Executive Summary

The "Backup" series is a small, synergistic cadre of Cyberse monsters designed to facilitate and extend Link Summoning plays. Rather than being a self-contained archetype with a dedicated boss monster, these cards function as highly efficient support tools within broader Cyberse strategies. Their core mechanic involves easy Special Summons to zones pointed to by Link Monsters, allowing players to quickly generate the materials needed for powerful, high-Link boss monsters. The strategic value of the Backup cards lies in their ability to provide crucial "backup" for your main plays, ensuring combos can continue and stronger boards can be built.

The Backup Personnel

Core Extenders

Backup Secretary

The most straightforward extender. If you control a Cyberse monster, you can Special Summon her from your hand, providing an instant extra body for a Link Summon.

Backup Operator

A searcher and extender. If a Cyberse monster is Special Summoned from the Extra Deck to your field, you can add this card from your GY to hand. It can also tribute itself to revive two "Backup" monsters.

Backup Supervisor

Acts as a powerful revival tool, Special Summoning a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from your GY with its effects negated when it's Normal Summoned.

Support Protocol

Backup Squad

A Continuous Trap that provides draw power. Once per turn, you can draw cards equal to the number of Link Monsters you control with the same name.

Cynet Mining

While not a "Backup" card, this is the essential search Spell for any Cyberse strategy, allowing you to discard a card to add any Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from your Deck to your hand.

Standard Operating Procedure

This simple sequence demonstrates the fundamental role of "Backup" cards in extending plays and climbing into more powerful Link Monsters.

Cyberse Gadget
Missing: 645087
1

Establish a Link

Normal Summon any Cyberse monster (e.g., Cyberse Gadget). Use it to Link Summon a Link-1 monster like Linkuriboh (currently Limited).

Backup Secretary
Missing: 63528891
2

Call for Backup

Now that you control a Cyberse monster, Special Summon Backup Secretary from your hand for free.

Transcode Talker
Missing: 46947713
3

Link Climb

Use your two monsters (Linkuriboh + Backup Secretary) to Link Summon a powerful Link-2 or Link-3 monster like Transcode Talker, which can then revive another Cyberse to continue your plays.

Typical End Board Targets

"Backup" monsters don't have their own boss, but they are instrumental in summoning the game's most powerful generic Cyberse monsters.

Accesscode Talker

Accesscode Talker
Missing: 86066372
  • OTK Potential: Gains massive ATK and can pop multiple cards on the field to clear the way for a game-ending attack.

Firewall Dragon Darkfluid

Firewall Dragon Darkfluid
Missing: 68934651
  • Multiple Negates: A towering Link-5 that can accumulate counters to negate monster effects multiple times per turn, creating a lockdown.

System Analysis

Strengths

  • Efficient Extenders: Provide free bodies on board to easily facilitate Link climbing.
  • Splashable: Easily integrated into any deck that uses Cyberse monsters and Link Summoning.
  • Resource Recursion: Cards like Backup Operator allow for grinding and recovery in longer games.

Weaknesses

  • Link-Reliant: Most of their effects require a Link Monster on the field to function.
  • Low Individual Impact: They are combo pieces, not standalone threats. They do very little on their own.
  • Vulnerable: Susceptible to common hand traps that stop Special Summons or negate monster effects.

Banlist Impact

  • Core Unhit: All "Backup" monsters and "Backup Squad" are Unlimited.
  • Key Extenders Banned: The loss of generic extenders like Splash Mage has lowered the ceiling of all Cyberse decks.
  • Linkuriboh Limited: Limits the deck's ability to easily put a Cyberse on field to start its plays.

Banlist Impact

SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Backup archetype faces significant restrictions on the TCG banlist with Splash Mage forbidden. Additionally, 1 card is limited.

Archetype Cards

Forbidden

  • • Splash Mage

Limited

  • • Linkuriboh

Meta Implications: The loss of Splash Mage significantly impacts the archetype's power level and consistency. Players will need to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Banlist Status Summary

analyzed • 2 total restrictions found • 2 archetype cards