NEXUS

Strategic Briefing

The "Archfiend" archetype is not a single, cohesive strategy but a fragmented collection of Fiend monsters. This analysis focuses on its modern subset: the deck built around "Summoned Skull" and its retrained boss monsters.

This strategy is mechanically parasitic; it relies on the broader "Archfiend" support (searchers and traps) to function, but legacy Archfiend cards don't effectively summon the new bosses. Therefore, the deck's success is entirely dependent on hybrid engines like "Burning Abyss" and "Labrynth" to execute its grind-game, control-oriented strategy of building a "sticky fortress." You can explore the full Archfiend armory to see the sheer breadth of cards sharing this name.

The "Summoned Skull" Armory

The deck's primary objective is to summon its "retrained" Summoned Skull bosses. Critically, all share the same name on the field and have a powerful failsafe: if sent to the GY by an opponent's card, they Special Summon 1 "Summoned Skull" from the hand, Deck, or GY.

The Defensive Fortress

Archfiend's Call
Missing: 64635042

Archfiend's Call (Synchro)

Role: Provides blanket targeting protection for all "Summoned Skull" monsters (including itself).

Archfiend's Ascent
Missing: 61248471

Archfiend's Ascent (Xyz)

Role: Prevents "Summoned Skull" monsters from being destroyed by detaching a material.

Offense & Utility

Archfiend's Manifestation
Missing: 32775808

Archfiend's Manifestation (Fusion)

Role: The beatdown enabler. Gives all "Summoned Skull" monsters a 500 ATK boost.

Archfiend's Awakening
Missing: 95825679

Archfiend's Awakening (Ritual)

Role: A self-sufficient defender immune to battle and monster effect destruction (except from Rituals).

The Central Engine: Heiress Loop

The Central Node

Archfiend Heiress

Archfiend Heiress
Missing: 66540884

The most important card. If sent to the GY by a card effect (from anywhere!), you can search any "Archfiend" card. The goal is to "dump" this card from the deck.

Triggers & Payoffs

Trigger: Fiendish Rhino Warrior

If sent to the GY, it dumps any Fiend (Heiress) from Deck to GY, triggering her search.

Trigger: Archfiend's Ghastly Glitch

A Normal Trap that destroys a card, then dumps any Fiend (Heiress) from Deck to GY.

Payoff: Archfiend's Roar

A Normal Trap searched by Heiress. It revives an Archfiend (Heiress), which is then destroyed in the End Phase, triggering Heiress again to continue the loop.

Core Combo: "Tour Guide" Starter

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The deck's most explosive opener comes from the "Burning Abyss" engine, using a single "Tour Guide From the Underworld" to set up the entire Graveyard.

Tour Guide From the Underworld
Missing: 10802915
1

Summon & Search

Normal Summon Tour Guide From the Underworld. Use its effect to Special Summon Fiendish Rhino Warrior from the Deck.

Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss
Missing: 58699500
2

Link Summon & Chain

Link Summon Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss. This triggers two effects: CL1: Fiendish Rhino Warrior (sent to GY) and CL2: Cherubini (on-field effect).

Archfiend Heiress
Missing: 66540884
3

The "Double Dump"

Chain Resolves: Cherubini's cost sends Archfiend Heiress to GY. Then, Rhino's effect sends another Fiend (e.g., Archfiend Emperor) to GY.
New Chain: Heiress triggers, searching any "Archfiend" card (like Ghastly Glitch or Roar).

Establishing the End Board

The "Archfiend Fortress" (Mid-Game Goal)

Archfiend's Call
Missing: 64635042
  • Archfiend's Call: Provides blanket targeting protection for all "Summoned Skull" monsters.
  • Archfiend's Ascent: Provides destruction protection by detaching materials.
  • Result: A "soft lock" board that is immune to targeting and has 2 negations for destruction.

The "Grind Game" (Realistic T1)

Archfiend's Ghastly Glitch
Missing: 5168381
  • Cherubini on field: From the Tour Guide combo.
  • Set 1-2 Traps: Archfiend's Ghastly Glitch (for disruption + Heiress trigger) and/or Archfiend's Roar (for follow-up).
  • Result: A flexible control board that generates advantage during the opponent's turn.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • Strong Grind Game: The Heiress/Roar loop can out-resource slower decks.
  • Toolbox Engine: Heiress can search for revival, removal (Emperor), or disruption (Glitch) as needed.
  • Hybrid Synergy: Integrates perfectly with top-tier Fiend engines like Burning Abyss and Labrynth.

Weaknesses

  • Graveyard Dependant: Extremely vulnerable to `Dimension Shifter`, `Macro Cosmos`, or `Bystial` monsters.
  • Floating Clause: Bosses only float if destroyed by an *opponent's card*, making them weak to Kaijus or non-destruction removal.
  • Lack of Cohesion: "Bricks" easily by drawing payoffs (like Emperor) without starters (like Tour Guide).

Key Hybrid Engines

  • Labrynth Engine: Uses Labrynth monsters to search and recycle `Archfiend's Ghastly Glitch`.
  • Burning Abyss Engine: Uses `Tour Guide` and `Cherubini` for the "Double Dump" setup.
  • Resonator Engine: Uses `Red Resonator` to quickly Synchro Summon `Archfiend's Call`.

TCG Banlist Impact

Banlist Impact

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

Affected Synergistic Cards

Limited

  • Foolish Burial

Meta Implications: Despite restrictions on support cards, Archfiend's high allows the deck to remain viable with alternative tech choices.

Banlist Status Summary

+ analyzed • 0 archetype restrictions • 1 synergistic card restricted