Debuting as a TCG-exclusive theme, the "R.B." (Rebel Bot) archetype has evolved from a linear Link-swarm strategy into a sophisticated, high-impact "Swarm-Control" deck. It operates by swarming low-ATK Machine monsters to Link climb into its powerful Extra Deck commanders: R.B. The Brute Blues, which searches for toolbox pieces, and R.B. Shepherd's Crook, a control lynchpin that sets traps from the deck and provides recursion. The goal is to establish a multi-layered board of interruptions, all detailed in this dossier on the full R.B. card list.
The R.B. strategy is divided between the Extra Deck's command structure, the Main Deck's engine, a new "toolbox" of high-impact monsters, and a tactical array of Spells/Traps.
Link-3 | Machine/Link/Effect
The heart of the deck. Acts as a protected boss monster and a primary searcher for the archetype's "toolbox" cards, gaining power from the monsters it points to.
Link-3 | Machine/Link/Effect
The new lynchpin of the control strategy. Sets "R.B." Traps (like R.B. Next Phase) directly from the Deck and provides a Quick Effect interruption to revive "R.B." monsters from the GY.
Link-2 | Machine/Link/Effect
An essential combo extender. Its ability to revive an "R.B." monster and search a Spell upon Link Summon is critical for climbing into the Link-3 bosses.
The primary Spell/Trap negation. A key "3-of" starter and a vital part of the final end board.
The primary monster destruction. A key "3-of" starter and Quick Effect interruption on the final board.
A powerful "3-of" board-breaking tool that can destroy up to two opposing cards upon being summoned.
This new support consists of high-Level "bricks" that are not meant to be drawn. They are played as single copies to be searched, set, or revived by the Extra Deck monsters.
Sends an "R.B." card to GY on summon. Its true power is being revived by Shepherd's Crook during the opponent's turn to provide a Quick Effect monster steal.
A devastating, searchable "silver bullet." When Brute Blues points to it and attacks, this card destroys all of your opponent's cards.
A niche recursion tool that can also look at the opponent's hand and negate a key monster from it, disrupting their combos.
Counter Trap
The primary searchable negate. Set directly from the Deck by Shepherd's Crook, this provides a powerful monster negate that also gains you LP.
Continuous Spell
A "one-of" utility extender. On activation, it revives an "R.B." monster from the GY, and provides flexible recovery options to reset your board.
Normal Trap
A defensive "one-of" that summons an "R.B." from the Deck, GY, or Extra Deck. It can also banish itself from the GY to provide targeting protection.
The deck's strategy is flexible, allowing for different combos based on the opening hand. The "Swarm-Control" is a standard archetype-focused line, while the "Machina" combo represents the deck's explosive 1-card starter.
Start by Special Summoning 2+ "R.B." extenders (e.g., Ga10 Cutter + Ga10 Driller). Link them into R.B. VALCan Booster.
Booster's effect searches R.B. Funk Dock (Field Spell). Activating Funk Dock searches R.B. Lambda Blade. Summon Lambda Blade, using its effect to send a resource (like R.B. Last Stand) to the GY.
Link climb into R.B. Shepherd's Crook. Use its effect to Set R.B. Next Phase directly from the Deck. This makes your primary monster negate live.
Use remaining monsters to Link Summon R.B. The Brute Blues and Special Summon Cutter & Driller to its linked zones. Brute Blues searches a follow-up interruption like R.B. Ga10 Pile Bunker.
Brute Blues (Protected)
Shepherd's Crook (Live Revive)
Ga10 Cutter (S/T Negate)
Ga10 Driller (Pop)
Next Phase (Set Negate)
Lambda Blade (in GY)
This board provides multiple distinct interruptions: a monster pop, a Spell/Trap negate, a Counter Trap monster negate, and a monster steal (via Shepherd's Crook reviving Lambda Blade), all while being protected and having follow-up.
A critical aspect of R.B. design is its reliance on external support. The archetype lacks a reliable in-archetype Normal Summon, forcing it into a hybrid strategy. Its success is tied to the power of external Machine engines that patch this vulnerability.
Provides potent, searchable starters like Machina Redeployment and extenders like Infinitrack River Stormer. Machina Citadel's board wipe can be used while The Brute Blues remains indestructible.
A compact engine using Sky Striker Mecha - Hornet Drones to create a Link-2 Machine (R.B. VALCan Booster) without consuming the Normal Summon, enabling the "Delay Commitment" combo route.
Therion "King" Regulus: A staple omni-negate, easily summoned by equipping an R.B. from the GY.
Clockwork Night: A powerful consistency tool. Its GY effect (by banishing itself and discarding 1) can search any EARTH Machine, giving you direct access to your `Machina Gearframe` starter.
While the R.B. core remains untouched, the archetype's Relies on R.B. Shepherd's Crook to set Counter Traps (R.B. Next Phase) and revive toolbox monsters (R.B. Lambda Blade) as interruptions. means restrictions on generic support cards do have an impact.
Meta Implications: Despite restrictions on support cards, R.B.'s Can be paired with various Machine-type engines (Sky Striker, Machina, Cyber Dragon) for versatility. allows the deck to remain viable with alternative tech choices.
Banlist Status Summary
Core cards checked:
• R.B. Funk Dock
• R.B. Ga10 Cutter
• R.B. Ga10 Driller
• R.B. Ga10 Pile Bunker
• R.B. Lambda Blade
• R.B. Lambda Cannon
• R.B. Last Stand
• R.B. Next Phase
• R.B. Operation Test
• R.B. Shepherd's Crook
• R.B. Stage Landing
• R.B. The Brute Blues
• R.B. VALCan Booster
• R.B. VALCan Rocket
+ Related cards checked:
• Called by the Grave
• Clockwork Knight
• Clockwork Night
• Crossout Designator
• Crystron Halqifibrax
• Cyber Dragon
• Evenly Matched
• Gearspring Spirit
• Infinite Impermanence
• Machina Citadel
• Machina Fortress
• Machina Gearframe
• Machine Duplication
• Pot of Prosperity
• Sky Striker Ace - Kagari
• Sky Striker Mecha - Hornet Drones
• Sky Striker Mobilize - Engage!
• Solemn Judgment
• Triple Tactics Talent analyzed •
0 archetype restrictions •
7 synergistic cards restricted
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