🚨 OCG BANLIST UPDATE! 🚨
Konami has just updated the Banned/Restricted List for OCG, effective from April 1, 2025 ! 📜🔥
⚠️ Note : This list is for OCG Format , NOT applicable to Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel !
As always, what do you guys think about these changes? 🤔👇 Here's what I think
🔴 Newly Forbidden (Completely Forbidden)
❌ Artifact Scythe (1 → 0)
❌ Summon Limit (1 → 0)
💭 Finally, Artifact Scythe is banned! No more ridiculous Extra Deck locks. Summon Limit is also gone, which means combo-heavy decks will have more room to play, but could it make the meta more unbalanced?
🟠 Newly Limited (Limited to 1 card)
🔹 Sword Ryzeal (3 → 1)
🔹 Dimension Shifter (2 → 1)
🔹 Maliss <P> Dormouse (3 → 1)
🔹 Seventh Tachyon (2 → 1)
🔹 That Grass Looks Greener (2 → 1)
💭 Dimension Shifter down to 1 is a huge blow to Banish-centric decks like Floowandereeze! That Grass Looks Greener is also getting cut, forcing strong Mill decks like Tearlaments and Lightsworn to adapt.
🟡 Newly Semi-Limited (Limited to 2 cards)
🔸 Cyber Jar (1 → 2)
🔸 Purrely Sleepy Memory (1 → 2)
💭 Cyber Jar up to 2? One of the most chaotic cards ever in the game! Purrely Sleepy Memory got a slight buff, which could help Purrely come back stronger.
🟢 Newly Unlimited (Free 3 Cards)
🔹 Fire King High Avatar Kirin (2 → 3)
🔹 Performapal Monkeyboard (2 → 3)
🔹 Chronograph Sorcerer (2 → 3)
🔹 Master Peace, the True Dracoslaying King (2 → 3)
🔹 Morphing Jar (2 → 3)
🔹 Snatch Steal (2 → 3)
🔹 Zoodiac Barrage (2 → 3)
💭 Master Peace is back with 3 copies? This might be a controversial change, as it used to be one of the most feared boss monsters in True Draco. Snatch Steal is also back with 3 copies, will anyone dare to experiment with the strategy of stealing the opponent's monster again?
🛡️ How to Deal with New Banlist
1️⃣ Summon Limit is banned → Combo Decks can work more easily
Tip: If you play a Control deck and rely on Summon Limit to limit your opponent, try replacing it with Rivalry of Warlords , Gozen Match , or There Can Be Only One to keep the pressure on.
Decks that benefit: Kashtira, Dragon Link, Branded, Spright, Tearlaments.
2️⃣ Dimension Shifter is limited → Meta may slow down a bit
Tip: If you're playing a deck that takes advantage of Shifters like Floowandereeze, add alternative cards like Necrovalley or Macro Cosmos to continue controlling your opponent.
Decks that benefit: Graveyard-based decks like Tearlaments, Branded Despia.
3️⃣ Master Peace (3) & Snatch Steal (3) → Control Decks get powerful tools
Tip: If you're up against True Draco or a deck that uses Snatch Steal, be prepared with Forbidden Droplet , Dark Ruler No More , or Book of Moon to outplay them.
Decks that benefit: True Draco, Monarchs, Sky Striker.
4️⃣ That Grass Looks Greener down 1 → Deck Mill will be weaker
Tip: If you like playing 60-card decks, consider other strategies like using multiple engines or adding Foolish Burial Goods , Curious, the Lightsworn Dominion to continue Milling.
Decks affected: Tearlaments, Lightsworn, Infernoid.
📌 Deck Building Tips For Newbie
If you're new to Yu-Gi-Oh!, building a deck can be a bit confusing. Here's a simple guide to get you started:
1️⃣ Choose a Deck That Suits Your Playstyle
Do you like long combos and strong field opening? → Spright, Dragon Link, Branded Despia.
Do you like to control the game, destroy your opponent's cards? → True Draco, Labrynth, Sky Striker.
Do you like simple, easy-to-understand strategies? → HERO, Cyber Dragon, Floowandereeze.
2️⃣ Basic Deck Structure (40 Cards)
20 Monsters (Main cards, engine support, hand traps if any).
10 Spells (Search, buff, combo support).
10 Trap (If playing control, otherwise can be replaced with Spell).
📌 Note:
Optimize decks with multiple searchers to draw important cards faster.
Don't play too many "brick" monsters (hard to draw, no immediate effect).
3️⃣ Basic Extra Deck Set
3-4 Xyz/Synchro/Fusion fits the deck.
3-4 Link Monsters to support the opening.
Outplay cards like Accesscode Talker , Zeus , Baronne de Fleur if possible.
4️⃣ Reasonable Side Deck (15 Cards)
Anti-Combo Deck: Nibiru, Ash Blossom, Droll & Lock Bird.
Anti Control Deck: Cosmic Cyclone, Twin Twisters, Lightning Storm.
Against Graveyard Deck: DD Crow, Called by the Grave, Necrovalley.
💡 Summary:
Follow the banlist to adjust the deck in time.
Build a stable deck, not too dependent on 1-2 important cards.
Focus on optimizing your strategy rather than just collecting strong cards.