Synchro Cat: The strongest deck two formats ago returns as the strongest deck again, this time with the powerful Flamvell monsters helping them out. Synchro Cat is currently a random mishmash of powerful cards that aid in Synchro Summoning. They also have incredible opening plays. Setting Gravekeeper’s Spy, Gravekeeper’s Guard, Sangan, and Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter are all plays everyone has to watch out for against Synchro Cat. Some Cat decks also use Super-Nimble Mega Hamster, who functions similarly to Gravekeeper’s Spy. Rescue Cat and Summoner Monk basically make instant Synchro monsters. Synchro Cat is a deck that works by making pushes for advantage, using cards like Arcanite Magician and Gravekeeper’s Descendant who can easily clear the field. Against Synchro Cat, I would probably play Nobleman of Crossout, who can easily eliminate their entire flip monster lineup. That old card is really trending in playability again. Another good choice would probably be Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer, who can eliminate the annoying Flamvell Firedog and Flamvell Magician from the Graveyard.
Blackwings: Blackwings are the second strongest deck this format, and took only a minor hit with the banlist. Although only Tier 2 at the end of last format, Blackwings are at the top of their game right now. Zombies and Lightsworns got hit HARD by the banlist, whereas Blackwings only lost a copy of Black Whirlwind. Blackwings play by creating quick Synchro Summon oppurtunities to beat the opponents down. Blackwings are inherently a swarm deck, however, they can still play anti-meta cards like Royal Oppression and Skill Drain without fear. Combining this with Icarus Attack, Blackwings become a major threat to any anti-meta deck hoping to succeed this format. Against Blackwings, I would probably side in Consecrated Light, but I would watch out for Icarus Attack.
Lightsworn: The powerful Lightsworn decks make a return this format as the third strongest deck. As always, they focus on quick beatdown and using their milling effects to quickly build up a strong offense and defense. This format, they are much weaker defensively due to the lack of Necro Gardna, and some builds are teching Lightsworn Barrier, which is definitely something to watch out for. Despite the limitation of Lumina, who could quickly put 2000 points of damage onto the field as well as toolbox various powerful effects, Lightsworns are still a major threat due to Judgment Dragon and Wulf, Lightsworn Beast. They are also the fastest deck around, because Solar Recharge is at 3 right now. Against Lightsworns, I would be sure to watch out for sudden comebacks, Lightsworns are famous for “sacking” into powerful cards like Celestia (a +1 tribute monster) and Judgment Dragon (who can easily clear the field for game.) Against Lightsworns, I would probably side cards like Dimensional Fissure (if possible) and Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer.
Gladiator Beasts: The fourth strongest deck, soon to be fifth if Machina Gadgets keeps on rising is Gladiator Beast. A very old-fashioned (from 2007!) strategy, Gladiators will always have a place in my heart. They function by gaining advantage through battle. I won’t really review this as much since they are the exact same as they were 3 or so formats ago. Some good cards to side include Mirror of Oaths.
Gadgets: The Gadgets got a major boost from the arrival of Machina Gearframe and Machina Fortress. Machina Gearframe is basically a Gadget who is a 1800 beater who recruits a 2500 beater. The original Red, Yellow, and Green Gadgets form a solid support cast who are a great combo with Machina Fortress. This deck is a defensive deck which plays for card advantage, using Dimensional Prison and other cards to eliminate the opponent’s options. With plenty of viable 1 for 1 choices such as Icarus Attack and Dust Tornado being mained by almost everybody, Gadgets have their work cut out for them. Their major weakness is how ridiculously easy they are to side against. Cyber Dragons and System Downs pretty much break their back.
Blackwings: Blackwings are the second strongest deck this format, and took only a minor hit with the banlist. Although only Tier 2 at the end of last format, Blackwings are at the top of their game right now. Zombies and Lightsworns got hit HARD by the banlist, whereas Blackwings only lost a copy of Black Whirlwind. Blackwings play by creating quick Synchro Summon oppurtunities to beat the opponents down. Blackwings are inherently a swarm deck, however, they can still play anti-meta cards like Royal Oppression and Skill Drain without fear. Combining this with Icarus Attack, Blackwings become a major threat to any anti-meta deck hoping to succeed this format. Against Blackwings, I would probably side in Consecrated Light, but I would watch out for Icarus Attack.
Lightsworn: The powerful Lightsworn decks make a return this format as the third strongest deck. As always, they focus on quick beatdown and using their milling effects to quickly build up a strong offense and defense. This format, they are much weaker defensively due to the lack of Necro Gardna, and some builds are teching Lightsworn Barrier, which is definitely something to watch out for. Despite the limitation of Lumina, who could quickly put 2000 points of damage onto the field as well as toolbox various powerful effects, Lightsworns are still a major threat due to Judgment Dragon and Wulf, Lightsworn Beast. They are also the fastest deck around, because Solar Recharge is at 3 right now. Against Lightsworns, I would be sure to watch out for sudden comebacks, Lightsworns are famous for “sacking” into powerful cards like Celestia (a +1 tribute monster) and Judgment Dragon (who can easily clear the field for game.) Against Lightsworns, I would probably side cards like Dimensional Fissure (if possible) and Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer.
Gladiator Beasts: The fourth strongest deck, soon to be fifth if Machina Gadgets keeps on rising is Gladiator Beast. A very old-fashioned (from 2007!) strategy, Gladiators will always have a place in my heart. They function by gaining advantage through battle. I won’t really review this as much since they are the exact same as they were 3 or so formats ago. Some good cards to side include Mirror of Oaths.
Gadgets: The Gadgets got a major boost from the arrival of Machina Gearframe and Machina Fortress. Machina Gearframe is basically a Gadget who is a 1800 beater who recruits a 2500 beater. The original Red, Yellow, and Green Gadgets form a solid support cast who are a great combo with Machina Fortress. This deck is a defensive deck which plays for card advantage, using Dimensional Prison and other cards to eliminate the opponent’s options. With plenty of viable 1 for 1 choices such as Icarus Attack and Dust Tornado being mained by almost everybody, Gadgets have their work cut out for them. Their major weakness is how ridiculously easy they are to side against. Cyber Dragons and System Downs pretty much break their back.
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