Executive Summary

The Witchcrafter archetype is a control-oriented Spellcaster strategy defined by its unique and resilient resource loop. The deck excels in a "grind game," aiming to out-resource the opponent over multiple turns rather than achieving a swift one-turn victory. Its core mechanic revolves around the ability of "Witchcrafter" Spell Cards to return from the Graveyard to the hand during the End Phase, providing an endless stream of fuel for the powerful effects of its boss monsters. This creates a gameplay loop of attritional control, where recurring Spells are traded for the opponent's finite resources, eventually leading to an insurmountable advantage.

The Coven's Arsenal

The Coven: Core Monsters

Witchcrafter Schmietta

The most important one-card starter. Tributes to summon a "Master" from the deck and sets up the Graveyard by sending any "Witchcrafter" card from the deck.

Witchcrafter Genni

A powerful extender. Banishes herself from the GY to copy the effect of a "Witchcrafter" Spell in the GY, enabling double searches or revivals.

Witchcrafter Madame Verre

The premier boss monster. Provides a devastating board-wide monster effect negation and can boost her own ATK/DEF to colossal levels.

The Grimoire: Essential Spells

Witchcrafter Creation

The primary monster searcher, adding any "Witchcrafter" monster from deck to hand to ensure you start your plays.

Witchcrafter Holiday

The in-archetype "Monster Reborn," used to revive key boss monsters or reuse the effects of your starters.

Witchcrafter Bystreet

Provides crucial once-per-turn destruction protection for all "Witchcrafter" monsters and can even set itself back on the field from the GY.

The Foundational Formula

The deck's consistency stems from its simple yet powerful one-card combo. A single "Apprentice" like Schmietta can establish a formidable board, allowing you to witness the coven's full power and control the duel from the very first turn.

Witchcrafter Schmietta
Missing: 21744288
1

Initiate the Ritual

Normal Summon Witchcrafter Schmietta. This is the deck's primary chokepoint.

Witchcrafter Madame Verre
Missing: 21522601
2

Summon the Master

Activate Schmietta's effect, Tributing her and discarding any Spell. Special Summon Witchcrafter Madame Verre from the deck.

Witchcrafter Bystreet
Missing: 83289866
3

Establish Protection

Activate Schmietta's GY effect: banish her to send Witchcrafter Bystreet from deck to GY. During the End Phase, Bystreet will place itself on the field and the discarded Spell will return to your hand.

The Ideal End Board

Field Presence

Witchcrafter Vice-Madame
Missing: 9603252

Vice-Madame

Disruption/Extension

Witchcrafter Madame Verre
Missing: 21522601

Madame Verre

Board Negation

Witchcrafter Haine
Missing: 84523092

Haine

Targeted Destruction

Support & Reserves

Witchcrafter Bystreet

(Spell/Trap Zone)

Witchcrafter Golem Aruru
Missing: 71074418

Golem Aruru

(In Hand)

Spells in Hand

(Fuel for Effects)

This formation creates an oppressive web of negation, destruction, and protection.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • Unmatched Grind Game: The recursive spell loop provides unparalleled resource advantage over long duels.
  • Layered Control: A full board combines negation, destruction, and protection, making it very difficult to break.
  • Engine Synergy: Pairs well with powerful external engines like Dogmatika and Invoked due to minimal Extra Deck usage.

Weaknesses

  • Normal Summon Reliant: The entire strategy hinges on the first starter's effect resolving, making it vulnerable to hand traps.
  • Graveyard Hate: Cards like Abyss Dweller or D.D. Crow can shut down the resource loop completely.
  • Slow Pace: The deck is inherently defensive and can struggle to close out games quickly against aggressive strategies.

Key Tech Choices

  • Dogmatika Engine: Provides powerful disruption without using the Normal Summon, covering the deck's main weakness.
  • Invoked Engine: Offers an omni-negate in Invoked Mechaba, which synergizes perfectly with the Spell-heavy hands.
  • Board Breakers: Non-targeting cards like Dark Ruler No More or Forbidden Droplet are essential for disabling established enemy boards.

Current TCG Banlist Status

UNRESTRICTED STATUS: The Witchcrafter archetype remains at full power with no cards on the official TCG Forbidden & Limited list.

All "Witchcrafter" monsters, spells, and traps are currently unlimited (allowed at 3 copies per deck). This allows the archetype to be played at its maximum consistency and power level, free from any direct restrictions.

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

As of the current TCG format, the Witchcrafter 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 Witchcrafter Decks

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