reimagined as powerful Legendary Creature cards. Players can envision summoning the imposing Godfrey, First Elden Lord, his card art capturing his regal, lion-cloaked ferocity. 
The tragic, undefeated Malenia, Blade of Miquella stands ready to unleash her Scarlet Rot, while the enigmatic Queen Marika, The Eternal presides over the deck with divine authority. But the tribute extends beyond characters. Key artifacts and allies are also represented, such as the mysterious Dark Moon Ring and the bellicose Drake Warrior Igon, ensuring the deck feels like a comprehensive journey through the base game's lore.
The reception from fellow Redditors was overwhelmingly positive. Commenters were not only impressed by the professional-quality card layout and evocative artwork but also praised how seamlessly the rich, tragic lore of Elden Ring fit within Magic: The Gathering's own aesthetic of grand conflict and ancient power. This synthesis of worlds felt natural, almost inevitable. This fan project is part of a broader, creative trend within the Elden Ring community, which has seen artists produce everything from detailed comic book covers to other custom card sets, showcasing a deep well of talent inspired by the game's haunting beauty.
Magic: The Gathering itself has a long history of embracing complex fantasy themes, famously sharing DNA with Dungeons & Dragons. In recent years, it has actively expanded its horizons through its Universes Beyond initiative, bringing iconic video game franchises like Assassin's Creed and Fallout to the card table. The existence of such a high-quality, fan-made Elden Ring deck only fuels speculation and desire for an official collaboration. Given the monumental success of Elden Ring—which won Game of the Year in 2022 and saw its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion become the first DLC ever nominated for the same award—and the recent announcement of the multiplayer spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign for 2026, the IP's popularity has never been higher. An official Elden Ring Magic: The Gathering set would undoubtedly be a monumental event for collectors and players of both games.
Looking at the current landscape of both properties makes the idea even more compelling:
| Property | Recent Milestone (2024-2026) | Fan Creation Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | Shadow of the Erdtree DLC (2024), Nightreign announced (2026) | 🎨 Rich lore, iconic characters, artifacts, and locations. |
| Magic: The Gathering | Multiple Universes Beyond sets released and planned. | ⚔️ Perfect mechanics for summons, sorceries, incantations, and epic battles. |
| Synergy | High fantasy aesthetic, deep storytelling, dedicated fanbases. | 🤝 A match that feels destined to happen, either officially or through fan passion. |
Ric_Adbur's year-long dedication highlights a key truth about modern fandom: the lines between consumer and creator are beautifully blurred. While Wizards of the Coast plans for a packed 2025 and beyond with new Multiverse sets and high-profile Universes Beyond releases, fans are not waiting idly. They are taking the worlds they love and weaving them into other beloved systems, creating unique tributes that stand as testaments to their passion. This custom deck is more than just a set of cards; it's a bridge between two fantasy giants, built by a Tarnished who spent a year perfecting their craft. It serves as a powerful reminder that in the hands of a devoted fan, the runes of Elden Ring can be translated perfectly into the mana of Magic, creating something truly legendary.