NEXUS

Executive Summary

The Ghostrick archetype is one of the most unique themes in Yu-Gi-Oh!, centered on DARK monsters inspired by classic horror figures. Their strategy revolves around an unorthodox "peek-a-boo" playstyle, setting monsters face-down, flipping them up for disruptive effects, and then returning them to safety. This loop defines their original identity: a slow, attrition-based control strategy. However, with modern support, Ghostricks have evolved into a hyper-efficient Xyz combo engine, capable of generating immense card advantage and summoning powerful boss monsters.

The Main Deck Roster: A Cast of Spooky Characters

Starters & Searchers

Ghostrick Jiangshi

The cornerstone monster searcher. When flipped, it adds a "Ghostrick" monster from the deck to the hand.

Ghostrick Siren

A vital searcher for the backrow. When summoned or flipped, it can search for a "Ghostrick" Spell/Trap.

The Defensive Line (Hand Traps)

Ghostrick Mary

The most critical defensive card. When you take damage, you can discard it to Special Summon any "Ghostrick" from your Deck face-down.

Ghostrick Lantern & Jackfrost

Dedicated attack stoppers that Special Summon themselves from the hand to protect you from direct attacks.

Ghostrick Specter

A recovery tool that Special Summons itself and lets you draw a card when a Ghostrick is destroyed.

Core Combo: The Utopic Draco Future Engine

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 is the archetype's most potent combo, turning any two monsters of the same low Level into a formidable boss monster.

Ghostrick Alucard
Missing: 75367227
1

Initial Xyz Summon

Overlay two same-level monsters (e.g., two Level 3s) to Xyz Summon the corresponding "Ghostrick" Xyz monster, like Ghostrick Alucard.

Ghostrick Angel of Mischief
Missing: 53334641
2

Rank-Up and Search

Immediately use that Xyz Monster as material to summon Ghostrick Angel of Mischief. Activate its effect to search for Ghostrick Shot.

Number F0: Utopic Draco Future
Missing: 26973555
3

The Final Boss

Use Ghostrick Shot to revive your first Xyz monster, make a second Angel, and then overlay both Angels into Number F0: Utopic Future, and finally into Number F0: Utopic Draco Future.

Constructing the End Board

A Ghostrick end board varies dramatically based on strategy, from a resilient control setup to an all-in combo board.

The Control Board

Ghostrick Mansion
Missing: 99795159
  • Multiple face-down Ghostricks, including a searcher like Jiangshi.
  • An active Field Spell like Ghostrick Mansion to stall and control the board.
  • A backrow of powerful traps like Ghostrick Scare and generic options to grind out the opponent.

The Combo Board

Number F0: Utopic Draco Future
Missing: 26973555
  • The primary goal is to end the turn with Number F0: Utopic Draco Future on the field.
  • This single, powerful monster provides a monster effect negate and the ability to steal an opponent's monster.
  • The rest of the board is often minimal, as all resources are invested into this one high-impact threat.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • Compact Engine: The UDF combo is highly efficient and requires few main deck slots.
  • High Resource Generation: The Angel of Mischief loop can generate immense card advantage.
  • Synergistic: Functions as a powerful engine for other archetypes, most notably Purrely.

Weaknesses

  • Slow Pace (Control): The traditional control variant is too slow for the modern metagame.
  • Link Monster Vulnerability: The core flip mechanic is ineffective against Link Monsters.
  • High-Risk Combo: The UDF combo is a "glass cannon" strategy; if the boss monster is removed, recovery is difficult.

Archetypal Synergies

  • Purrely: The most prominent hybrid. Ghostricks provide searchable discard fodder and an alternate path to summon Expurrely Noir.
  • Speedroid: Terrortop provides a one-card entry into the entire UDF combo line without a Normal Summon.

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

As of the current TCG format, the Ghostrick archetype is entirely unrestricted, allowing it to operate at full capacity.

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