Inspired by Dante's Inferno, the Burning Abyss archetype chronicles a descent into damnation. Its damned souls, the "Malebranche," are Level 3 DARK Fiends caught in a paradoxical existence: they cannot bear the presence of outsiders (non-BA monsters) and destroy themselves on sight. This eternal punishment is their greatest strength. Each time a Malebranche is cast into the Graveyard?their circle of hell?it unleashes a powerful ability, fueling a relentless cycle of destruction and rebirth. This page serves as a traveler's guide, mapping the treacherous paths and infernal strategies of this unique, lore-rich archetype.
All main deck "Malebranche" monsters share a continuous effect: "If you control a monster that is not a 'Burning Abyss' monster, destroy this card." This forces the player to use them as Xyz or Link material immediately, preventing the board from stalling and fueling the Graveyard engine.
The core of the deck's power. Every Malebranche has a potent trigger effect when sent to the Graveyard by any means. Graff summons from deck, Cir revives from Graveyard, and Scarm searches, creating a self-sustaining resource loop.
This walkthrough demonstrates the classic one-card combo that establishes a powerful board with multiple interruptions.
Normal Summon Tour Guide From the Underworld. Use her effect to Special Summon Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss from the deck with its effects negated.
Link Summon Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss. When Graff is cast into the abyss, its tormented cry summons Cir from the deck.
Use Cherubini's power to send another lost soul to the Graveyard. Then, overlay Cir and another Level 3 to summon Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss.
An overview of the essential cards that guide the journey through the inferno.
Warrior/Xyz/Effect
The pilgrim who journeys through hell, chronicling its horrors and finding power within. He mills cards to fuel the abyss and ensures a lost soul is recovered from the depths to continue the cycle.
Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal is currently banned in tournament play. This card cannot be used in official duels.
Fairy/Xyz/Effect
The celestial guide, watching from above. As a Quick Effect, she can cast any soul from the deck into the Graveyard, triggering their infernal power to disrupt the opponent's path.
Fairy/Link/Effect
The fallen angel who paves the way. Cherubini offers protection and can send a chosen soul from the deck to the Graveyard, guaranteeing the descent begins flawlessly.
Fiend/Effect
The inseparable demons of the cycle. Graff pulls a new demon from the deck when it falls; Cir revives a fallen comrade from the abyss. Together, they ensure the inferno is never empty.
Fiend/Effect
The ferrywoman to the underworld. For the price of a Normal Summon, she grants passage to a fiend from the deck, opening the gates to the abyss and beginning the descent.
Spellcaster/Synchro/Effect
A poet whose verse is destruction. He shuffles threats back into the deck�a fate worse than death for many strategies�all while sending another Malebranche to fuel the fire.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Burning Abyss archetype faces significant restrictions on the TCG banlist with Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal forbidden.
Meta Implications: While the loss of key cards is significant, Burning Abyss players can adapt by other fiend-based strategies.
Banlist Status Summary
Core cards checked:
• Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal
• Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss
• Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss
• Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss
• Fire Lake of the Burning Abyss
• Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss
• Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss
• Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss
• The Traveler and the Burning Abyss
+ Related cards checked:
• Phantom Knights' Fog Blade
• The Phantom Knights of Break Sword
• Tour Guide From the Underworld analyzed •
1 total restriction found
• 1 archetype card
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