Executive Summary

The Vaylantz archetype is a unique Pendulum-based strategy that simulates a tabletop war game within Yu-Gi-Oh!. Its gameplay revolves around the precise vertical and horizontal movement of its monsters across the field. By strategically shifting their positions, Vaylantz monsters trigger powerful effects to swarm the board, generate advantage, and disrupt the opponent. This transforms the duel into a complex puzzle of positioning and sequencing, rewarding pilots who can master its intricate, tactical mechanics.

The Vaylantz Doctrine

Vertical Movement

This is the primary deployment method. Each Main Deck Vaylantz monster can Special Summon itself from the Pendulum Zone to the Main Monster Zone in the same column, establishing your initial board presence without a traditional Pendulum Summon.

Horizontal Movement

The catalyst for the deck's most powerful abilities. When a Vaylantz monster is moved to an adjacent Monster Zone by a card effect, its potent "trigger" effect activates, leading to searches, summons, and disruption.

The Vaylantz Armory

Success on the battlefield requires familiarity with your key units. The Vaylantz forces are comprised of starters, movers, and powerful bosses that work in concert.

Command Center

Shinonome the Vaylantz Priestess

The one-card starter. Searches a Vaylantz Spell on summon and a Vaylantz monster on move.

Vaylantz Wakening - Solo Activation

The deck's premier consistency tool. Places any Vaylantz monster from Deck to the Pendulum Zone, bypassing Ash Blossom.

Tactical & Heavy Units

Nazuki the Vaylantz Ninja

A primary "mover" that initiates horizontal movement to trigger your other monsters' effects.

Arktos XII - Chronochasm Vaylantz

The main interactive boss. Swaps monster positions and destroys a card whenever a monster moves.

Foundational Combo Sequence

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Shinonome the Vaylantz Priestess
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1

Deploy & Search

Place and Special Summon Shinonome. Her effect searches Vaylantz Wakening - Solo Activation. Use it to place Nazuki in the Pendulum Zone.

Nazuki the Vaylantz Ninja
Missing: 41525660
2

Initiate Movement

Special Summon Nazuki. Use Nazuki's effect to move Shinonome, triggering Shinonome's effect to search for another Vaylantz monster, extending your plays.

Beyond the Pendulum
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3

Establish Scales

Use both monsters to Link Summon Beyond the Pendulum. Its effect searches for a high Pendulum Scale, setting up a larger Pendulum Summon to bring back your resources from the Extra Deck.

Typical Endboard Configuration

Arktos XII - Chronochasm Vaylantz

Arktos XII - Chronochasm Vaylantz
Missing: 50687050
  • Position Swap: Quick Effect to move monsters around the field for disruption.
  • Destruction: Destroys a card on the field whenever any monster moves.

Mamonaka the Vaylantz United

Mamonaka the Vaylantz United
Missing: 40680521
  • Monster Removal: Pushes an opponent's Effect Monster into their Spell/Trap Zone.
  • Column Push: Can also target and move your own monsters to trigger their effects.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • High Skill Ceiling: A master pilot can navigate complex game states that opponents cannot predict.
  • Go-Second Power: Excellent at breaking boards by running cards like Lava Golem and Kaijus, which it can then weaponize.
  • Engine Versatility: The lack of a required Normal Summon allows for powerful external engine integration.

Weaknesses

  • Centralized Starter: Over-reliant on Shinonome; a single negate can end the turn.
  • Hand Trap Vulnerability: Highly susceptible to Droll & Lock Bird and Nibiru.
  • Time Consuming: Long and complex combos make losing to the in-game timer a real threat.

TCG Format Note

  • Fully Unrestricted: All in-archetype Vaylantz cards are currently at 3 copies per deck.
  • Key Enabler Banned: The deck cannot use Heavymetalfoes Electrumite, a major consistency hit compared to other formats.

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

As of the current TCG format, the Vaylantz 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

Find Vaylantz Decks

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