NEXUS

Executive Summary

The Gem-Knight archetype, an EARTH-attribute, Fusion-centric series, has undergone a significant transformation. Initially a straightforward beatdown strategy, it evolved into a fragile "glass cannon" First-Turn Kill (FTK) deck. However, modern support has reshaped it into a remarkably resilient, board-breaking, "go-second" One-Turn Kill (OTK) powerhouse. This evolution pivots the deck from non-interactive FTKs to a more engaging, battle-focused strategy, making the brilliant fusion of power and strategy a formidable force in the current meta.

The Core Engine: The Fusion Loop

The foundation of every Gem-Knight strategy is a self-sustaining resource engine designed to generate significant card advantage, allowing for a rapid succession of Fusion Summons without depleting hand or field resources.

Gem-Knight Fusion

The heart of the machine. A standard fusion spell with a powerful, non-once-per-turn recursion effect from the Graveyard, turning the GY into an extension of the hand.

Gem-Knight Lazuli

The hand advantage generator. When sent to the GY by a card effect, it retrieves a Normal Monster, replenishing a resource used for a Fusion Summon.

Gem-Knight Obsidian

The field presence generator. When sent from the hand to the GY, it Special Summons a Normal Monster, recovering a resource directly to the field.

Core Combo: The OTK Path

Unverified AI Content
This combo line is AI-generated and may contain errors or illegal plays (e.g., banned cards).
Know the correct line? Submit a Replay to fix this guide

This walkthrough shows a simplified path from a one-card starter to a game-winning board.

Gem-Knight Nepyrim
Missing: 51831560
1

Initiate the Combo

Normal Summon a starter like Gem-Knight Nepyrim or Gem-Armadillo. Use its effect to search for a key combo piece like Gem-Knight Fusion.

Gem-Knight Phantom Quartz
Missing: 24484270
2

Establish the Link

Link Summon Gem-Knight Phantom Quartz. Its on-summon effect searches another "Gem-Knight" card, and its second effect recycles resources from the GY/banished zone for another Fusion Summon.

Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond
Missing: 19355597
3

Summon the Diamonds

Use Phantom Quartz to summon Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond, then use her effect to cheat out the main boss monster, Gem-Knight Master Diamond, and prepare for the final push.

The End Board

The typical end board for a successful Gem-Knight OTK is simple yet devastating: an opponent's field cleared of all threats, and a board of high-ATK Fusion monsters ready to deliver the final blow. The key players on this board are:

Gem-Knight Master Diamond
Missing: 39512984

Gem-Knight Master Diamond

The centerpiece, ready to attack multiple times or destroy remaining cards by copying effects from the Graveyard.

Gem-Knight Prismaura
Missing: 93379652

Supporting Fusions

(e.g., Prismaura, Citrine) Provide additional attacks and ensure the OTK is successful through their removal and protection effects.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • High Consistency: A high density of one-card starters makes the core combo very reliable.
  • Explosive OTK: Capable of breaking established boards and winning in a single Battle Phase.
  • Resilient Engine: The resource loop allows the deck to play through some disruption.

Weaknesses

  • Choke Points: Vulnerable to precision hand traps like Ash Blossom on key searchers or Droll & Lock Bird.
  • Graveyard Hate: Cards like Dimension Shifter or Macro Cosmos completely shut down the core engine.
  • "Glass Cannon": While resilient, a failed OTK attempt can leave the player with few resources for defense.

External Engines & Hybrids

  • Adamancipator: The shared Rock typing provides access to powerful extenders like Adamancipator Researcher.
  • Block Dragon: A massive extender that historically provided an unparalleled surge of resources for continued combos (currently banned in TCG).
  • Shaddoll: Shaddoll Fusion can send key Gem-Knights from the deck to the GY, setting up combos while breaking the opponent's board.

Banlist Impact

LOW IMPACT: The Gem-Knight archetype has been moderately restricted by the TCG banlist, with Gem-Knight Master Diamond limited.

Archetype Cards

Limited

  • • Gem-Knight Master Diamond

Banlist Status Summary

+ analyzed • 1 total restriction found • 1 archetype card