Your Central Hub for Archetype Introduction & Analysis
Learn about archetypes and how to use this site
In Yu-Gi-Oh!, an archetype is a group of cards that share a common naming convention and are designed to work together through their effects. These cards reference each other by name, creating powerful synergies that form the foundation of competitive deck building. Whether you're a returning player rediscovering the game or a newcomer looking to build your first deck, understanding archetypes is essential to mastering Yu-Gi-Oh! strategy.
Archetype Nexus is your comprehensive resource for exploring every archetype in the game. Each analysis page provides an introduction to the archetype's playstyle, core cards, basic combos, and strategic synergies. We cover everything from classic fan-favorites like Blue-Eyes and Dark Magician to modern competitive powerhouses such as Yummy, Maliss, Mitsurugi, Dracotail, and K9.
What sets Archetype Nexus apart is our unique "Newest Support" sorting feature. Yu-Gi-Oh! constantly releases new cards that breathe fresh life into older archetypes. By sorting by Support (Newest), you can instantly discover which archetypes have received recent support cards—helping you identify decks that are newly viable or have gained competitive upgrades.
Looking for the archetype with the most recent support? Check out Kewl Tune—the archetype that just received fresh new cards. Use the search bar, filter by category, or browse alphabetically below. Whether you're building for casual play, locals, or competitive events, Archetype Nexus has the insights you need to master your deck.
Found 489 of 489 archetypes
A combo-centric Cyberse strategy that embraces nearly all summoning mechanics.
A dragon-focused archetype that builds from A to Z through fusion summoning.
A Pendulum strategy using theatrical "Script" Spells to control the board.
A Synchro-based strategy focused on the unique "excavation" mechanic.
A warrior archetype featuring adventurers that excel at searching, swarming, and building boards through their exploratory effects.
A Reptile-based, control-oriented strategy defined by its unique "A-Counter" mechanic.
A Spellcaster-based strategy that has evolved from a slow LV chain to a fast, combo-oriented engine.
A paradoxical archetype of DARK Machine monsters designed to counter LIGHT monsters.
A resource-based control strategy that wins by meticulously outgrinding the opponent.
A control strategy centered on its dual-effect "Attraction" Trap cards.
A Fusion-based control strategy that dominates the Battle Phase.
A Pendulum-based stun strategy that locks down the opponent with continuous floodgate effects.
A dragon archetype featuring ancient fairy dragons that excel at field control, negation, and Synchro summoning through their mystical effects.
A battle-focused OTK strategy using powerful Machine Fusion monsters.
A mid-range control strategy that leverages the opponent's board to generate resources.
An archetype that explores alternate dimensions and summoning from other verses.
A Link-focused strategy that uses Link-1s to control the gamestate
An aggressive OTK strategy that uses Continuous Spells for massive ATK boosts.
A high-variance strategy centered on coin flips, transformed into a control deck with Light Barrier.
A control deck using Trap Monsters and a banishment-based resource loop.
A combo-centric deck that uses its "LV" monsters to fuel powerful Rank 7 Xyz and Link plays.
A contemporary and competitively relevant series that converts any generic Rank 3 or Rank 4 Xyz Monster into a formidable piece of interaction.
A Plant-based control strategy that uses LP gain to trigger powerful effects.
A control engine that Special Summons its monsters from the S/T Zone to disrupt opponents.
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