Executive Summary

The Zefra archetype is a unique and complex Pendulum-based strategy, representing a narrative culmination of the Duel Terminal story arc. It unites champions from five distinct archetypes'?Nekroz, Ritual Beast, Tellarknight, Yang Zing, and Shaddoll'?into a singular, cohesive engine. Its playstyle is defined by exceptional consistency, a high combo ceiling, and the ability to build resilient end boards layered with searchable negations. The deck's power lies in its interconnected network of searchers that allow it to reliably execute its game plan and adapt to various threats.

The Zefra Collective

Core Monsters & Playmakers

Zefraath

The single most important main deck monster. Its Pendulum effect sets up the entire combo by sending a Zefra from deck to the Extra Deck and copying its scale.

Zefraniu, Secret of the Yang Zing

The primary value engine. On summon or destruction, it searches any "Zefra" or "Yang Zing" Spell/Trap, creating a loop of advantage.

Zefraxi, Treasure of the Yang Zing

A crucial combo piece that turns another Zefra monster into a Tuner, enabling powerful Synchro plays.

Divine Spells & Traps

Zefra Providence

The omni-searcher. Adds any "Zefra" card from deck to hand and offers protection from its Graveyard effect.

Oracle of Zefra

A Field Spell that searches any Zefra monster and has a powerful secondary effect to stack any monster on top of your deck.

Zefra Divine Strike / Nine Pillars

Searchable Counter Traps that provide powerful omni-negation, forming the core of the deck's end board.

The Path to Enlightenment

The deck's consistency allows even a simple two-card hand to establish a solid interruption. From just a starter and another Zefra monster, this collective of divine warriors can assemble a negate and a body on field.

Zefraath
Missing: 29432356
1

Set the Scales

Activate Zefraath. Use its effect to send Zefraniu, Secret of the Yang Zing from deck to Extra Deck, making Zefraath's scale 7. Place another Zefra (Scale 1) in your other Pendulum Zone.

Zefraniu, Secret of the Yang Zing
Missing: 58990362
2

Pendulum Summon & Search

Pendulum Summon Zefraniu from your face-up Extra Deck. On summon, Zefraniu's effect activates, allowing you to search for Zefra Divine Strike or Nine Pillars of the Yang Zing.

Zefra Divine Strike
Missing: 35561352
3

Establish Interruption

Set your searched Counter Trap. This simple two-card combo ends on a monster and a powerful, searchable omni-negate for your opponent's turn.

The Celestial Fortress: A Typical End Board

While the deck's most explosive combos were impacted by the banlist, it remains capable of constructing a layered and disruptive board. A common end board focuses on Synchro-based interruptions and searchable Counter Traps.

Baxia, Brightness of the Yang Zing

Baxia, Brightness of the Yang Zing
Missing: 83755611

Provides non-targeting removal by shuffling cards on the field back into the deck.

Hieratic Seal of the Heavenly Spheres

Hieratic Seal of the Heavenly Spheres
Missing: 24361622

Offers a Quick Effect to bounce an opponent's card, and summons a Dragon from deck when Tributed.

Set Counter Traps

Nine Pillars of Yang Zing
Missing: 57831349

The board is backed by searchable omni-negates like Zefra Divine Strike and Nine Pillars of Yang Zing.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • Exceptional Consistency: Multiple one and two-card starters lead to powerful combos.
  • Layered Boards: Ends on a mix of monster-based interruptions and powerful backrow.
  • Resilience: Can play through some disruption and rebuild boards using the Pendulum mechanic and GY effects.
  • Counter Trap Access: Uniquely resistant to board breakers like Dark Ruler No More due to its searchable Counter Traps.

Weaknesses

  • Key Choke Points: A well-timed hand trap on Zefraath or Zefraniu can be difficult to recover from.
  • Pendulum Disruption: Vulnerable to cards that remove Pendulum Scales, like Cosmic Cyclone, or floodgates like Anti-Spell Fragrance.
  • Graveyard Hate: Relies on the GY for some recovery and combos, making it weak to cards like Dimension Shifter.

Synergies & Engines

  • Yang Zing: The most critical internal synergy, providing access to Tuners and powerful Synchro monsters.
  • Tellarknight: The Tellarknight Zefras provide excellent, searchable spot removal.
  • Endymion: A historically powerful pairing where Zefra spells generate Spell Counters to fuel the Endymion engine's powerful negates.

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

As of the current TCG format, the Zefra 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 Zefra Decks

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