NEXUS

Executive Summary

The Heraldic Beast archetype is a Rank 4 Xyz-focused strategy that treats the Graveyard as a primary resource, effectively a second hand from which to generate advantage. The core engine is a synergistic web of monsters and spells designed to fill the Graveyard, search key pieces, and swarm the field with Level 4 monsters. Piloting this deck successfully requires a deep understanding of its resource loops and the many ways to manipulate the Graveyard, allowing a skilled duelist to explore the rich lineage of these powerful beasts and outlast their opponents through superior resource management.

The Heraldic Core

The deck's consistency is built upon a small but potent group of monsters that initiate combos and ensure the engine begins running, converting single cards into multiple resources.

The Enablers: Starters & Searchers

Heraldic Beast Leo

The foundational searcher. When sent to the Graveyard by any means, it adds another "Heraldic Beast" monster from the Deck to the hand. This turns discard costs into free searches.

Heraldic Beast Gryphon

The modern one-card starter. It sends a Heraldic Beast (usually Leo) from the Deck to the GY to Special Summon itself, providing a body, a search, and deck-thinning in one move.

Heraldic Beast Amphisbaena

A simple and effective extender. By discarding another "Heraldic Beast" (again, usually Leo), it Special Summons itself from the hand for an easy Rank 4 play.

The Arsenal: Spells & Graveyard Tools

Advanced Heraldry Art

The deck's most explosive Spell. It revives two "Heraldic Beast" monsters from the GY and immediately performs an Xyz Summon, creating a one-card Rank 4.

Heraldic Beast Unicorn

The dedicated Xyz revival tool. It can be banished from the GY to Special Summon a Psychic Xyz Monster, providing a body for Link plays or further Xyz summons.

Heraldic Beast Twin-Headed Eagle

A unique utility monster. It banishes itself from the GY to attach two "Heraldic Beast" monsters from the GY to an Xyz monster as material, refueling its effects.

Core Combo: The Gryphon Starter

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This walkthrough demonstrates how a single Heraldic Beast Gryphon can establish a board and set up the Graveyard for future turns.

Heraldic Beast Gryphon
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1

Summon and Search

Activate Gryphon's effect in hand, sending Leo from Deck to GY to Special Summon itself. Leo's effect triggers, searching for an extender like Amphisbaena.

Number 18: Heraldry Patriarch
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2

Xyz for Setup

Use your extenders to summon a second Level 4. Xyz Summon Number 18: Heraldry Patriarch, a key combo piece for filling the Graveyard.

Gravity Controller
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3

Trigger the Cascade

Immediately Link Summon Gravity Controller using Patriarch. When sent to the GY, Patriarch's effect activates, sending Leo and Unicorn from Deck to GY. This triggers another search and sets up a future Xyz revival.

The Heraldic Dynasty

Number 69: Heraldry Crest

Number 69: Heraldry Crest
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  • Effect Negation: On summon, it negates the effects of all other face-up Xyz monsters on the field.
  • Effect Copying: Its primary effect allows it to target another Xyz monster and copy its name and original effects for the turn, providing incredible versatility.

Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage

Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage
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  • Anti-Xyz Weapon: A devastating counter to opposing Xyz strategies.
  • Identity Theft: It targets an opponent's Xyz monster, negates its effects, makes its ATK 0, and copies its name and effects for the turn.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • High Consistency: Multiple one-card starters and searchers allow the deck to reliably access its core engine pieces.
  • Graveyard Dominance: The ability to use the Graveyard as a resource provides incredible resilience and enables explosive recovery plays.
  • Potent Engine: The engine is so efficient at generating Level 4 bodies that it can be seamlessly integrated into other Rank 4 strategies like Time Thief or Springans.

Weaknesses

  • Graveyard Hate: Highly vulnerable to cards that banish from the Graveyard (e.g., D.D. Crow, Bystials) or negate GY effects (e.g., Abyss Dweller - currently banned).
  • Key Choke Points: A well-timed hand trap on a starter like Gryphon or the effect of Patriarch can halt the deck's main combo line.
  • Extra Deck Reliance: Floodgates that prevent Xyz Summoning, like Dimension Barrier, can completely shut down the deck's ability to play.

Hybrid Engines

  • Time Thief: Provides Turn 1 disruption with Time Thief Redoer, buying time for the Heraldic engine to set up its GY for powerful follow-up plays.
  • Springans: Offers another layer of extension and removal, enabling access to the powerful Gigantic "Champion" Sargas for searching and destruction.

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

As of the current TCG format, the Heraldic Beasts 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