Building decks is one of the best parts of Yu-Gi Oh, and sometimes you need a guiding hand. As we begin a new ranked season, curating a meta deck or giving an underrated (but effective!) deck a try can help you cut through the competition and earn the coveted King of Games rank!
15. Harpies
Harpies are the cockroaches of the meta. And if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Harpie Decks can be super fun to play if you have an aggressive play-style, and the addition of Cyber Slash Harpie Lady to the game upgrades this deck significantly.
Why Use This Deck?
- Harpies are a meta staple
- Relatively cheap to create
- Great for beginners
- Highly compatible with Mai Valentine’s Harpie Skills (level-up and drop)
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Harpie Oracle (1)
- SR Harpie Channeler (3)
- SR Harpie Harpist (1)
- SR Harpie Perfumer (3)
- SR Harpie Lady 1 (1)
- R Cyber Harpie Lady (1)
Spells:
- UR Book of Moon (3)
- SR Swallow’s Nest (1)
- SR Harpies’ Hunting Ground (1)
- R Hysteric Sign (1)
- R Harpie’s Feather Rest (1)
- R Elegant Egoist (1)
Traps:
- UR Floodgate Trap Hole (3)
- UR Divine Wrath (1)
- SR Karma Cut (2)
Extra Deck:
- UR Cyber Harpie Lady (2)
- UR Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
- SR Steelswarm Roach (1)
- R Digital Bug Corbage (1)
- R Number 18: Heraldry Patriarch (1)
14. Metalfoes
Metalfoes Decks are a great blend of Fusion and Pendulum Summoning. If you’re looking to get into Pendulum Summoning, this is a fairly cheap option that continues to be effective over time. Plus, the satisfaction of stealing a monster from your opponent is unbeatable.
Why Use This Deck?
- Fullmetal Alkahest can steal an effect monster from your opponent
- Great synergy
- Great introduction to Pendulum Summoning
- The effect of Metalfoes monster in your main deck can help you search Metalfoes spells and traps easily
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Rescue Hamster (1)
- UR Rescue Rabbit (3)
- UR Metalfoes Goldriver (3)
- SR Metalfoes Steelin (2)
- R Metalfoes Volflame (3)
- R Metalfoes Silverd 3)
Spells:
- UR Fullmetalfoes Fusion (1)
- UR Summoner’s Art (2)
- SR Dark Factory of Mass Production (1)
- SR Painful Decision (1)
- SR Metalfoes Fusion (1)
Traps:
- None
Extra Deck:
- UR Metalfoes Mithrilium (2)
- SR Fullmetalfoes Alkahest (2)
- R Metalfoes Orichalc (1)
- N Metalfoes Adamante (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
13. Gravekeepers
The Gravekeeper Archetype uses synergy and effects to come out on top.Fight alongside Blue-Eyes and Harpie Decks (to name a few) by preventing any effects that take a card into or out of the graveyard. Along with some non-archetype cards, the effects of Gravekeepers can keep your opponent at bay.
Why Use This Deck?
- Necrovalley prevents effects that move cards in or out of the Graveyard
- Compatible with a variety of skills
- Excellent synergy
- Many of the main cards come from the same box
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- SR Gravekeeper’s Commandment (3)
- SR Gravekeeper’s Spy (1)
- R Gravekeeper’s Descendant (1)
- R Gravekeeper’s Headman (2)
- N Gravekeeper’s Spiritualist (3)
Spells:
- UR Necrovalley Throne (3)
- UR Necrovalley (3)
- UR Cosmic Cyclone (1)
- R Magicalized Fusion (1)
Traps:
- SR Treacherous Trap Hole (2)
Extra Deck:
- SR Quintet Magician (1)
- R Gravekeeper’s Supernaturalist (3)
- UR Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent (1)
- R Number 18: Heraldry Patriarch (1)
12. Fish
The Fish Deck, while it seems pretty basic, can actually be incredibly effective. It’s a control-style deck that spams the field with fish-type monsters to make XYZ summoning super easy. Using generic backrow cards with the effect of Whitefish Salvage makes for a highly competitive deck.
Why Use This Deck?
- Easy XYZ summoning
- Compatible with generic backrow
- Flexible skills
- Easily outgrind your opponent
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Lantern Shark (1)
- SR Buzzsaw Shark (3)
- SR Silent Angler (2)
- SR Beautunaful Princess (2)
- R Double Fin Shark (1)
Spells:
- UR Mystical Space Typhoon (3)
- UR Book of Moon (3)
- SR Forbidden Lance (1)
- R Whitefish Salvage (2)
Traps:
- SR Treacherous Trap Hole (1)
Extra Deck:
- UR Abyss Dweller (1)
- UR Number 37: Hope Woven Dragon Spider Shark (2)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
- SR Steelswarm Roach (1)
- R Digital Bug Rhinosebus (1)
- R Digital Bug Corebage (1)
11. Blue Eyes
The Blue-Eyes archetype has evolved dramatically since the early days of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Kaiba’s staple card now boasts significant tailored support from cards like The White Stone of Ancients and Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon. And, since it’s important to the lore, you’re pretty much guaranteed Konami will continue to support it!.
Why Use This Deck?
- Brings out powerful monsters first turn
- Good synergy
- Destroy your opponent’s spell/trap cards
- Game support
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon (1)
- UR Blue-Eyes White Dragon (3)
- UR Chaos Hunter (1)
- UR Maiden with Eyes of Blue (1)
- UR The White Stone of Ancients (3)
- SR Dragon Spirit of White (1)
- SR Sage with Eyes of Blue (3)
- N Master with Eyes of Blue (1)
Spells:
- UR Mausoleum of White (3)
Traps:
- UR Breakthrough Skill (1)
- SR Karma Cut (2)
Extra Deck:
- UR Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon (2)
- UR Vermillion Dragon Mech (1)
- UR Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow (1)
- UR Michael, the Arch-Lightsworn (1)
- SR Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon (1)
- SR Sylvan Princessprite (1)
10. Lunalights
The Lunalight archetype may not look like much, but it’s got a strong pace in the meta as a highly aggressive OTK deck. Lunalight cards, as well as gaining effects when sent to the Graveyard, have secondary effects that aid fusion summoning and help to build board presence. Ultimately, once you’ve summoned Lunalight Sabre Dancer or Lunalight Car Dancer, you’ve basically got the game.
Why Use This Deck?
- Compatible with Neos and Lightsworn engines
- Powerful fusion deck
- One-turn kill makes for quick duels
- Impressive synergy
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Sphere Kuriboh (3)
- SR Lunalight Yellow Marten (2)
- R Whightprincess (3)
- R Lunalight Pburning abyssurple Butterfly (1)
- N Lunalight Crimson Fox (2)
- N Lunalight Emerald Bird (1)
- N Lunalight White Rabbit (3)
Spells:
- SR Fire Formation – Tenki (2)
- Lunalight Fusion (3)
Traps:
- None
Extra Deck:
- UR Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Tiger King (1)
- SR Evilswarm Nightmare (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
- SR Lunalight Sabre Dancer (2)
- R Lunalight Cat Dancer (2)
9. Burning Abyss
This Fiend-Based archetype makes for a super consistent and fun to play deck with shocking synergy. While you have to stay consistent with Burning Abyss cards (they self-destruct if they’re on a field with other monsters), it isn’t too much of a problem, as you have a lot of power to choose from!
Why Use This Deck?
- Incredibly consistent
- Gets rolling quickly
- Good searching power
- Aggressive trap cards
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (3)
- SR Fiendish Rhino Warrior (3)
- SR Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (3)
- SR Kiteroid (2)
- R Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (3)
- R Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (2)
- N Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (2)
- N Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1)
- N Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1)
Spells:
- None
Traps:
- UR Ballista Squad (3)
- SR Karma Cut (3)
- R Fiend Griefing (3)
- R Needlebug Nest (1)
Extra Deck:
- UR Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss (1)
- UR Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss (3)
- UR Number 47: Nightmare Shark (1)
- SR The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (1)
- SR Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction (1)
8. Water XYZ
Water XYZ Decks are criminally underrated. Reginald Kastle’s Territory of the Sharks skill makes it incredibly easy to summon powerful XYZ monsters and overpower your opponent!
Why Use This Deck?
- Spam XYZ monsters onto the field
- Water XYZ monsters have powerful effects
- Supported by Territory of the Sharks skill
- Compatible with generic backrow
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Deep Sea Dive (3)
- SR Buzzsaw Shark (2)
- SR Silent Angler (2)
- SR Atlantean Marksman (1)
- SR Atlantean Heavy Infantry (2)
- SR Atlantean Attack Squad (1)
Spells:
- UR Mystical Space Typhoon (3)
- UR Book of Moon (2)
- UR Necrovalley (1)
- SR Forbidden Chalice (1)
Traps:
- SR Treacherous Trap Hole (2)
Extra Deck:
- UR Trishula, the Dragon of Icy Imprisonment (1)
- UR Brionic, Dragon of the Ice Barrier (1)
- UR Bahumut Shark (1)
- UR Abyss Dweller (1)
- UR Number 37: Hope Woven Dragon Spider Shark (1)
- UR Number 47: Nightmare Shark (1)
- SR Full Armored Black Ray Lancer (1)
7. D/D/D
The main selling point of a D/D/D deck is the ability to summon extra deck monsters that serve as extensions. Almost all monsters in the deck can Special Summon themselves or other monsters, helping you establish a huge field presence in the first turn!
Why Use This Deck?
- Aggressive play-style
- Powerful special summons
- Spam the field
- Cheap to build
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR D/D Swirl Slime (3)
- SR D/D Savant Keeper (2)
- R D/D/D Dragon King Pendragon (3)
- R D/D Nighthowl (2)
Spells:
- UR Monster Reborn (1)
- UR Mystical Space Typhoon (1)
- UR Book of Moon (2)
- UR Cosmic Cyclone (1)
- SR Dark Contract with the Gate (2)
- SR Dark Contract with the Swamp King (1)
Traps:
- SR Treacherous Trap Hole (1)
- R Dark Contract with the Witch (1)
Extra Deck:
- UR D/D/D Flame King Genghis (1)
- R D/D/D Wave Oblivion King (1)
- R D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf (2)
- R D/D/D Oracle King D’Arc (1)
- SR D/D/D Gust High King Alexander (1)
- SR Dark Armed, the Dragon of Annihilation (1)
6. Gandora
The main issue with Gandora would be the lack of solid strategy for dealing with back row tactics. That is, if it were any other deck. But with a powerful attack boost and nuking effect, that’s not really a problem for UR Gigarays Gandora the Dragon of Destruction!
Why Use This Deck?
- Nuking effect
- Compatible with Yugi Muto’s Skill ‘Access Denied’
- Great synergy
- Powerful attack boost
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Gigarays Gandora the Dragon of Destruction (2)
- UR Gandora the Dragon of Destruction (1)
- UR Gold Gadget (3)
- UR Sphere Kuriboh (3)
- SR Infinitrack Anchor Drill (3)
- SR Starship Spy Plane (1)
- SR Silver Gadget (3)
- SR Green Gadget (2)
- SR Red Gadget (1)
- SR Yellow Gadget (1)
- SR Ancient Gear Box (1)
- SR Kiteroid (2)
- R Ancient Gear Wyvern (3)
- R Wightprincess (1)
- R Karakuri Strategist mdl 248 “Nishipachi” (1)
Spells:
- UR Forbidden Lance (2)
Traps:
- None
Extra Deck:
- UR Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon (1)
- UR Black Rose Dragon (1)
- UR Hieretic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (1)
- UR Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon (1)
- UR Gear Gigant X (2)
- SR Number 22: Zombiestein (1)
5. Phantom Knights
Used with Yuto (ARC-V), Phantom Knights are almost unstoppable. The event-unlockable character is back again (as of writing), and if you miss out on him here, there’s sure to be plenty of opportunities.
Why Use This Deck?
- Highly consistent
- Powerful control deck
- Resilient despite ban list updates
- Compatible with generic backrow
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak (3)
- UR The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves (2)
- SR The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots (3)
- SR Kagemucha Knight (3)
Spells:
- UR Mystical Space Typhoon (3)
- UR Book of Moon (3)
Traps:
- UR Phantom Knights’ Sword (1)
- UR Ballista Squad (2)
Extra Deck:
- UR Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon (1)
- UR Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss (1)
- UR Number 47: Nightmare Shark (1)
- UR Levair the Sea Dragon (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
- SR The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (2)
4. Qliphort
Qliphorts are an archetype based around pendulum and normal summoning. This EARTH-monster based deck has an impressive range of 1 to 9 endulum Scale, which will allow you to bring out powerful monsters in droves. Pair with equipspell Saqlifice, and you’ve got a powerdul deck on your hands.
Why Use This Deck?
- Normal summoning can evade your opponent’s deck effects
- Negating their effects unlocks their true power
- Immune to monster-based removal
- Easy tribute summoning
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- SR Qliphort Carrier (2)
- SR Qliphort Scout (3)
- R Qliphort Stealth (1)
- R Qliphort Helix (3)
- R Qliphort Monolith (1)
- N Qliphort Shell (2)
Spells:
- UR Summoner’s Art (2)
- R Saqlifice (3)
Traps:
- UR Ballista Squad (2)
- N Sealing Ceremony of Mokuton (1)
Extra Deck:
- None
3. Witchcrafter
Don’t be fooled by their looks! Witchcrafter Decks are high-powered spellcaster decks that focus on cycling through Level 4 or below monsters until you can summon boss monster UR Witchcrafter Madame Verre. With Madame Verre’s help, you’ll be able to cycle through spell cards to fuel her effect-negating effects and increase attack and defence during damage calculation.
Why Use This Deck?
- Grit (the compatible skill) is dropped by many characters, as well as being a level-up reward for several
- Effects that work in hand, on the field, and in graveyard
- Powerful attack boost effects
- Negates opponent effects
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Witchcrafter Madame Verre (2)
- UR Witchcrafter Schmietta (3)
- UR Witchcrafter Genni (2)
- SR Witchcrafter Pitorre (3)
Spells:
- UR Mystical Space Typhoon (2)
- UR Volcanic Wall (1)
- R Metalfoes Fusion (1)
- R Witchcrafter Collaboration (3)
- R Witchcrafter Holiday (2)
- R Witchcrafter Unveiling (3)
Traps:
- R Witchcrafter Patronus (3)
- R Witchcrafter Masterpiece (1)
Extra Deck:
- UR Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder (1)
- UR Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (1)
- UR Abyss Dweller (1)
- SR The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (1)
- UR Number 47: Nightmare Shark (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
- R Photon Papilloperative (1)
2. Odd-Eyes
Delve into the world of Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds with an Odd-Eyes Pendulum deck! Dominate the board with high amounts of damage and a flexible play style.
Why Use This Deck?
- Spell cards with search effects
- High attack
- Highly compatible with Yuya Sakiki skill drops
- Graveyard revival
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- UR Odd-Eyes Lancer Dragon (1)
- UR Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (3)
- UR Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon (3)
- UR Archfiend Eccentrick (1)
- SR Nobledragon Magician (1)
- N Performapal Odd-Eyes Minitaurus (3)
Spells:
- UR Summoner’s Art (2)
- UR Spiral Flame Strike (3)
- UR Sky Iris (3)
Traps:
- None
Extra Deck:
- UR Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon (1)
- UR Ancient Pixie Dragon (1)
- UR Black Rose Dragon (1)
- UR Ancient Fairy Dragon (1)
- UR Dark Armed, the Dragon of Annihilation (1)
- UR Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack (1)
- SR Ebon Illusion Magician (1)
1. Triamids
Triamid monster, spell, and trap cards work together like a well-oiled machine. This deck is designed to cycle through field spells and monsters in order to chain their various effects and allow for a seamless opening hand. Throw in a couple trap cards to mess with your opponent, and you’ve got a King of Games level deck ready to go!
Why Use This Deck?
- Triamid Pulse is available at the Card Trader
- Free to play
- Triamid Fortress protects your monsters from card effect destruction
- Low chance of bricking
Deck Recipe:
Monsters:
- SR Triamid Sphinx (1)
- SR Triamid Master (2)
- R Triamid Hunter (3)
- N Triamid Dancer (2)
Spells:
- SR Triamid Cruiser (3)
- R Triamid Kingdom (3)
- N Triamid Fortress (2)
Traps:
- SR Treacherous Trap Hole (2)
- SR Triamid Pulse (2)
Extra Deck:
- UR Number 47: Nightmare Shark (1)
- SR Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger (1)
- SR Number 70: Malevolent Sin (1)
- SR Gorgonic Guardian (1)
- SR Ghostrick Alucard (1)
- SR Number 20: Giga-Brilliant (1)
- R Digital Bug Corebage (1)
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