Executive Summary

The "Cupid" series is a fascinating case study in Yu-Gi-Oh! card design. While thematically linked, the Main Deck monsters lack the synergy to function as a true archetype. Instead, the series' entire competitive identity is carried by its powerful Synchro Tuner, Cupid Pitch. This single card has become a generic staple for "Synchro laddering" and combo extension, acting as a versatile bridge between different strategies. This analysis focuses on Cupid Pitch, its role in creating powerful end boards, and the surprising toolbox of the Cupid monster lineup.

The Cupid Quiver

Main Deck Monsters

The main deck monsters share a focus on Level modulation and a 600 DEF stat, but are generally too slow for modern play.

  • Cupid Volley: Mills cards to increase its Level.
  • Cupid Serve: Banishes from GY to increase its Level.
  • Cupid Dunk: Slowly increases its Level during Standby Phases.
  • Cupid Fore: Can be Special Summoned if you only control monsters with 600 DEF.

The Linchpin: Cupid Pitch

Cupid Pitch
Missing: 21915012

Level Modulation: Can increase or decrease its Level based on the Tuner used for its Summon, enabling precise Synchro plays.

The Search Effect: When used as Synchro Material, it searches any Level 8 or lower monster with 600 DEF, making it an incredible combo extender and toolbox.

Cupid's Flight Path: Core Combo

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This basic sequence shows how Cupid Pitch "ladders" into a powerful boss monster while generating card advantage.

1

Summon Cupid Pitch

Using a Level 2 Tuner and a Level 2 non-Tuner, Synchro Summon Cupid Pitch.

2

Modulate Level

Activate Cupid Pitch's effect. Increase its Level by 2 (the Level of the Tuner used), making it a Level 6 Tuner.

3

Climb and Search

Use the Level 6 Cupid Pitch and another monster (e.g., a Level 4) to Synchro Summon a Level 10 boss like Baronne de Fleur (Forbidden). Cupid Pitch's effect triggers, searching for a key combo piece like Nemeses Corridor.

Note: With Baronne de Fleur forbidden, modern combos often ladder into other powerful Level 10 Synchros like Swordsoul Supreme Sovereign - Chengying.

The Destination: Building the End Board

Swordsoul Supreme Sovereign - Chengying

Swordsoul Supreme Sovereign - Chengying
Missing: 96633955
  • A powerful Level 10 that banishes cards from the opponent's field and GY when other cards are banished.

Chaos Angel

Chaos Angel
Missing: 22850702
  • A Level 8 Synchro that can banish a card on the field and provides protection for your Synchro monsters.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • Incredible Flexibility: Cupid Pitch's level modulation allows it to fit into countless Synchro-based strategies.
  • Powerful Toolbox: Its search effect can access a wide variety of powerful extenders, hand traps, or floodgates with 600 DEF.
  • Card Advantage: A Synchro Summon using Cupid Pitch becomes a +1, replacing itself with a valuable card from the deck.

Weaknesses

  • No Archetypal Support: The "Cupid" series has no dedicated Spells or Traps, making the Main Deck monsters unplayable on their own.
  • Reliance on Other Engines: Cupid Pitch's power is entirely dependent on the strength of the decks that can utilize it.
  • Banlist Vulnerability: Its power is tied to generic combo enablers. The ban of Crystron Halqifibrax significantly reduced its most powerful applications.

Banlist Impact

While the Cupid core remains untouched, the archetype's Heavy reliance on generic Synchro support and combo enablers like Halqifibrax to access Cupid Pitch means restrictions on generic support cards do have an impact.

Affected Synergistic Cards

Forbidden

  • Crystron Halqifibrax
  • Baronne de Fleur
  • Borreload Savage Dragon

Meta Implications: Despite restrictions on support cards, Cupid's High adaptability as Cupid Pitch can fit into any Synchro-based strategy and search various 600 DEF monsters allows the deck to remain viable with alternative tech choices.

Banlist Status Summary

+ analyzed • 0 archetype restrictions • 3 synergistic cards restricted