Philosophy of the Shiranui Clan

The Shiranui archetype is a FIRE Zombie-type theme centered on Synchro Summoning, defined by a unique and powerful core mechanic: generating advantage from the banish pile. Unlike many strategies where the Graveyard is the primary resource zone, Shiranui treats both the Graveyard and the Banish Pile as active extensions of the hand. This philosophy can be distilled into a central principle: "Banish & Benefit." The identity of these spectral samurai of the Shiranui clan is mechanically critical, granting them access to one of the most robust pools of generic Zombie support in the game.

The Shiranui Arsenal

Starters & Playmakers

Shiranui Solitaire
Missing: 94801854

Shiranui Solitaire

The deck's premier one-card starter. Tributes a Zombie to Special Summon a 0 DEF Zombie Tuner (like Uni-Zombie) from the Deck.

Shiranui Squire
Missing: 41562624

Shiranui Squire

A secondary starter. On Normal Summon, Special Summons a "Spectralsword" from hand or Deck, enabling an immediate Synchro or Link summon.

Shiranui Spiritmaster
Missing: 99423156

Shiranui Spiritmaster

On Normal Summon, revives a "Shiranui" from hand or GY. When banished, it destroys one face-up card your opponent controls.

The Spectral Swords

Shiranui Spectralsword
Missing: 36630403

Shiranui Spectralsword

The heart of the engine. While in the GY, can banish itself and another Zombie to Synchro Summon a FIRE Zombie Synchro.

Shiranui Spectralsword Shade
Missing: 79783880

Shiranui Spectralsword Shade

A key recovery tool. Can Tribute itself from the field to Special Summon two banished Zombies (at least one "Shiranui").

Shiranui Style

Shiranui Style Swallow's Slash
Missing: 4333086

Shiranui Style Swallow's Slash

A powerful trap. Tributes a Zombie to target and destroy 2 cards on the field, then banishes a "Shiranui" monster from the Deck, often triggering another effect.

Ghost Meets Girl - A Shiranui's Story
Missing: 13965201

Ghost Meets Girl - A Shiranui's Story

A potent extender. If your opponent controls a monster, you can discard a Zombie to Special Summon a "Shiranui" from your Deck or GY.

Weaving the Threads of Fate

The deck's most consistent and powerful opening play begins with a single copy of Shiranui Solitaire, converting a Normal Summon into the game's best Zombie setup tool.

Shiranui Solitaire
Missing: 94801854
1

The Spirit's Call

Normal Summon Shiranui Solitaire. Tribute it to Special Summon Uni-Zombie from your Deck.

Uni-Zombie
Missing: 49959355
2

Opening the Netherworld

Use Uni-Zombie's effect twice, sending Mezuki and Shiranui Spectralsword from Deck to GY.

Shiranui Shogunsaga
Missing: 83283063
3

First Synchro & Beyond

Banish Mezuki to revive a monster, then Synchro Summon. This sequence loads the GY and Banish Pile, setting the stage for the ideal end board.

The Optimal End Board

The goal of the Turn 1 combo is to establish a powerful, interactive board. The ideal state for a modern Shiranui deck is a potent interruption loop.

Shiranui Skillsaga Supremacy
Missing: 86926989

1. Shiranui Skillsaga Supremacy

On the field, pointing to an empty Main Monster Zone.

Shiranui Sunsaga
Missing: 59843383

2. Shiranui Sunsaga

Banished and ready to be summoned.

The Interruption

During the opponent's Main Phase, you activate Skillsaga Supremacy's Quick Effect to Special Summon the banished Sunsaga. On summon, Sunsaga's effect triggers, allowing you to return other banished Synchros to the Extra Deck to destroy an equal number of cards your opponent controls'?a powerful, non-targeting board wipe.

TCG Banlist Impact

Banlist Impact

While the Shiranui core remains untouched, the archetype's reliance on generic Zombie support means restrictions on generic support cards do have an impact.

Affected Synergistic Cards

Limited

  • Gold Sarcophagus

Meta Implications: Despite restrictions on support cards, Shiranui's flexible engine that works with various Zombie strategies allows the deck to remain viable with alternative tech choices.

Banlist Status Summary

+ analyzed • 0 archetype restrictions1 synergistic card restricted

Find Shiranui Decks

Explore deck lists from the YGOProDeck community featuring Shiranui. Find inspiration for your next build!