NEXUS

Executive Summary

The 'Alien' archetype, initially introduced in the Power of the Duelist booster set, is a Reptile-based, control-oriented strategy fundamentally defined by its unique "A-Counter" mechanic. The archetype's original design was slow and uncompetitive, but it has experienced a significant revitalization through its powerful synergy with other Reptile-type engines, most notably Ogdoadic and Reptilianne. Modern Alien decks have transcended their original design to become a potent, albeit niche, rogue strategy capable of executing a game-winning, field-locking combo.

The "A-Counter" System

The "A-Counter" is the defining feature of the archetype. Its power is derived from other cards that interact with it, often leading to a powerful control lock.

1. Placing Counters

Use cards like Alien Dog or the Graveyard effect of "A" Cell Recombination Device to place A-Counters on opponent's monsters.

2. Leveraging Counters

Cards like Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll or Alien Hypno then interact with these counters to gain control of the board, restricting the opponent's plays.

Key Combo Walkthrough: The "Zer'oll Lock"

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This section visualizes the powerful combo that creates a game-winning field lock.

Snake Rain
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1

Activate Snake Rain

Discard 1 card to send 4 Reptile monsters from your Deck to the Graveyard. This instantly sets up your GY with key combo pieces like Alien Ammonite and Ogdoadic monsters.

Nauya, the Ogdoadic Remnant
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2

Use Revival Effects

Utilize the effects of monsters like Nauya or Nunu to Special Summon multiple Reptiles from the GY, creating Link material for your boss monster.

Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll
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3

Link Summon Zer'oll

Use the summoned monsters to Link Summon the key boss monster, Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll. Its effect can then search for an A-Counter placer.

Alien Kid
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4

Summon Alien Kid

Special Summon Alien Kid from your hand or Graveyard. Together with Zer'oll, this creates a powerful floodgate that can shut down your opponent's monster effects and special summons.

Final Endboard

Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll
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Alien Kid
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  • Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll: A Link 3 monster that prevents monsters with A-Counters from activating effects and forces them into defense position.
  • Alien Kid: A monster that places an A-Counter on every monster the opponent Special Summons, enabling Zer'oll's floodgate effect.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths (Pros)

  • Powerful Lockdown: The "Zer'oll Lock" can single-handedly win the game against unprepared combo decks.
  • External Synergy: The deck thrives by leveraging powerful Reptile-type support from other archetypes like Ogdoadic.
  • Versatile Toolbox: Can summon a variety of useful Link and Synchro monsters to deal with different situations.

Weaknesses (Cons)

  • Historic Flaws: In a pure build, the deck is slow and lacks a powerful, in-archetype win condition.
  • Vulnerable to Disruption: Highly susceptible to hand traps that negate early plays.
  • Reliance on External Support: The deck's modern viability is almost entirely dependent on cards like Snake Rain that are outside its main archetype.

Hybrid Engines & Tech Cards

  • Ogdoadic Engine: Provides graveyard setup and revival effects to fuel the combo.
  • Reptilianne Engine: Offers ATK reduction, negation, and consistent Link summoning capabilities.
  • Snake Rain: A single, powerful spell that instantly sets up the graveyard for a game-winning combo.

Core Archetype Components: The Arsenal of "Alien"

This section provides a detailed overview of each card's individual role and effects.

Alien Ammonite

Level 1 Tuner Monster

The deck's primary Synchro enabler. Its Normal Summon effect revives a Level 4 or lower "Alien" monster from the Graveyard, providing instant material for combos.

Alien Dog

Level 3 Effect Monster

An efficient extender that can Special Summon itself from the hand and place A-Counters on an opponent's monster, accelerating the deck's board presence.

Alien Kid

Level 2 Effect Monster

A crucial floodgate that places an A-Counter on every monster Special Summoned by the opponent, a fundamental component of the archetype's modern lockdown strategy.

Alien Hypno

Level 4 Gemini Monster

Has the ability to take control of an opponent's monster with A-Counters, providing a powerful form of non-destruction removal.

"A" Cell Recombination Device

Quick-Play Spell

A versatile tool that can place A-Counters on a monster or be banished from the GY to search for an "Alien" monster, a key element for consistency.

Planet Pollutant Virus

Normal Trap Card

A powerful Trap that can destroy all face-up monsters without A-Counters and then places an A-Counter on every monster the opponent summons for three subsequent turns.

Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll

Link 3 Monster

A modern boss monster that provides a game-winning floodgate effect. It forces all opponent's monsters with A-Counters into Defense Position and prevents them from activating their effects.

TCG Banlist Impact

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

The Alien archetype, with its A-Counter placement, operates at full power with no restrictions on the current TCG banlist.

Maximum Consistency

Play any card at your preferred ratio without restrictions

Full Strength Plays

Access to all archetype synergies without limitations

Strategic Freedom

No banlist constraints holding back your strategy

Banlist Status Summary

analyzed • 0 restrictions found • All cards legal at 3 copies