History Characters / YuGiOhCardGameAToE

[[redirect:YuGiOhCardGameAToC]]

Characters from the ''TabletopGame/YuGiOh'' card game, sorted alphabetically.

For the other characters, see here: [[Characters/YuGiOhCardGame Main Index]] | [[Characters/YuGiOhCardGameFToJ F to J]] | [[Characters/YuGiOhCardGameKToO K to O]] | [[Characters/YuGiOhCardGamePToT P to T]] | [[Characters/YuGiOhCardGameUToZ U to Z]]

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[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Agents of Heaven]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Agent The Agents of Heaven]]''' are a series of angels (Fairy-Type Monsters) that hail from the Sanctuary in the Sky. Comprised of "The Agent" archetype and some supporting Fairies. They are named after planetary bodies, their leader is Master Hyperion.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Agents of Heaven:
* AmazingTechnicolorPopulation
* BadassBeard: The Agent of Miracles - Jupiter.
* BadassBookworm: The Agent of Wisdom - Mercury.
* BigGood: Master Hyperion.
* FieryRedhead: The Agent of Force - Mars.
* TheGrimReaper: The Agent of Entropy - Uranus is the first "The Agent" monster whose name does not accurately depict what it is named after (in this case, the Greek god of the sky has no correlation with "Death").
* HolyHandGrenade: The Agent of Judgment - Saturn's effect.
* {{Homage}}: The Agents (and Hyperion) are based on their respective spheres from ''[[Literature/TheDivineComedy Paradiso]]'' (e.g. Mars is the Agent of Fortitude). However, there is no "Moon" agent [[note]]unless you count Mystical Shine Ball[[/note]] and Hyperion (representing the sphere of the Sun) seems to indicate a heliocentric solar system, which the Divine Comedy [[DarkAgeEurope does not feature]].
* LightTheWay
* LoveGoddess: The Agent of Creation - Venus.
* MeaningfulName: Hyperion is the name of the sun titan, fitting to the fact that the agents are named after planets.
* MookMaker: The Agent of Creation - Venus's effect.
* MotherNature: The Agent of Mystery - Earth.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent
* PowerOfTheSun: Master Hyperion.
* SadlyMythtaken: Ironically, Mercury is not the Roman God of Wisdom; rather, Mercury is the messenger of the gods. Minerva is the actual Roman goddess of wisdom. However, the Romans associated Mercury with Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, whom this card is most likely based on.
* ThemeNaming: Agent of - <Myth/ClassicalMythology God name>.
* UranusIsShowing: The Agent of Death - Uranus.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The Agent of Force - Mars.
* WarGod: The Agent of Force - Mars.
* WingedHumanoid
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Aliens]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Alien Aliens]]''' are a series of Reptile-Type Monsters that rely on distributing "A-Counters" on monsters to activate their effects, many of which allow them to seize control of enemy monsters or lower their stats. Their ace monsters are Cosmic Horror Gangi'el and Cosmic Fortress Gol'gar.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Aliens:
* AlienInvasion: Their whole theme.
* {{Brainwashed}}: Their gimmick is taking control of enemy monsters.
* TheCorruption: A-Counters, distributed to enemy monsters as a means of weakening and eventually controlling them.
* EldritchAbomination: Their strongest Level cards are "Cosmic Fortress Gol'gar" and "Cosmic Horror Gangi'el", obviously based on Lovecraftian monsters.
* LoopholeAbuse: The ATK and DEF-decreasing effect of A-Counters is not a ruling of the game, but a normal card effect some Aliens have and some don't. This means if there is no monster on the field with the power draining effect mentioned in its card text, there is no ATK drain. On the other hand, with multiple such monsters in play, ''all'' of their draining effects trigger, so the opponent's monsters grow weaker and weaker the more Aliens there are with that effect.
* OrbitalBombardment: One of the theme Trap Cards bears this trope's name. (Actual effect: send an Alien on the field to the graveyard to destroy a Spell or Trap on the field).
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: The Aliens are Reptile-Type monsters.
* TheVirus: The A-Counters.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Allies of Justice]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Ally_of_Justice Allies Of Justice]]''' are a series of DARK Machine monsters that arrived to stop the invasion of the LIGHT-Attribute Worms. As such their effects center on crippling enemy Light monsters. They're lead by Ally of Justice Decisive Armor. In ''5D's'', they are used by the Diablo, an [[MechaMooks army of Ghosts (which are Riding Roids)]].
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!!!Tropes associated with the Allies of Justice:
* CastingAShadow: They are all DARK monsters.
* CripplingOverspecialization: The Allies of Justice appear to be an entire archetype based around overspecialization. Their effects almost exclusively revolve around the opponent's monsters being LIGHT monsters or face-down. If they're not facing something with those criteria, they're in a lot of trouble. Note that the Worms are all LIGHT monsters with a lot of flip effects, meaning the Allies of Justice were designed to just fight this one enemy and nothing else!
* DarkIsNotEvil: An interesting thing to note about this archetype's name is that "Ally of Justice" usually would make people think that they are LIGHT monsters since "Justice" is usually associated with "goodness/good side" which is, in turn, usually associated with LIGHT, therefore an "Ally" (friend/team mate) of "Justice" would be on the good/LIGHT side as well. But in reality, they are DARK and have effects that destroy LIGHT monsters instead. However, their abilities might be a reference to The Light of Destruction. Also, since the "Worm" archetype is primarily LIGHT, "Ally of Justice" monsters were invented to defeat them, thus another reason to reference Justice if they are invaders. This is also reinforced by the card "Ally Mind" which mentions the Worm Nebula as well.
** Subverted in the anime, where the Allies of Justice are used by the Diablo, a MechaMook army of Yliaster.
* {{Expy}}:
** Ally of Justice Thousand Arms shares many similarities with "Asura Priest": both monsters possess multiple arms; both have 1700 ATK and can attack multiple times during the Battle Phase; both have a downside ("Asura Priest" must return to the hand during the End Phase, "Thousand Arms" is destroyed if it battles a non-LIGHT monster); both are Level 4.
** Ally of Justice Unknown Crusher has the same Level, ATK, DEF and a similar appearence to "Mammoth Graveyard".
** Ally of Justice Cyclone Creator has the same Level, Type, Attribute, ATK and DEF as another Tuner, "Genex Controller" and it also shares the Type, ATK and DEF with "Cyber Falcon".
** Ally of Justice Light Gazer is similar to "Thermal Genex". They have 2400 ATK, are Level 8, are Synchro Monsters; and they have an effect to increase their ATK, based on monsters in the Graveyard.
* EvilCounterpart: Inverted: Searcher seems to be made to specifically counter "Worm Barses". "Worm Barses" flips monsters face-down, while "A.O.J. Searcher" flips monsters face-up without triggering their Flip Effects. Besides, they have similiar stretching-arms posture, same ATK and Level, with opposite Attributes ([[YinYangClash LIGHT vs DARK]]).
* GameplayAndStorySegregation: In the artwork for "Mist Valley Thunder Lord", it is carrying the head of "Catastor", implying that it defeated "Catastor". In the context of the actual card game, this would be impossible as "Mist Valley Thunder Lord" cannot beat "Catastor" due to the effect of "Catastor" that automatically destroys any non-DARK monster. However, the artwork of Mind Pollutant, which depicts "Fabled Raven" taking control of "Mist Valley Thunder Lord", forcing it to destroy "Ally of Justice Catastor".
* GiantSquid: Ally of Justice Enemy Catcher. The tentacles it uses when it is summoned indicates that this particular Ally of Justice specializes in capturing and temporarily enslaving the Worm menace.
* MeaningfulName:
** The name of Field Marshal has a dual meaning. A 'Field Marshal' (with one l) is a military rank, which the monster pictured on the card presumably holds. A 'Field Marshall' (with two l's) was a British farm tractor used in the early Twentieth Century. The monster is thus given the name because it is a Machine, like a Field Marshall, and holds the rank of Field Marshal.
** Ally of Justice Reverse Break is an "Ally of Justice" monster which gains a negative effect from a LIGHT monster on the field, likely referring to the "reverse" part of its name.
** Ally of Justice Cycle Reader's name is a reflection of its effect. It reads the cycle (cards being sent to the graveyard and then reused) and disrupts it by removing them from play.
** "Catastor" could be a play on the word "catastrophe" considering its powerful destruction effect.
** It is implied that Ally of Justice Unlimiter is the "Limiter Removal" for "Allies of Justice" due to this card's name (Unlimiter has basically the same meaning as "Limiter Removal").
* MultiArmedAndDangerous:
** "Omni-Weapon" has eight arms equipped with weapons, only four of them can be determined from the artwork: [[DropTheHammer hammer]], [[ThisIsADrill drill]], giant scissor/cutter and [[PowerFist giant punch]]. These eight weaponized arms thus make "Omni-Weapon"'s name fitting.
** "Thousand Arms" has a {{BFS}}, {{an axe|ToGrind}}, a cutlass a [[BladeOnAStick halberd]] and a [[CarryABigStick mace]]. The effect of attacking multiple times during the Battle Phase is a reference to its multiple weapons.
* NobleBirdOfPrey: Since it's implied that the Ally of Justice monsters are adversaries of the LIGHT Worm archetype, Ally of Justice Clausolas's bird-like appearance makes sense because of the "stereotypical" (or part of) every bird's diet - they eat worms.
* NotCompletelyUseless: While the entire archetype is gimmicky and suffers massively from CripplingOverspecialization, certain cards of the archetype can be pretty useful depending on the format. For example, following the banlist that nuked the Monarch-Dracopal format in the OCG, [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Ally_of_Justice_Quarantine Ally of Justice Quarantine]] saw a boost in play to combat the Blue-Eyes decks that soon took over the meta.
* PowerNullifier: Any LIGHT monster that has battled Ally of Justice Nullfier has its effects negated (starting after damage calculation).
* SigilSpam: The initials "AOJ" and Ally Mind.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Amazoness]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Amazoness Amazoness]]''' monsters are a tribe of female Warrior-Types that rely on strength through battle, with high ATK and effects that determine the outcome of attacks in various ways. Their leader, Amazoness Queen, prevents all Amazoness from being destroyed in battle. Mai Kujaku/[[DubNameChange Valentine]] combined them with her Harpie Deck in ''Duel Monsters'', and the Seven Star Assassin Tania used an Amazoness deck in ''GX''. The Tyler Sisters use Amazoness decks based around Fusion Summons in ''ARC-V''.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Amazoness:
* ActionGirl: Naturally.
** Amazoness Paladin. She gains more power when there are Amazonesses in the Field. This effect shows how her loyality to her fellow Amazonesses affects the way she fights.
** Amazoness Swords Woman. The Player's opponent takes all Battle Damage that he/she would have taken from a battle involving this card. This effect is basically Amazoness Swords Woman being determined to beat her opponent, even as she's dying.
** Amazoness Fighter. This card's controller takes no battle damage from a battle involving her. This effect shows how much willpower and loyalty has Amazoness Fighter to not allow downs to her fellow Amazonesses in her death.
* AmazonBrigade: You were expecting something else from an archtype named "Amazoness"?
* AmazonianBeauty: A lot of them are scantily clad; and range from toned to having noticeable musculature.
* AnnoyingArrows: Amazoness Archers. Their effect is basically the arrows burdening their opponents' bodies and blinding their foes with rage.
* AmplifierArtifact: Amazoness Heirloom. It protects an Amazoness from being destroyed. It represents how their ancestors are protecting them through this artifact
* AuthorityEqualsAsskicking: Amazoness Queen. Her effect lets her fellow Amazonesses survive a battle that they would have lost. This effect is basically her giving her troops strong willpower by being on the battlefield.
* ArcherArchetype: Amazoness Archer. [[AwesomeButImpractical Tributing 2 monsters, she can inflict 1200 points of direct damage]].
* BattleAura: Amazoness Fighting Spirit. It lets an Amazoness to gain 1000 ATK points if she faces a strong opponent. Basically, [[TimeToUnlockMoreTruePotential she unleashes her full potential]] when this card is activated.
* BlackMagic: Amazoness Spellcaster. It's effect switchs the attack points of one amazoness with an opponent's.
* TheCavalry: Queen's Pawn. When an Amazoness destroys a monster, it's effect allows special summon another Amazoness from the deck.
* ContinuityCameo: Amazoness Paladin basically resembles Mai Kujaku/[[DubNameChange Valentine]].
* EyepatchOfPower: Amazoness Queen.
* FieryRedhead: Amazoness Swords Woman and one of the Amazoness Scouts.
* HeroicSacrifice: Amazoness Scouts. By tributing them, her fellows Amazonesses are protected of monsters's attacks and spell and trap's effects for one turn. This effect shows that, even though they are weak, they provide a vital help for the rest of her group via their sacrifice inspectionating the field.
* HeroicWillpower: Amazoness Willpower. It brings BackFromTheDead to one Amazoness and it must attack if able. This effect is basically how the Amazonesses are not willing to get defeated so easily.
* [[ActionGirl Hot Chick With A Sword]]: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Amazoness Sword Woman]], Amazoness Paladin and Amazoness Queen.
* LadyOfBlackMagic: Amazoness Sage. If she attacks, she can destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card your opponent controls at the end of the Damage Step. This effect is basically Amazoness Sage showing control over her dark magic. This also shows that she is experienced in combat.
* LittleMissBadass: Amazoness Trainee. She gains 200 attack points every time she destroys a monster. This effect shows how she improves her strength and skill with every battle she wins.
* PantheraAwesome: Amazoness Tiger. It gains more power when there are Amazonesses in the Field. This effect shows how loyal the creature is to the Amazonesses.
* PoisonedWeapons: Amazoness Blowpiper has effect of targetting an opponent's monster and having it lose 500 ATK until the end of a turn. In said artwork, she holds a blowpipe. Thus, this effect is her using the poisoned darts to weaken the targetted monster in an attempt to make the monster easier to kill.
* ShesAllGrownUp: Looking closely, Amazoness Chain Master is a grown up version of Amazoness Trainee.
* VariableLengthChain: Amazoness Chain Master. Her effect lets the player obtain a Monster Card from the opponent's hand. This effect is basically Amazoness Chain Master is stating that she is willing to die if it means that the rest of her team can get a hold of enemy information.
* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: Amazoness Queen, Amazoness Blowpiper and one of the Amazoness Scouts. Amazoness Trainee has purple hair.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Amorphage]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Amorphage Amorphage]]''' are a group of EARTH Dragon-Type Pendulum Monsters. They focus on limiting the actions both players are able to make, but require a monster to be tributed while they are inside a Pendulum Zone.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Amorphage:
* BearsAreBadNews: Amorphage Sloth.
* BodyHorror: The process of becoming an Amorphage involves dragonic body parts sprouting from your body. In almost every case, the victim retains characteristics of its previous self such as Wrath having its original head on top of its new one.
* DishingOutDirt: They are all EARTH monsters.
* DubNameChange: From the components of Eight Evil Thoughts to the Seven Deadly Sins and Goliath.
** Gastr to Gluttony.
** Lux to Lechery.
** Plest to Greed.
** Cavum to Envy.
** Olga to Wrath
** Hyper to Pride.
** Nortes to Sloth.
** Irritum to Goliath.
* EverythingsSquishierWithCephalopods: Amorphage Envy.
* EyesDoNotBelongThere: The monsters have a number of red eyes with slits for pupils throughout the mutated parts of their body.
* FliesEqualsEvil: Amorphage Gluttony.
* GlassCannon: Lechery, Wrath, Pride, Sloth and Goliath, which have good ATK for their Level but have 0 DEF.
* InstantAwesomeJustAddDragons:
** Although they are a little bit... [[BodyHorror off]].
** Amorphage Goliath, the boss of the archetype, is a straighter example, having the most resemblance to traditional dragons.
* IWorkAlone: Very xenophobic, with their Archetype hindering cards that aren't part of them, including the player's.
* MeaningfulName: The name of the archetype is comprised of the words "amorphous" and "phage". The first is derived from a Greek word meaning formless or deformed with the latter fitting the appearance of the monsters. And while "phage" is derived from the Greek, it is also used as a name for virus that parasites bacteria. Not only does this refers to how the monsters are created, but the rod-like objects seen on the monsters resemble the structure of a phage (specifically, a T4 bacteriophage).
* MythologyGag: This archetype shares a few similarities with the Evilswarm, as both of their monsters are the result of creatures being changed by a virus and those monsters have an ATK or DEF score that ends with 50. Also, all Amorphage monsters possess either 0 ATK or 0 DEF and have boss monsters intended to be Tribute Summoned, similar to the Steelswarm.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Were once ordinary animals until being infected.
* PricklyHedgehog: Amorphage Greed.
* SavageWolves: Amorphage Wrath.
* ScaryScorpions: Amorphage Lechery.
* SevenDeadlySins: Their Japanese names are derived from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_deadly_sins#Origin_of_the_currently_recognized_Seven_Deadly_Sins eight evil thoughts]], precursors to the Seven Deadly Sins. Their English names, however, play this straight and are actually named after the Seven Deadly Sins, with Irritum's English name being derived from [[DavidVersusGoliath Goliath]].
* StoneWall: Gluttony, Greed and Envy, which have great DEF stats.
* ViralTransformation: How the Amorphage are made in the lore, courtesy of Vector Pendulum's Dragon Alchemy.
* WeakButSkilled: Stat-wise, they're relatively weak, and they require constant Tributes to stay inside the Pendulum Zones—but they come with devastating effects and support cards to make up for it.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Ancient Gear]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Ancient_Gear_(archetype) Ancient Gears]]''' (known as '''Antique Gear''' in the OCG) are an archetype of EARTH Machine monsters. The Ancient Gears have effects that prevent the opponent from using Spell and Trap Cards when they attack, stopping the likes of Mirror Force and Magic Cylinder, and otherwise restrict the opponent's ability to defend from attacks. The Ancient Gears are lead by Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem. They are also connected to the Gadget archetype wich is represented by Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Dragon and Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera, who gain effects when Gadgets are their Tribute fodder.

Chronos/[[DubNameChange Crowler]] used an Ancient Gear deck in ''GX''. Obelisk Force and other Academia characters in ''ARC-V'' also use Ancient Gear cards. For information specifically pertaining to the anime's depiction of the cards, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards

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!!!Tropes associated with the Ancient Gears:
* AncientGrome: They're variably based on Greek or Roman aesthetics.
* AntiMagic: Most of the Ancient Gear monsters have effects that stop the opponent from using Spell and Trap Cards when they attack.
* ArmCannon: Ancient Gear Soldier has a gatling gun on its right arm.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Ancient Gear Golem and Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem both have piercing damage and with 3000 and 4400 ATK respectively.
* ClockPunk: Their main theme is Ancient Greece's Antikythera mechanism. Studies of the Antikythera mechanism put its complexity and craft as comparable to 18th century Europe.
* EternalEngine: Ancient Gear Castle and Geartown are depicted as towering fortresses with gears and chains eternally working across their exteriors.
* {{Expy}}: Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem can be seen as the Ancient Gear counterpart to Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon:
** In the anime this requires 3 identical Fusion Material Monsters, as does Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. All of which have 3000 ATK and are Level 8.
** In the OCG, both monsters follow the same naming scheme: (Archetype) Ultimate (Card name)
* FusionDance: Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem is a combined form of Ancient Gear Golem with two other Ancient Gear monsters.
* LoopholeAbuse: Ancient Gear Golem and Ancient Gear Beast specify they cannot be Special Summoned. This is why the earlier Ancient Gear support cards instead lower the number of Tributes needed to Normal Summon them, and later ones allow their Special Summon with the note "ignore the Summoning conditions".
* MechanicalLifeforms: They're all sentient robots.
* MoreDakka: Ancient Gear Soldier attacks with a gatling cannon.
* MultipleHeadCase: Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera
* MixAndMatchCritters: Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera
* OurCentaursAreDifferent: Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Dragon
* PowerFist: Ancient Gear Golem and Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem
* TheRightHandOfDoom:
** Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem has a massive claw for a left arm.
** To a lesser extent, Ancient Gear Engineer has a [[ThisIsADrill very large drill]] in place of a right hand.
* RocketPunch: Ancient Gear Fist is depicted as this trope in the anime.
* TankGoodness: Ancient Gear Tank is a tank an Ancient Gear monster can ride for a power boost.
* ThisIsADrill: Ancient Gear Engineer attacks with a drill-arm.
* TrojanHorse: Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem's appearance may be based off of the Trojan Horse in Roman Mythology. It wears what appears to be a Roman helmet on its head.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Arcana Force]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Arcana_Force Arcana Force]]''' monsters are an archetype of monsters that represent the cards in a Tarot deck. Representing how Tarot cards can mean good or ill omen depending on which way they're facing, they flip a coin when summoned and gain a positive or negative effect depending on the result. They have two leaders, Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler, and Arcana Force EX - The Dark Ruler, neither based on any Tarot card. They are used by Takuma Saiou (Sartorius in the English dub) in ''GX''.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Arcana Force:
* AntiMagic: Arcana Force 0 - The Fool's effect reflects the naiveté of the Tarot archetype of the same name.
* CatGirl: Arcana Force XIV - Temperance's design is based on the Lovecraftian depiction of the Egyptian goddess Bastet, with its catlike claws, cat-shaped eyes, and hair pointed like ears, all the while bearing a female body.
* CthulhuMythos: They seem based on this, at least in part.
* DarkIsNotEvil: After his HeelFaceTurn, Saiou replaces The Light Ruler with The Dark Ruler.
* EnemySummoner: Arcana Force III - The Empress's reflects the fertility and fecundity of the Tarot archetype of the same name.
* TheGreys
* {{Homage}}:
** The cards' appearances are inspired by the works of Creator/HPLovecraft and taken from their appearance in Konami's own Franchise/SilentHill series.
** Humorously, Arcana Force XXI - The World's "heads" effect can be considered a reference to Dio Brando's stand "The World" in the manga and anime series "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure", which has the ability to stop time.[[note]]Saiou's {{seiyuu}} Creator/TakehitoKoyasu would eventually play Dio Brando in the remakes.[[/note]]
** The name Arcana Force could be a reference to Pandora's dub name "Arkana", the character Creator/TakehitoKoyasu (Saiou's {{Seiyuu}}) played back in ''Duel Monsters''
* LightEmUp: They are all LIGHT monsters. Even The Dark Ruler.
* LightIsNotGood: Despite their imposing, alien-like designs, they are all LIGHT Fairy-Type monsters. They are used by Saiou, who is corrupted by the Light of Ruin, both of them serving as the main antagonists of ''GX's'' season 2.
* LuckBasedMission: The monsters often attribute with coin flips to activate their effects, one positive and one negative. Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler and Arcana Force EX - The Dark Ruler are the only ones which are not based on tarot cards, and the only ones who have a positive effect for both coin flips. The upside is that the positive effects can be very potent, but of course the detrimental ones can cripple you.
* MookMaker: Arcana Force XVIII - The Moon's "Heads" effect.
* TheNecromancer: Arcana Force VII - The Chariot's Heads effect, which reflects the Tarot archetype of the same name.
* TimeStandsStill: Arcana Force XXI - The World's "heads" effect is in reference to the fact that this monster is based on the Lovecraft deity of all time and space, Yog-Sothoth. A World Lock down deck is a lockdown deck revolving around Arcana Force XXI - The World. All you need to complete this Lockdown is a constant source of monsters that Arcana Force XXI can send to your Graveyard to activate its effect. It is important to know that Token Monsters cannot activate The World's effect, since they cannot be used for costs that require monsters to be sent outside the field.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent[=/=]OurFairiesAreDifferent: They are Angel-Type/Fairy-Type monsters in the OCG/TCG.
* TarotMotifs: The monsters are based on the Major Arcana tarot cards, each possessing a different symbolic meaning, while the Spell and Trap Cards come in the form of the Minor Arcana tarot cards.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Archfiends]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Archfiend Archfiends]]''', called '''Daemons''' in the OCG, are a diverse group. Many monsters bear Archfiend in their name, but most are not really part of any archetype and the name more denotes a similar appearance between cards. There are two main sets of Archfiends. The Chess Archfiends are based on the pieces on a chess board and have the shared effect of rolling a die when targeted by a card effect, specific results negating the targeting effect and destroying the card, and they are are ruled by Terrorking Archfiend. The second set is a series of Archfiends that rely on destroying each other to activate their effects and summon higher-level monsters, lead by Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror. An Archfiend deck was used by Titan in the ''GX'' anime, focusing on the Chess Archfiends.

Several individual Archfiends appear in prominent anime decks, most notable examples: Yugi has Summoned Skull, he and Jonouchi have Black Skull Dragon; Pegasus has Toon Summoned Skull; Jack has Red Dragon Archfiend and Mad Archfiend; Kiryu has Infernity Archfiend.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Archfiends:
* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever: Judging from his card art, Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror, towers over the other Archfiends to the point he could crush their entire bodies in his grip.
* AnAxeToGrind: The Axe of Despair is an Archfiend card.
* AuthorityEqualsAsskicking: Terrorking and Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror, are both very powerful cards. The Emperor has 3000 ATK, the highest within the archetype, not counting the Red Dragon Archfiend variants and Overmind Archfiend, which aren't really part of the series anyway.
* {{BFS}}: Wielded by Terrorking Archfiend that's almost as long as he is tall.
* {{Brainwashed}}: Shadow Tamer's effect.
* {{Cephalothorax}}: Desrook Archfiend
* CombatTentacles: Desrook Archfiend
* ChainedByFashion: Imprisoned Queen Archfiend (This may suggest that Infernalqueen Archfiend was deposed and imprisoned, then replaced by Archfiend Empress.)
* ChessMotif: The original Archfiends.
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: The new Archfiends have effects that destroy other Archfiends when summoned. This is usually a good thing since they have effects that activate when they get destroyed, but it still means your monsters will keep killing each other before turning their attention to the opponent.
* DarkIsEvil
* DemBones
* DemotedToExtra: Of the six Signer Dragons, Red Dragon Archfiend and "Life Stream Dragon" are the only ones not to be featured as a Cover Card nor a Ghost Rare. Instead, this card's "Assault Mode", "Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode" is featured on the cover of Crimson Crisis and is the Ghost Rare of the set, while "Majestic Red Dragon" is the Cover Card of Absolute Powerforce and is the Ghost Rare of that set and "Life Stream Dragon's" Machine counterpart, "Power Tool Dragon" is the Ghost Rare and cover card of Raging Battle.
* DubNameChange: Daemon->Archfiend
* TheEmperor: Emperor Archfiend.
* EvilOverlord: Terrorking Archfiend and Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror
* EvilTowerOfOminousness: Archfiend Palace - The Labyrinth of Fiends.
* EvolutionaryLevels: There are two paths that Thought Ruler Archfiend can choose. Ultimate Axon Kicker is the path of light, caused by Thought Ruler Archfiend undergoing the "Psychic Overload" transformation and Overmind Archfiend is the path of darkness.
* FusionDance:
** Summoned Skull with Red-Eyes Black Dragon becomes Black Skull Dragon.
** Ultimate Axon Kicker may be a Fusion of "Thought Ruler Archfiend" and "Armored Axon Kicker".
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Infernalqueen Archfiend, Archfiend Empress and Imprisoned Queen Archfiend
* {{Homage}}: Red Dragon Archfiend is based upon the painting The Red Dragon by William Blake.
* LargeAndInCharge: Evil Emperor of Terror - Genesis Archfiend. He's so ''big'' that the two monsters at his feet on the card art (who appear to be Archfiend Soldier and Archfiend General) are the size of mice to him. The condition of his effect (that you can only use it to summon Fiend-Type monsters) means that Genesis Archfiend will only allow its followers on its side of the field. His other effect (you can Normal Summon him without a Tribute, but his ATK is cut in half, and he's destroyed at the end of the turn) is just Genesis Archfiend showing off its power.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: TheEmperor Archfiend in either version. Japanese version he's called "[[CardCarryingVillain Evil Emperor of Terror - Genesis Demon]]", English version changed his name to Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent
* OurZombiesAreDifferent: Apparently Skull Archfiend of Lightning got killed at one point. He got hit by Reanimation Wave, and became Archfiend Zombie-Skull as a result.
* PsychicPowers: Thought Ruler Archfiend, Ultimate Axon Kicker and Overmind Archfiend.
* ShockAndAwe: Summoned Skull and Skull Archfiend of Lightning
* SinisterMinister: Darkbishop Archfiend
* SlouchOfVillainy: The Archfiend Emperor again, [[http://images.wikia.com/yugioh/images/2/2f/ArchfiendEmperortheFirstLordofHorror-JOTL-EN-R-1E.png See for yourself]]
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: In the OCG, you have to look at the katakana carefully to distinguish Daemon from Demon (the pronunciation is shorter). Demons are not Archfiends.
* SuperDeformed: Toon Summoned Skull is a Toon version of Summoned Skull.
* TookALevelInBadass: Summoned Skull --> Skull Archfiend of Lightning. Archfiend Commander is an upgraded version of either Summoned Skull or "Skull Archfiend of Lightning". This is supported because they are all "Archfiend" monsters, they have the same Type, Attribute, Level, ATK and DEF, and this card's last effect can target both of those monsters. It also has the same pose as one of Summoned Skull's alternate artworks.
** It's also likely that Trick Archfiend evolved into Archfiend Empress.
* WhipItGood: Shadow Tamer
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Aroma]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aroma Aroma]]''' is an archetype of Plant and Rock-Type monsters. Their strategy is to gain Life Points in order to have more than the opponent and trigger their monsters' effects.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Aroma:
* ActionGirl: Rosemary is a Level 4 1800 ATK monster, making her the second strongest member of the archetype.
* AntiMagic: Cananga can return a Spell/Trap Card to the hand when you gain Life Points.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Bergamot's first effect will grant Plant-Type monsters the ability to inflict Piercing Damage.
* BackFromTheDead: Angelica can revive herself when you have higher LP than the opponent and control an Aroma monster.
* {{Bishounen}}: Bergamot and Cananga can be easily mistaken for girls.
* BlowYouAway: An interesting case, none of the Aromages themselves are WIND monsters, but their support Trap Cards have them using wind spells and their motif are essential oils, which are associated with scents. Aroma Jar is a WIND monster though and one of the aforementioned Trap Cards has Jasmine stand in as a WIND representative.
* CombatMedic: Rosemary and Bergamot particularly stand out.
* DishingOutDirt: Cananga is an EARTH monster.
* EnemySummoner: Jasmine's effect allows the player to Normal Summon a Plant-Type monster in addition to their Normal Summon.
* ElementalPowers: They represent the Attributes FIRE, WATER, EARTH, LIGHT and WIND.
* FieryRedhead: Bergamot, to match his FIRE Attribute.
* FloralThemeNaming: Each of the Aromage are named after a species of flower that can be used to produce essential oils.
* GenderEqualEnsemble: Two guys, two girls, [[OtherworldlyAndSexuallyAmbiguous a seraph]], [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg and a jar]].
* TheLeader: Bergamot is the strongest and oldest member of the Aromages.
* LightEmUp: Jasmine and Angelica are LIGHT monsters.
* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Bergamot has long hair and is a {{Bishounen}}.
* MakingASplash: Rosemary is a WATER monster.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent: The Aromaseraphy line.
* TheMedic: The entire archetype is based around gaining Life Points.
* {{Megane}}: Cananga wears glasses and seems to be a reserved and brainy type of character.
* NonIndicativeName: Despite being called Aro''mage'', they are not Spellcaster-Type monsters, but Plant-Type monsters.
* NoSell: Aroma Jar can't be destroyed by battle when flipped.
* PlayingWithFire: Bergamot is a FIRE monster.
* TookALevelInBadass: Rosemary becomes an Aromaseraphy after synchronizing with Angelica.
* StatusAilment: When you have more Life Points than your opponent, Cananga's first effect makes all of the opponent's face-up monsters lose 500 ATK and DEF.
* StatusBuff:
** Aroma Garden will grant a boost of 500 ATK and DEF to all of your monsters if you control an Aroma monster.
** Bergamot can, once per turn, increase his ATK and DEF by 1000 each when you gain Life Points.
* TokenMiniMoe: Jasmine is the youngest and cutest of the Aromages.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Artifact]]

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Artifact Artifacts]]''' are monsters that can also can act as Spell Cards, but if they are destroyed as Spell cards, they can be Special Summoned and activate their effects.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Artifacts:
* BackFromTheDead: Artifact Failnaught can bring back another Artifact as a Spell Card when it is summoned to the field.
* BigDamnHeroes: Artifact Labrys's effect. Artifact Chakram can be special summoned if a Spell/Trap Card you control is about to be destroyed and swaps places with it.
* CameBackStrong: The Artifact Archetype benefit from being destroyed by card effects, and their main deck members can be Set as Spell Cards.
* EmotionEater: According to the Booster Pack Guide, they are powered by ''memories'', of all things. Durandal is also known as the "Memory-Severing Sword". They don't seem to be evil, though.
* FusionDance: As pictured in Artifacts Unleashed. In the Guide, Caduceus mentions that Artifacts can combine the power of their units.
* LightIsNotGood: Artifact Scythe is quite evil-looking... But it's a Light Fairy like every other Artifact.
* LivingMemories: The colored spirits on every Artifact's art are said to be memories of the greatest warriors that once wielded them.
* LivingWeapon: They are somewhat sentinent even without their spiritual wielders.
* LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: Artifact Aegis, who can protect her fellow Artifacts against other card effects with her effect. Artifact Achilleshield protects other Artifacts from attacks.
* OurFairiesAreDifferent: Well, they're {{Living Weapon}}s that are powered by memories that can manifest a spirit to wield them based on those memories.
* PublicDomainArtifact: "Artifacts" are based on different types of ancient weapons (except Beagalltach and Moralltach [which are a set of twin swords based on two related swords in the same myth] and "Durandal" [which is the combined form of the two prior "Artifacts") with names based on mythological and historical weapons of the same design.
* PunnyName: While Achilleshield is a portmanteau, it can also be read as AchillesHeel.
* RainbowMotif: Each of the Main Deck Artifact monsters are in a color on the Rainbow, except Scythe which instead makes a CYMK sub scheme with Aegis, Lanceia and Chakram.
* SchmuckBait: Go ahead, use Mystical Space Typhoon on that face-down. We dare you.
* ShoutOut: Yes, there's both [[VideoGame/Persona4Arena an Artifact named Aegis and another one named Labrys]]. Coincidence? Well... maybe, but then the Booster Pack Guide says that [[BerserkButton Labrys won't forgive anyone that tries to hurt Aegis]] and then it becomes pretty obvious.
* SigilSpam: Visually, "Artifacts" share the same gold and silver almost steampunkish motif along with a dark black circle along the central vertical axis (two circles for the Xyz) of the weapon and thick black lines engraved along the body and blade. When active, the dark circle is replaced with an emblem shared among all the "Artifacts" with a glowing background, and the black engravings begin to glow as well.
* SpiritualSuccessor: These spirits appearing in the Artifact monster artwork bear a strong resemblance to Equip Spell Cards summoned as monsters by [[Manga/YuGiOhR Geko Tenma]] under the influence of "Armament Reincarnation."
* WeaponOfChoice
** AnAxeToGrind: Artifact Labrys
** {{BFS}}: Artifact Beagalltach and Artifact Moralltach, and their Xyz monster form, Artifact Durandal.
** BladeOnAStick: Artifact Longinus, which is based on TheLanceOfLonginus. It can be tributed to prevent the Banishing of cards.
** SimpleStaff: Artifact Caduceus
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Atlanteans]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Atlantean Atlanteans]]''', known as '''Sea Emperors''' (海皇 ''Kaiō') in the OCG, are a series of WATER Sea Serpent monsters that rely on swarming the field and activating effects that change the course of battle. They also activate secondary effects if sent to the Graveyard by the effect of a Water monster. They are lead by Atlantean Dragon Poseidra.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Atlanteans:
* AntiMagic: Atlantean Dragon Poseidra's effect upon using the Special Summon effect. This means Poseidra is trying to soften up its foe before attacking with its full might.
* ArchEnemy: With the Fire Kings. This is very prominent in the artwork for Ocean Ablaze. Both of this card's applicable effects are designed to be useful for both "Atlanteans" and "Fire Kings". The effect which Special Summons WATER monsters also destroys a monster you control, triggering the "Fire King" monsters' effects; the second effect destroys any monster on the field, which may benefit the "Fire Kings", while it also discards 1 of your cards, triggering some of the "Atlantean" monsters' effects.
* BackFromTheDead: One of Atlantean Dragon Poseidra's effects. This effect indicates that the Atlantean Fishmen are so dedicated to the Atlantean cause, they are willing to give up their lives just so Poseidra can be summoned to the battlefield.
* CaptainErsatz: Atlantean Dragon Poseidra resembles the Lagiacrus, from ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter''. Its position, color scheme, and posture is also similar to Lagiacrus (Include the dermal spikes on its back).
* DragonRider: Atlantean Dragon Rider. Atlantean Dragon Rider's effect is basically Atlantean Dragon Rider leading the troops in a direct attack against their enemies.
* DubNameChange: Known as Sea Emperor in the OCG.
* TheEmperor: Atlantean Dragon Poseidra was called Sea Emperor Dragon Poseidra in the OCG. Driven by ambitious desires to reign over both the land and sea of their region, the "Atlantean" army began an invasion on the island of their archenemies, the "Fire Kings". However, the "Fire Kings" were unexpectedly stubborn in their resistence, dragging the war to a standstill. As a way to break the standstill, the "Atlanteans" turned their eyes to the "Mermails", who had lost their home and had nowhere else to go. [[FindersRulers Seizing the legendary treasure the "Mermails" had sealed deep under the ocean]], "Poseidra" reigned over them as their new king with the treasures' power, and ordered them to beginning a torrential assault on the "Fire Kings"
* EnemySummoner: Atlantean Armed Soldier and Atlantean Marksman's effects. Atlantean Armed Soldier's effect is basically Armed Soldier asking for backup to arrive and support them. Atlantean Marksman's effect is basically Atlantean Marksman calling in more troops to finish off their enemies.
* {{Expy}}:
** Atlantean Dragon Poseidra's appearance resembles "The Dragon Dwelling in the Deep". Also they are both WATER and Sea Serpent-Type monsters despite both having Dragon in their name.
** Atlantean Dragon Poseidra's effect seems be a mix between "Masked HERO Acid" and "Giant Trunade". "Giant Trunade" returns all Spell and Trap Cards on both sides of the field to the hand and the effect of "Acid" reduces the ATK of your opponent's monsters.
** Atlantean Tridon's effect is similar to "Hand of Nephthys" as it Tributes 2 monsters (including itself) to Summon a powerful monster based on a god/goddess.
* FishPeople: Most Monsters of this archetype, which indicates that they live under the sea and work for Poseidra.
* KillItWithWater: The power of the bracelet is great, with it the "Atlanateans" summoned a downpour, robbing the "Fire Kings" of their power. As well, those who dared to disobey were reduced to bubbles in the ocean…
* MeaningfulName:
** Atlantean Dragon Poseidra's name is a portmanteau of "Poseidon", the Greek god of the sea, and a dragon/hydra. Even the tip of its tail has the image of Poseidon's Trident.
** Atlantean Tridon may be a younger version of "Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon" or perhaps the offspring of the latter. This is fitting, as Tridon is named after Triton, the son of the sea god Poseidon.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Atlantean Dragon Poseidra.
* WeaponOfChoice:
** BladeOnAStick: Atlantean Pikeman. This is a perfect weapon for this mook because spears involve thrusts.
** LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: Atlantean Armed Soldier.
** MixAndMatchWeapon: Atlantean Marksman's weapon is a trident/crossbow hybrid. This is fitting because Marksman is a minion of Poseidra, which is based on Poseidon.
* TitleDrop: Call of the Atlanteans is the First card that shares its OCG name with Structure Deck setname: Kaiō no Hōkō/Roar of the Sea Emperor.
* TransformationOfThePossessed: However, getting too full of himself, "Poseidra" put on the bracelet, and instantly his body began to change, and the "Mermail" King spoken of in legends appeared.
* ZergRush:
** Atlantean Assault Trooper's effect is based off this.
---> If you control another face-up Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua-Type monster, this card gains 800 ATK.
** The shadows of multiple "Atlanteans" can be seen behind "Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon" in the artwork of "Call of the Atlanteans".
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Aquaactress]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aquaactress Aquaactress]]''' is an archetype of Aqua-Type monsters, supported by the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aquarium Aquarium]]''' Continuous Spell Cards. They are used by Ayu in the ''[[Anime/YuGiOhArcV ARC-V]]'' anime.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Aquaactress:
* BackFromTheDead: The shared effect of the Aquarium cards summons an Aqua-Type monster from the graveyard, when the Aquarium is destroyed.
* MakingASplash: All Aquaactress monsters are WATER Aqua-Type monsters, despite they look like Fish-Type monsters.
* NoSell: Aquarium Stage prevents all WATER monsters from being destroyed by battle, and all Aquaactress monsters from being affected by effects of monsters controlled by the opponent.
* StatusBuff: Aquarium Set increases the ATK of WATER and Aquaactress monsters, while Aquarium Lighting double the latters' ATK and DEF when they battle.
* ThemeNaming: The Aquaactress are named after species of fishes.
* WeakButSkilled: Aquaactress monsters do not possess high ATK or DEF, but they can search and summon other monsters of the archetype with their effects.
* ZergRush: Guppy facilitates this by enabling the player to Special Summon another Aquaactress monster from the hand, once per turn.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Aqua Madoor]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aqua_Madoor Aqua Madoor]]''' cards are a series of masked Spellcasters known for their high DEF.
----
!!!Tropes associated with Aqua Madoor:
* AnIcePerson: Neo Aqua Madoor.
* BadassCape: As Neo Aqua Madoor.
* BilingualBonus: This card's name is Latin for "moist water."
* CoolMask
* ElementalPowers: Water, Ice and Light.
* LightEmUp: Lightray Madoor.
* MakingASplash: The basic Aqua Madoor and Neo Aqua Madoor.
* StoneWall: They have very high DEF for their level, but unremarkable ATK.
* TookALevelInBadass: Aqua Madoor->Neo Aqua Madoor->Lightray Madoor
-->''The true nature of this wizard, who rules all water. It defends itself with a vast, impenetrable wall of ice.''
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Battlin' Boxer]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Burning_Knuckler Battlin' Boxers]]''', known as '''Burning Knucklers''' in the OCG, are a series of FIRE Warrior-Type monsters that rely on manipulating battle by powering themselves or each other up. Their leader is Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus, who powers up into Number C105: Battlin' Boxer Comet Cestus. This archetype is used by Alito in ''ZEXAL''.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Battlin' Boxers:
* BoxingBattler: ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin, the archetype is full of these.
* CombatPragmatist: Battlin' Boxer Rabbit Puncher gains its name from the rabbit punch; a blow to the neck or to the base of the skull which is illegal in professional boxing and other combat sports. This references how Alito was willing to cheat in his tag duel with Gauche against Yuma and Droite
* DubNameChange: From Burning Knuckler to Battlin' Boxer.
* EvilCounterpart[=/=]{{Expy}}: Star Cestus can be considered one towards Number 39: Utopia. Both are Number monsters, are the ace monsters of their users in Zexal, their shape and color patterns are similar, their ATK are the same, and have effects that protect monsters from battle. However, Cestus is stronger because he can negate the opposing monster's effect as well as to redirect battle damage taken.
* FixingTheGame: Cheat Commissioner is based off of the stereotypical sleazy manager who'll do anything to make sure their boxers fight and win.
* GladiatorGames: Battlin' Boxer Lead Yoke is wearing a Greek soldier or gladiator outfit and that also might be a reference about how the Greeks had ancient boxing games in the Olympics that they held in the past. Which makes sense why Alito had such a card, since he used to be a gladiator when he was a human.
* GlassCannon: True to his name, Battlin' Boxer Glassjaw is one. He has 2000 ATK (high, considering he's Level 4) but he's automatically destroyed if he's attacked. (However, [[TakingTheBullet you then get to add another Battlin' Boxer from your Graveyard to your hand]].)
* GoodOldFisticuffs: As indicated in the name of this Archetype
* HotBlooded[=/=]PlayingWithFire: They are all FIRE monsters, which reflects Alito, their user, in ''ZEXAL''.
* ThemeNaming: Each monster is based on boxing gear or special boxing jargon.
** StellarName: The archetype's three numbers cards are named after a nova, a star and a comet.
* WeakButSkilled: Their effects help them take advantage during the Battle Phase, such as preventing themselves from being destroyed by battle. However, the archetype as a whole is fairly weak, even their strongest member, Chaos Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Comet Caestus has less than 3000 ATK, and has no defensive effects.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Batteryman]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Batteryman Batterymen]]''' are a series of LIGHT Thunder-Type monsters based on batteries. They swarm the field to power each other up. The strongest Batteryman is Batteryman Industrial Strength.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Batterymen:
* BackFromTheDead: Battery Charger and Recycling Batteries.
* CuteBruiser: Batteryman AA. With 3 of him in a deck, the player can make an OTK.
* CuteMachines: Batterymen are just adorable.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Super-Electromagnetic Voltech Dragon, which gains a different effect, depending on which Batteryman the player tributes for it.
* ImprobableWeaponUser: Batteryman Industrial Strength uses a pair of jumper cables as weapons.
* ShockAndAwe: They're all Thunder-Types, naturally.
* TheSixthRanger: Voltech Dragon is technically part of the archetype, but not having Batteryman in his name puts him at odds with their many support cards since they don't work on him. The archetype has since evolved to rely on a ZergRush strategy and now Voltech Dragon has no place in a proper Batteryman deck.
* StealthPun:
** They rely on swarming the field -- naturally, the more batteries you rely on for power, the more power you get from them.
** C and AA only get their effects to activate if all copies of them on the field are in the same position, Attack or Defense. Of course, consumer batteries like C and AA only provide power when their terminals are lined up in the same direction.
* StoneWall: Batteryman D has an effect that forces the opponent to not target any Thunder-Type monster except Batteryman D, and at 1900 DEF he can survive a bit. However, he has 0 ATK so he isn't much use for offense.
* ThemeNaming: Internationally, Batterymen are named after the commonly used battery names. In Japan, they were numerically named based on the Levels they had shown on the card.
* WeakButSkilled: The line as a whole looks pathetic, but they can be very effective when used right.
** Their stats are pathetic, but their ability to swarm the field with copies of each other is amazing in the era of Xyz Monsters. For instance, Batteryman AAA has 0 ATK and 0 DEF, but when you summon him, you can Special Summon another AAA from your hand or Graveyard, making him a one-card combo for any Rank 4 Xyz, barring those with specific requirements.
** Their bigger hitters are just big in comparison to the rest of the line, they're still low. But they can also swarm the field by Special Summoning, and have effects to destroy or bounce cards, allowing them to clear the field with their effects.
** They have several +1 support cards like Quick Charger, Recycling Batteries, and Portable Battery Pack, which allow them to recycle themselves from the Graveyard and maintain card advantage, and all three of those cards can lead to an Xyz from an empty hand and field depending on what you retrieve.
* ZergRush: Their main gimmick is that they're intended to be used in numbers, as many of them have effects that rely on you having several Batterymen in play or allow you to summon more. As a downside, they have paltry stats alone and their effects usually aren't good for much other than summoning more Batterymen. The best example is Batteryman AA, who gets +1000 Attack for each copy of it in play. If you can get all three on the field, that's three 3000 ATK beasts you have. But with only one, it's stuck at 1000/1000 and is not going to do much.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Bee Force]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bee_Force Bee Force]]''' are an archetype of Insect-Type monsters based on Bees. Like the Blackwings, they rely on fast Swarm and Synchro techinques to overwhelm the opponent, however they relay more on using ATK/DEF decreasing effects. They are used by Shinji Weber in the ARC-V anime.
----
!!!Tropes associated with Bee Force:
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Big Ballista has the ability to inflict Piercing Damage.
* ArmsAndArmorThemeNaming: Most are named after weapons with titles relating to battle or attacking.
* BeeAfraid: As their name implies, they're based on bees.
* BigCreepyCrawlies: Especially Big Ballista the Final Battle who is big enough to have a ballista on its back.
* BladeOnAStick: Voulge the Attack wields a polearm as its weapon.
* {{Expy}}: Of Blackwings, right down to having the same naming structure (X of the Y) and even the same initals in the OCG, though they're rendered as B·F to prevent confusion with them. They also have slimiar stratagies, fast swarming to Synchro Summon, though Bee Force focuses more on the graveyard to this end. This is probably meant to represent Shinji's friendship with Crow in ARC-V.
* ZergRush: Though unlike Blackwings, they focus more on ether replacing themselves with the same copy from the player's hand when they die (Arbalest) or reviving the ones in their graveyard.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:B.E.S.]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/B.E.S B.E.S.]]''' monsters, standing to '''Bacterion Empire Ship''', known as '''Giant Battleship''' (巨大戦艦 ''Kyodai Senkan'') in the OCG, are a series of Machine-Type monsters based on the bosses in the ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}'' video games. To represent their shield protection in the games, they generate counters when summoned that protect them from being destroyed in battle, but they lose a counter every time they battle and are destroyed when they fight without one. Their leader is Ambitious Gofer. Some of them are used by Ryusei Gin/[[DubNameChange Lorenzo]] in ''GX''.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the B.E.S.:
* AmbitionIsEvil: Ambitious Gofer.
* AttackItsWeakPoint
* BeamSpam: BES Big Core [=MK2=].
* BigBad: Ambitious Gofer. But in the games Gofer has a superior, Bacterion, so it's possible we ''haven't'' actually seen the BigBad of this series yet.
* BossRush: Referenced in their ace card. Lets the player summon one BES monster to the field, but they cannot summon other monsters to field. It's a reference to how a BossRush typically works in Gradius.
* CombatTentacles: BES Tetran and BES Crystal Core.
* {{Crossover}}: From the VideoGame/{{Gradius}} Series.
* ElementalPowers
** BlowYouAway: BES Tetran.
** CastingAShadow: Big Core, Ambitious Gofer and Brain Golem.
** DishingOutDirt: BES Covered Core.
** AnIcePerson: BES Crystal Core.
** LightEmUp: Ducker Mobile Cannon.
** PlayingWithFire: BES Big Core [=MK2=].
* MacrossMissileMassacre: BES Covered Core.
* MechaMooks: Ducker Mobile Cannon.
* ShieldedCoreBoss: Yes, they somehow got these into a trading card game. The BES monsters' main gimmick is that they cannot be destroyed by battle, but each one enters the field with a number of counters representing shields. Each time the monster battles, a counter is removed, and if it battles with no counters, it is automatically destroyed.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Black Luster Soldier / Gaia Knight]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Black_Luster_Soldier_(archetype) Black Luster Soldiers]]''' and '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gaia_Knight Gaia Knights]]''' are an archetype of Warriors-Type monsters. The Black Luster Soldiers are powerful monsters that can use the Gaia Knights as support cards to summon themselves easier. The Gaia Knights are their own subseries separate from the Black Luster Soldiers, as well, with Gaia shifting steeds and weaponry through various advanced forms of summoning.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Gaia Knights:
* BadassNormal: Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth is not only one of the strongest Level 6 Synchro Monsters, but one of the strongest non-Effect Synchro Monsters as well. The original Black Luster Soldier has no effect, but is one of the strongest Ritual Monsters in the game with 3000 ATK.
* BlackKnight: Gaia the Fierce Knight, Gaia, the Polar Knight, and Black Luster Soldier.
* BladeOnAStick: Gaia's weapon changes appearances and sometimes he wields one or two, but he's always charging into battle with a lance.
* CoolHorse: Which is colored violet.
* {{Cyborg}}: Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth and his horse are mechanical. His torso is attached to the top of the horse.
* DishingOutDirt: The original Black Luster Soldier and Gaia, The Fierce Knight, are EARTH monsters. Subsequent support relies more on their LIGHT and DARTK themes.
* DivergentCharacterEvolution: After a series of Gaia Knights that focus on granting him cybernetics and new steeds, the latest additions to the series function as supporters to Black Luster Soldier.
* DualWielding: With lances. Averted by Gaia, Knight in Blackest Night, and Gaia, Knight in Brightest Night.
* FusionDance: With Curse of Dragon to Form Gaia the Dragon Champion. Later, Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth with any other non-Effect Synchro Monster becomes Gaia Drake, the Universal Force. Especially considering Gaia Drake is something of a portmanteau of Gaia and Naturia Leodrake, one of the potential Fusion Materials, and the latter is a Beast, which completes Gaia's fusion into a Beast-Warrior-Type monster.
* HorseOfADifferentColor: Curse of Dragon for Gaia when he is Gaia the Dragon Champion.
* MechanicalHorse: Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth and Gaia Drake, the Universal Force.
* MythologyGag:
** The relationship between the Black Luster Soldier and Gaia is a reference to the original manga, where Yugi transformed Gaia into the Black Luster Soldier using the Black Luster Ritual. The Super Soldier Ritual needed to summon Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier depicts Kuriboh and Griffore as the tributes, the same tributes Yugi used in the manga.
** Knight of the Evening Twilight and Knight of the Beginning add effects to a Black Luster Soldier monster that is Ritual Summoned using them as tributes; Evening Twilight gives the same effects as the Black Luster Soldier variant of the same name, and "Beginning" gives the same effects as "Envoy of the Beginning."
* KnightInShiningArmor: Gaia Drake, the Universal Force, Gaia, the Mid-Knight Sun, and Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Evening Twilight.
* ThoseTwoGuys: Gaia, Knight in Brightest Night and Gaia, Knight in Blackest Night. They even have effects that support the other's Element.
* TookALevelInBadass:
** Originally, Gaia the Fierce Knight -> Gaia the Dragon Champion. Pretty much every copy of the card released since (Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight, Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth, Gaia Drake, the Universal Force) has had him take more levels each time. He also [[TookALevelInBadass took another level]] as [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gaia_Dragoon,_the_Force_of_Thunder Gaia Dragoon, the Force of Thunder]], who is the third Xyz Monster able to use Chaos Xyz Change.
** The Black Luster Soldier went from an unremarkable Ritual Monster with no abilities to a powerful Chaos monster that was one of the best cards in the game at the time of release. The retrained Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier is back to being a Ritual Monster, but with powerful abilities in its own right, and via Knight of the Evening Twilight and Knight of the Beginning, it has the potential to be the most powerful Black Luster Soldier of all.
* YinYangBomb: Black Luster Soldier is said to wield the power of both light and darkness. Various members of both archetypes tend to be LIGHT or DARK monsters, or have effects that affect one of the two.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Blackwing]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Blackwing Blackwing]]''' monsters, known as '''Blackfeather''' in the OCG, are an archetype of DARK Winged-Beast-Type monsters, notably used by Crow Hogan in ''5D's'' and ''ARC-V''. They rely on swarming the field to summon Synchro Monsters. ''ARC-V'' introduces a sub-archetype called '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Assault_Blackwing Assault Blackwing]]''' ('''Assault Blackfeather''' in the OCG), a group of non-Tuner Blackwing monsters that can be treated as Tuners.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Blackwings:
* AllYourPowersCombined: Once per turn, Scirocco the Dawn can transfer the ATK of all Blackwing monsters on the field to any Blackwing monster (e.g. himself), but only the chosen monster can attack that turn.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Bora the Spear, Armed Wing and Kusanagi the Gathering Storm can inflict Piercing Damage. Additionally, when Armed Wing attacks a monster in Defense Position, his ATK are increased by 500 points.
* BackFromTheDead: Zephyros the Elite can revive himself from the graveyard by returning a face-up card the player controls to the hand, then the player receives 400 damage. This effect can only be used once per duel.
* BlowYouAway: Black Whirlwhind is a Permanent Spell Card that allows the player to add a Blackwing monster from his/her deck to the hand when Normal Summoning a Blackwing monster. The added monster must have the same or lower ATK than the Normal Summoned Blackwing monster.
* {{Bowdlerise}}: Armed Wing's gunblade's color was edited and resembles now a water gun. Also, [[FreudWasRight the crotch/groin area is edited to avoid resemblance to male genitalia]].
* BreakoutCharacter: The Blackwings' popularity is the reason why Crow is promoted as the fifth Signer [[WhatCouldHaveBeen instead]] of becoming the FinalBoss in the Dark Signer arc.
* CastingAShadow: Blackwing is an archetype which mostly consist of DARK Winged Beast-Type (except "Blackwing - Aurora the Northern Lights" which is a LIGHT monster) monsters.
* CrazyPrepared: Blackwings are one of the few top tier Decks that don't require their combo pieces to go off to win. Their toolbox allows them to shift their play-style from being aggressive to passive. The Deck has numerous mind games forcing players to make less than sub-optimal plays to play against it. By setting a card in the Spell & Trap Card Zone with a Blackwing monster, the mind game and the illusion of the Icarus Attack being present is given off. Players will have to slow down their playing style, forcing any aggressive Decks to be crippled and unable to commence their plays recklessly.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Blackwings are not evil. In the anime, they are not only used by one of the Signers, they also heroic figures for children.
* GunBlade: Armed Wing's gun.
* KatanasAreJustBetter: Silverwind the Ascendence has a katana and is the strongest Blackwing monster. It is also one of three non-Assault Blackwings with a destruction effect, but Silverwind can destroy even two monsters at once.
** Most of the stronger Assault Blackwings carry them.
* {{Necromancer}}: When Normal Summoned, Blizzard the Far North can Special Summon a level 4 or lower Blackwing monster in Defense Position from the graveyard. Blizzard is also a Tuner Monster.
* {{Nerf}}: The anime effect of Zephyros the Elite was nerfed in real life to prevent strong loop combos like with Mass Driver or Black-Winged Dragon.
* NighInvulnerability: Blackwing Armor Master cannot be destroyed in battle and the player does not receive any damage. Furthermore, it can add a token on the enemy monster, which can be removed to reduce that monster's ATK to 0. This effects make Armor Master probably the best Blackwing monster.
* NobleBirdOfPrey: They are Winged-Beasts, based of crows and ravens. Due to their type, Icarus Attack, which is not directly related with the archetype, is one of the most recommended Trap Cards in Blackwing decks.
* OddNameOut: There are two Blackwings whose name has nothing to do with wind, birds or weapons: "Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame" and "Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow".
** Armor Master and Armed Wing are also the only Blackwings without hyphens in their names.
* SixthRanger: Crow Theme Decks probably will include Black-Winged Dragon, since it's Crow Signer Dragon card, but it's not a Blackwing monster. That's why many Blackwing decks don't have it in their Extra Decks because it is not really useful.
* StoneWall: Mistral the Silver Shield, not only does it have a rather strong DEF (1800), it blocks a second attack launched from the opponent should it be destroyed. Its ATK, meanwhile, sits at a measly 100.
* ThemeNaming: Most of them have names related to natural phenomenons such as winds, the phases of the moons, or the weather.
** ArmsAndArmorThemeNaming: Quite a few of them are also named after weapons, especially the manga and Assault Blackwings.
* WingedHumanoid: As far as looks, the Blackwing monsters generally have a very birdlike appearance, but seems to be more humanoid in the level 4 and above monsters.
* ZergRush: Blackwing Decks are focused on swarming. Because of that, they have an aggressive playing style. Also, because of their Swarming capabilities, they are good for using Synchro Summon (Note that their trump cards are Synchro Monsters). Their support cards rely on their swarm abilities such as "Delta Crow - Anti Reverse" which can be activated from the hand when you control exactly 3 "Blackwing" monsters. Some of them take an advantage from Blackwings swarming abilities and support it such as Black Whirlwind. With the overwhelming amount of near forced synergy and powerful support cards, Blackwings are one of the easiest archetype to play. This along with its overall power and relatively low cost nature makes Blackwings one of the most powerful archetypes in the meta-game.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Blue-Eyes]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue-Eyes Blue-Eyes]]''' archetype is a group of primarily LIGHT Dragon-Type Monsters famous for being Seto Kaiba's signature card. The main monster, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, is a Normal monsters, but it has 3000 ATK to beat down enemies in battle and has a lot of support cards to help it hit the field.

For information on its role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards

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!!!Tropes associated with Blue-Eyes:
* AmbiguousGender: Being the Ka of Kisara, it's debatable whether Blue-Eyes is female or not.
* AnimalThemedSuperbeing: Kaibaman is basically wearing a Blue-Eyes White dragon outfit.
* AntiMagic:
** Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon can negate any Spell Card that targets it.
** White Spirit Dragon can banish a Spell or Trap Card on the opponent's field if summoned.
** Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon can banish itself from the Graveyard to negate any card effect that targets a Blue-Eyes monster.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Taken UpToEleven with Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon, which deals ''double'' Piercing Damage and has 4000 ATK to begin with. If this thing hits a Defense Position monster, it will ''hurt''. If said monster has 0 DEF, [[OneHitKill game over]].
* AwesomeButImpractical: Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. Laboriously sacrificing 3 monsters with 3000 ATK points to get 1 with just 1500 more and no effect is not the best deal. Three individual Blue-Eyes work far better as beat sticks.
* BadassNormal: Blue-Eyes White Dragon has no special effects, making it a 3000 attack point beat stick. It is still the strongest Normal Monster in this game.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon is the corrupted version of Blue-Eyes.
* BreathWeapon: Burst Stream of Destruction, which is of the ShockAndAwe or HolyHandGrenade variety, depending on which variation you're asking about.
* CaptainErsatz: Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon could have been based off of the Godzilla monster King Ghidorah, as they share many similarities being that they are both three-headed dragons, that they are said to be near indestructible, and their primary attacks are bolts of lightning fired from their mouths.
** Kaibaman is based on Seto Kaiba. In episode 34 of ''Yu-Gi-Oh! GX'', Kaibaman is wearing a card necklace just like the one Kaiba and Mokuba wore, but there isn't a necklace on Kaibaman's art or it isn't shown due to the position of his right hand.
** Maiden with Eyes of Blue is likely a reference to Kisara, who carried the spirit of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in Dawn of the Duel.
** Like the above-mentioned Maiden, Priestress with Eyes of Blue is very likely a reference to Kisara. In addition, her outfit looks similar to those worn by the female Obelisk Blue students.
* CoolMask: Kaibaman, simply because his mask is based on the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.
* DestructiveSaviour: See LightIsGood below as for why you shouldn't get near it.
* DragonRider: Paladin of White Dragon and Dragon Master Knight.
* {{Expy}}: Highly influenced by [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Bahamut]] (the angry personality) who incidentally enough has a breath weapon that's a beam of light that disintegrates people.
* {{Foil}}: To both the Dark Magician and the Red-Eyes. Their rivalries in the anime and manga notwithstanding, their playstyles are both very similar, but also very different.
** Blue-Eyes decks generally consists of monsters that can get the Blue-Eyes and its variants onto the field, at which point their high ATK and cards that let them attack multiple times devastate the opponent's monsters through battle. Dark Magician decks rely on Spell and Trap Cards to get the Dark Magician and its variants into play, and then protect it while using other support cards to destroy the opponent's cards through their effects. The Blue-Eyes has Level 1 Tuners it can combine with to Synchro Summon stronger versions of itself; Dark Magician has the Dark Magician Girl that it can combine with to use stronger support Spell and Trap Cards.
** Blue-Eyes and Red-Eyes decks both rely on summoning their main monster to the field quickly, and in multiple copies when possible. However, at that point the Red-Eyes and its cards rely on inflicting large amounts of burn damage, while Blue-Eyes inflicts large amounts of battle damage by making multiple attacks. Also a point of note -- Blue-Eyes' stronger forms are Fusion Monsters, Synchro Monsters and a Ritual Monster, while Red-Eyes' stronger forms are Fusion Monsters, a Ritual Monster and an Xyz Monster.[[note]]Blue-Eyes ''does'' have an Xyz counterpart, Legendary Dragon of White, but it's not part of the Blue-Eyes archetype and is just based on it in design.[[/note]]
* FusionDance:
** Blue-Eyes White Dragon + Blue-Eyes White Dragon = Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon.
** Blue-Eyes White Dragon + Blue-Eyes White Dragon + Blue-Eyes White Dragon = Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon or Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
** Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon + Black Luster Soldier = Dragon Master Knight.
* InconsistentDub: Burst Stream of Destruction is the name of the attack used by Blue-Eyes White Dragon in the Japanese version of the Anime. Even though the attack name was changed to "White Lightning" in the dub, for some reason, this card's name was not changed.
%%* InstantAwesomeJustAddDragons
* {{Irony}}: A part of Kaibaman's Japanese name translates to Ally of Justice. However, the actual archetype Ally of Justice is anti-support for LIGHT monsters, whereas Kaibaman is indeed a LIGHT monster. Furthermore, they have different writings despite being read the same.
* LightEmUp: They are LIGHT monsters.
* LightIsGood: Benevolent, but [[GoodIsNotSoft highly aggressive and destructive]]. Not to mention, it has very bad breath.
* LightningBruiser: With the support it received from the ''Shining Victories'' booster and the ''Dark side of Dimensions'' movie promos, a well constructed Blue-Eyes deck can easily be this now. Thanks to the support for searching out and summoning Blue-Eyes monsters, it's possible to quickly swarm the field with three thousand ATK beatsticks to force your opponent into the ground. A well put together one with the right hand can get no less than ''four'' of these kinds of monsters out in one turn, and that's not even counting the number of Rank 8 Xyz Monsters they can go for.
* {{Miko}}: Priestess with Eyes of Blue, as indicated by the card's Japanese name.
* MeaningfulName: Well, it's actually a more silver-blue color than white, but you get the idea.
* MultipleHeadCase:
** Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. It has the highest ATK and DEF of any non-Effect Monster in the game.
** Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon has two heads.
* MysteriousWaif: Maiden with Eyes of Blue. Absolutely weak in combat, but can [[SummonBiggerFish summon the Blue-Eyes White Dragon]] to do the fighting for her.
* MysticalWhiteHair: All of the "with Eyes of Blue" Spellcaster-Types.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Or in this case, just plain badass.
* PromotionalPowerlessPieceOfGarbage: The Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon who can only be summoned by sacrificing Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. The kicker? At the time it came out in the TCG, you couldn't even summon it, since BEUD remained OCG-exclusive until almost a year and a half later. After that it did turn out to be marginally useful but that does not excuse the time when it was useless.
* TheRival: To Dark Magician and Red-Eyes Black Dragon, especially the former.
* RuleOfThree: Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, D.3.S. Frog, Mokey Mokey King and Cyber End Dragon are the only Fusion Monsters to use three of the same monster as Fusion Material Monsters.
* StoneWall: Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon has better defense than Blue-Eyes White Dragon and it (including all your other dragons you have at the time) is essentially invincible in terms of card effects for the next two turns after you summon it. Its ATK, meanwhile, sits at 2500, the 4th lowest among Level 9 Synchro Monsters.
* SuperPoweredEvilSide: The Ritual Monster Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon. The Blue-Eyes forsakes all defense for overwhelming power, and unlike other Blue-Eyes incarnations, this one is a DARK monster.
* TookALevelInBadass:
** Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon is a Synchro version of Blue-Eyes White Dragon. This card's ATK and DEF are the inverse of those of Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon's Level is the combined Levels of Blue-Eyes White Dragon and The White Stone of Legend or Maiden With Eyes of Blue, which are appropriate Synchro Material Monsters for this card.
** ''Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'', of all things, takes one in the form of Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
* {{Toon}}: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Blue-Eyes Toon Dragon]].
* UncattyResemblance: Two designs of Blue-Eyes White Dragon can be seen in the pattern of the Maiden with Eyes of Blue's dress, located on the hip section.
* UnskilledButStrong:
** Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon, Blue-Eyes' Ritual counterpart, is a 4000 ATK beatstick with 0 DEF, which can neither be targeted nor destroyed by card effects and inflicts double Piercing Battle Damage battling Defense Position monsters.
** The archetype in general focuses on filling the field with beatsticks and overwhelming the opponent with sheer attack power, rather than hindering them with card effects.
* WorldsStrongestMan:
** Blue-Eyes White Dragon is the only Normal Monster card with 3000 ATK, having the highest ATK of all Normal Monsters in this game since its introduction.
** Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon beats Nekroz of Sophia's record of having the highest ATK.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Bujin]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bujin Bujin]]''' monsters, which is Japanese for as '''War/Martial God''', focuses on three areas: The Beast-Warrior Bujin are the main field players; they are supported by the Bujingis (Beast and Winged-Beasts), which give their support from the hand or Graveyard. Their leaders are the four Bujintei: Susanowo, Amaterasu, Kagutsuchi, and Tsukuyomi.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Bujin:
* AntiMagic:
** If you control a Bujin Beast-Warrior-Type monster: You can banish Bujingi Centipede from your Graveyard, then target 1 Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls; destroy that target. You can only use the effect of Bujingi Centipede once per turn.
** Bujin Regalia - The Mirror is a Bujin-themed Cold Wave. At the start of your Main Phase 1, if you control a Beast-Warrior-Type Bujin monster and your opponent's monsters on the field outnumber your monsters on the field: Until your opponent's next End Phase, neither player can activate Spell/Trap Cards or Spell/Trap effects.
* AnimalThemeNaming: The Bujingis received this treatment in the TCG.
* BattleBallgown: Bujinki Amaterasu is wearing Bujingi Peacock as a skirt, and she has the highest attack out of the Bujin.
* BigBad: A certain being somehow achieved consciousness by combining miasma of darkness into one, yet it cannot achieve a physical form that would turn into a Kami. This being despises all, and wishes to destroy the entire world, Takamagahara included. In a bold move, it controlled the highest Kami "Amaterasu" secretly and schemed to lead the world to destruction. The being's name was revealed in the Dimensions of Chaos set as Hiruko.
* BigGood: The goddess ruling over the Bujintei that gave them her own treasures. When the three Bujingi return to her, "Hirume" releases her powers and turns into the highest and most powerful Kami "Amaterasu".
* ContinuityCameo: Bujin Yamato's necklace looks similar to Yuma's Emperor Key.
* CoolSword[=/=]StockWeaponNames
** Bujingi Crane is based on Ame-no-Habakiri, the legendary sword used by the Shinto god Susanoo.
** Bujingi Quilin is based on legendary sword Kusanagi, which was originally called "Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi".
* CreepyCrows: Bujingi Crow and Bujingi Raven are based on the Yatagarasu, or the three-legged crow, of East Asian mythology. Particularly, Bujingi Crow carries the Yata no Kagami (Mirror of Yata) on its chest, referring to its name.
* DemonicPossession: Because it has no true form of its own, the shadow managed to consume "Hirume" without "Tsukuyomi" noticing, and plot to eliminate its greatest threat, "Susanowo".
* DudleyDoRightStopsToHelp: Over the course of his journey, Bujin Yamato witnessed people on the surface suffering from the tyranny of the gods and acted on it, strengthening the suspicions of the Kami dwelling in Takama-ga-hara, including the Supreme Kami.
* EnergyBeings: The Bujin monsters have this type of aesthetic, asides from the bits of armor they wear.
* {{Foil}}: Bujingis Crow to Bujingi Raven as well as Bujingi Wolf and Bujingi Warg, in terms of their effects.
* GameplayAndStorySegregation: Kagutsuchi cannot be summoned by any combination of Mikazuchi, Ibis, Crow, and Centipede.
* TheHerosJourney: Having lost most of his power, "Susanowo" began to refer to himself as Bujin Yamato, and set out on a journey to find the five Bujingis and regain his true power.
* HowTheMightyHaveFallen: There was once a Kami, Bujintei Susanowo, who once dwelled in the heavenly realm of Takama-ga-hara, alongside many other Kami. He possessed incredible power, power so great that many began to plot and scheme against him. This cast suspicion on him, causing him to ultimately incur the wrath of the Supreme Kami. He was banished to the surface and his [[PowerLimiter power was sealed inside the five Bujingis]].
* KeepItForeign: For some reason, Konami didn't translate the archetype's name. It's probably because of the translation of the name.
* LightEmUp
* LivingWeapon: Bujingis. An example is Bujingi Quilin on the artwork of "Bujin Regalia - The Sword".
* LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: Bujingi Fox and Bujingi Crow utilize this trope; Bujingi Fox prevents the owner from receiving battle damage while Bujingi Crow negates an attack on a Bujin monster and inflicts effect damage to the opponent. Also, Bujingi Crow and Bujingi Fox are portrayed as shields in the artworks of Bujintei Kagutsuchi and Tsukuyomi.
* {{Lunacy}}: Bujin Arasuda and Bujintei Tsukuyomi have this trope as their motif.
* MythologyGag: The 5 Bujin Beast-Warriors resemble the heroes and an antagonist of ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'' through their colors and head shapes. Bujin Arasuda resembles Daichi Misawa, while Bujin Yamato resembles Judai Yuki, Bujin Hirume resembles Asuka Tenjouin, and Bujin Mikazuchi resembles Jun Manjoume. This can be supported further by the colour scheme of each of these Bujins in respect to the initial dormitory each ''GX'' hero was in: Judai was in Osiris Red, same as Yamato is red. Manjoume was in Obelisk Blue, and Mikazuchi is blue. Misawa was in Ra Yellow, while Bujin Arasuda is yellow. Finally, Hiruko is based on Takuma Saiou, since he brainwashed Hirume like Asuka in season 2.
* OneSteveLimit: You can only control 1 face-up Beast-Warrior Bujin monster.
* {{Orochi}}: Bujingi Ophidian is based on the Yamata no Orochi, a multi-headed dragon from Japanese myth.
* PlayingWithFire: Bujintei Kagutsuchi is based on Kagutsuchi, the Shinto god of fire.
* PoweredArmor: Every Bujin Xyz Monster is made up of parts of the Bujingis, with Bujin Yamato, Bujin Hirume, Bujin Arasuda and Bujin Mikazuchi serving as a base. These formations are depicted in Bujincarnation and Bujin Regalia - The Mirror.
* PowerOfTheSun: Bujinki Amaterasu, as she's based on Amaterasu
* PublicDomainArtifact: Several of the Bujingis appear to be based on the ten treasures known as the Tokusa no Kandakara ("10 varieties of the god's treasure") which are enshrined at Isonokami Shrine. They were holy items given to Nigihayahi, an ancestor of the Mononobe clan, by Amaterasu and brought to earth when she descended from Heaven. These treasures were essentially magical items that could be used in rituals for the purpose of exorcism or purification.
* StatusBuff: During damage calculation, when a Bujin Beast-Warrior-Type monster you control battles an opponent's monster: You can send Bujingi Crane from your hand to the Graveyard; the original ATK of your battling monster is doubled during damage calculation only.
* SuperToughness:
** Bujingi Wolf prevents other face-up Beast, Beast-Warrior, and Winged Beast-Type monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle.
** Bujingi Warg in defense position prevents other Bujin monsters you control from being destroyed by card effects.
** Bujingi Hare grants a Beast-Warrior Bujin monster protection from being destroyed by battle or card effects, although it can only be used once per turn.
* ThemeNaming: Bujins are based on Japanese mythology.
* WarGod: The English translation for this archetype.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Burgesstoma]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Burgesstoma Burgesstoma]]''' are a group of cards that debuted as Korean exclusives in ''Clash of Rebellions''. Based on extinct animals whose fossils were in the [[UsefulNotes/PrehistoricLifeOtherExtinctCreatures Burgess Shale]], their strategy revolves around Trap Cards with the ability to summon themselves as Normal Monsters.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Burgesstoma:
* AntiMagic: Olenoides can destroy a Spell or Trap Card on the field.
* DiscardAndDraw: Pikaia's effect allows the player to draw two new cards if they discard a Burgesstoma card.
* ExtraEyes: Burgesstoma Opabinia has five eyes, just like its real life namesake.
* LoopholeAbuse: When they are treated as monsters, the Trap Cards will be banished if they leave the field. However, if they are used as Xyz Materials and then sent to the graveyard, it doesn't count as leaving the field.
** In an interesting case of [[DevelopersForesight cardmakers' foresight]], this is defied with their Special Summon effect, which specifies ''"when"'' rather than ''"if"'' a Trap Card is activated. This means that only one Burgesstoma monster can be summoned per Trap Card activation, as using the Special Summon effect of one Burgesstoma card causes the others in the Graveyard to miss the timing. Additionally, Dinomischus and Pikaia discard as part of their effect rather than as a cost, meaning that you can't discard a Burgesstoma card and then immediately summon it in response to Dinomischus/Pikaia.
* MakingASplash: The Xyz Monsters are WATER monsters and so do the Trap Cards when they are summoned as monsters.
* MeaningfulName: The name of the archetype is derived from the Burgess Shale with each card named after an extinct animal whose fossil could be found there.
* NoSell: All Burgesstoma monsters are unaffected by the effects of other monsters.
* StoneWall: Opabinia has 2400 DEF - the highest among Rank 2 Xyz monsters - and 0 ATK. It is also unaffected by the effects of other monsters.'
* ZergRush: The Burgesstoma Trap Cards can Special Summon themselves from the Graveyard as a monster whenever a Trap Card is activated, allowing them to quickly swarm the field and amass Xyz Materials for Anomalocaris and Opabinia.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Burning Abyss]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Burning_Abyss Burning Abyss]]''' is an archetype of LIGHT and DARK Fiend-Type monsters based on characters from Literature/TheDivineComedy. All Burning Abyss monsters have an effect that activates when sent to the graveyard.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Burning Abyss monsters:
* CallBack: The "Burning Abyss + Tour Guide From the Underworld" combo is a Call Back to "Sangan + Tour Guide From the Underworld" combo.
* CastingAShadow: The main deck monsters are DARK.
* CulturalTranslation: While Virgil being dubbed 'Rock Star of the Burning Abyss' seems odd for an archetype rooted in the Divine Comedy, it's arguably an attempt to translate the sort of fame and impact bards like Virgil had to an audience who know bards more as an RPG class.
* FusionDance: Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss can be summoned by fusing three Burning Abyss monsters with different names together.
* IWorkAlone: The main deck monsters selfdestruct when you control a non-Burning Abyss.
* LightEmUp: The extra deck monsters are LIGHT.
* MyDeathIsOnlyTheBeginning: Gain their effects when sent to the graveyard.
* MysticalWhiteHair: Beatrice, the Eternal Lady.
* NumerologicalMotif: The main deck monsters are Level 3, have 3 effects, and were released three to a set. The archetype also has three Extra Deck monsters. Beatrice is a Rank 6 monster [[note]]6=3*2[[/note]].
* ShoutOut: To Literature/TheDivineComedy.
* ThePowerOfRock: Virgil, Rockstar of the Burning Abyss.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Buster Blader / Destruction Sword]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Buster_Blader_(archetype) Buster Blader]]''' was the name of one of Yugi's monsters that was first used during the Battle City Tournament. An archetype of cards comprised of the eponymous monster and its alternate forms, most of which can be used as a counter to Dragon decks due to their ability to power up for each Dragon monster the opponent has on the field or in the graveyard. They are supported by the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Destruction_Sword Destruction Sword]]''' cards.

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!!!Tropes associated with Buster Blader and the Destruction Swords:
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer has the ability to inflict piercing damage.
* CoolPet: Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman
* TheDragonslayer: Buster Blader is this as evidenced by all of his forms, except Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordsman, becoming stronger if the opponent controls Dragons. And even then, Destruction Swordsman's effect can be used to destroy Dragon-Type monster if he's been equipped with one.
* EquippableAlly: The three Buster Destruction Sword cards have the ability to equip themselves to a Buster Blader monster.
* FusionDance:
** Buster Blader can fuse with Dark Magician to become the latter's evolved form, Dark Paladin.
** He can also fuse with any Dragon-Type monster to become Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer.
* ManOfKryptonite: Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer lives up to his name and acts as one to any deck that focus too much on Dragon-Type monster. Not only does he gain 1000 ATK and DEF for each Dragon-Type monsters the opponent controls, or has in their graveyard, but as long as it remains on the field, all dragons will be changed to defense positions and are prevented from activating their effects.
* PowerNullifier: As the Dragon Destroyer, Buster Blader prevents Dragon-Type monster from activating their effects.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cardian]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cardian Cardian]]''' is an archetype debuting in the ARC-V anime, used by Tokumatsu. They are based on the traditional Japanese card game named Hanafuda, infamous for the Koi-koi game. Their playstyle revolves around consistently drawing Cardian monsters to make combinations (Yaku) to Synchro Summon their Boss Monsters, emulating the playstyle of traditional Koi-koi game. To help with this strategy, the Spell supports makes it easier to setup the Summon, such as stacking Cardian monsters to be drawn by other Cardian effects or assembling Cardian monsters on the board.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Cardians:
* AntiMagic: Gokou can negate Spell effects.
* ArtShift: In the anime. Whenever a Cardian Synchro Monster is Summoned, the background turns into traditional Japanese painting that references the Yaku formed to Summon it, in contrast to the monster's more animesque appearance.
* {{Bishounen}}: Ameshikou and Gokou, two of the boss monsters.
* TheCameo: All over the place, due to each Cardian non-Synchro monster (barring Matsu) depicts a Yu-Gi-Oh! card of some sort. Some examples:
** Matsu ni Tsuru (January Pine Crane): Crane Crane
** Sususki ni Tsuki (August Pampas Moon): [[ThatsNoMoon The Wicked Avatar]]
** Yanagi (November Willow Storm): Giant Trunade
** Yanagi ni Ono no Michikaze (November Willow Poet): Cardian - Ameshikou and Poison Draw Frog
* CastingAShadow: They're all DARK Attribute.
* CardsOfPower: And apparently they're also sentient.
* CoolHelmet: Gokou's bird helmet, a reference to the December Phoenix (Kiri ni Houou) card.
* DarkIsNotEvil: After Tokumatsu returns to his Enjoy Choujiro persona.
* DifficultButAwesome: The archetype as a whole. The requirement to Summon the bosses are expensive, and the Deck can be awkward to handle. However, once the bosses set foot on the field, there's little the opponent can do.
* {{Irony}}: Yanagi ni Ono no Michikaze depicts Ameshikou and Poison Draw Frog as a reference to the rain man/poet and frog. The former locks your Draw Phase, while the latter lets you draw a card.
* LargeAndInCharge: Inoshikachou. Ironically, he is the weakest among the three boss monsters in terms of stats.
* NiceHat: Ameshikou's poet/priest hat.
* NoSell: Ameshikou makes all Cardian monsters unable to be destroyed by card effects, or be targeted by the opponent's card effects.
* NumerologicalMotif:
** The Level of each non-Synchro Cardian represent the Month of their original Hanafuda card.
** The ATK and DEF of each non-Synchro Cardian are equal to their point value in Hanafuda x100.
* ShockAndAwe: Ameshikou's "electric-rim" umbrella, a reference to the November Storm (Yanagi) card.
* WeakButSkilled: The non-Synchro monsters are exceptionally weak stat-wise, but are needed to Summon their boss monsters.
* WorldsStrongestMan: Gokou has the highest ATK among Synchro Monsters to date, with pure 5000 ATK.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Chaos]]
Originally more of a series of cards with a similar theme, the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Chaos Chaos]]''' archetype The Chaos cards rely oncombining the powers of LIGHT and DARK, or in a couple cases, Fairy and Fiend, and banishing cards from play. Their "leaders" are Black Luster Soldier - Enjoy of the Beginning and Chaos Emperor Dragon - Enjoy of the End, but the anime has an even stronger leader, Chaos End Ruler - Ruler of the Beginning and the End. It has three sub-archetypes: Black Luster Soldier (Chaos Soldier in the OCG), CXyz, and Number C, all of which have their own folders.

Quite infamously, it was Chaos Emperor Dragon's ''brutal'' effect to wipe out everything in the hand and on the field for a measly 1000 Life Points that earned it recognition for being too strong, making it among the eleven cards that made up the very first ban list, and it has been on there for a decade until its January 2015 errata, which heavily nerfs its potency.

----
!!!Tropes associated with the Chaos monsters:
* AnAxeToGrind: Demise, King Of Armageddon.
* AwesomeButImpractical:
** Chaos Goddess has a pretty lethal effect, but here's the catch: She's a Synchro that requires ''three'' monsters to summon. The Tuner must be a LIGHT monster, and the other two monsters must be DARK. Given the rules of Synchro Summoning, their combined Levels have to be 8. Seeing as her actual effect is kind of hard to use (you have to discard a LIGHT monster to Special Summon a DARK one from your Graveyard that has to be Level 5 or higher) she's not as practical as she appears.
** Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Evening Twilight is also very difficult to Summon (Must be Special Summoned by having an equal number of LIGHT and DARK monsters in your Graveyard and banishing all monsters of 1 of those Attributes from your Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways) and you have to skip the Battle phase if you want to use its effect.
* BackFromTheDead: Chaos Goddess's effect.
* BlackKnight: Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning.
* ContinuityNod: Sphere of Chaos's name and effect is a reference to a trio of monsters often called "The Chaos Trio", consisting of "Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning", "Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End", and "Chaos Sorcerer", who needed a LIGHT and DARK Monster to summon.
* DeathOrGloryAttack: Chaos Emperor Dragon's effect post-errata: You may not activate any other card effects on the same turn, meaning no subsequent Graveyard activation shenanigans to fortify yourself, etc. Better make sure you finish the opponent with that damage.
* DyingMomentOfAwesome: Chaos Emperor Dragon's effect allows to do the equivalent of destroying the universe taking itself down and damaging the opponent for each card it destroys.
* {{Expy}}:
** "Ruin, Queen of Oblivion" and "Demise, King of Armageddon" are less powerful ritual versions of "Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning" and "Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End" respectively.
** The Sky Scourges were an attempt to revitalize the Chaos archetype with more challenging summoning conditions and less powerful effects.
* FinishingMove: More likely than not, getting either of the two Envoys on the field.
* GlassCannon: They can hit the field on your first turn if you build the deck right, come out of nowhere, and will give you a massive lead in the Duel. But they're completely defenseless during an opponent's turn, so you'd better have some cards ready to protect them.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Ruin, Queen Of Oblivion.
* KillEmAll: Chaos Emperor Dragon's effect destroys every card on the field and in the hand by paying 1000 Life Points. It also inflicts Burn Damage for each card that is sent to the Graveyard with this effect.
* {{Nerf}}: As of January 2015, Chaos Emperor Dragon has received a serious rewrite that severely limits its potency: First, it has been made a Nomi (cannot be Special Summoned outside its effect). Second, its nuke effect cannot be activated on the same turn as other card effects, and only cards that are sent to the opponents graveyard count towards the total effect damage. [[BroughtDownToBadass However, it's still a rather good card, being a 3000-ATK beater that's very easy to Summon and capable of nuking the field]].
* ObviousRulePatch:
** The Chaos Emperor Dragon-Yata Garasu combo is pretty much the reason the ban list was first created, and they've been gone ever since.
** Also, the change in Priority rules is generally agreed to have been put in place to make Black Luster Soldier less overpowered.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Darkflare Dragon and Lightpulsar Dragon. Moreover, both monsters depict space phenomena: a pulsar for Lightpulsar Dragon and a sun flare for Darkflare Dragon.
* PhysicalGoddess: Chaos Goddess.
* RegalRinglets: Chaos Goddess.
* ThoseTwoGuys:
** Sphere of Chaos and Chaos End Master are meant to compliment the other (each card can search out the other).
** Gaia, Knight in Brightest Night and Gaia, Knight in Blackest Night. They even have effects that support the other's Element.
* TookALevelInBadass: Black Luster Soldier --> Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning.
* WeaksauceWeakness: Cards like Macro Cosmos or Dimensional Fissure are very effective against the Chaos cards, since every monster will be banished instead send to the Graveyard.
* YinYangBomb: The main theme of the Chaos cards. Most of them can only be Special Summoned by banishing a LIGHT and a DARK monster.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Charmers]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Charmer Charmers]]''', known as '''Spirit Charmer''' (霊使 Reitsukai) in the OCG, are a series of six Spellcasters that have learned to commune with the six Attributes to take control of them and perform assorted incantations with them. The normal Charmers all have the same effect of being able to take control of enemy monsters of a certain Attribute. They have also two advanced forms: [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Familiar-Possessed Familiar-Possessed]], where their familiar's spirit has taken control of them to increase their offensive power, and [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cataclysmic_Charmer Cataclysmic Charmers]] where they can sacrifice monsters to summon another one. The Trap Card series [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Spiritual_Art Spiritual Art]] is also part of the Charmers via artwork, but they support Attributes in general without being restricted to Charmers.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Charmers:
* AscendedExtra:
** "Retrained" versions of Wynn and Eria were incorporated into the Gusto and Gishki archetypes. However, it turns up {{Subverted|Trope}} as they are separate characters.
** Played straight in the case of Lyna's ascended form, Milla the Temporal Magician.
* BareYourMidriff: Raging Hiita.
* {{Bishonen}}: Dharc is a guy, but has feminine features.
* BlackMagic: All of them use dark powers to take control of enemy monsters.
* BlowYouAway: Wynn.
* {{Brainwashed}}: The original Charmers lived up to their names by taking control of monsters with the same Attribute as them.
* CastingAShadow: Dharc.
* ChainedByFashion: Lyna and Dharc have cuffs dangling from their wrists.
* ColorCodedElements: They each have hair coloring and outfits reflecting their elements.
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: All of them have eyes and hair of the same color.
* CuteWitch: Six of them, counting [[{{Bishonen}} Dharc]]. They're absolutely adorable.
* DangerouslyShortSkirt: Wynn, Hiita and Eria.
* DemonicPossession: The "Familiar-Possessed" series where their Familiar takes over them to pump up their offensive power. They finally left the body in Unpossessed, with the effect referencing their return to their Charmer state. Due to the lack of lore regarding this event, it can either be this or SymbioticPossession.
* DishingOutDirt: Aussa.
* ElementalPowers: Each of them represent an Attribute.
* {{Familiar}}: Each Charmer has a Level 1 or 2 Normal Monster as such.
* FieryRedhead: Hiita appears to be one, as her card art has her looking much more energetic and lively than the others.
* FourElementEnsemble: Though there's one for all six Attributes, Dharc and Lyna don't have as much exposure or counterparts as the four elemental Charmers, resulting in this dynamic. The original four were also released years before Dharc and Lyna appeared to round the group out.
* HandicappedBadass: Dharc appears to have lost his right arm.
* HotWitch: The base four have older forms that mature enough to qualify as conventionally attractive.
* LightEmUp: Lyna.
* MagicStaff: They all have one or MagicWand.
* MagicWand
* MakingASplash: Eria.
* MeaningfulName:
** Each of the Charmers have names based on the elements they specialize in.
** "Mira" is Spanish for "look" or "see", probably referring to Milla's effect of looking at your opponent's Set card.
* {{Meganekko}}: Aussa.
* MysticalWhiteHair: Lyna has white hair, and is a witch.
* OneSteveLimit: Milla, an older version of Lyna, shares her OCG name 'Mira' with Mira the Star-Bearer.
* PersonalityPowers: In case you missed it, FieryRedhead Hiita is the Fire charmer.
* PlayingWithFire: Hiita.
* SymbioticPossession: Due to the lack of lore, it can either be this or DemonicPossession. Regardless, the possession gives the Charmers power boost and the ability to deal piercing damage, and the possession was released in the artwork of Unpossessed.
* TheSixthRanger: Dharc and Lyna were released long after the original Charmer cards had run their course and have fewer variants of them.
* WaterIsBlue Eria has blue hair and uses blue water.
* WindIsGreen: Wynn has green hair and uses green wind.
* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: Wynn has green, Eria has blue.
* ZettaiRyouiki: Lyna.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Chronomaly]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Chronomaly Chronomaly]]''', known as '''[=OOParts=]''' in the OCG, are a series of LIGHT Rock monsters based on artifacts of the ancient world. They rely on manipulating their levels to Xyz Summon their leaders, Chronomaly Atlandis, Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut, and Chronomaly Machu Mech. They are used by III/[[DubNameChange Trey]] in ''ZEXAL''.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Chronomaly cards:
* AlchemyIsMagic: Chronomaly Pyramid Eye Tablet is possibly based on the Emerald Tablet of Hermes. Text purporting to reveal the secret of the primordial substance and its transmutations. It claims to be the work of Hermes Trismegistus ("Hermes the Thrice-Greatest"), a legendary Hellenistic combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.
* AmbiguousRobot: Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis's Type is Machine while it has no mechanical parts with the exception of the ring around its chest.
* AnachronismStew: The OCG name, "[=OOPArts=]", is an acronym for "Out-of-Place Artifact", a term used to describe artifacts that make no logical sense given the technology available at the time they were created. The TCG name, "Chronomaly", is a portmanteau of the word "chronology" which is the sequential order in which past events occur and "anomaly" as in an irregularity or something odd. Put together these monsters are "chronological anomalies" or "chronomalies" since these objects deviate from what would have been possible to create given the resources and technology available at that time.
* AncientAstronauts:
** Some writers have proposed that intelligent extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth in antiquity or prehistory and made contact with humans. Such visitors are called ancient astronauts or ancient aliens. Proponents suggest that this contact influenced the development of human cultures, technologies and religions. Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut is based on this concept.
** Chronomaly Mayan Machine is based on the "Maya Astronaut" of K'inich Janaab' Pakal, a ruler of the Mayan polity of Palenque. The Palenque Astronaut appears to depict a man controlling a spaceship. This ornately decorated five ton stone was discovered in 1952 in Chiapas, Mexico covering the Tomb of the Mayan King Pacal, at the Temple of Palenque ~ the only known Mayan Pyramid to contain a Tomb, as seems the case throughout Egypt.
* {{Atlantis}}: Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis
* CoolPlane: Chronomaly Golden Jet is a reference to the various golden airplane like artifacts found in Colombia, which were said to have been carved by the Quimbaya culture between l000 and 1500 AD. Some archaeologists believe that they are simply stylized insects, while some ancient astronaut theorists believe this is a clear depiction of a space craft from extraterrestrial visitors.
* DemBones: Chronomaly Crystal Bones and Chronomaly Crystal Skull
** Chronomaly Crystal Bone is based on "The Crystal Maiden", the skeleton of a teenage girl found in the Belize cave system called Actun Tunichil Muknal, which was said to possibly been a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified, giving it a sparkling, crystallized appearance, hence the name.
** Chronomaly Crystal Skull is based on "Crystal skulls" which were carved from quartz and were believed to be of pre-Columbian origin.
* EenieMeenieMinyMoai: Chronomaly Moai is based on a Moai, monolithic human figures made of rock in the Easter Island. "The Statue of Easter Island" and "Moai Interceptor Cannons" are based on the same figures.
* EnormousEngine: Fork Hyuk appears in the artwork of "Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech", serving as the aforementioned Machu Mech's engine. This is also supported by Fork Hyuk's Japanese name, and the fact that the structure of "Number 33" is surrounding the blue sphere in this card's artwork, just as depicted in the artwork of "Number 33". This is fitting, as Fork Hyuk's effect complements the effect of "Number 33".
* FloatingContinent: Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech is a floating city, while Machu Pichu was built high up in the mountains above sea level.
* {{Golem}}: Chronomaly Mud Golem is based on the Dogū, a form of statuary common in the Jomon Period.
* {{Homage}}: Chronomaly Golden Jet's appearance and statistics (Level 4, LIGHT Machine, 1300 ATK) seem to tie into the "Gradius" deck and the other fighting ships like "Jade Knight" and "Lord British".
* LandmarkOfLore
** Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech is based on on the ancient city of Machu Pichu. Machu Pichu is in Peru, going along with the South American theme of the Chronomaly archetype. Machu Mech also could also have been based on El Dorado, a fabled city that was said to be made of gold, like how this monster is shown to be a city that is made from gold.
** Stonehenge Methods. True to this card's name, the Stonehenge is featured in this card's artwork.
** Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis's form could come from the Ancient city of Pompeii because it's shaped like a volcano (Mount Vesuvius).
** Chronomaly City Babylon. The Ancient City of Babylon was an Akkadian city-state (founded in 1867 BC by an Amorite dynasty) of ancient Mesopatamia, the remains of which are found in present-day Al Hillah, Babylon Province, Iraq. The Word "Babylon" is Akkadian "babilani" which means "the Gate of God(s)" and it became the capital of the land of Babylonia.
* LivingStatue: Chronomaly Tula Guardian is a living version of the Telamon Tula statues that were found in Hidalgo, Mexico.
* MagmaMan: If one looks at the artwork of Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis, the island is not actually floating: Molten formed what appears to be two legs holding it up, as well as two arms, giving it the appearance of a giant. As such, this card may have been based on Atlas, a Titan from Greek mythology that was forced to support the sky on his shoulders for eternity. Oddly this cards Attribute is LIGHT when the Monster is formed out of molten lava and rock.
* MythologyGag:Stonehenge Methods's special summoning effect is similar to the Player Character of The Duelists of the Roses being summoned at Stonehenge.
* OneHitKill: Dedicated decks based on Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech can pull this off. The crux of the strategy is reducing the ATK of an opponent's monster to 0, then using Number 33's effect on that monster before attacking to deal massive damage.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cloudian]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cloudian Cloudians]]''' are a series of WATER Fairy-Type monsters based on types of clouds. Being clouds they lack power but are immune to being destroyed in battle, and distribute Fog Counters to monsters to use effects. In ''GX'', Amon Garam/[[DubNameChange Adrian Gecko]] uses a Cloudian deck as his first deck.
----
!!!Tropes associated with my Cloudians:
* AchillesHeel: While "Cloudians" cannot be destroyed by battle while in Attack Position, "Zero Gravity", "Stumbling, "No Entry" and "Spider Web" would cripple this Deck as the these cards forces all monsters to Defense Position making the "Cloudians" destroy themselves. An opponent using a well-timed Windstorm of Etaqua can effectively destroy all Cloudian monsters. "Spiders" are also a threat, because they change the Battle position of a monster to Defense Position. Cards such as "Savage Colosseum" and "Final Attack Orders" can have the same effect. The best way to counter is by using "Raging Cloudian". Amon/[[DubNameChange Adrian]] had an Cloudian deck as his first deck before he replaced it with an Exodia deck.
* CuteKitten: Cloudian - Cirrostratus.
* {{Cyclops}}: Cloudian - Eye of the Typhoon is based on "The Eye of the Hurricane", ironically, the most inoffensive part of a Hurricane. The name is also a pun on the card itself, as my Cloudian only has one Eye.
* DifficultButAwesome: "Cloudians" require an advanced degree of skill to use properly, because their usefulness depends on how many Fog Counters there are on the field. Most "Cloudians" cannot be destroyed by battle, but their low ATK leaves their controller open to taking damage unless "Spirit Barrier" or "The Sanctuary in the Sky" are used. Otherwise, you could just use Equip Cards to boost their ATK so that the damage is lessened. Once your support cards are in play, the opponent will find it frustratingly difficult to get past a "Cloudian" Deck's defenses. While the opponent is being stalled, the "Cloudian" user can then generate enough Fog Counters to whittle down the opponent's defenses, eventually leaving them with nothing to protect themselves from the otherwise "weak" monsters.
* HollywoodAcid: Cloudian - Acid Cloud.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent: With a few exceptions, these guys are classified as Angels in the OCG.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Cloudian - Storm Dragon.
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Cloudian - Ghost Fog, which is based on the Mist Fog.
* PoisonousPerson: Cloudian - Poison Cloud may be partially based on London's Great Smog, which was a deadly fog caused by overpollution.
* PowerOfTheStorm
* ThatCloudLooksLike: A bunch of monsters.
* ThemeNaming: Based on the types of weather.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Constellar]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Constellar Constellar]]''' monsters, called '''Sacred''' in the OCG, are a series of LIGHT monsters that are variably Beast, Beast-Warrior, Warrior, or Machine. Based on the constellations, they swarm the field to perform Xyz summons of their stronger members, the strongest of which is Constellar Ptolemy M7. They are used by Hokuto Shijima in the ''Anime/YuGiOhArcV'' Anime.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Constellars:
* AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence: Constellar Sombre and Evilswarm Kerykeion have successfully defeated Sophia, Goddess of Rebirth and ascended to a higher plane of existence (as mentioned in the DT Story Guide), becoming the twin serpents pictured in Breath of the Divine Serpent
* BigDamnHeroes: They appeared to help the tribes fight against the Evilswarm horde.
* CainAndAbel: [[Myth/ClassicalMythology Sacred Pollux and his corrupted brother, Evilswarm Castor.]]
* DubNameChange[=/=]PunnyName: This archetype is known as Constellars in the TCG.
* FusionDance:
** 2 Constellar Xyz monsters (judging by the orbs around the 2 monsters), the two parts of "Constellar Ptolemy M7"'s body and "Shrine of Mist Valley" appear in "XYZ Universe"'s artwork. It is possible that those Xyz Monsters are fusing together to form Ptolemy, prior to the fight above the Shrine, betwenn Ptolemy and Evilswarm Ouroboros, as shown in Infestation Terminus.
** According to the Duel Terminal Storyline in the Duel Terminal Master Guide 2013, "Gem-Knight Lazuli" fused itself with the 12 "Constellar" monsters to become "Constellar Sombres" in order to defeat "Sophia, Goddess of Rebirth" together with "Evilswarm Kerykeion".
* {{Homage}}/ShoutOut: [[KnightInShiningArmor Holy armored knights]] [[WesternZodiac named after the Zodiac]] determined to fight evil? [[Manga/SaintSeiya This seems familiar...]]
* KnightInShiningArmor: Most of them look like knights.
* LightIsGood: Definitely.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Sacred Ptolemys Messier 7, a large mechanical dragon formed by FusionDance.
* {{Reincarnation}}: Sombres seems to be the reincarnation of "Constellar Ptolemys Messier 7" because of its wings that are "Ptolemys Messier 7's" ones. This monster has "Constellar Virgo" Legs and "Gem-Knight Seraphi" Face and body.
* ScrewDestiny: The artwork for Break the Cycle reflects the fact that Sombres and Kerykeion were born using the banished bodies of their members (Constellar and Evilswarm) and they are working together to end Sophia's cycles of destruction and creation by destroying her.
* SixthRanger: Awakened Brave Warrior - Gagagigo's armor and background seems to resemble that of the "Sacred" Archetype.
* ThemeNaming: All of them are named after stars in the [[WesternZodiac Zodiac constellations.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Crashbug]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Crashbug Crashbugs]]''', called '''Bugman''' in the OCG, are a trio of Level 3 monsters that rely on summoning each other. Once all three are on the field, their leader Super Crashbug can be summoned, creating havoc as ATK and DEF values are swapped. They are used by Ukyo Kitano/[[DubNameChange Mr. Kay]] and Takashi Todoroki/[[DubNameChange Caswell Francis]] in ''ZEXAL'', the former being the original owner of Number 34: Terror-Byte.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Crashbugs:
* AnthropomorphicPersonification : When combined with Terror-Byte, this archetype makes a reference to a computer virus. When the virus first appears (Summoning one of them), it infects the system (special summoning the rest of them), then it steals data (taking control of opponent monsters with Terror-Byte), and finally sabotages the system (Super Crashbug switching ATK and DEF of monsters).
* ChainedByFashion: Crashbugs "X", "Y", and "Z" appear to be dressed in prisoner-like accessories.
** X - A ball and chain on its neck.
** Y - Hand cuffs on its right hand.
** Z - A striped prison uniform, along with a ball connected to a chain locked to both its ankles.
* {{Expy}}: This series is similar to that of the "Gadgets", "Piece Golems", "Poker Knights", "Magnet Warriors", and "Reactors"; due to having only 3 members which contribute to the theme's trump card.
* FusionDance: Super Crashbug and Number 34: Terror-Byte
* InconsistentDub: The Crashbugs' fuses are removed in the English card artwork due to the fact that it is a reference to violence, but strangely in the dub, the fuses remain in place.
* LostInTranslation: In Japanese, "Bugman" could be a pun to Bomb (爆弾, Bakudan) as they have bombs on their heads and a reference to how when a computer has technical difficulties, it normally means it "has a bug".
* PunnyName: Number 34: Terror-Byte is a pun on Terabyte, which is equal to 1024 Gigabytes. This may be why it's "No. 34", with "1 + 0 + 2" = "3", then leaving the "4" to make "34", or just "10 + 24" = "34".
* StoneWall: Number 34: Terror-Byte and Super Crashbug have massive DEF, but 0 ATK. However, Super Crashbug has the ability to switch ATK and DEF of all face-up Attack Position monsters on the field, letting it weaponize its DEF as ATK.
* VisualPun: Number 34: Terror-Byte slightly resembles an insect. This may reference how computer errors are usually referred to as "bugs" and this card's connection to the "Crashbug" series.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Crystal Beasts]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gem_Beast Crystal Beasts]]''', known as '''Gem Beasts''' in the OCG, are a series of seven animal-themed monsters named after precious gems. Their ability is that when they're destroyed as monsters, they "crystallize" and place themselves in the Spell/Trap Zone as Continous Spell Cards. The key is to gather all seven to summon their leader, Rainbow Dragon. They are used by Johan Andersen/[[DubNameChange Jesse Anderson]] in ''GX''. They later got new support cards, including two Pendulum Monsters: Crystal Defender and Crystal Vanguard.

For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Crystal Beasts:
* AllYourPowersCombined: Rainbow Dragon.
* AwesomeYetImpractical: It should be noted that, although Rainbow Dragon is the boss monster of this archetype, its inclusion is more likely to be a hindrance, requiring the player to run the near-useless Crystals Amethyst Cat and Cobalt Eagle. Because of this, Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder is often used in its place, but Malefic Cyber End Dragon is vastly superior to both, avoiding both the lengthy set-up and the hefty costs of the previous bosses, and boasting the same 4000 ATK.
* BigGood: In the dub, the other Crystal Beasts refer to Pegasus as their leader (probably because this card has the highest original ATK for a Crystal Beast monster in the game). And probably from its effect, which heralds the arrival of another Crystal Beast, even if only in 'Crystal Form'.
* [[CallAPegasusAHippogriff Call an Alicorn a "Pegasus"]]: Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus is called a Pegasus on the card but is actually an Alicorn (Which is a Unicorn with wings, or a Pegasus with a horn).
* CallBack: Crystal Defender and Crystal Vanguard are both based of Johan/Jesse. Defender's outfit looks like a variation of Johan's school uniform, while Vanguard's outfit looks similar to Dark Johan's outfit.
* ColorCodedStones: Which come in all the colors of the Rainbow.
* EvilCounterpart: Rainbow Dark Dragon and Malefic Rainbow Dragon
* {{Expy}}: Amber Mammoth and Emerald Tortoise would receive counterparts in the Gem-Knight archetype.
* {{Homage}}: Ruby Carbuncle's name and appearance are similar to that of Carbuncle, a recurring summon in the "Final Fantasy" game series, in where Carbuncle is also known by its Ruby.
* NobleBirdOfPrey: Cobalt Eagle.
* NotQuiteDead: Crystal Beasts all share the effect of becoming Continuous Spell Cards upon their destruction. Although weak in terms of actual strength, their aforementioned effects allow them to have great staying power.
* NotTheIntendedUse: Crystal Beast were originally created as a way to keep pressure on the opponent, and were intended with the ability to summon Rainbow Dragon and Hamon in mind. They later got Pendulum Monsters, and were quickly discovered that they make for a rather viable [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxc3HsJRvKA Rank 4 Xyz engine,]] even without their Pendulums.
* PantheraAwesome: Amethyst Cat and Topaz Tiger.
** Amethyst Cat can attack your opponent directly, but when it uses this effect, any Battle Damage it inflicts to your opponent is halved.
** When Topaz Tiger attacks an opponent's monster, it gains 400 ATK during the Damage Step only.
* PhysicalGod: Rainbow Dragon. [[AwesomeButImpractical Not that you would know this by trying to run it, though.]]
* PrehistoricMonster: Amber Mammoth
* PunnyName: The name "Ruby Carbuncle" is a double pun, since Carbuncle is also a type of gemstone, as well as a mythical creature, alleged to be seen in Latin America. Legends say the Carbuncle has some sort of jewel on its head.
* ShownTheirWork: Cobalt Eagle might have been the reason Gem/Jewel Beasts were changed to Crystal Beasts between the OCG and the TCG. The reason for this is because cobalt is not technically a gemstone, unlike the other "Crystal Beasts" which each feature a gemstone: ruby, amber, topaz, emerald, sapphire, and amethyst. It is plausible that cobalt was confused with the gemstones copal or coral.
* TurtlePower: Emerald Tortoise. Once per turn: You can target 1 monster you control that attacked this turn; change that target to Defense Position.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cubic]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cubic Cubic]]''', also known as '''Houkai''' (方界, lit. "Direction World") in the OCG, is an archetype based on the "Guardians of the Directions" in Hinduism, with the Spell/Trap Cards referencing on various terminologies such as "Samsara" and "Karma", relating to the monsters.

They are focused on disruption and light stalling with cards such as Cubic Karma and distributing Cubic Counters, supporting the "two paths" of their monsters, the burn-centric Emperors and the beatdown-centric Beasts. "Vijam, the Cubic Spawn" and "Duja, the Cubic Meteor Vessel" are important in setup. All of these culminated into their boss monster, "Crimson Nova, the Dark Cubic Entity" and its combined form "Crimson Nova Trinity, the Dark Wicked Cubic Entity".

They are used by Aigami, the main antagonist of the 2016 movie ''Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions'' and Aigami's sister Sera in the manga duology prequel ''TRANSCEND GAME''.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Cubics:
* AchillesHeel: The "Two Paths" set of monsters have an original ATK of 0 each, and only gain buff when properly Special Summoned by their effects. Negating their effects or turning them face-down would nullify the stat buff.
* BlowYouAway: Geira Guile is a WIND monster, based on the wind deity Vayu.
* BroughtDownToNormal: Monsters latched by Cubic Counters lost their effects. Additionally, they can't attack.
* CastingAShadow: Vijam and the Crimson Novas are DARK.
* DifficultButAwesome: More often than not, the Deck is very slow and inconsistent. When it works however, it can dish out large amount of damage that a successful Battle Phase is almost always a One-Turn-Kill.
* DishingOutDirt: Dark Ganex is an EARTH monster.
* FusionDance: Crimson Nova Trinity can be Fusion Summoned using 3 Crimson Novas.
* LifeDrain: Cubic Aura can drain an enemy monster's ATK while simultaneously buff a Cubic monster's ATK (barring Vijam).
* LightEmUp: Indiora Des Bolt and Buster Gandhail are LIGHT monsters.
* MeaningfulName: The archetype's OCG name can be translated in many ways, each of them corresponds with their theme and the movie theme in general.
* MyDeathIsOnlyTheBeginning: Both Indiora Des Bolt and Buster Gandhail have trigger effects to recover advantage when they are finally fallen, which can even [[OhCrap recycle themselves]].
* {{Nerf}}: In the movie, the "Two Paths" monsters' Summon are treated as Spell Speed 2, thus can be spammed and evolved mid-Battle Phase. They are balanced to be regular monster effects in the official release, probably to prevent mid-battle Summon abuse as seen on Kozmos, and to prevent burn damage stacking by the Emperor line.
* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: Gandhail, if properly Summoned, is a 3000 ATK juggernaut that can attack 3 times. Summoning it on an empty field usually means One-Turn-Kill.
* NoSell: Crimson Nova is unaffected by the effect of monsters with less than 3000 ATK.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent: The "Emperor Path" contains Fairy-Type monsters.
* PlayingWithFire: Vulcan Dragni and Blade Garudia are FIRE monsters.
* ShockAndAwe: Indiora Des '''Bolt''', a LIGHT monster.
* StatusBuff:
** When properly Summoned, the "Two Paths" monsters gain a certain amount of ATK.
** Cubic Aura can buff the ATK of a Cubic monster other that Vijam, alongside draining an opponent monster's ATK.
** Duja can buff itself proportional to the amount of differently-named monsters in your Graveyard during the turn a monster was sent there.
* TakingYouWithMe: Crimson Nova is one of the few non-banned legal cards that can end a Duel in a DRAW, by inflicting flat 3000 damage to both players during each End Phases of its controller's turn.
* WeakButSkilled:
** Downplayed with the "Two Paths"; while originally they have 0 stats, they gain HUGE ATK for their Level upon being Special Summoned, with Gandhail having 3000 ATK as a Level 4 monster. However, it's only because of their effect; negating it would reset their ATK to 0 again.
** Played straight with Vijam and Duja. The former have 0 stats while the latter only have 1600 (so-so for a Level 4 monster), but they each have excellent effects that are crucial to the theme's plays.
** Averted hard with the bosses. Crimson Nova has a raw 3000 ATK and NoSell ability, while Nova Trinity has 4500 ATK/3000 DEF, making those two the juggernauts of the archetype.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:[=CXyz=]]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/CXyz CXyz]]''', an abbreviation of '''Chaos Xyz''', is an archetype of Xyz Monsters that can be Xyz Summoned by Chaos Xyz Change, with the effect of Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force. In the ''ZEXAL'' anime, [=CXyz=] monsters are created by the Barians for the sole purpose of subduing the Number monsters. Like monsters that can utilize Chaos Xyz Change, these monsters require an additional Xyz Material but with 1 higher Level in a regular Xyz Summon, since they themselves are 1 Rank higher than their respective original counterparts. This characteristic has been carried over by later Number C monsters introduced in the second season of ''ZEXAL'', cards that can also be summoned with Rank-Up Magic.

''[=CXyz=] Dark Fairy Cheer Girl'' was used by Kotori Mizuki/[[DubNameChange Tori Meadows]], ''[=CXyz=] Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral'' by Fuma/[[DubNameChange Fender]], ''[=CXyz=] Coach Lord Ultimatrainer'' by Daisuke Katagiri/[[DubNameChange Devon Knox]], ''[=CXyz=] Simon the Great Moral Leader'' by Mamoru Jinguji/[[DubNameChange Carlyle Chesterton]], ''[=CXyz=] Comics Hero Legend Arthur'' by Chitaro Ariga/[[DubNameChange Art Stanley]], ''[=CXyz=] Battleship Cherry Blossom'' by Aika/[[DubNameChange Lotus]] Hanazoe, ''[=CXyz=] Skypalace Babylon'' by Umimi Habara/[[DubNameChange Brooke Walker]], and ''[=CXyz=] Barian Hope'' by Nasch/[[DubNameChange Nash]]. In the manga, ''[=CXyz=] Zubaba Saikyo General'' is used by Yuma Tsukumo.
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!!!Tropes associated with the [=CXyz=] monsters:
* AllYourPowersCombined: [=CXyz=] Barian Hope, in the anime, can use the effects of any Chaos Over One-Hundred Number attached to it as Xyz Material. Which, given the way Nasch summoned it, is all seven of them.
* AwesomeButImpractical: Xyz Summoning them in the most normal way is difficult, since they require a lot of high-Level monsters. Some of them have uncommon Ranks, which makes it even more difficult to summon them. With Rank-Up Magic Spell Cards, it's [[DifficultButAwesome easier]].
* BigBad[=/=]BigGood: Ironically not for the [=CXyzs=], but [=CXyz=] Barian Hope is this for the (Chaos) Over One-Hundred Numbers. His Rank represents the number of the members he can be Xyz Summoned by using one of them as an Xyz Material; in the anime, he was Xyz Summoned by using all seven of them as Xyz Materials. [[MeaningfulName As his names suggests]], he is the hope of the Seven Barian Emperors and their ultimate trump card.
* BlowYouAway: [=CXyz=] Skypalace Babylon is a WIND monster.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: In the anime, the seven duelists who aren't Nasch are brainwashed by Rank-Up Magic Barian' Force. All of these seven [=CXyz=] monsters are summoned with that card.
* CastingAShadow: [=CXyz=] Dark Fairy Cheer Girl and [=CXyz=] Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral are DARK monsters.
* DishingOutDirt: [=CXyz=] Zubaba Saikyo General, [=CXyz=] Comics Hero Legend Arthur and [=CXyz=] Battleship Cherry Blossom are EARTH monsters.
* EnergyAbsorption: When Xyz Summoned with Rank-Up Magic Barian's Force, they steal the Xyz Materials (known as [[GratuitousEnglish Over]] [[SpellMyNameWithAnS Ray]] Units in the anime) of the opponent.
* EvilCounterpart: The [=CXyz=] monsters represent a corruption of Yuma's Chaos Xyz Change.
* ElementalPowers: They cover the Attributes LIGHT, DARK, FIRE, WIND and EARTH.
* {{Expy}}:
** This series is quite similar to Meklord Emperor monsters. Just as the Meklord Emperors are made to stop Synchro Monsters, [=CXyz=] were created to solely restrain Number monsters by being able to destroy them by battle despite their unique effect in the anime. They both can absorb specific targets to leave their opponents defenseless: When summoned with Rank-Up Magic Barian's Force, [=CXyz=] can absorb Xyz Materials from the opponent's Number, which are all Xyz Monsters.
** Another comparison to the [=CXyz=] Monsters is the Dark Synchro Monsters. Both represent a corruption of a summoning method used by the protagonists (Synchro Summon for Yusei Fudo and Chaos Xyz Change for Yuma Tsukumo).
* GreenThumb: [=CXyz=] Battleship Cherry Blossom is a Plant-Type monster.
* LargeAndInCharge: [=CXyz=] Barian Hope is one of the largest monsters, larger than any other [=CXyz=] monster, and he's amalgamation of the Chaos Over One-Hundred Numbers.
* TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers: [=CXyz=] Barian Hope is the last monster of the archetype to be introduced in the anime, and differs from the rest of them in that it can be summoned by Chaos Xyz Change without a Rank-Up-Magic card, and lacks a base form (though it can be argued that the Number [=C10X=] monsters ''are'' its base forms).
* LightEmUp: [=CXyz=] Barian Hope and [=CXyz=] Simon the Great Moral Leader are LIGHT monsters.
* MechanicalLifeform: Almost everyone of them look mechanical, despite only [=CXyz=] Skypalace Babylon is a Machine-Type monster. Since most of their base forms look mechanical, too, it makes sense. The only [=CXyz=] monster who doesn't look like a machine is [=CXyz=] Dark Fairy Cheer Girl.
* OurFairiesAreDifferent: [=CXyz=] Dark Fairy Cheer Girl and [=CXyz=] Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral are Fairy-Type monsters.
* OverlyLongName: While [=CXyz=] Barian Hope is fine, the others have very long names.
* PersonalityPowers: Since their base forms already represent the character of their owners in the anime, the [=CXyz=] versions represent the corrupted version of said characters.
* PlayingWithFire: [=CXyz=] Coach Lord Ultimatrainer is a FIRE monster.
* SuperMode: The entire archetype is pretty much comprised of this for their respective base Xyz Monsters.
* TookALevelInBadass: With the exception of [=CXyz=] Barian Hope, [=CXyz=] monsters are more powerful versions of other cards their owners have.
** Mechquipped Angineer became [=CXyz=] Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral.
** Coach King Giantrainer became [=CXyz=] Coach Lord Ultimatrainer.
** Norito the Moral Leader became [=CXyz=] Simon the Great Moral Leader.
** Comics Hero King Arthur became [=CXyz=] Comics Hero Legend Arthur.
** Battlecruiser Dianthus became [=CXyz=] Battleship Cherry Blossom.
** Fairy Cheer Girl became [=CXyz=] Dark Fairy Cheer Girl.
** Skypalace Gangaridai became [=CXyz=] Skypalace Babylon. Interestingly, in the anime, Skypalace Gangaridai is used by Tobio Habara/[[DubNameChange Mayday Walker]], then his wife Umimi/[[DubNameChange Brooke]] ranks it up to its [=CXyz=] version.
** Zubaba General became [=CXyz=] Zubaba Saikyo General.
** [=CXyz=] Barian Hope itself can be seen as the upgraded form of ''all'' the Number [=C10X=] monsters.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cyberdark]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cyberdark Cyberdarks]]''' (spelled '''Cyber Dark''' in the OCG) are a trio of DARK Machine-Type monsters that act as the "Yin" to the "Yang" of the Cyber Dragons listed below. They ensnare Dragon-Type monsters in the Graveyard to power themselves up by stealing their power. They fuse into Cyberdark Dragon, who grows more powerful the more cards are in the Graveyard. They're used by Ryo Marufuji/[[InSeriesNickname Kaiser]]/[[DubNameChange Zane Truesdale]] in the anime, though the Cyber Dragons are much more famous as his signature cards. They are later used by his younger brother Sho/[[DubNameChange Syrus]] as well.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Cyberdarks:
* AnimalMecha: The Cyberdarks resemble the bones of a dragon, but they are Machine-Type monsters.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Cyberdark Horn can inflict Piercing Damage.
* CastFromHitPoints: In the anime, if their owner's will is not strong enough, they will drain their health.
* CastingAShadow: They are all DARK monsters for obvious reasons.
* CombiningMecha: Cyberdark Dragon gets its wings from Cyberdark Edge, its body from Cyberdark Keel, and its head and horns from Cyberdark Horn.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Despite being DARK monsters and being potentially dangerous to the owner, the Cyberdarks are not evil by their own nature. They are certainly ''not'' the reason why and how Kaiser became Hell Kaiser, and even Hell Kaiser wasn't an evil person, but morally twisted.
* DubNameChange: From Cyber Dark to Cyberdark.
* EquippableAlly: Their speciality. The Main Deck trio can equip themselves with Level 3 or lower Dragon-Type monsters from the Graveyard when Normal Summoned. Cyberdark Dragon can equip itself with any Dragon-Type monster from the Graveyard when Special Summoned.
* {{Expy}}: Cyberdark Dragon resembles some members of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon archetype, particularly Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon. In this it mirrors Cyber End Dragon, which resembles the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon. This card also resembles Slifer the Sky Dragon somewhat.
* FusionDance: Cyberdark Horn + Cyberdark Edge + Cyberdark Keel = Cyberdark Dragon. "Cyberdark Impact! makes it easier to Fusion Summon it.
* GradualGrinder: Cyberdark Keel inflicts 300 damage to the opponent, if it destroys a monster in battle.
* MeaningfulName:
** The Edge part of Cyberdark Edge probably refers to its wing tips being as sharp as blades.
** Cyberdark Horn is named such because it gives Cyberdark Dragon its four horns.
** Cyberdark Keel is named after the keel of a ship, as it becomes the body of Cyberdark Dragon.
* NumerologicalMotif: The Main Deck trio have each 800 ATK and DEF.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Cyberdark Dragon is a Machine-Type monster resembling a skeletal dragon.
* PowerTrio: They Main Deck monsters are Cyberdark Edge, Cyberdark Keel and Cyberdark Horn.
* ShadowArchetype: To the Cyber Dragons. They are both Cyber archetypes and are related to dragons.
* ZergRush: The potency of the Cyberdark Deck lies with its ability to quickly Normal Summon Cyberdark monsters with comparably higher ATK than your opponent could possibly muster.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cyber Dragon / Chimeratech]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cyber_Dragon Cyber Dragon]]''' is a LIGHT Machine-Type monster with allies of the same Type and Attribute based on mechanical dragons. It relies on brute force, Special Summoning itself from the hand for a quick beatstick and fusing into very powerful combined forms are promised to do serious damage if your opponent cannot stop them, highlighted by Cyber End Dragon and its ArmorPiercingAttack that deals damage when it attacks Defense Position monsters. The archetype later received Xyz support, allowing the Cyber Dragons to merge into Cyber Dragon Nova and Cyber Dragon Infinity.

Another evolution line is the [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Chimeratech Chimeratech]]''' archetype: DARK Fusion Monsters with very powerful effects and they can be summoned with a very high number of Fusion Materials, which also includes Cyber Dragon.

In the anime and manga they are Ryo Marufuji/[[InSeriesNickname Kaiser]]/[[DubNameChange Zane Truesdale's]] signature cards. They are later used by his younger brother Sho/[[DubNameChange Syrus]] as well. For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Cyber Dragons:
* AnimalMecha: The mecha part is more important purposes of rules, they're considered Machine-Types, not Dragon-Types.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Cyber End Dragon can inflict Piercing Damage.
* BackFromTheDead: Cyber Dragon Nova can bring back a Cyber Dragon from the Graveyard if an Xyz Material is detached. It can also bring back a Machine-Type Fusion Monster if it dies.
* CannibalismSuperpower: Cyber Dragon Nova can also get more power if the player sends a Cyber Dragon on his side of the field or hand to the Remove from Play pile. As well, its upgraded form, Cyber Dragon Infinity, can absorb other Attack Position monsters as Overlay Units to increase its ATK and allow it to negate effects.
* BreathWeapon: Cyber Dragon's attack, Evolution Burst.
* CastingAShadow: The Chimeratechs are DARK monsters.
* EvolutionaryLevels: Cyber Larva --> Proto-Cyber Dragon --> Cyber Dragon Zwei --> Cyber Dragon Drei --> Cyber Dragon --> Cyber Twin Dragon --> Cyber End Dragon --> Cyber Eltanin / Chimeratech Overdragon / Chimeratech Fortress Dragon.
* {{Expy}}: Cyber Dragon's evolution is similar to Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Their Fusions requires 2 or 3 copies each. Both of their Final Forms (Cyber End Dragon and Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon) have the similar Blue orbs on their wings and chests.)
* FusionDance: Cyber Dragon fuses with:
** Another Cyber Dragon/Proto-Cyber Dragon/Cyber Dragon Zwei/Cyber Dragon Drei to form Cyber Twin Dragon.
** Two other Cyber Dragons/Proto-Cyber Dragons/Cyber Dragon Zweis/Cyber Dragon Dreis to form Cyber End Dragon
** Any number of Machine-Type monsters to form Chimeratech Overdragon.
** One or more other Cyber Dragon monsters to form Chimeratech Rampage Dragon.
** Cyber Dragon also performs a Contact Fusion with Machine-Type monsters to form Chimeratech Fortress Dragon.
* GratuitousGerman: Cyber Dragon Zwei and Cyber Dragon Drei. "Zwei" means "two" and "Drei" means "three".
* InstantAwesomeJustAddDragons: Dragon-themed robots are fan favorites. A given, since Kaiser is an {{Expy}} of Kaiba.
* LightEmUp: They're all LIGHT monsters, except the Chimeratechs.
* LoopholeAbuse: In a similar manner to the Harpies and the Skull Servants, you can only have three copies of Cyber Dragon in your deck, so needing it in play to use its specific support cards is tricky. Thus cards like Cyber Dragon Core, Cyber Dragon Zwei, and Cyber Dragon Drei, specify that their names are treated as Cyber Dragon while in the Graveyard and/or on the field, giving you functionally a dozen copies to run through for effects. An otherwise unrelated support card notes this, "Three of a Kind", a card that demands you have three copies of the same card in play, and the card art shows the duelist doing this via a Cyber Dragon, a Proto-Cyber Dragon, and a Cyber-Dragon Zwei.
* MeaningfulName:
** "Chimeratech" originate from the "Chimaera", a mythical beast that had the heads of a lion, goat and snake. More recently, "chimaera" refers to the idea of combining things that occur naturally, much like both monsters are fused from varying Machine-Type monsters.
** Eltanin, also called Gamma Draconis, is the brightest star in the constellation Draco. The name comes from Arabic (التنين at-tinnīn) meaning The Dragon, which is the name of the constellation. The star itself is called (رأس التنين raʾs at-tinnīn) The Dragon's Head.
* MultipleHeadCase: Its fused forms, which indicates the strength it has within those forms.
* {{Nerf}}: In the anime, Chimeratech Overdragon's effect was different than its real life counterpart. In the anime it could attack as many times (including direct attacks) as the amount of monsters used to play it, while its real life counterpart's effect only allows multiple attacks to monsters, but direct attacks aren't allowed.
* OneHitKill: Dedicated real life decks using Cyber Dragon and its variants can also pull these off.
* {{Ouroboros}}: Cyber Ouroboros. An Ouroboros is a serpent that bites his own tail, forming a circle. It symbolizes the endless cycle of the end followed by the beginning. This symbol is used in Alchemy. This also represents its effect. A card is banished, another is sent to the Graveyard, and another replaces it in the hand.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cyber Girls / Cyber Angels]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cyber_Girl Cyber Girls]]''' are a series of female EARTH and LIGHT Warrior-Types based on sports stars. They lack power but have varied effects. Their leader is Cyber Blader, who gains various effects as the opponent summons more monsters. They are used by Asuka Tenjoin/[[DubNameChange Alexis Rhodes]] in ''GX'' and ''ARC-V''.

Also included among the group are the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cyber_Angel Cyber Angels]]''', a sub-group of Ritual Monsters.
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!!!Tropes associated with the Cyber Girls and Cyber Angels:
* AntiMagic:
** Cyber Prima's effect destroys all face-up Spell Cards on the field is she is Tribute Summoned.
** Cyber Blader's effect causes any of the oppponent's card effects to be negated if they control exactly three monsters.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Cyber Angel - Dakini gives the Piercing Damage ability to any Ritual Monster, including herself, while she's on the field.
* BilingualBonus: Étoile is the French word for "star." Etoile Cyber's name is derived from "danseuse étoile," a French phrase meaning "prima ballerina". Additionally, l'étoile is the highest recognized ballet rank in Paris.
* BladeBelowTheShoulder: Blade Skater.
* CompositeCharacter: Cyber Angel - Vishnu is an odd combination of Cyber Angel - Dakini (Asuka's ace monster in ''GX'') and Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon. Like Dakini, Vishnu is MultiArmedAndDangerous and Vishnu's effect is very similar to Odd-Eyes Rebellion's, both of them also having 3000 ATK to boot.
* ConfusionFu: Cyber Blader is potentially devastating to the opponent because they will constantly have to readjust their strategy as this monster's effect varies wildly with the number of monsters they control.
* DanceBattler: All of the Cyber Girls plus Blade Skater.
* FusionDance: Etoile Cyber + Blade Skater = Cyber Blader.
* ManOfKryptonite: Cyber Angel - Vishnu is designed to destroy Fusion Monsters.
* MultiArmedAndDangerous: Dakini and Vishnu have four arms and they are the strongest of the Cyber Angels.
* {{Nerf}}:
** A minor one. Cyber Blader was a Level 6 monster in the anime, which allowed her to be equipped with the Equip Spell Card Fusion Weapon. However, her counterpart in the card game is Level 7 and as such, cannot use Fusion Weapon.
** Cyber Angel - Benten and Cyber Angel - Idaten had their effects slightly changed compared to their anime selves: the damage Benten inflicts is now based on the destroyed monster's original DEF, while Idaten can only add Ritual Spell Cards to the hand instead of any Spell Card. On the other hand, they both gained an additional effect.
** Inverted with Cyber Angel - Dakini who not only gained a new effect like the other two but had both of her original ones buffed: her first effect forces the opponent to send a monster to the graveyard instead of destroying it, meaning it can bypass effects that protects against destruction while her ability to inflict Piercing Damage has been extended to all of her controller's Ritual Monsters.
** Also inverted with the archetype's Ritual Spell, Machine Angel Ritual. In addition to allowing the total Level of the tributed monsters to exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster, it can now be banished to protect a LIGHT monster from destruction.
* OddNameOut: Blade Skater is the only Cyber Girl which doesn't have Cyber in her name.
* StatusBuff:
** Etoile Cyber increases her ATK by 500 if she attacks directly.
** Cyber Blader's ATK is doubled as long as the opponent controls a monster.
** Should Cyber Angel - Idaten be tributed, all Ritual Monsters on her controller's field will receive an additional 1000 ATK and DEF.
* Power Nullifier: As long as the opponent controls exactly three monsters, Cyber Blader will negate the effect of all their Spell and Trap Cards as well as those of their effect monsters.
* ThemeNaming:
** Each Cyber Girl, and Blade Skater, has a name related to sports.
** The names of the Cyber Angels come from various figures or beings related to Buddhism.
[[/folder]]
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[[folder:D/D / D/D/D]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/D/D D/D]]''' ('''DD''' in the OCG) are a group of Fiend-Type monsters used by Reiji Akaba in ''Anime/YuGiOhArcV''. They focus on swarming the field and searching cards in order to facilitate the summoning of their "boss" monsters, the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/D/D/D D/D/D]]''' ('''DDD''' in the OCG), all of them being either Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Pendulum Monsters. They also make use of the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Contract Dark Contract]]''' cards, Spell and Trap Cards with powerful effects that cause their controller to lose life points as long as they are on the field.
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!!!Tropes associated with the D/D and D/D/D:
* AbsurdlySharpClaws: D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf attacks with his claws.
* AntiMagic:
** D/D/D Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga can destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field during either player's turn.
** D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf can destroy all Spell and Trap Cards in each player's Spell & Trap Zones during your Standby Phase.
** D/D/D Hexblood King Siegfried can negate 1 face-up Spell/Trap Card's effects until the next Standby Phase. His effect can be activated during either player's turn.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Beowulf's Continuous Effect allows every D/D monster you control to inflict Piercing Damage.
* AutomaticCrossbow: D/D/D Markman King Tell has one.
* AnAxeToGrind: D/D Proud Ogre wields a battle axe.
* BadassCape: Abyss Ragnarok, Caesar Ragnarok, Alexander, Kaiser and Leonidas wear those.
* BattleAura: Most of the D/D/D monsters are covered by auras.
* {{BFS}}: Wielded by Genghis, Alexander, Caesar, Kaiser, Siegfried and Leonidas.
* BlowYouAway: D/D/D Gale King Alexander is a WIND monster.
* CallBack: The artworks of the Dark Contracts feature older cards.
* CastFromHitPoints: The Dark Contracts as well as some of the D/D monsters have an effect that damage their controller while they are on the field.
* CastingAShadow: The majority of the D/D and D/D/D monsters are DARK monsters.
* CombatMedic: Oracle King d'Arc has 2800 ATK and instead of taking effect damage, you gain Life Points instead.
* CoolChair: [[https://41.media.tumblr.com/52c8b1995b938bc12a35b6e751f21efe/tumblr_nzodidc3cM1upn9yco1_1280.jpg Abyss Ragnarok and Kali Yuga sit on thrones]], and they even attack while sitting on their thrones. The anime features Caesar Ragnarok sitting on a throne when he is summoned, but it breaks when the summon is complete.
* CorruptCorporateExecutive: Between them being Fiend-Types, their support cards being called Dark ''Contracts'', and the corporate-based puns in their original names, the entire archetype comes off as one big "evil corporation" joke.
* CuttingTheKnot: [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Contract_Laundering Contract Laundering]], which simply has you destroy the contracts before you have to pay, and reaping all of the benefits for it.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Despite the archetype being very sinister, they are this trope, thanks to SupportingLeader Reiji.
* DealWithTheDevil: The Dark Contract cards seem to invoke this trope.
* DifficultButAwesome: D/D/D decks are very powerful and can easily generate massive advantages and such, but a common comment about them by most players is that they're incredibly difficult to get a hold of because of just ''how many options'' the deck has, and as such, is really hard to keep track of everything. Indeed, D/D/D decks can be played in many ways, from pure beatdown to control to everywhere in between. It has a very high learning curve because of it, but once you master it, it's truly a powerhouse to behold.
* DubNameChange: From DD to D/D, and DDD to D/D/D. In the dub, instead of saying "DD" or "DDD", they say "Double D" and "Triple D".
** Temujin --> Genghis.
** Ceasar --> Caesar.
** Hell Armageddon --> Armageddon.
* EvilLaugh: Some of them have a menacing laugh in the anime, most notably Kali Yuga.
* {{Expy}}: D/D/D Doom King Armageddon is ''ARC-V''s stand-in for Blue-Eyes White Dragon, being a monster with 3000 ATK that serves as the rival's ace card.
** TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers: Unlike Blue-Eyes' other expies, Armageddon is a Fiend-Type, not a Dragon-Type and it does not resemble a dragon in the slightest. It also seemingly loses its role as a signature card.
* FashionableAsymmetry: Under Kali Yuga's left eye, there is a lightning mark on his mask. And his right leg is not covered by his black cloth.
* FunWithAcronyms: D/D(/D) stands for Different Dimension (Demon). However, this doesn't apply to the actual card game.
* FusionDance: Genghis, d'Arc, Beowulf and Caesar Ragnarok are all Fusion Monsters, but the latter is also a literal fusion of Wave King Caesar and Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok, as evidenced by the name. The Fusion Materials are not very specific. Genghis and d'Arc require only two D/D monsters, Beowulf requires one D/D/D monster and one D/D monster, and Caesar Ragnarok requires two D/D/D monsters.
* HellHound: D/D Cerberus and D/D Orthros, if their names aren't obvious enough.
* HighCollarOfDoom: D/D/D Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga has one.
* HornedHumanoid: Abyss Ragnarok and his evolutions: Caesar Ragnarok and Kali Yuga.
* JoanOfArc: Oracle King d'Arc. Her appearance, her effect and her stats resemble other Joan cards as well.
* LoopholeAbuse: Some of the monsters have effects that either find loopholes to benefit themselves (d'Arc, for example, turns the 1000 LP requirement into giving you LP) or making them one-sided.
* LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: Blaze King Genghis and Rebel King Leonidas are equipped with sword and shield.
* MakingASplash: D/D/D Wave King Caesar is a WATER monster.
* MechanicalMonster: Hell Armageddon and Chaos Apocalypse look mechanical. The D/D Savants count as well.
* MythologyGag: Dragonbane King Beowulf may be a mockery of the franchise's trend to give rival characters Dragon-Type ace cards with 3000 ATK, which was broken by Reiji Akaba. Beowulf is called a "Dragonbane King" but is not a Dragon-Type monster (and does not even look like one), has 3000 ATK but is not Reiji's ace monster, and is named after someone who mutually killed a dragon (and was killed by one).
* {{Necromancer}}: Genghis, Alexander, Abyss Ragnarok and D/D Night Howling can all revive D/D monsters.
* {{Nerf}}:
** In the anime, Alexander's revival effect is less restricted and he can destroy an enemy monster after destroying one in battle.
** Kali Yuga has more broken effects in the anime and his effects cannot be negated.
* NextTierPowerUp: Abyss Ragnarok has two evolutions so far: Caesar Ragnarok and Kali Yuga.
* OneSteveLimit: The archetype's name is similar to the D.D. series of cards. This is even referenced on the artwork of D/D Recruit.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: They are all Fiend-Type monsters with very different looks.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: D/D/D Dragon King Pendragon might look like a dragon, but it's a Fiend-Type monster.
* OverlyLongName: The most prominent example is D/D/D (Different Dimension Demon) Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok.
* PeekABangs: Marksman King Tell's left eye is covered by his hair.
* PlayingWithFire: D/D/D Blaze King Genghis is a FIRE monster.
* PowerNullifier: D/D/D Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga; when he is Xyz Summoned, the effects of every other card on the field are negated until the End Phase, and neither cards nor effects can be activated on the field for the rest of the turn.
* PowerTrio: Genghis, Alexander, and Caesar, as shown in the anime. In the real life card game, it's still completely possible to summon all three of them in one turn due to the effects of the former two. They are also the only non-DARK monsters of this archetype so far.
* ScarfOfAsskicking: Hexblood King Siegfried wears a long red scarf that looks similar to Reiji's.
* ShadowArchetype: The D/D/D archetype is the Fiend-Type counterpart to the Odd-Eyes archetype, both of their anime users being rivals. Both archetypes are focused on different Special Summon mechanics and have several boss monsters.
** Dragon King Pendragon is the counterpart to Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon, both of them being a reference to King Arthur and both of them being featured in the 2015 Starter Deck.
* SheIsTheKing: D/D/D Oracle King d'Arc, despite being female.
* SmurfettePrinciple: d'Arc is the only female D/D/D monster so far.
* TheSouthpaw: Hexblood King Siegfried is wielding his sword with his left hand, as shown on the artwork and in the anime.
* ThemeNaming: Aside from the name inspirations, the D/D/D monsters have all the title "King" in their names.
** NamedAfterSomebodyFamous: The D/D/D monsters are named after famous conquerors, rulers, and other military figures, such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Joan of Arc. The D/D Savants are named after historical scientists.
** ReligiousAndMythologicalThemeNaming: Most of the D/D monsters and some D/D/D monsters, on the other hand, derive their names from mythological and religious figures like Lilith or Cerberus.
* TooManyBelts: D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok has many of them and uses them as CombatTentacles.
* WingedHumanoid: Oracle King d'Arc has devil wings.
* WolfMan: Dragonbane King Beowulf is one.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dark Magician / Magician Girl]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Magician_(series) Dark Magician]]''', called '''Black Magician''' in the OCG, is arguably the most famous Yu-Gi-Oh! monster of all time as Yugi's signature monster. He and his related cards are DARK Spellcasters that use stage tricks as support cards to aid their mediocre attack. He has numerous family members, including the Magician of Black Chaos/Dark Magician of Chaos, Dark Magician Girl, and Ebon Illusion Magician. Originally, he was [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Mahad_the_Protector_Priest Mahad the Protector Priest]], one of Atem's six High Priests and the wielder of the Millennium Ring.

The Dark Magician archetype is (indirectly or directly) supported by the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Magician_Girl Magician Girl]]''' archetype, a group of six girls led by Dark Magician Girl.

For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.

----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dark Magician monsters and the Magician Girls:
* AmazonBrigade: As the name "Magician Girl" imply, there is no male member of this archetype.
* AntiMagic[=/=]SignatureMove: Dark Magic Attack destroys every Trap and Spell card on the field. It can only be played when Dark Magician is on the field. This card is based on the attack of Dark Magician in the anime.
* BackFromTheDead: If Mahad the Protector Priest is destroyed by battle or card effects, he comes back as Dark Magician. This is a reference that Mahad became the Pharaoh's Dark Magician in the anime and manga.
* BadassNormal: Not as badass as Blue-Eyes or Summoned Skull in the old days, but some of his support cards use advantage of him being a Normal Monster.
* BattleCouple: Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl are designed to work together. This is even reflected by their Xyz counterparts -- Ebon Illusion Magician needs 2 Level 7 to summon, or you can use a Rank 6 Spellcaster-type Xyz, and it so happens Magi Magi ☆ Magician Gal is such a card.
* BlackMagicianGirl: Dark Magician Girl is the trope namer herself.
* BladeOnAStick: Dark Paladin carries one with the blade part being longer than his arms.
* BlowYouAway: Kiwi Magician Girl is a WIND monster.
* ButtMonkey: Almost everytime the Dark Magician encounters Blue-Eyes White Dragon, he gets destroyed by it.
* CastingAShadow: All of the Dark Magician monsters are DARK monsters.
* CombinationAttack: The Spell Card "Dark Burning Magic Attack" destroys all cards on the opponent's side of the field if you have both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl.
* DarkIsNotEvil: They are Yugi's most prominent monsters.
* DiscardAndDraw:
** Choco's effect lets her controller discard a Spellcaster-Type monster to draw a card.
** Lemon's effect can add any Spellcaster-Type monster to the hand at the cost of tributing a Magician Girl.
* DishingOutDirt: Berry Magician Girl is an EARTH monster.
* DragonRider:
** Amulet Dragon is just Dark Magician riding Timaeus.
** Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight is Dark Magician Girl in a knight armor riding Timaeus.
* DubNameChange:
** Black Magician --> Dark Magician.
** Black Magician Girl --> Dark Magician Girl.
* EdibleThemeNaming: The flavor Magician Girls are named after five different flavors. [[OddNameOut Choco Magician Girl]] stands out, since she is not named after a fruit like the rest.
* ElementalPowers: There is a Magician Girl for each Attribute.
* EvilTwin: The alternate art version of Dark Magician's card, which resembles the sinister-looking crimson-robed version used by Pandora/Arcana in the anime, is most often perceived this way.
* {{Foil}}: To the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in terms of playstyle. Blue-Eyes decks generally consists of monsters that can get the Blue-Eyes and its variants onto the field, at which point their high ATK and cards that let them attack multiple times devastate the opponent's monsters through battle. Dark Magician decks rely on Spell and Trap cards to get the Dark Magician and his variants into play, and then protect him while using other support cards to destroy/banish the opponent's cards through their effects. Blue-Eyes has Level 1 Tuners it can combine with to Synchro Summon stronger versions of itself; Dark Magician has the Dark Magician Girl that he can combine with to use stronger support Spell and Trap Cards and he has Xyz versions of himself.
* FunWithAcronyms: The first letters in the names of the flavor Magician Girls in the order of their Levels spell "Black", a reference to the Japanese name of Dark Magician Girl: "Black Magician Girl", a Level 6 Monster.
** Level 1: '''B'''erry Magician Girl.
** Level 2: '''L'''emon Magician Girl.
** Level 3: '''A'''pple Magician Girl.
** Level 4: '''C'''hoco Magician Girl.
** Level 5: '''K'''iwi Magician Girl.
* FusionDance:
** Dark Magician + Flame Swordsman = Dark Flare Knight.
** Dark Magician + Buster Blader = Dark Paladin.
** Dark Magician + The Eye of Timaeus = Amulet Dragon.
** Dark Magician Girl + The Eye of Timaeus = Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight.
* LightEmUp: Lemon Magician Girl is a LIGHT monster.
* LuckBasedMission: Dark Sage is one of the very few cards in the game that (literally) requires pure luck to summon. In other words, Dark Sage must first be Special Summoned (from your hand or Deck) by Tributing 1 Dark Magician immediately after applying the effect of Time Wizard in which you called the coin toss right. When Special Summoned this way: Add 1 Spell Card from your Deck to your hand.
* MagicKnight:
** Dark Magician Knight must be Special Summoned with Knight's Title and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. When this card is Special Summoned: Target 1 card on the field; destroy that target.
** Dark Paladin epitomizes this trope, serving as a fusion of a Spellcaster (Dark Magician) & Warrior (Buster Blader). For bonus points, Dark Paladin also has his very own BFS.
** Dark Flare Knight is also an example for the same reasons, but this time as a fusion of the Dark Magician and Flame Swordsman.
** Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight is Dark Magician in a knight armor riding Timaeus.
* MakingASplash: Choco Magician Girl is a WATER monster.
* MerlinAndNimue: The Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, both the cards and their Ancient Egyptian counterparts. They are rather closer in age than most, with there being only about a 10 year age difference. Note that the Dark Magician Girl becomes more powerful if a Dark Magician is in either player's graveyard. She became stronger on her own to avenge him.
** Another link between the two is the Spell Card "The Sage's Stone" which allows the player to summon Dark Magician if he controls Dark Magician Girl. (There's also an anime-only card that does the exact opposite.)
** This link is also referenced with Dark Magician of Illusions's alternate way of Xyz Summoning with Magi Magi ☆ Magician Gal.
* MsFanservice: The Dark Magician Girl is up there as one of the hottest cards in the game, and is easily the most sexualized in fanwork. How hot is she? One of her variant artwork cards was never released outside of Japan because it was ''too'' risque, and artist Kazuki Takahashi refused to modify or censor her. For the curious, [[http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090730132218/yugioh/images/2/2a/DarkMagicianGirl-YAP1-JP-UR.jpg this is the card in question]].
* MythologyGag: The artwork for Dark Magic Attack is based on the final scene of the battle between the Thief King Bakura and Mahad shortly after he fuses his soul with his spirit Ka (Vol. 31 in Japanese, Millennium World Vol. 2 in the U.S.).
* NiceHat: ALL of them. Most of them have hats that are based on the style Dark Magician wears, which a few Spellcasters not of this archetype also adapt. (Like Magician's Valkyria, Gagaga Magician, and Gagaga Girl).
* OlderAndWiser: Dark Sage is the aged version of Dark Magician; due to the magic of Time Wizard, he is now over 1000 years old.
* PlayingWithFire: Apple Magician Girl is a FIRE monster.
* TheRival: To Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Unfortunately, Dark Magician is not that much successful.
* SixthRanger: While they support the archetype, Skilled Dark Magician and Dark Magician of Chaos are '''not''' Dark Magician monsters, but they are members of the Magician archetype.
* StatusAilment: Apple's first effect as well as Lemon and Choco's second effects all halve the ATK of the attacking monster, making it easier for the monster they summoned to survive the attack.
* StatusBuff:
** Dark Magician Girl gains 300 ATK for each Dark Magician and Magician of Black Chaos in either player's graveyard.
** Kiwi can be discarded to increase the ATK and DEF of all Magician Girl monsters by 300 for each of them with a different name on the field or in the graveyard.
** Dark Paladin gains 500 ATK for each Dragon-Type monster on the field and in either player's graveyard.
* TookALevelInBadass:
** Dark Eradicator Warlock is an improved version of Dark Magician, and probably the intermedial age between Dark Magician and Dark Sage. His control over the dark arts is so strong, he can harm his foes with any kind of spell.
** Sorceror of Dark Magic is the strongest variation of Dark Magician. He has 700 more ATK and DEF than Dark Magician. His attire, as with many powerful Spellcaster monsters, is based off of Dark Magician. This effect is a stronger version of Jinzo's effect, but activation is optional.
** Magi Magi ☆ Magician Gal is an Xyz Monster upgrade of Dark Magician Girl and a possible female counterpart to "Sorcerer of Dark Magic". They can both be summoned with 2 Level 6 Spellcaster-Type monsters. She was made Rank 6 as a reference to Dark Magician Girl being Level 6. This also allows Dark Magician Girl to be used as Xyz Material for this card.
** Ebon Illusion Magician is a Xyz Monster counterpart of Dark Magician.
* WeakButSkilled: Only a selective of them few are very powerful in battle, while the others are either mediocre or weak. However, most of them have quite useful effects to balance their weakness and their presence alone is often enough for combos.
* YinYangBomb: Dedication Through Light and Darkness suggests that in order to become the Dark Magician of Chaos, the Dark Magician must first learn to use LIGHT magic in addition to his regular DARK magic, effectively giving him the power of Chaos.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dark Necrofear]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Necrofear Dark Necrofear]]''', formerly known as '''Dark Necrophilia''', is a Level 8 DARK Fiend-Type Effect Monster with 2200 ATK and 2800 DEF. She is one of Yami Bakura's signature monsters and she has a direct connection with '''Destiny Board''', one of the {{Instant Win Condition}}s. According to the ''Master Guide'', she is the Queen of all Fiend-Type Monsters.
----
!!!Tropes associated with Dark Necrofear:
* AnArmAndALeg: In the manga, it was Dark Necrofear's whole body who writes the message. In the anime, it's only her ''severed'' hand. The artwork of DEATH also shows her hand.
* TheArtifact: Dark Necrofear was necessary to spell the message in the manga. And in the anime, she was necessary to get Dark Sanctuary on the field. In the OCG/TCG, either Destiny Board nor Dark Sanctuary need her.
* AwesomeButImpractical: Gathering all five letters brings victory. Turn by turn, the effect of Destiny Board will place a Spirit Message card on the player's field. However, you cannot activate a Spirit Message card by yourself, they ''have'' to be activated by Destiny Board's effect. Also, removing any Spirit Message card or Destiny Board from the field will send them all to the Graveyard.
* BaldOfEvil: She is completely bald and is very evil.
* BattleAura: Her dark aura is also present in the anime.
* {{Bowdlerise}}:
** Ouija Board was changed to Destiny Board in the TCG.
** DEATH was changed to FINAL in the TCG.
** Dark Necrofear was originally named Dark Necrophilia when she was introduced in ''Weekly Shounen Jump'', but this was changed the next week.
* BlackEyesOfEvil: Her sclera are black.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Her effect. Destroying Dark Necrofear allows the owner to equip an opposing monster with her and then the player takes control of said monster.
** In the manga, she can possess any opposing monster once per turn as long she is in the Graveyard.
* TheCameo: In some video games, Dark Necrofear will appear after the last letter is on the field and she will spell the message.
* CastingAShadow: She is a DARK monster.
* CreepyDoll[=/=]KillerTeddyBear: Her doll resembles Necroface. In the dub, the dilapidated doll that she holds is removed as it resembled a mutilated child.
** Dark Necrofear herself resembles a doll, since her limbs look like doll limbs.
* DarkActionGirl: While better in Defense Position, her ATK is not that bad.
* DarkIsEvil: Dark Necrofears tries to ''kill'' the opponent with the Destiny Board.
* EyeBeam: How she attacks in the anime.
* EyesDoNotBelongThere: Dark Sanctuary has eyes all over in the air.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Considered as the Queen of all Fiend-Type Monsters.
* GratuitousEnglish: Regardless in which country, the message will always be in English.
* InstantWinCondition: Gathering all pieces of DEATH/FINAL brings victory.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast:
** [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Ouija Board]].
** Dark Necrofear. Not to mention Dark ''Necrophilia''.
** DEATH!
* {{Nerf}}:
** In the manga, Destiny Board's effect ''kills'' the opponent.
** Zigzagged with Dark Necrofear. In the manga, she must be in the graveyard, so the message can be written. Moving her out of the graveyard is a weakness there. But in the manga, she also had the protection effect like Dark Sanctuary in the anime.
* SuddenNameChange: Dark Necrofear was first introduced as Dark Necro''philia'' in the ''Weekly Shounen Jump''. The next issue changed her name.
* TooManyMouths: Dark Sanctuary has mouths all over in the air.
* WeaksauceWeakness:
** In the manga, Dark Necrofear must be in the Graveyard, so Destiny Board can work. Reviving or banishing her is a major weakness of Destiny Board.
** Any card that remove a Spirit Message or Destiny Board from the field will ruin the strategy.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dark Ruler Ha Des]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Ruler_Ha_Des Dark Ruler Ha Des]]''' was, when he was originally released, true to his name as one of the most formidable Fiend monsters in the game. He has appeared in card art as a shadow figure manipulating things from behind the scenes and using dark magic against his enemies. In the story of the cards, the Dark King killed Ha Des, but he returned as the Zombie-Type Revived Ruler Ha Des.
----
!!!Tropes associated with Dark Ruler Ha Des:
* BackFromTheDead: Killed by Dark King of the Abyss with a Hate Buster but came back as Revived King Ha Des and killed Dark King of the Abyss
* BigBad: Pretty much played this way.
* {{Bowdlerise}}: His horns are removed in the International artwork.
* {{Brainwashing}}: Shown in The Puppet Magic of Dark Ruler.
* DealWithTheDevil: Shown in A Deal with Dark Ruler.
* DemonLordsAndArchDevils
* DragonInChief: Literally, A Deal with Dark Ruler brings out Berserk Dragon, a dragon monster that outstrips Ha Des in ATK by a little over 1000 points.
* EvilOverlord: It's all in the name.
* EvilVersusEvil: There is a war between Dark Ruler Ha Des and Dark King of the Abyss. Ha Des tricked Dark King out of his throne with Demotion. Dark King got his revenge, but was killed by the Revived Ruler Ha Des.
* ShockAndAwe: Shown in Raigeki Break.
* SorcerousOverlord
* OurZombiesAreDifferent: Revived King Ha Des is a demonic zombie.
* VampiricDraining: Done to Dark King in Destruct Potion.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dark Scorpions]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Scorpion Dark Scorpions]]''', called as '''Black Scorpions''' in the OCG, are five (with a sixth card representing all of them) DARK Warrior monsters. They're a gang of thieves that allow the player to use one of two effects when they damage the opponent. Though they lack offensive monster, their effects are very potent. They are used by the Seven Star Assassin Don Zaloog in ''GX''.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dark Scorpions:
* AwesomeButImpractical: The Trap Card "Dark Scorpion Combination" lets each Dark Scorpion make a direct attack; while it reduces the damage each one does to only 400, all five of their effects are activated at once, one of them - Meanae's - letting you recover the Trap itself to use again. The problem is, you must have ''each'' of them on the field at once, and seeing as their scores are mediocre at best, pulling this off is very hard to do (unless you summon them all at once using "Mustering of the Dark Scorpions" which is itself no easy feat.)
* BaldOfAwesome: Gorg, as he's quite strong.
* CantSpitItOut: According to the "Master Guide", Gorg seems to have a crush on Meanae but can't express his feelings due to his stone-face nature and lack of emotions.
* EyePatchOfPower: Don Zaloog.
* EyesAlwaysShut: Gorg.
* FiveManBand
** TheHero: Don Zaloog, as he leads the Dark Scorpions.
** TheLancer: Cliff because his title is "Trap Remover".
** TheChick: Meanae, as she is the team's girl.
** TheBigGuy: Gorg because he is the largest of the Five Dark Scorpions.
** TheSmartGuy: Chick because he seems smart enough to rob places at a young age.
* FemmeFatale: Meanae.
* HospitalHottie: Meanae's disguise in Anime/YuGiOhGX. It works because she's the TeamMom.
* LoveableRogue: A group of them.
* NoCelebritiesWereHarmed: In the English Dub of the anime, Don Zaloog's voice actor pulls off his best Creator/ChristopherWalken impression.
* OfficialCouple: A card that only appears in the anime and a few video games (in which it's playable) implies Zaloog and Meanae are this. It's called "Dark Scorpion Tragedy of ''Love''" and allows Meanae to [[TakingTheBullet take the bullet]] for Zaloog.
* ScarsAreForever: Gorg.
* SpikyHair: Chick the Yellow, used to indicate his immaturity.
* SuperSentaiStance: As seen in "Mustering of the Dark Scorpions".
* WeaponOfChoice
** CarryABigStick: Gorg, because he's quite strong.
** DropTheHammer: Chick, because it's funny to see a thief use an unwieldy weapon.
** GunsAkimbo: Don Zaloog in the Japanese artwork.
** KnifeNut: Cliff. Don Zaloog in the international artwork because guns are perceived as violence.
** WhipItGood: Meanae, because she's a FemmeFatale.
* ZergRush: As the anime demonstrates, if you manage to get off "Dark Scorpion Combination" to use all their effects, the opponent will not be in very good condition to fight back next turn.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dark Synchro Monsters]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Synchro_Monster Dark Synchro Monsters]]''' were a sub-type of Synchro Monsters introduced in the ''5D's'' anime. In opposition to normal Synchro monsters, they had a dark grey card frame as well as negative (or 0) Levels aligned on the left of the card and could be summoned by substracting the levels of non-Tuner monsters from the Level of the Dark Tuner monster. With the anime and manga being over, there were only nine Dark Synchro Monsters.

In the anime, following Dark Synchro Monsters were used by following Duelists: ''Frozen Fitzgerald'' by Dick Pitt/[[DubNameChange Grady]], ''Dark Diviner'' by Tetsu Ushio/[[DubNameChange Trudge]], ''Hundred Eyes Dragon'' by Kyosuke Kiryu/[[DubNameChange Kallin Kessler]], ''Zeman the Ape King'' by Demack/[[DubNameChange Devack]], ''Dark Flattop'' by Bommer/[[DubNameChange Greiger]], ''Underground Arachnid'' by Rudger/[[DubNameChange Roman]] Goodwin, and ''Moon Dragon Quilla'' by Rex Goodwin.

In the manga, Ultimaya Tzolkin and Phantasmal Lord Ultimitl Bishbaalkin are used by Rex Goodwin.

They were released in the card game as normal Synchro Monsters, with most of them requiring specific materials that referenced the monsters used to summon them in the anime.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dark Synchro Monsters:
* AntiMagic: Underground Arachnid, Zeman the Ape King and Frozen Fitzgerald all have the same effect preventing the activation of Spell and Trap Cards when they attack, like monsters from the Ancient Gear archetype.
* AwesomeButImpractical: They generally have good effects, but their Symchro Materials are too specific and too weird to Synchro Summon them easily.
* BackFromTheDead: Frozen Fitzgerald can Special Summon itself back to the field at the cost of discarding one card if it was destroyed by battle.
* CaptainErsatz: Ultimaya Tzolkin is literally an evil version of the Crimson Dragon with identical appearance.
* CastingAShadow: The majority of them are DARK monsters. All of those introduced in the anime require DARK Tuner monsters.
* DarkIsEvil: They are entirely based of this trope.
* DishingOutDirt: Underground Arachnid and Zeman the Ape King are EARTH monsters.
* EverythingsBetterWithMonkeys: Zeman the Ape King is a monkey and a Beast-Type monster.
* EvilCounterpart:
** As a whole, they are this to regular Synchro Monsters. It doesn't help that they were used by antagonists.
** Ultimaya Tzolkin is this to the Crimson Dragon, even though they don't exist in the same continuity.
* GodOfEvil: Ultimaya Tzolkin and its evolution: Phantasmal Lord Ultimitl Bishbaalkin.
* AnIcePerson: Frozen Fitzgerald is almost entirely made of ice.
* MakingASplash: Frozen Fitzgerald is a WATER monster.
* MechanicalLifeforms: Dark Flattop is a Machine-Type monster.
* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning: Some of the Dark Synchro Monsters have an effect that triggers when they are destroyed.
** Hundred Eyes Dragon lets you add an Earthbound Immortal monster from your deck to your hand.
** Dark Flattop lets you summon a Machine-Type monster from your hand.
** Moon Dragon Quilla summons the Sun Dragon Inti from the Graveyard.
* OneWingedAngel: While Ultimaya Tzokin already is this to the Ultimate God's initial form, Phantasmal Lord Ultimitl Bishbaalkin is the evolution to the true form itself.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: Frozen Fitzgerald and Dark Diviner are Fiend-Type monsters.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Hundred Eyes Dragon, Moon Dragon Quilla, Ultimaya Tzolkin and Phantasmal Lord Ultimitl Bishbaalkin are Dragon-Type monsters.
* OverlyLongName: Phantasmal Lord Ultimitl Bishbaalkin is anyting but short.
* PhysicalGod: Ultimaya Tzolkin and its evolution: Phantasmal Lord Ultimitl Bishbaalkin.
* NighInvulnerable: Dark Diviner cannot be destroyed by battle and Ultimitl Bishbaalkin is immuned to destruction by card effects.
* SealedEvilInACan: In a humanoid form, Ultimaya Tzolkin was sealed and put into a deep sleep until it awakens and is then summoned by Goodwin, turning into its true form that looks exactly like the Crimson Dragon.
* StoneWall: Dark Flattop. It has 3000 DEF, but 0 ATK.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dark World]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_World Dark World]]''' monsters are a series of DARK Fiends that rule the Dark World alluded to in a lot of flavor text. Ruled by Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World, they activate powerful effects when discarded from the hand, letting them manipulate the field and hand without warning. In the ''GX'' anime, a Dark World deck is used by Brron, Mad King of Dark World.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dark World:
* AffablyEvil: Despite being scary, demonic, and villainous in appearance, they're often pleasant to hang around with.
* AntiVillain: They may be evil, but they're [[NobleDemon Noble Demons]] at worst.
* AuthorityInNameOnly: Brron is supposed to be their king (as in "Mad King of Dark World") and he is portrayed as such in the anime. However, as the ''Master Guide 2'' claims, Brron is actually subordinate to Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World and Sillva, Warlord of Dark World, who in turn report to Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World, and they worship Grapha, who in the Japanese version was called "Dragon God of Dark World." To make this even more complicated, the anime version of Brron suggested that the ultimate ruler of Dark World was someone called "Colorless, Chaos King of Dark World". Basically, Dark World's government is confusing.
* AnAxToGrind: Goldd has an axe as his weapon.
* AxeCrazy: Whether they are good or evil, Brron more than likely ''is'' mad, seeing as his chains are supposedly meant to be a straightjacket.
* BackFromTheDead: Many of them revive when discarded to the Graveyard. The most famous one is Grapha, who can be revived from the Graveyard by returning a Dark World monster back to the hand, so Grapha can be revived many times.
* BigBad: Grapha, Dragon Lord/God of Dark World. Before Grapha was revealed, Reign-Beaux (according to Master Guide 2) is the political and religious head of the Dark World, with Goldd and Sillva below him as commanders of the military. However, according to the Master Guides mentioning that they're actually decent people, he may be an AffablyEvil AntiVillain instead.
* BiggerBad: Colorless, Chaos King of Dark World, said to be the ultimate card of the theme...it was only mentioned in the anime, was never summoned or even shown, and years after its mention it appears it's going to stay that way.
** Grapha is this to every other Dark World monster.
** HiddenVillain
* CastingAShadow: They are all DARK monsters.
* ChainedByFashion: Brron.
* DarkIsNotEvil: According to [[AllThereInTheManual the Master Guides]], they're actually pretty decent guys. This also means they were hit with AdaptationalVillainy in the anime. Let [[KnightInShiningArmor Zure, Knight of the Dark World]]'s FlavorText speak for itself:
-->'' The name of this illustrious knight is known by all residents of Dark World. He never oppresses the commoners.''
* TheDragon: Latinum, Exarch of Dark World. Sillva and Goldd to a degree as well.
* DualWielding: Sillva has two swords.
* EvilOverlord: Reign-Beaux, whio even has "Overlord" as his title.
* EnemySummoner: Lucent's second effect can Special Summon any Fiend-Type monster from the deck to either side on the field.
* ExactWords: Dark World monsters get their effects when they are discarded. Due to the ruling distinguishing between discard by effect and discard for a cost, their effects had to be written very carefully in order to work.
* FaceOfAThug: As mentioned above, they may look scary, but they're actually AffablyEvil.
* KnightInShiningArmor: Zure is a ''really'' weird version of this, as his FlavorText mentioned above reveals that, despite looking [[DarkIsNotEvil downright evil and monstrous]], he's pretty heroic.
* LightningBruiser: A well-built Dark World deck can swarm the field with powerful monsters while depleting the opponent's field and hand with their effects, and still maintain a good sized hand and back row for ensurance.
* LoopholeAbuse: Dark World cards only get their effects when discarded by a card effect, not if discarded for a cost. Everyone quickly learned the difference once they came out. It's this rule that makes Card Destruction and Morphing Jar game-ending movies, allowing a Dark World deck to dump their hand full of Dark World cards to trigger their effects, then draw a new hand.
* NebulousEvilOrganisation: As seen in Dark Deal, Dark Scheme and Dark World Dealings, they engage in a lot of shady practices to further their power.
* NobleDemon: Most prominently Zure, but WordOfGod says they're all like this.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: They are all Fiend-Type monsters. And apparently good guys within the Dark World.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Grapha, a Fiend-Type monster resembling a dragon.
* OvershadowedByAwesome: With the release of Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World, the Deck no longer needs to rely on Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World and Sillva, Warlord of Dark World for power. Their high Level means that they will often sit unused in the hand.
* PhysicalGod: Grapha appears to be the deity of Dark World based on its title of "Dragon God of the Dark World". Latinum, Exarch of Dark World alludes to a Dark World religion since Exarch is a religious position of authority and its abilities can be seen as blessings from Grapha itself.
** Sillva and Goldd's Japanese titles are refer to them respectively as "Army God of Dark World" and "War God of Dark World", but they rank bellow Reign-Beaux, whose Japanese title is "Devil of Dark World", so it's unclear if that title means anything.
* ReligionOfEvil: Has shades, particularly in the anime where Brron tries to use a tome and rune cards to summon Colorless.
* [[SortingAlgorithmOfEvil Sorting Algorithm of Noble Demons]]: The Master Guides provide a hierarchy for the upper ranks: Brron is subordinate to Sillva and Goldd, who run the military (and it's in fact Sillva who is more senior of the two), and they in turn report to Reign-Beaux, who is head of state and religion. Grapha appears to be the deity of said religion.
* SpikesOfVillainy: All of them are ''really'' spiky.
* ThemeNaming: "<Color>, <Rank> of Dark World".
* ThoseTwoBadGuys: Goldd and Sillva, who have the same stats, similar effects and have basically the same status.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Darklords]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Darklords Darklords]]''', known as '''Fallen Angel''' (堕だ天てん使し ''Datenshi'') in the OCG, are a series of DARK Fairy-Type monsters representing fallen angels. They are almost universally high-level and thus hard to summon, but have generally high power and potent effects. They are used by Midori Hibiki in the ''GX'' manga.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Darklords:
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Edeh Arae's effect. This is basically Edeh Arae venting his anger on the foe.
* CameBackStrong: Their specialty.
* CastingAShadow: They are all DARK monsters.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Since they are used by a good character, they are this trope. It also gives them a {{Foil}} dynamic with the [[LightIsNotGood Archlord]] cards.
* EvilCostumeSwitch: Darklord Zerato being an evil version of Archlord Zerato can be inferred by the artwork on Darklord Zerato; what appears to be the ruins of The Sanctuary in the Sky appears in the background of this card. It is possible that he may have been responsible for the destruction of the sanctuary.
* FallenAngel: It's all in the name.
* FusionDance: Marie the Fallen One is the fallen version of St. Joan. Her fusion with The Forgiving Maiden is symbolic; her sins are forgiven and she becomes a saint. Later, she becomes Guardian Angel Joan. Reflecting that she was accused of witchcraft and when she was proven right, she became a Saint.
* HospitalHottie: Reficule
* {{Lethal Joke|Item}} Card: Gift Card increases your opponent's life by 3000, but if you combo that with Nurse Reficule The Fallen One on the field, which turns healing into damage, you've just dealt a serious blow to the opponent.
* LiteralSplitPersonality: Asmodeus's effect.
* RevivingEnemy: Superbia's effect.
* SdrawkcabAlias: "Reficule" is a romanization of "Lucifer" written backwards. Lucifer is a name for the morningstar and the fallen angel. In later times, his name became another alias for the Devil.
* SixthRanger: St. Joan. Not part of this archetype, but one of her materials is.
* ThemeNaming: Which is based on the SevenDeadlySins. Quite fitting for a group of fallen angels.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Deskbot]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Deskbot Deskbot]]''', called '''Bunborg''' in the OCG, are a group of (primarily) low-levelled EARTH Machine-Type monsters whose effects allow them to swarm the field and increase their ATK and DEF.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Deskbots:
* BackFromTheDead: If two or more Machine-Type monsters are special summoned at the same time, Deskbot 001 can return from the graveyard to the field.
* EnemySummoner: Deskbot 003 can summon another Deskbot from the deck while 004 can summon two Deskbots from the hand and/or graveyard if it destroys a monster by battle.
* MeaningfulName: They are robots who use desktop items as weapons.
* StatusBuff: All ten of them have an effect that either increases their own ATK and DEF or that other monsters.
* WeakButSkilled: The Deskbots only have 500 ATK and DEF but their effects make up for it.
* YouAreNumberSix: Each one of them, barring Jet, has a number in its name that corresponds to its level.
* ZergRush: They are good at swarming the field.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Destiny HERO]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Destiny_HERO Destiny HERO]]''' archetype is a HERO sub-archetype of mostly DARK Warrior-Type monsters. Unlike the other HERO archetypes, the Destiny HERO monsters do not rely on Fusions, but they revolve around taking defensive action and stalling while increasing the user's card advantage and field presence. This is necessary to summon "Destiny HERO - Dogma" and "Destiny HERO - Plasma", both of which are extremely powerful monsters that require three Tributes to be Special Summoned from the hand. This archetype is famous for being Edo/[[DubNameChange Aster]] Phoenix' main archetype, who later focuses entirely on the Destiny HERO monsters and phases of his few Elemental HERO monsters entirely. The archetype is also used by Edo's alternate universe counterpart in the ARC-V anime. These new Destiny HERO monsters focus on burn damage and aggression, with more support on Fusion Summoning.

For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.

----
!!!Tropes associated with the Destiny HERO monsters:
* TheAce:
** Plasma and Dogma are the most powerful Destiny HERO monsters.
** Dystopia is Aster's ace card in ARC-V.
* AntiHero: The Destiny HERO monsters are much darker than the Elemental HERO monsters and reflect Edo's anti-hero character. They also resemble British anti-heroes.
* TheAssimilator: Plasma can absorb an enemy monster and equips himself with it.
* BackFromTheDead: Decision Guy can revive itself once per Duel.
* {{Bowdlerise}}: Bloo-D, Devil Guy, Diabolic Guy and Divine Guy, as you can see below.
* CastingAShadow: The majority of them are DARK monsters.
* ChainedByFashion: Dreadmaster.
* DarkIsNotEvil: The Destiny HERO monsters are still heroes, even if they look like villains.
* DubNameChange: Most names are changed from the OCG to TCG.
** Bloo-D --> Plasma.
** Dogma Guy --> Dogma.
** Diamond Guy --> Diamond Dude.
** Dash Guy --> Dasher.
** Departed Guy --> Departed.
** Devil Guy --> Doom Lord.
** Double Guy --> Double Dude.
** Die Hard Guy --> Captain Tenacious.
** Dread Guy --> Dreadmaster.
** Disk Guy --> Disc Commander.
** Defend Guy --> Defender.
** Diabolic Guy --> Malicious.
** Dunk Guy --> Dunker.
** Dagger Guy --> Blade Master.
** Doom Guy --> Fear Monger.
** Divine Guy --> Celestial.
* FusionDance:
** Plasma + Dogma = Destiny End Dragoon.
** 2 Destiny HERO monsters = Destiny HERO - Dystopia.
* {{Homage}}: The Destiny HERO archetype has several references to British culture.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent: Destiny HERO - The Dark Angel.
* PowerNullifier: Plasma's Continuous Effect negates the effects of all enemy monsters on the field.
* StoneWall: Defender is a Level 4 monster with 2700 DEF, but a measely 100 ATK.
* TakingYouWithMe: Dynamit Dude can inflict 1000 damage to both players.
* ThisIsADrill: Destiny HERO - Drill Guy.
* ThemeNaming: In the OCG, almost every Destiny HERO has "guy" in his name and starts with the letter D.
* WeakButSkilled: The majority of the Destiny HERO monsters have low ATK and are poor offensively, but often have great utility for maintaining field presence and forms of card advantage over the opponent.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Digital Bug]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Digital_Bug Digital Bug]]''' archetype is comprised of LIGHT Insect-Type monsters with a focus on Xyz Summon with the Main Deck monsters granting effects when used as Xyz Materials and some of their Xyz Monsters being able to summon themselves using one of the lower Rank monsters as Xyz Material. Most of them have effects that involve changing monsters, be it themselves or the opponent's, to Defence position or benefit from doing so.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Digital Bugs:
* AntiMagic: If any Xyz Monster summoned with Cocoondenser attacks a Defense position monster, the opponent will be unable to activate Spell Cards, Trap Cards or Monster Effects.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Rhinocebus can inflict Piercing Damage.
* TheAssimilator: Scaradiator can turn the monster it destroys into an Xyz Material for it to use.
* BigCreepyCrawlies: They are all Inect-Type monsters.
* LightEmUp: They are all LIGHT monsters.
* PowerNullifier: Scaradiator can negate the effect of a monster that had its battle position changed with its effect.
* PunnyName: The Digital Bugs are insects that live inside computers, if the artwork of Matrix and Emergency is any indication, a reference to how computer errors are often called "bugs".
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dinomist]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dinomist Dinomist]]''' is an archetype of dinosaur-looking WATER Machine-Type Pendulum Monsters. They focus on various battle-related effects while relying on their Pendulum Effects protect the monsters from being targeted or destroyed.

----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dinomist:
* AntiMagic: The Field Spell Card Dynamic Powerload prevents the opponent from using cards or effects whenever a Dinomist attacks or is attacked.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Rex can gain the ability to inflict Piercing Damage if it attacks again using its effect.
* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The Dinomists are Machine-Type monsters that resemble various dinosaurs.
* FusionDance: Although they can be summoned using other monsters, Dinostor Powerful appears to be a fusion of Luster Pendulum and Dinomist Plesios, as shown on the art of [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dynamic_Powerload Dynamic Powerload]].
* MakingASplash: The Dinomist are all WATER monsters.
* MeaningfulName: The name Dinomist refer to both the appearance and the Attribute of the monsters. The name can also refer to "dynamis", the Greek word for "power".
* MechanicalLifeforms: They are all Machine-Type monsters.
* StatusAilment: Plesios' effect is to reduce the ATK and DEF of opposing monsters by 100 for each Dinomist card on your side of the field.
* StatusBuff:
** Dynamic Powerload gives each Dinomist monster an additional 300 ATK and DEF.
** One of Rex's effect can permanently increase its ATK by 100.
* StockDinosaurs: All the Dinomist monsters represented here includes all the generic prehistoric animals you would see in any other medium: a T-Rex, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Plesiosaurus, Stegosaurus and Pteranodon.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Divine Dragon]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/Divine_Dragon Divine Dragon]]''' series consists of Dragon-Type monsters and two human commands, Lord of D. and Lady of D. They have no connecting effect, but provide general Dragon-Type support. Lord of D. and Lady of D. can fuse with their members to form King Dragun and Queen Dragun Djinn.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Divine Dragons:
* CastingAShadow: Apocralyph, Lord of D., Lady of D., King Dragun, and Queen Dragun Djinn are DARK monsters.
* DistaffCounterpart: Lady of D. is the female counterpart of Lord of D.. They share the same DEF, Attribute, Type, and Level. She protects Dragons from battle while he protects them from targeting effects. Each are seen in the artworks of different Dragon-Type monsters that are stored in the Extra Deck, have upgraded versions of their respective effects, and depict them as having merged with a Divine Dragon and holding an instrument of summoning dragons.
* ElementalPowers: They cover the Attributes DARK, LIGHT and WATER.
* EnemySummoner: Flute of Summoning Dragon. It's more effective when Lord of D. is on the field because he's the owner of the flute.
* {{Expy}}: Divine Dragon Apocralyph is likely a more obvious counterpart to Divine Dragon Ragnarok. Both it and Apocalypse refer to the end of the world. They are both Level 4 Monster Cards, have inverted ATK and DEF to one another, and their Attributes are opposite, LIGHT and DARK respectively.
** Also, both cards offer Dragon-Type support: Ragnarok fuses with Lord of D. into King Dragun, a monster that protects Dragons from being targeted by your opponent's card effects and Special Summons them from the hand, and Apocralyph returns Dragon-Type monsters from the Graveyard to the hand.
** Another similarity is that Apocralyph appears in the artwork of Queen Dragun Djinn, an Extra Deck Dragon-Type monster and female counterpart to King Dragun. Like Ragnarok, Apocralyph appears to have become the lower body of a Spellcaster-Type monster with a downgraded version of the Extra Deck monster's effect. Like King Dragun, Queen Dragun Djinn protects Dragon-Type monsters (from battle) and summons them (from the Graveyard if they are Level 5 or higher). The difference is that King Dragun is a Fusion Monster that requires the 2 specific monsters as materials whereas Queen Dragun Djinn is an Xyz Monster that accepts any 2 Level 4 monsters.
* FusionDance: King Dragun (Ragnarok and Lord of D.) and Queen Dragun Djinn (Apocralyph and Lady of D.)
* LadyOfBlackMagic: Lady of D. and Queen Dragun Djinn.
* LightEmUp: Ragnarok and Excelion are LIGHT monsters.
* MakingASplash: Divine Dragon Aquabizarre is a WATER Sea-Serpent-Type monster.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: Divine Dragon Ragnarok and Divine Dragon Apocralyph. Both are named religious events, the end of the world.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent; Since they can fuse with humans and create draconic centuars.
* PlayingWithFire: Apppearance-wise: Apocralyph and Queen Dragun Djinn look like FIRE monsters.
* WreathedInFlames: Divine Dragon Apocralyph is a dragon covered in fire or is made of fire.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Djinn]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Djinn Djinn]]''' monsters, called '''Majin'''/'''Devil''' in the OCG, are, like Archfiends, more a series of monsters with a connecting naming theme rather than an archetype. They are two definite sets, one that rely on supporting Ritual Monsters with assorted effects if the Djinn monster was the Ritual tribute, and a series of Xyz Monsters that play oversized musical instruments. The musical Djinns are used by Yuma in ''ZEXAL''.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Djinns:
* BackFromTheDead: If Humhumminh is summoned, she can revive another Djinn Xyz and attach two cards from your hand as Xyz Materials.
* BlowYouAway: Muzurhythm the String Djinn is a WIND monster.
* CastingAShadow: Maestroke the Symphony Djinn, Dark Balter, the Ritual Djinn series, King Dragun and Queen Dragun Djinn are DARK monsters.
* CoolSword: Maestroke the Symphony Djinn. It doubles as a Conductor's baton.
* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning: Djinn of Rituals each share the effect text "When you Ritual Summon a Ritual Monster, you can remove from play this card from your Graveyard as one of the monsters required for the Ritual Summon.", followed by their individual effects, which are given to the Ritual Monster they were used to Summon.
* DishingOutDirt: Temtempo the Percussion Djinn is an EARTH monster.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: Well for starters, 2 are more dragon-centaurs than demons, the Ritual Djinns look more like obese men and the Xyz Djinn are an orchestra with 3 of the 5 members (Meloemelody, Temtempo and Humhumming) looking like little kids (the other 2, Muzurhythm and Maestroke are hairier and older looking respectively) and Dark Balter is more of a Vampire than a traditional demon. Queen Dragon Djinn is part of the first group but can be supported by the third group.
* EpicFlail: Djinn Prognosticator of Rituals.
* FusionDance: King Dragun, Queen Dragun Djinn and Dark Balter.
* GladiatorGames: Djinn Presider of Rituals.
* {{Homage}}: Vlad the Impaler, also commonly known as Count Dracula; the Summoning of Dark Balter refers to that in Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula". Dracula was a king faithful to God, though he was filled with darkness at the loss of his true love and became the Devil's Son, or in other terms, the Anti-Christ, and thus the two Monster Cards used to Fusion Summon this card being a descent of (The King) "Frontier Wiseman" (transformed into) the "Possessed Dark Soul" by the darkness. He/it eventually became "Count Dracula" AKA "Dark Balter the Terrible".
* HotWitch: Queen Dragun Djinn, as her top half is the good-looking Lady of D.
* LightEmUp: Melomelody the Brass Djinn is a LIGHT monster.
* MagicStaff: Djinn Releaser of Rituals.
* MakingASplash: Humhumming the Key Djinn is a WATER monster.
* MusicalAssassin: The Rank 3 Xyz Djinns' "weapons" are a brass instrument, a piano, a guitar and drums. This also applies to Queen Dragun Djinn (A lyre) and King Dragun (The Flute of Summoning Dragon)
* NiceHat: Three Djinns have Nice Hats: Muzurhythm, Temtempo, and Maestroke.
* PlayingWithFire: Infernal Incinerator is a FIRE monster.
* {{Portmanteau}}:
** Djinn Cursenchanter of Rituals's name is a portmanteau of the words "curse" and "enchanter".
** Maestroke the Symphony Djinn's name is a portmanteau of "Maestro" (a musical conductor) and "stroke".
** Muzurhythm the String Djinn's name is a portmanteau of "Music" and "rhythm"
* SatanicArchetype: Witty Phantom. the OCG name is "Devil Death-Satan" and the monster himself looks like a ManOfWealthAndTaste, a common depiction of Satan that isn't a BigRedDevil or a FallenAngel
* StatusBuff:
** Melomelody: Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from Melomellody to target 1 "Djinn" Xyz Monster you control; this turn, that monster can attack twice during each Battle Phase.
** Muzurhythm: During the Damage Step, when a "Djinn" Xyz Monster you control is attacking an opponent's monster: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from Muzurhythm; the attacking monster's ATK is doubled until the End Phase. The effect of "Muzurhythm the String Djinn" can only be used once per turn.
** Temtempo: Once per turn, during either player's turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from Temtempo to target 1 Xyz Monster your opponent controls; detach 1 Xyz Material from that monster, and all face-up "Djinn" Xyz Monsters you currently control gain 500 ATK.
** Humhumming: Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 "Djinn" Xyz Monster you control; this turn, it can attack your opponent directly.
** Outside of the Xyz group, the Djinns of Ritual's theme is adding effects to the monsters they are used to summon.
* SigilSpam
** Every Djinn of Rituals has a skull somewhere on their weapon.
** The team symbol of the Xyz cards is a musical eighth note featuring a fiendish-looking face.
* SixthRanger: Queen Dragon Djinn to the Musical group (by coincidence as she can be affected by the effects of the other Xyz monsters, still she does have an instrument of her own).
** Another example is Humhumming, who is closer of the theme then Queen Dragon Djinn and was released later then the rest of the group.
* SomethingAboutARose: Muzurhythm the String Djinn.
* ThemeNaming: The five Xyz monsters have one based on musical terms.
* UnskilledButStrong: Infernal Incinerator. This card can only be Normal Summoned or Set by discarding all cards in your hand to the Graveyard except this card, and by Tributing 1 monster with 2000 or more ATK you control. This card gains 200 ATK for each monster your opponent controls. This card loses 500 ATK for each other monster you control.
* WeakButSkilled: the musical themed Djinns have rather low ATK (Maestroke has the highest at 1800) but their effects can defend themselves from destruction, allow one of them to attack directly, allow one of them to attack twice, or boost their ATK in different situations (either a flat 500 boost to all the Djinns on the field or doubling one of their own's ATK if they battle an enemy)
* WickedCultured: Witty Phantom, as he's a demon wearing a sharp outfit.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dracoslayer / Dracoverlord]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dracoslayer Dracoslayers]]''' are a small archetype of Dragon-Type monsters. They are currently comprised of two Pendulum monsters and three Extra Deck monsters that related are to the Igknight, Majespecter and Dinomist archetypes in terms of appearances and effects.

They are also connected to the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dracoverlord Dracoverlord]]''' archetype comprised of two Pendulum Monsters and a Ritual Monster. They have a connection to the Amorphage archetype.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dracoslayers and Dracoruler monsters:
* AmnesiacHero: Luster/Master Pendulum has no memories of who he was before becoming the Dracoslayer.
* ArchEnemy: The two archetypes are this to each other, reinforced by the artwork and effect of [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Draco_Face-Off Draco Face-Off]].
* BlowYouAway: Majester Paladin is a WIND monster.
* CastingAShadow: Vector Pendulum as well as Lector Pendulum are DARK monsters.
* DishingOutDirt: Amorphactor Psycho is an EARTH monster.
* ElementalPowers: Together, the Dracoslayers and Dracorulers cover all six of the Attributes.
* {{Expy}}: The Dracoslayers can be seen as one to the D/D and Odd-Eyes due to being an archetype of Pendulum Monsters that supports other summoning methods and have access to all three types of Extra Deck monsters. In addition, those Extra Deck monsters are FIRE, WATER, and WIND monsters.
* FusionDance: Dinoster Powerful appears to be a fusion of Luster Pendulum and Dinomist Plesios, although you can use different monsters as material.
** While not a fusion monster, Amorphactor Psycho appears to be the result of Lector merging with Amorphage Irritum.
* HorseOfADifferentColor: Majester Paladin uses a winged Majespecter Unicorn as a mount.
* HunterOfTheirOwnKind: Master, Vector, and Rector are all Pendulum monsters, yet they have Pendulum Effects that nullify or destroy the opponent's Pendulum Cards.
* LightEmUp: Luster Pendulum and its evolved form, Master Pendulum, are LIGHT monsters.
* MakingASplash: Dinoster Powerful is a WATER monster.
* NighInvulnerable: Dinosaur Powerful prevents all Pendulum cards from being destroyed by battle or card effects.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Luster/Master Pendulum looks more like a human with dragon wings and tail than an actual dragon.
* PowerNullifier: All three Dracoverlord monsters have the ability the negate the effects of cards.
** Vector's Pendulum Effect nullifies the effects of the opponent's own Pendulum Cards if they are in the Pendulum Zones.
** Lector nullifies the effects of face-up Pendulum Monsters.
** Amorphactor Psycho negates the effects of all Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Monsters.
* PlayingWithFire: Ignister Prominence is a FIRE monster.
* ScaledUp: Vector Pendulum is able to use Dragon Alchemy to turn other beings into dragons.
* WasOnceAMan: Considering the similarities in stats between Luster/Master and the Amorphage monsters, it's heavily implied that he was one of Vector's experiments.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dragon Ruler]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Ruler Dragon Rulers]]''', known as '''Holy Dragons''' (征せい竜りゅう ''Seiryū'') in the OCG, are an archetype of Dragon-Type monsters representing the four Attributes other than LIGHT and DARK; they can discard themselves or other Dragon-Type monsters from the hand to summon themselves and activate powerful effects.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dragon Rulers:
* BalanceOfPower: The power unleashed by the Dragon Rulers when they die spreads evenly across the world, giving power to desolated lands. And as the Dragon Rulers grow to adulthood, taking over the energy of the other Attributes again, conquering and absorbing the other Attributes of the land into their bodies, the circulation caused by the Dragon Rulers keeps a balance of power between the Attributes of nature.
* BannedInChina: Inverted. The Dragon Rulers were taken off the March 2016 OCG banlist for China due to marketing reasons, as the cards were only just released in that country.
* BlowYouAway: Tempest and Lightning are WIND monsters.
* DishingOutDirt: Redox and Reactan are EARTH monsters.
* ElementalEmbodiment: By absorbing the forces of nature into their bodies, the Dragon Rulers continue to grow into huge dragons as those forces are condensed and stored into their bodies.
* ElementalPowers: They cover the Attributes FIRE, WATER, WIND and EARTH.
* MakingASplash: Tidal and Stream are WATER monsters.
* {{Nerf}}: The Level 4 Dragon Rulers got banned in the September 2013 TCG banlist, and the Level 7 Dragon Rulers are limited. And the series was still a strong contender until the Level 7 Dragon Rulers got forbidden, causing the Level 4 Dragon Rulers to be unbanned.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: They are all Dragon-Type monsters.
* PlayingWithFire: Blaster and Burner are FIRE monsters.
* PowerCreep: One of the most infamous examples in this game's history. Prior to their release, Mermails had largely been dominating the TCG and were easily the best deck of the format. Then Lord of the Tachyon Galaxy was released and Mermails were basically wiped off the competitive scene. You can blame the Dragon Rulers and Spellbook of Judgment for that.
* {{Reincarnation}}: The Dragon Rulers grow to a certain size, expanding their regions of power against the power of the other Attributes. They perform a cycle of condensing and purifying their energy inside their bodies. And, when each of them reaches their limit, the Dragon Rulers unleash their power, and their body, which carried that power, reincarnates into the form of a younger Dragon Ruler.
* StoneWall: Redox is with 1600 ATK the weakest of the adult Dragon Rulers, but it has 3000 DEF.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dragunity]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dragunity Dragunity]]''' is an archetype of WIND Dragon-Type and Winged-Beast-Type monsters that rely on equipping other members of their series in the Graveyard to themselves to power up.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dragunities:
* AnimalMotifs: Birds for the Dragon riders.
* AttackAnimal
* BigDamnHeroes: The Dragunity for the Mist Valley Archetype
* BlowYouAway: They are all WIND monsters.
* DragonRider: The Dragunity Knights.
* EquippableAlly: Implied.
* {{Expy}}: Because of their heavy focus on sending monsters to the Spell & Trap Card Zones, the Dragunity archetype is often compared to the Crystal Beast and"Cyberdark" archetypes. Like Blackwings, there is a heavy distinction between the Tuner monsters and the non-Tuner monsters in terms of appearance. Similar to Blackwings, the non-Tuner monsters are all humanoids in bird costumes while the Tuner monsters are all small dragons (whereas the "Blackwing" Tuner monsters are all small birds).
* TheGloryThatWasRome: The archetype is based on Roman legions.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Averted with the Dragunity Knights, which are humanoids riding on dragons, but the Armas are Dragons that wield swords and have a second, feathered set of wings and the rest are used as weapons.
* ThemeNaming: The Dragon-Type monsters in this Archetype so far all have armor which either covers most of their body ("Dragunity Phalanx"), or they have a piece of armor that resembles, and is named after, a weapon (i.e. "Dragunity Darkspear"). By contrast, the Winged Beast-Type monsters seem to be named after historical warriors (Ex. - "Dragunity Legionnaire" is named after the common solider in the Roman army).
* WingedHumanoid: All of the Winged Beasts in the archetype are humanoids in roman soldier themed bird costumes.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Duston]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Duston Duston]]''' is an archetype of Level 1 Fiend-Type monsters with 0 ATK and 1000 DEF (except "Starduston", which has ? ATK and DEF) with the appearance of dust particles. Their play style revolves around using House Duston to Special Summon members of the archetype to either side of the field, ideally Special Summoning ones with negative effects to your opponent's side of the field and ones with positive and/or no effects to your side of the field. This reflects how dust can spread in real life. With the release of Starduston, the Dustons utilize their swarming to set up a powerful monster while avoiding any negative effects, as Starduston does not destroy or Tribute monsters when it is Summoned.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Dustons:
* AnimateInanimateObject: The Duston are living dust particles.
* {{Expy}}: The Duston archetype has a lot in common with the "Ojama" archetype.
** A majority of these monsters have 0 ATK and 1000 DEF.
** Both share similar art styles and designs (mono-chromatic, cartoonish, etc).
** Both their play styles revolve around attempting to clog up the opponents' side of the field or rendering their Monster Zones unusable.
* PoisonMushroom: The Duston playstyle revolves around using "House Duston" to Special Summon members of the archetype to either side of the field, ideally Special Summoning ones with negative effects to your opponent's side of the field and ones with positive effects to your side of the field. This reflects how dust can spread in real life.
* PunnyName: "Starduston"'s name is a multi-layered pun:
** The name "Starduston" describes this monster as a "Duston" monster who is star-shaped and whose body is patterned with a star-filled night sky design.
** The same name also reflects this monster's status as the boss monster of the "Duston" archetype– the "star" of the group (reinforced by the presence of the other 5 "Dustons" in its artwork, seemingly admiring "Starduston", as well as the star-shaped emblem on its forehead).
** The name "Starduston" references star dust, a type of cosmic dust made up of particleized organic matter produced by stars. A spiral formation of stardust can be seen in the center of this monster's body, below its grin.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Earthbound Immortals]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Earthbound_Immortal Earthbound Immortals]]''' are a series of Level 10 DARK monsters based on the Nazca lines. They were the primary antagonistic forces of the Dark Signers arc of ''5D's".

In addition to their own unique ability, all of them share two powerful effects that prevents them from being targeted for attacks and lets them attack directly. However, they have the drawback of requiring a face-up Field Spell, otherwise they are destroyed. Furthermore, there can only be one Earthbound Immortal on the field.

''ARC-V'' expanded the Earthbound archtype with Earthbound Servants, who can use both Fusion and Synchro.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Earthbound Immortals and Servants:
* AwesomeButImpractical:
** Wiraqocha Rasca. It has 100 ATK and DEF and its effect is that when it's Normal Summoned, you can return up to three cards you control to your deck to have your opponent discard that many random cards from their hand and increase Wiraqocha Rasca's ATK by 1000 for each card discarded this way. Powerful, but it requires the player to have enough cards for both the Tribute Summoning and the effect and only works when Wiraqocha Rasca is Normal Summoned, so you can't use if you Special Summon Wiraqocha Rasca.
** Cusillu's unique effect is hard to use as well since it requires it to be destroyed by battle and for you to have another monster on the field. And since the Immortals cannot be targeted for an attack, you would have to let Cusillu attack a stronger monster on purpose just to use its effect when you could keep Cusillu on the field and keep attacking directly. Another way for it to happen would be for your opponent to negate Cusillu's effect and then attack it but that would require them letting you keep a monster on the field or using effects to make sure you still have a monster by the time Cusillu is destroyed.
* {{Brainwashed}}: Uru's ability lets his controller gain control of an opponent's monster for one turn in exchange for the sacrifice of one of his own monsters.
* EvilIsBigger: These things are {{Kaiju}}-sized in the anime.
* LogicalWeakness: Since they are reliant on the presence of a Field Spell, the easiest way to destroy an Immortal is to get rid of the Field Spell.
* LoopholeAbuse: Since their effects destroy them if there is no field spell face-up on the field, it's possible to prevent this from happening by using cards like [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hardened_Armed_Dragon Hardened Armed Dragon]], or [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/March_of_the_Monarchs March of the Monarchs]] that make them unable to be destroyed by card effects.
* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning: Several of the Immortals have effects that activate when the monster disappears from the field.
** Were Cusillu to be destroyed by battle, it can halve the opponent's life points by having its controller tribute a monster.
** Ccarayhua destroys all cards on the field if destroyed by a card effect that isn't its own.
** If Aslla Piscu leaves the field, it takes all of the opponent's face-up monsters with it while inflicting 800 damage for each one. Unlike the other two, it doesn't need to be destroyed for this to happen.
* {{Nerf}}: All of the Earthbound Immortal were unable to be affected by Spell or Trap Cards in the anime. This is not true in the OCG/TCG.
** Wiraqocha Rasca got hit by this hard. Its anime version had the abilty to reduce the opponent's Life Points to 1. Obviously, this was too strong for the card game, so its effect got changed to one that lets you return cards you control to the deck to have your opponent discard that many card and increase Wiraqocha Rasca's ATK.
* OurGiantsAreBigger: Ccupac Apu is the giant of the Immortals. However, he is not particularly bigger than the others.
* ThereCanOnlyBeOne: Only one Immortal can be on the field, meaning that if one player controls one, the other won't be able to summon one.
* WeakButSkilled: Wiraqocha Rasca is the weakest of the Immortals in terms of ATK and DEF. Fortunately, its effect lets him increase its ATK by up to 3000.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Egyptian Gods]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Egyptian_God The Egyptian Gods]]''' are considered as the most powerful cards in the anime and manga universi. They are so powerful that they do not have even card effects written on their flavor texts and cannot be played. However, many years later, legal Effect Monster versions of them were released, but their effects are greatly {{Nerf}}ed, so playing them wouldn't be a GameBreaker. They also have their own Attribute: DIVINE. The three Egyptian Gods, also known as the '''Sangenshin'''/'''Three Phantom Gods''' in Japanese, are The Winged Dragon of Ra, Obelisk the Tormentor and Slifer the Sky Dragon. If they combine their power into a single entity, their ultimate form is The Creator God of Light, Horakthy.

For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.

----
!!!Tropes associated with the Egyptian Gods:
* AwesomeButImpractical:
** Ra's legal version. It cannot be Special Summoned, it doesn't gain the ATK and DEF of the tributed monsters, and you have to decide which of its effect you want to use. Either you pay almost every LP for its ATK and DEF or you activates its Phoenix Mode effect. The release of its Sphere mode makes it slightly more practical:
*** Tributes can be from either side of the field (but all have to be from the same side). It then moves to the owner's side at the end of the turn. This will most likely clear your opponent's field, meaning at the end of your opponent's next turn, they might have only one level 4 monster left.
*** Your opponent can't target Sphere Mode Ra for attacks or card effects, but ''you' can, which makes a previous double-edged sword into an advantage.
*** It can be Tributed to Special Summon Ra proper while ''ignoring'' the "no Special Summoning" part of its effect.
*** Summoning Ra this way give him 4000 ATK and DEF, putting him into the same beatstick position as Obelisk. This could be considered to move it from Awesome But Impractical to DifficultButAwesome. However, some consider this only slightly less impractical since it means having another 3 Tribute monster in your deck, Sphere Mode Ra can't attack, and if your ''opponent'' has Ra in his/her hand or deck, ''they can summon it'' if you use their monster to summon it. Never mind the various ways they can just send it to the Graveyard while it's on their side of the field, since its "no target" rule applies to the opponent of the person controlling it, rather than the card owner's opponent. This means you can't use Mind Control/Change of Heart to take it back immediately, and it's at your opponent's mercy until you get it back. It's also vulnerable to cards that don't Target, like Raigeki.
** Horakhty gives you an instant win, but summoning her is difficult, since you have to sacrifice all three gods to Special Summon her. Winning with the Egyptian Gods alone would be enough. This means anywhere from three to ''ten'' Tributes, unless Obelisk and Slifer can be Special Summoned on the same turn Ra is Summoned. Otherwise, Special Summoning those two just sends them to the Graveyard at the end of the turn, and Ra can only be Special Summoned by the effect of Sphere Mode, which ''still'' requires three Tributes.
* BigGood: Horakhty, who brings an instant win.
* TheBigGuy: Obelisk, who is a 4000 beatstick and has the least weaknesses.
* BreathWeapon:
** Ra's God Blaze Cannon. It charges a fireball inside its ring that transfers it to its head and then fires a golden fire blast.
** Slifer's Thunder Force is a long yellow thunder beam fired from the first mouth. The Summon Lightning Bolt ("Shou Raidan"), fired from the second mouth, is a blue lightning ball that weakens the enemy monster.
* CastFromHitPoints: Right after Normal Summoning Ra, the player can pay all of his/her Life Points but 100 to increase Ra's ATK and DEF with the same amount.
* ColorCodedCharacters: Ra is gold/yellow. Obelisk is blue. Slifer is red.
* DecompositeCharacter: The Winged Dragon of Ra's Sphere and Phoenix Modes were made into separate cards in the card game.
* DifficultButAwesome: With a lot of support cards, such as Ra's Disciple or Pendulum Monsters, they can be very practical, but it takes a dedicated deck to get the most out of them.
* DubNameChange:
** Winged-God Dragon of Ra --> The Winged Dragon of Ra.
** Giant God-Soldier of Obelisk --> Obelisk the Tormentor.
** Heaven Dragon of Osiris --> Slifer the Sky Dragon.
* FusionDance: In the anime and manga, the three fuse to become Horakthy, but in real life she's an Effect Monster.
* InstantWinCondition: Summoning Horakhty brings the player an instant win.
* ItsPronouncedTroPay: Hor-ak-ty.
* KamehameHadouken: Obelisk is capable of firing beams with his fist, God Hand Impact
* MechanicalMonster: Ra resembles a machine-looking bird dragon.
* MegatonPunch: Obelisk uses extemely powerful punches, God Hand Crusher.
* {{Nerf}}: The effects of the legal versions are greatly inferior to their anime/manga counterparts. Also, they can be harmed by card effects now, though Ra and Obelisk still are immune to effects that target them.
** Most notably is Ra, who does not get the ATK and DEF of the tributed monsters and cannot be Special Summoned, going from the most powerful Egyptian God to the least.
** In the manga, Ra was immune to Obelisk and Slifer's effects because it was on the top of the pyramid ranking system. Furthermore, the effects of Slifer and Obelisk work only for one turn against each other, which was still adapted into the anime.
** Obelisk's Soul Energy MAX effect that requires two monsters as a tribute will neither decrease 4000 Life Points of the opponent nor it will increase Obelisk's ATK to infinity. However, it now destroys all your opponents monsters in the field, the downside being it can't attack during the turn the effect is activated.
** Slifer's Summon Lightning Bolt effect. The legal version's effect will only work on monsters that are Normal or Special Summoned in Attack Position, while in the anime and manga it works on monsters in Defense Position as well (and it reduces the DEF points instead).
* OddNameOut: Due to DubNameChange, Slifer's name is the only one in English, not in Egyptian or Greek.
* OlympusMons: They are the only DIVINE monsters and the only Divine-Beast-Type monsters.
* OneHitKill: Ra is designed for this. Its second effect is even called ''One-Turn Kill''.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Ra is a golden mechanical-like bird dragon who can turn itself into a phoenix. Slifer is a red snake-like dragon with giant wings and two mouths that breathe thunder and lightning. Both of them aren't neither Dragon-Types nor Wyrm-Types.
* ThePhoenix: Ra's Phoenix Mode, also known as Immortal Phoenix.
* PhysicalGod: All of them. They also DIVINE monsters. The three Egyptian Gods are Divine Beast-Type Monsters, while Horakhty is a Creator God-Type monster.
* PlayingWithFire: Ra uses fire attacks.
* PowerTrio: Heavy emphasis on power.
* PurposelyOverpowered: The real Egyptian God cards are so powerful that you cannot even play them.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: Ra and Obelisk have red eyes. Slifer's yellow eyes also glow red.
* RocketPunch: Obelisk can do this if he's not doing his regular MegatonPunch.
* ShockAndAwe: Slifer breathes thunder and lightning.
* SpellMyNameWithAThe: '''The''' Winged Dragon of Ra, and '''The''' Creator God of Light, Horakhty.
* WingedHumanoid: Obelisk has wings like the other two gods. Horakthy has also wings as well.
* YellowLightningBlueLightning: Slifer's first mouth fires the yellow Thunder Force. The second mouth fires the blue Summon Lightning Bolt.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Elemental HERO]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Elemental_HERO Elemental HERO]]''' archetype is a sub-archetype of the HERO archetype. The Elemental HERO monsters are all Warrior-Type monsters and the focus is heavily on Fusion Summoning. Most of the primary Elemental HERO monsters can be fused with one another, allowing for an enormous amount of flexibility in a dedicated Deck. They were designed by Kazuki Takahashi, and are themed after comic-book superheroes in the anime and are based of natural elements in the manga. This archetype is famous for being used by Judai/[[DubNameChange Jaden]] Yuki, who uses two different Elemental HERO decks in the anime and manga, respectively - in the anime, he fuses specific monsters to create a Fusion Monster, while in the manga he fuses an Elemental HERO with another monster with a specific Attribute. Elemental HERO decks are also used by Edo/[[DubNameChange Aster]] Phoenix and Koyo Hibiki in the anime and manga, respectively.

The Elemental HERO archetype might be just only a sub-archtype, but the Elemental HERO monsters are also a core element of the other sub-archetypes (except Destiny HERO).

->For Elemental HERO Neos, see the folder "Neos / Neo-Spacians / Chrysalis". For Elemental HERO Terra Firma's relation with the Legendary Planets, see the folder "Legendary Planets". For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Elemental HERO monsters:
* ActionGirl: Burstinatrix, Lady Heat, Knospe, Poison Rose and Shadow Mist are the female non-Fusion females. A female Fusion Elemental HERO is Rampart Blaster.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Bladedge can inflict Piercing Damage.
* AwesomeButImpractical: Unfortunately, nearly all the anime Fusion Monsters are this. Despite the hype they got back in the day, it took Konami practically the entirity of the ''GX'' era to figure out what makes a good Fusion Monster. First off, they require specific Fusion Materials to pull off, which can lead to a lot of brick hands. This can be lessened by using Fusion Substitute monsters, but even still, unless you specifically design a deck around bringing them out, don't expect to get too many of the Fusion Monsters out on the field. Secondly, a lot of their effects are incredibly underwhelming, often having effects that regular Effect Monsters would have at the time or gain later on thanks to PowerCreep. Thirdly and finally, even if you can get them on to the field, they are just as weak to cards like Mirror Force and such as any other monster. About the only anime HERO Fusion worth running is Shining Flare Wingman, and that forces you to run Sparkman, a Fusion Substitute monster, or Fusion Tag to pull off, the latter of which in turn eats up Extra Deck space by forcing you to have Flame Wingman in it.
* {{Badass}}: Each of the Fusion monsters and Bladedge are badass by their own.
* BadassNormal: Mudballman has no effect, but he has 3000 DEF.
* BigGood: Bladedge, who is not a Fusion Monster, but has the highest stats among the non-Fusion monsters.
* BlowYouAway: Avian, Stratos, Great Tornado and Tempest represent the wind element and are WIND monsters. Flame Wingman is also a WIND monster.
* CastingAShadow: Necroshade, Necroid Shaman, Shadow Mist and Escuridao are DARK monsters and represent the darkness element. Darkbright and Chaos are also DARK monsters.
* DarkIsNotEvil: The DARK Elemental HERO monsters are not evil.
* DishingOutDirt: Clayman, Gaia, Terra Firma and Core represent the earth element and are EARTH monsters. Other EARTH monsters are Wildheart, Bladedge, Wildedge, Wild Wingman, Plasma Vice, Mudballman, Rampart Blaster, Woodsman, Knospe and Poison Rose.
* DubNameChange: Many names were changed.
** Featherman --> Avian.
** Burst Lady --> Burstinatrix.
** Wildman --> Wildheart.
** Edgeman --> Bladedge.
** Necro Darkman --> Necroshade.
** Bubbleman Neo --> Neo Bubbleman.
** Rampart Gunner --> Rampart Blaster.
** Sailorman --> Mariner.
** Phoenix Guy --> Phoenix Enforcer.
** Shining Phoenix Guy --> Shining Phoenix Enforcer.
** Forestman --> Woodsman.
** The Earth --> Terra Firma.
** The Heat --> Heat.
** Lady of Fire --> Lady Heat.
** Flame Blast --> Inferno.
** Airman --> Stratos.
** Voltech --> Voltic.
** Blume --> Poison Rose.
** Frost Blade --> Ice Edge.
* ElementalPowers: The Elemental HERO monsters cover the six main Attributes. The best examples are the Fusion Monsters from the manga, who require only an Elemental HERO monster and a monster with a specific Attribute. In the East, there are more elements, such as wood, metal or ice.
* EvolutionaryLevels: Knospe --> Poison Rose.
* {{Expy}}: Many of the Elemental Heroes (particularly the non-fusions) are based loosely on American comic book characters. Avian is {{ComicBook/Hawkman}}, Burstinatrix is Firestar, Bubbleman is {{ComicBook/Batman}}, Sparkman is Black Lightning, Clayman is [[ComicBook/FantasticFour The Thing]], Necroshade is ComicBook/{{Spawn}}, Bladedge is ComicBook/IronMan, Wildheart is Ka-Zar the Apeman...
* ExtraOreDinary: Bladedge and Captain Gold represent the metal element.
* FiveManBand: The initial five Elemental HERO monsters in the anime: Avian is TheLeader, who also has the most fusions; Sparkman is TheLancer, who has less fusions than the others and is clearly stronger than the other four; Clayman is TheBigGuy, who has 2000 DEF points; Bubbleman is TheSmartGuy, who is mostly used strategically; and Burstinatrix is TheChick, who is the female member.
* FusionDance: The main focus of this archetype is fusion.
** Avian + Burstinatrix = Flame Wingman or Phoenix Enforcer.
** Clayman + Sparkman = Thunder Giant.
** Clayman + Burstinatrix = Rampart Blaster.
** Clayman + Bubbleman = Mudballman.
** Wildheart + Bladedge = Wildedge.
** Bubbleman + Burstinatrix = Steam Healer.
** Wildheart + Necroshade = Necroid Shaman.
** Wildheart + Avian = Wild Wingman.
** Avian + Bubbleman = Mariner.
** Sparkman + Bladedge = Plasma Vice.
** Sparkman + Necroshade = Darkbright.
** Avian + Bubbleman + Sparkman = Tempest.
** Wingman + Sparkman = Shining Wingman.
** Phonix Enforcer + Sparkman = Shining Phoenix Enforcer.
** Avian + Burstinatrix + Clayman + Bubbleman = Electrum.
** Ocean + Woodsman = Terra Firma.
** Heat + Lady Heat = Inferno.
** Elemental HERO + LIGHT = The Shining.
** Elemental HERO + WATER = Absolute Zero.
** Elemental HERO + WIND = Great Tornado.
** Elemental HERO + FIRE = Nova Master.
** Elemental HERO + EARTH = Gaia.
** Elemental HERO + DARK = Escuridao.
** 3x Elemental HERO = Core.
** 2x Masked HERO = Contrast HERO Chaos.[[note]]He is treated as an Elemental HERO.[[/note]]
* GreenThumb: Woodsman, Knospe and Poison Rose represent the wood element. The latter two are also Plant-Type monsters, not Warriors.
* AnIcePerson: Absolute Zero and Ice Edge represent the ice element.
* LightEmUp: The Shining, Flash, and Prisma represent the light element and are LIGHT monsters. Other LIGHT monsters are Sparkman, Thunder Giant, Voltic, Shining Wingman, Shining Phoenix Enforcer, Captain Gold and Electrum. And Chaos can be treated as a LIGHT monster.
* MakingASplash: Bubbleman, Neo Bubbleman, Steam Healer Mariner and Ocean represent the water Element and are WATER monsters. Absolute Zero and Ice Edge are also WATER monsters.
* {{Nerf}}: In the anime, Bubbleman allowed the owner to draw two cards as long as it was the only card on the field. In the game, the owner also has to have no cards in their hand.
* NextTierPowerUp: The signature Elemental HERO Fusion Monsters of Judai, Edo and Koyo have each an evolution.
** Judai's Flame Wingman turns into Shining Flare Wingman after fusing with Sparkman.
** Edo's Phoenix Enforcer turns into Shining Phoenix Enforcer after fusing with Sparkman.
** After Terra Firma returned to Koyo, he turns into Core after fusing with two other Elemental HERO monsters.[[note]]Although, Core doesn't necessarily need Terra Firma as his Fusion Material.[[/note]]
* NighInvulnerability: Phoenix Enforcer and Shining Phoenix Enforcer cannot be destroyed in battle.
* NotTheIntendedUse: It's a Fusion-based archetype, but players would often use them as a Rank 4 Xyz engine.
* OvershadowedByAwesome: The Fusion Elemental HERO monsters from the anime are overshadowed by the Fusion Elemental HERO monsters from the manga and the Masked HERO monsters (who are also from the manga). This is because the manga Elemental HERO monsters generally tend to have far better effects and more lax Fusion Material requirements than their anime counterparts. For example, most anime Elemental HERO Fusion Monsters require specific HERO monsters to fuse with. Meanwhile, most manga Elemental HERO Fusion Monsters just require one Elemental HERO and one monster of a specific Attribute to Fusion Summon them, which makes them far more reliable than their anime counterparts.
* PlayingWithFire: Burstinatrix, Heat, Lady Heat, Inferno, Nova Blaster and Blazeman represent the fire element and are FIRE monsters. Phoenix Enforcer is also a FIRE monster.
* ThePowerOfFriendship: The Fusions represent the bond and the friendship of the weak Elemental HERO monsters, who become strong heroes when they combine their power. This is also a strong contrast to the Destiny HERO monsters, who do not rely on fusions.
* ShockAndAwe: Sparkman, Thunder Giant, Plasma Vice, Darkbright and Voltic represent the thunder element.
* SomethingPerson: The OCG Heroes were all over this, and a few names still stick around: Clayman, Sparkman, and Flame Wingman, most notably.
* StoneWall: Clayman and Mudballman are not strong, but have very high DEF.
* ThemeNaming: Especially in the OCG, most of the Elemental HERO monsters have "man" in their name. Phoenix Guy and Shining Phoenix Guy are notable exceptions, who follow the theme naming of the Destiny HERO monsters.
* UnskilledButStrong: Mudballman virtually has no effect whatsoever among the Fusion Elemental HERO monsters, but has 3000 DEF.
* YinYangBomb: Chaos is a DARK monster that can be treated as a LIGHT monster as well.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Elemental Lord]]
The four '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Elemental_Lord Elemental Lords]]''', known as '''Spirit Gods''' (霊神 ''Reishin'') in the OCG are high-level monsters summoned when enough monsters of their Attribute are gathered in the Graveyard. They force you to skip your next Battle Phase if they leave the field, but they have high ATK and activate powerful effects when called.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Elemental Lords:
* BilingualBonus: The names of each Elemental Lord came from their corresponding element in various languages. See also ThemeNaming below.
* BlowYouAway: Windrose is a WIND monster and represents wind.
* CoolButImpractical: What they have mostly proven to be. While they have extremely powerful effects, they have seen very little play due to the amount of set up required for them.
** Notable exception to this is Moulinglacia in Mermails. This is mainly since the deck can easily fill up their Graveyard with WATERS monsters and manipulate it with cards like Salvage (and formerly Tidal). Also, it is searchable with Atlantean Dragoons (which can be utilized from the Deck with Genex Undine).
* DishingOutDirt: Grandsoil is an EARTH monster and represents earth.
* ElementalEmbodiment: It appears that the Elemental Lords are going to represent the elements in the same way as the Monarchs being the same in almost every way except for Attribute, summoning requirements, and the effect that activates upon summoning.
* ElementalPowers: They cover the Attributes EARTH, WATER, WIND and FIRE.
* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: Pyrorex is a Dinosaur-Type monster.
* {{Expy}}: Their Trigger Effects can also be seen as mirroring the effects of powerful Spell and Trap Cards from the game's past that are currently Forbidden.
** The effect of Grandsoil is an exact replica of Monster Reborn.
** The effect of Moulinglacia is a more powerful version of Delinquent Duo.
** The effect of Pyrorex is a weakened version of Ring of Destruction.
** The effect of Windrose is an exact replica of Harpie's Feather Duster.
** Additionally, the Elemental Lords are very similar to the Monarchs archetype; both are strong element-oriented monsters with effects that trigger when they are summoned.
** Their summoning condition (needing exactly 5 monsters of their respective Attributes in the Graveyard) is similar to Dark Armed Dragon.
* AnIcePerson: Moulinglacia represents ice.
* MakingASplash: Moulinglacia is a WATER Sea-Serpent-Type monster.
* NobleBirdOfPrey: Windrose is a Winged-Beast-Type monster.
* PlayingWithFire: Pyrorex is a FIRE monster and represents fire.
* ThemeNaming: Each Lord is named in a different language with their respective element. "Grandsoil" (Earth) and "Windrose" (Wind) in English (this one could be German too), "Moulinglacia" (Ice) in French, and "Pyrorex" (Fire) in Latin.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Empowered Warrior / Aether / Summoner]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Empowered Warrior Empowered Warriors]]''' are an archetype of Warrior-Type monsters related to the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Summoner Summoners]]''' series of Spellcaster-Type monster. Their effects are varied, ranging from normal monster support to summoning other monsters to the field, or destroying cards. Their ace cards are the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aether Aether]]''' group of Dragon-Type monsters.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Empowered Warriors, Summoners, and Aether monsters:
* AntiMagic: Hydrotortoise's effect destroys a Spell or Trap Card on the field when flipped face-up.
* DarkIsEvil: Aether, the Wicked Empowering Dragon has black scales in contrast to his previous gold coloration.
* ElementalPowers: All six of the Attributes are covered by this archetype.
* EnemySummoner: Terriger and the White Tiger Summoner can summon normal monsters from the hand when they are themselves summoned. Arnis and the Red Sparrow Summoner can summon Spellcaster-Type and Warrior-Type monsters respectively when they are destroyed by battle.
* TheFourGods: The first four Empowered Warriors are based on the four gods, with Aether representing the Yellow Dragon.
* GoldColoredSuperiority: Aether is the most powerful card in the serie in terms of ATK and is gold-colored. However, its wicked form, who has the same ATK, is more useful.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Entity]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Entity Entity]]''' series are cards based on the Franchise/CthulhuMythos. There are six monsters, two each Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz, and a couple of support Spells for them. They have effects that rely on synergy between the three card types. The Elder Entities are Fusion Monsters, the Old Entities are Synchro Monsters, and the Outer Entities are Xyz Monsters. The ace card of the archtype is Outer Entity Azathoth, who can obliterate the opponent's field under the right circumstances.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Entity cards:
* AllYourPowersCombined: Azathoth requires one of each monster type (Fusion, Synchro, Xyz) as its Xyz materials to activate its effect, and the way the series works it's meant that you use the other members of the archetype to pull that off.
* AntiMagic: When Azathith hits the field, your opponent can't activate monster effects for the rest of the turn.
* ArtifactOfDoom: The Unspeakable Trapezohedron, based on the Shining Trapezohedron.
* AwesomeButImpractical:
** An archetype based on the Cthulhu mythos? It's as cool as it sounds. Getting the most out of it requires a deck capable of pulling off Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Summons easily? It's as difficult and impractical as it sounds. However, this became more mitigated once all their support cards were out; the Entities really only need to worry about Synchro Summoning their Level 4s, Instant Fusion and Re-Fusion will take care of Norden and from there he can revive one of those Level 4s to set up for Azathoth's summon.
** Outer Entity Nyarla can increase its Rank on summoning, and can detach its Xyz Materials to attach any monster in your Graveyard as a new Xyz Material, and gain its Type and Attribute. As the ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' wiki goes into detail on, [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Card_Tips:Outer_Entity_Nyarla this gives it absurd levels of combo potential]], since it can become any Rank, Type, or Attribute you want. This is amazing for all the Rank Up cards that need monsters of specific Ranks and Types to use, and its ability to freely discard cards in the hand and cycle out of the Graveyard and back again via its Xyz Material effect can be useful for many cards. However, given Nyarla is a StoneWall that can't do much else and isn't very compatible with other cards, its versatility is more a novelty than actually effective.
* BlowYouAway: Old Entity Hastorr is a WIND monster.
* BoringButPractical:
** Elder Entity Norden can be splashed into any deck that has room for it and Instant Fusion in the main deck, because it's effect to instantly revive a Level 4 or lower monster on summoning is easy to get off and very useful for a multitude of combos. It's nothing flashy, but it makes it the most useful card of the archetype.
** Old Entity Cthugha has the simple effect of letting you draw a card if its used as a Fusion or Xyz Material. In a deck this tricky to build right, draw power is very welcome and Cthugha's effect is invaluable.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: When Hastorr is sent to the Graveyard as a monster, it equips itself to an opponent's monster, negating its effects and stopping it from attacking. Get rid of it as an equip card and it gives control of that monster to you.
* CastingAShadow: Outer Entity Azathoth is a DARK monster.
* DishingOutDirt: Outer Entity Nyarla is an EARTH monster.
* EldritchAbomination: ''Duh'', they're blatantly based on the works of HP Lovecraft. Their card artworks are some of the most bizarre and unsettling in the game. Special mention to, appropriately enough, Azathoth, who is just a roiling mass of darkness with mouths and arms emerging.
* EldritchLocation: Their Dreamland Field Spell.
* ElementalPowers: Each one of them has a different Attribute, with all six being represented.
* GlassCannon: Azathoth can destroy all cards on the opponent's field if summoned as intended, but it can only do it once under normal circumstances, and 2400 ATK is not hard to run over. It's going to hit hard when it hits, but after that it's likely not going to last long.
* LightEmUp: Elder Entity N'tss is a LIGHT monster.
* MakingASplash: Elder Entity Norden is a WATER monster.
* MechanicallyUnusualFighter: While their significance isn't as prominent once ''ARC-V'' hit and other archetypes began doing the same, the Entities were one of the first archetypes to combine Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz. This leads to some very bizarre effects individually that synergize quite well when the cards are put together. Though, given it's a Cthulhu mythos archetype, having cards with unusual effects is very fitting.
** Elder Entity Norden is a Fusion of any 2 Xyz or Synchro monsters. Elder Entity N'tss meanwhile isn't summoned by a Fusion cards, but by sending its Fusion Materials on the field to the Graveyard; its Fusion Materials are the same as Norden's.
** Old Entity Cthugha can return all Rank 4 Xyzs on the field to the Extra Deck when summoned, and if used as a Fusion or Xyz Material, the controller can draw a card. Old Entity Hastorr equips itself to an opponent's monster when sent to the Graveyard, negating its effects and not letting it attack, then if it leaves the field while equipped, the equipped monster changes control to you.
** Outer Entity Nyarla lets you discard cards to change its Rank, and you can detach all its Xyz Materials to attach another monster in your Graveyard to it as an Xyz Material, then Nyarla's Type and Attribute become the Type and Attribute of the chosen monster. The ace of the series, Outer Entity Azathoth, can only uses its most potent effect if it has one of each card type (Fusion, Synchro, Xyz) as its Xyz Materials.
* OmnicidalManiac: If you manage to get Azathoth out using a Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz as its three Xyz Materials, it can destroy the opponent's field by detaching an Xyz Material.
* PlayingWithFire: Old Entity Chthugha is a FIRE monster.
* StoneWall: Nyarla has a whopping 2600 DEF, but 0 ATK.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Evil HERO]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evil_HERO Evil HERO]]''' archetype is a sub-archetype of the HERO archetype. The Evil HEROES are twisted versions of the Elemental HERO monsters and most of them can only be summoned with Dark Fusion, but their effects are stronger than their Elemental HERO counter parts. In ''GX'', they are used by Judai/[[DubNameChange Jaden]] Yuki's SuperPoweredEvilSide, the Supreme King ("Haou" in Japanese). But since they only appear for a short time in the anime, there are only a few of them.

For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.

----
!!!Tropes associated with the Evil HERO monsters:
* AllYourPowersCombined: Evil HERO Dark Gaia's base ATK is the combined base ATK of the Fusion Materials.
* AntiHero: The Evil HERO monsters are not villains, but heroes.
* CaptainErsatz: Malicious Edge is basically Wolverine.
* CastingAShadow: Infernal Prodigy is a DARK monster.
* DarkActionGirl: Inferno Wing and Infernal Sniper.
* DarkIsEvil[=/=]DarkIsNotEvil: A complicated case, since the Evil HERO monsters are both evil and heroes. The former most definitely applies in the anime, where the Evil [=HEROes=] are the signature cards of [[ArcVillain Haou/The Supreme King]].
* DishingOutDirt: Wild Cylone, Dark Gaia, Malicious Edge and Infernal Gainer are EARTH monsters.
* DistaffCounterpart: Inferno Wing is an evil female version of Elemental Flame Wingman.
* ElementalPowers: They cover four different Attributes: EARTH, FIRE, DARK and LIGHT.
* EvilCounterpart: To the Elemental HERO monsters.
** Inferno Wing to Flame Wingman.
** Lightning Golem to Thunder Giant.
** Infernal Sniper to Rampart Blaster.
** Wild Cyclone to Wild Wingman.
** Malicious Edge to Bladedge.
** Infernal Gainer and Infernal Prodigy do not have any counterparts.
* EvilHero: Duh! It's all in the name.
* FusionDance: There are not many Evil HERO monsters, but most of them require the same Fusion Materials as their counterparts.
** Burstinatrix + Avian = Inferno Wing.
** Sparkman + Clayman = Lightning Golem.
** Burstinatrix + Clayman = Infernal Sniper.
** Avian + Wildheart = Wild Cyclone.
** Malicious Edge + a Fiend-Type Monster = Malicious Fiend.
** A Fiend-Rype Monster + a Rock-Rype Monster = Dark Gaia.
* LightEmUp: Lightning Golem is a LIGHT monster.
* OneWayVisor: Inferno Wing has a large visor.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: The Evil HERO monsters are all Fiend-Type monsters, but they still look similar to the Warrior-Type Elemental HERO monsters.
* PlayingWithFire: Inferno Wing, Infernal Sniper and Malicious Fiend are FIRE monsters.
* SuperpoweredEvilSide: What they embody as the {{evil counterpart}}s of the Elemental HERO monsters. The Evil HERO monsters in general don't have as many fusion possibilities as the Elemental HERO monsters, in addition to having less flexibility in how to actually summon them, with Dark Fusion and Dark Calling being the only ways to do so. In exchange they have ''much'' more powerful effects compared to their Elemental counterparts, such as Inferno Wing dealing damage equal to the destroyed monster's ATK or DEF (whichever is higher) in addition to Piercing Damage, Infernal Sniper being unable to be destroyed by Spell Cards and inflicting 1000 damage just for being in Defense Position, Lightning Golem being able to straight up destroy one monster on the field once per turn without the need to discard a card, and Wild Cyclone being able to prevent the activation of Spell and Trap cards while it attacks and even destroy the ones that are face down whenever he inflicts damage.
* ShockAndAwe: Lightning Golem, of course.
* WingedHumanoid: Inferno Wing, Wild Cyclone, Malicious Edge, Malicous Fiend, Dark Gaia and Infernal Prodigy.
* WolverineClaws: Malicious Edge has really Wolverine claws. Malicous Fiend has similar ones.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Evilswarm]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Verz Evilswarm]]''' monsters, known as '''Verz''' in the OCG, are a series of DARK monsters that embody corrupted versions of other Duel Terminal archetypes. They have varied effects and are lead by several powerful Xyz monsters, the strongest of which is Evilswarm Ouroboros.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Evilswarms:
* AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence: Constellar Sombre and Evilswarm Kerykeion have successfully defeated Sophia, Goddess of Rebirth and ascended to a higher plane of existence (as mentioned in the DT Story Guide), becoming the twin serpents pictured in Breath of the Divine Serpent
* BlackKnight: Evilswarm Nightmare.
* BodyOfBodies: Evilsawrm Azzathoth. "Worm Apocalypse", "Worm Dimikles", "Worm Falco", "Worm King", "Worm Rakuyeh", "Worm Tentacles", "Worm Warlord" and "Worm Victory" can be identified as being parts of the whole monster. While the merge of "Worms" to fuse "Worm Zero" is "clean," the "Worms" merged to make this card are just jumbled up in a large group of mangled biomass.
* CastingAShadow: They are all DARK monsters
* CombatTentacles: Many Evilswarms gain these as a result of their corruption, best seen on Evilswarm Ouroboros and Evilswarm Thunderbird.
* CoolTrain: Evilswarm Coppelial.
* TheCorruption: The Evilswarm virus corrupts those it comes into contact with, infecting them and transforming them into a mindless member of the horde.
* CripplingOverspecialization: To a certain extent. The boss monster of the Deck (Evilswarm Ophion) prevents the Special Summons of Level 5 or higher monsters. It can also search out Infestation Pandemic, a QuickPlay Spell that protects all Evilswarm monsters on the field from Spell and Trap effects. Ophion can single handedly shut down a large number of decks. But a problem arises when he is confronted by a deck that mainly runs Level 4 or lower monsters (e.g. Fire Fists). While the deck can still protect itself from Spell and Trap Cards, it has a much harder time protecting itself from Monster effects (e.g. Fire Fist's Bear monster destruction effect).
* CuteIsEvil: Evilswarm Mandrago because it's an infected Naturia Cosmobeet.
* DarkIsEvil: And how.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Evilswarm Kerykeion is not a true Evilswarm monster and also is not completely corrupted per se as compared to the other Duel Terminal monsters infected by the virus of Evilswarm.
* DubNameChange: Evilswarm in the TCG.
* EvilCounterpart: The Archetype's theme is making these of former Duel Terminal Archetypes.
* {{Expy}}: Aside from their EvilCounterpart theme being similar to the existing Dark Counterparts, the Evilswarm have quite a bit in common with the Phyrexians in MagicTheGathering.
* FusionDance: According to the Duel Terminal Storyline in the Duel Terminal Master Guide 2013, Constellar Rasalhague used the power of the Gishki Aquamirror to fuse itself with the 3 corrupted Ice Barrier Dragons to become Evilswarm Kerykeion in order to defeat Sophia, Goddess of Rebirth together with Constellar Sombres, which means that it is not a true Evilswarm monster, and is also not completely corrupted per se, as compared to the other Duel Terminal monsters infected by the virus of Evilswarm, and thus explaining the Constellar symbol that can be seen on the Aquamirror staff that Evilswarm Kerykeion is holding.
* MultipleHeadCase: Verz/Evilswarm Zah[h]ak, which is based on Zahhak. Zahhak was commonly depicted as a three-headed dragon in Iranian mythology.
* ObviouslyEvil: The TCG name of this group of monsters is Evilswarm.
* PuppeteerParasite:
** Judging from Evilswarm Heliolope, more than just being a virus born from the bodies of fallen Steelswarm monsters (Infestation Infection), it can be said that it is an infection that carries the soul and will of the Steelswarms, thus any monster infected by it, became a slave to their will.
** For example in Trial and Tribulation, we see Gishki Noellia mourning who seems to be Gishki Natalia before becoming a spirit, all these while the Evilswarm Infection lurks around her, with none other than Steelswarm Grez in the background, later the infection grows (Creeping Darkness) and she becomes half Evigishki half Evilswarm (Evigishki Psychelone).
** Another example is Constellar Meteor where we see Constellar Castor charging against Evigishki Psychelone while the same Evilswarm Infection (from Trial and Tribulation) seems to approach him. So, more than just being a self-defense mechanism in case of extermination, the Evilswarm Virus is actually an amalgamate of the Steelswarm souls searching for new bodies in order to fulfill their objectives.
* SealedEvilInACan: The Evilswarm somehow infected the three sealed Ice Barrier dragons, so when the Gishki tried to revive them to stop the Evilswarms... it didn't end well.
* SortingAlgorithmOfEvil: The Steelswarm managed to put some pressure on the tribes before being killed by Vylon Omega. The Evilswarm killed off two tribes, corrupted a third and were literally on the brink of destroying the last resistance to their conquest before ''God itself'' was summoned to push the ResetButton. And even then Evilswarm Kerykeion played a key role in defeating said God.
* ThemeNaming: The Evilswarms are named after various monsters and deities from a variety of mythologies. This indicates that they are highly destructive and should not be treated lightly.
** However some of them also have names based on the ThemeNaming of the archtype they were in per-corruption. Some can overlap (Castor) or be the OddNameOut (Heliotrope and Copellia. coincidentally the former is the archtype's only Normal Monster).
* TyrannosaurusRex: Evilswarms Salamandra
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Three of the Evilswarm Xyzs are the corrupted Ice Barrier Dragons, with Brionac becoming Evilswarm Bahamut, Gungnir becoming Evilswarm Ophion, and finally Trishula becoming Evilswarm Ouroboros.
* ZombieApocalypse: The result of the Evilswarm virus once Noelia betrays the other tribes and joins the Evilswarm.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Evol]]
The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evol Evol]]''' cards are a series of FIRE monsters. They come as Reptiles, Dinosaurs and Dragons, which is the entire point -- the Reptilian Evoltiles special summon the stronger Evolsaurs, activating their effects and setting up the field to Xyz summon the powerful Evolzars.
----
!!!Tropes associated with the Evol monsters.
* DinosaursAreDragons: Played straight in this archetype.
** EvolutionaryLevels: The whole premise of this archetype. From [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evoltile Evotile]] to [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evolsaur Evolsaur]], then finally to [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evolzar Evolzar]].
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: The Evolzar monsters
* PlayingWithFire
* PrehistoricMonster: Played straight with the Evotile and Evolsaur, but averted with the Evolzar.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: The Evotile monsters.
* StockDinosaurs: The Evolsaur monsters.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Exodia / Forbidden One]]
'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Exodia Exodia]]''', also known as the '''Sealed''', is a monster that consist of five different pieces, all five of which comprises the [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Forbidden_One Forbidden One]] archetype. Gathering all five pieces in the player's hand brings him/her an instant win. Exodia is one of the most famous monsters of all time since its appearance in the first ''Duel Monsters'' episode. Each piece is limited and in early years it was rather difficult to gather all five pieces, but during the years, the Exodia archetype has gained so much support, that it's one of the strongest archetypes in the game. Besides Exodia the Forbidden One, there are other Exodia and Exodia-related monsters, such as Exodia Necross and Exodius the Ultimate Forbidden Lord that focus on using the five pieces of the Forbidden Ones in different ways, often providing back-up strategies.

Exodia and its versions are used by Yugi Muto (and technically Sugoroku/[[DubNameChange Solomon]]), Seeker/[[DubNameChange Rare Hunter]], Gozaburo Kaiba, the Yubel-possessed Martin Kanou/[[DubNameChange Marcel Bonaparte]] and Amon Gaman/[[DubNameChange Adrian Gecko]]. For information on their role in the anime, see Characters/YuGiOhAnimeAndMangaCards.

----
!!!Tropes associated with Exodia:
* AndThenJohnWasAZombie: While technically not a Zombie-Type Monster, Exodia Necross invokes this trope for Exodia.
* AnimalMotif: Snakes.
* AnArmAndALeg: Four of the five pieces are the severed limbs of Exodia.
* BadassNormal: Zigzagged example with the four limbs. The single limbs are very frail and weak monsters, but together with the head, they form the extremely powerful Exodia. They are also the first and currently only Normal Monsters that are limited in the game.
* BoringButPractical: Many Exodia decks are able to draw a lot of cards in one turn by repeating the same combos over and over again. Exodia [=OTK=]s can be really boring because they are very long.
* CastingAShadow: The pieces of the Forbidden One, the Exodia monsters and Exodius are DARK monsters.
* ChainedByFashion: The four limbs are chained, since they are sealed.
* DarkIsEvil: Exodia Necross is completely black and is something of an evil version of Exodia.
* DishingOutDirt: Exodd, the Master of The Guard is an EARTH Rock-Type Monster.
* DoesNotLikeShoes: Exodius, since its feet look like human feet.
* FaceHeelTurn: Meta-example: after its famous usage by Yugi, every single user of the five-card combo has been a villain. The big difference is usually thought to be that Yugi/Sugoroku merely included the pieces in his Deck, but the others centered their Decks around him.
* InstantWinCondition: Exodia the Forbidden One is the first card to invoke this. Gathering all five pieces give you an automatic win. Exodius the Ultimate Forbidden Lord has also an instant win condition, by sending all five pieces to the graveyard with its effect.
* KamehameHadouken: Exodia's Exod Flame.
* KryptoniteIsEverywhere: Exodia Necross, even ignoring the "muck with the Graveyard and he dies" weakness, possesses no defenses against monster effects (which he did have in the anime) and has no immunities to any cards that don't destroy him. Pretty much every Deck made in the last decade has at least six ways of taking him off the board.
* MegatonPunch: Exodia Necross's Exodia Crush.
* NoSell: Summoned Lord Exodia is immune to any card effect.
* OffWithHisHead: The head of Exodia is often presented as either an head or a limbless torso.
* PhysicalGod: Even its effect is god-like, since it gives you automatic win.
** Emphasized with Summoned Lord Exodia, immune to all card effects and a whopping 5000 ATK if all five pieces are in the graveyard.
* SealedEvilInACan:
** Exodia is a sealed monster which is so powerful that it's divided into five pieces.
** Exxod is Exodia sealed in stone.
* SignatureMove: Exod Flame for the original Exodia, which was made into a [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Exod_Flame card]].
* StoneWall: Exxod, Master of The Guard has 0 ATK, but 4000 DEF. That is a nod to the fact that the original five pieces of Exodia do not have offensive feasiblities on their own and, if need be, would otherwise be used to defend the player's Life Points.
* WeaksauceWeakness: Sending an Exodia piece to the graveyard without Exodius' effect or banishing a piece can completely rule the entire strategy if the player does not have cards to recycle it back to the hand. Later support like Summoned Lord Exodia or Exod Flame have helped with the first weakness, but banishing is still a problem.
[[/folder]]

** Yanagi ni Ono no Michikaze: Cardian - Ameshikou and Poison Draw Frog

** Chaos Goddess has a pretty lethal effect, but here's the catch: She's a Synchro that requires ''three'' monsters to summon. The Tuner must be a LIGHT monster, and the other two monsters must be DARK. Given the rules of Synchro Summoning, their combined Levels have to be 8. Seeing as her actual effect is kind of hard to use (you have to discard a Light monster to Special Summon a Dark one from your Graveyard that has to be Level 5 or higher) she's not as practical as she appears.
** Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Twilight is also difficult to summon (Must be Special Summoned by having an equal number of LIGHT and DARK monsters in your Graveyard and banishing all monsters of 1 of those Attributes from your Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways) and you have to skip the Battle phase if you want to use its effect.

* DeathOrGloryAttack: Chaos Emperor Dragon's effect post-errata: you may not activate any other card effects on the same turn, meaning no subsequent graveyard activation shenanigans to fortify yourself, etc. Better make sure you finish the opponent with that damage.

* FinishingMove: More likely than not, getting either of the two Envoy on the field.
* GlassCannon: They can hit the field on your first turn if you build the deck right, come out of nowhere, and will give you a massive lead in the duel. But they're completely defenseless during an opponent's turn, so you'd better have some Trap Cards ready to protect them.

* KillEmAll: Chaos Emperor Dragon's effect destroys every card on the field and in the hand by paying 1000 Life Points. It also inflicts Burn Damage for each card that is send to the graveyard with this effect.
* {{Nerf}}: As of January 2015, Chaos Emperor Dragon has received a serious rewrite that severely limits its potency: first, it has been made a Nomi (cannot be properly special summoned outside its effect), its nuke effect cannot be activated on the same turn as other card effects, and only cards that are sent to the opponents graveyard count towards the total effect damage. [[BroughtDownToBadass However, it's still a rather good card, being a 3000-ATK beater that's very easy to Summon and capable of nuking the field]].

* WeaksauceWeakness: Cards like Macro Cosmos or Dimensional Fissure are very effective against the Chaos cards, since every monster will be banished instead send to the graveyard.

* AscendedExtra: "Retrained" versions of Wynn and Eria were incorporated into the Gusto and Gishki archetypes while Lyna also has a counterpart, Milla the Temporal Magician. However, it ended up {{Subverted|Trope}} in the case of Wynn and Winda, Priestess of Gusto as they are separate characters.

** HotWitch: The base four have older forms that mature enough to qualify as conventionally attractive.

* DemonicPossession: The "Familiar-Possessed" series where their Familiar takes over them to pump up their offensive power.

** PlayingWithFire: Hiita.
** MakingASplash: Eria.
** BlowYouAway: Wynn.
** DishingOutDirt: Aussa.
** CastingAShadow: Dharc.
** LightEmUp: Lyna.

** PersonalityPowers: In case you missed it, Hiita is the Fire charmer.
* FourElementEnsemble: Though there's one for all six Attributes, Dharc and Lyna don't have as much exposure (or counterparts) as the four elemental Charmers, resulting in this dynamic. The original four were also released years before Dharc and Lyna appeared to round the group out.
* MagicStaff[=/=]MagicWand: They all have one or the other.

** "Mira" is Spanish for "look" or "see", probably referring to its effect of looking at your opponent's set card.

* NoSell: Ameshikou makes all Cardian monsters unable to be destroyed by card effects, or be targeted by opponent's card effects.

* WeakButSkilled: Stat-wise, they're relatively weak, but they come with devastating effects and support cards to make up for it.

* NiceHelmet: Gokou's bird helmet, a reference to the December Phoenix (Kiri ni Houou) card.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Destiny_HERO Destiny HERO]]''' archetype is a HERO sub-archetype of mostly DARK Warrior-Type monsters. Unlike the other HERO archetypes, the Destiny HERO monsters do not rely on fusions, but they revolve around taking defensive action and stalling while increasing the user's card advantage and field presence. This is necessary to summon "Destiny HERO - Dogma" and "Destiny HERO - Plasma", both of which are extremely powerful monsters that require three Tributes to be Special Summoned from the hand. This archetype is famous for being Edo/[[DubNameChange Aster]] Phoenix' main archetype, who later focuses entirely on the Destiny HERO monsters and phases of his few Elemental HERO monsters entirely.

* TheAce: Plasma and Dogma are the most powerful Destiny HERO monsters.
* AntiHero: The Destiny HERO monsters are much darker than the Elemental HERO monsters and reflect Edo's anti-hero character. The Destiny HERO monsters also resemble British anti-heroes.

* FusionDance: Plasma + Dogma = Destiny End Dragoon.

* Bishounen: Ameshikou and Gokou.

* CardOfPower

* TookALevelInBasass: Rosemary becomes an Aromaseraphy after synchronizing with Angelica.

[[folder:Chaos]]
Originally more of a series of cards with a similar theme, the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Chaos Chaos]]''' archetype The Chaos cards rely oncombining the powers of LIGHT and DARK, or in a couple cases, Fairy and Fiend, and banishing cards from play. Their "leaders" are Black Luster Soldier - Enjoy of the Beginning and Chaos Emperor Dragon - Enjoy of the End, but the anime has an even stronger leader, Chaos End Ruler - Ruler of the Beginning and the End. It has three sub-archetypes: Black Luster Soldier (Chaos Soldier in the OCG), CXyz, and Number C, all of which have their own folders.

Quite infamously, it was Chaos Emperor Dragon's ''brutal'' effect to wipe out everything in the hand and on the field for a measly 1000 Life Points that earned it recognition for being too strong, making it among the eleven cards that made up the very first ban list, and it has been on there for a decade until its January 2015 errata, which heavily nerfs its potency.

* BearsAreBadNews: Amorphage Nortes.
* BodyHorror: The process of becoming an Amorphage involves dragonic body parts sprouting from your body. In almost every case, the victim retains characteristics of its previous self such as Olga having its original head on top of its new one.

* EverythingsSquishierWithCephalopods: Amorphage Cavum.

* FliesEqualsEvil: Amorphage Gastr.
* InstantAwesomeJustAddDragons: {{Averted|Trope}} - these dragons are anything but awesome. Amorphage Irritum, the boss of the archetype, is a straighter example.

* PricklyHedgehog: Amorphage Plest.
* SavageWolves: Amorphage Olga.
* ScaryScorpions: Amorphage Lux.

* GenderEqualEnsemble: Two guys, two girls [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg and a jar]].

* LightEmUp: Jasmine is a LIGHT monster.

%%* BadassCape

%%* CoolMask
* ElementalPowers:
** AnIcePerson: Neo Aqua Madoor.
** LightEmUp: Lightray Madoor.
** MakingASplash: The basic Aqua Madoor and Neo Aqua Madoor.

%%* GunBlade: Armed Wing's gun.

* FragileSpeedster: Cyberdark Edge has overall weak stats, but it can attack directly by halving its ATK during Damage Calculation.

* FragileSpeedster: Cyber Tutu's effect:
-->"If the ATK of each monster your opponent controls is higher than the ATK of this card, this card can attack your opponent directly."

* FragileSpeedster[=/=]GlassCannon: The Blackwing's main strategy resolves around swarming the field and easily bringing Synchro monsters. However, the player will have their hand burned out of cards, also their Synchro monsters are the only truly powerful monsters of the archetype in raw power (the strongest non-synchro only has ''2200'' ATK whereas the Synchro monsters reach up to 3000[[note]]Though, both, Kusanagi and Onimaru, can gain a massive amount of ATK during the turn they are Synchro Summoned[[/note]]).
* GunBlade: Armed Wing's gun.

* AffablyEvil: Despite being scary, demonic, and villainous in appearance, they're often [[AffablyEvil pleasant]] to hang around with.

* AffablyEvil: Despite being scary, demonic, and villainous in appearance, they're [[AffablyEvil mostly pleasant]] to hang around with.

* AffablyEvil: They may be evil, but they're [[NobleDemon Noble Demons]] at worst.
* AntiVillain: Despite being scary, demonic, and villainous in appearance, they're [[AffablyEvil mostly pleasant]] to hang around with.

* BigBad: Grapha, Dragon Lord/God of Dark World. Before Grapha was revealed, Reign-Beaux (according to Master Guide 2) is the political and religious head of the Dark World, with Goldd and Sillva below him as commanders of the military. However, according to the Master Guides mentioning that they're actually decent people, he may be a BigGood instead.

* FaceOfAThug: As mentioned above, they may look scary, but they're actually friendly.

* AwesomeButImpractical: Gathering all five pieces brings victory. Turn by turn, the effect of Destiny Board will place a Spirit Message card on the player's field. However, you cannot activate a Spirit Message card by yourself, they ''have'' to be activated by Destiny Board's effect. Also, removing any Spirit Message card or Destiny Board from the field will send them to the Graveyard.

* AnArmAndALeg: In the manga, it was Dark Necrofears whole body who writes the message. In the anime, it's only her ''severed'' hand. The artwork of DEATH also shows her hand.
* AwesomeButImpractical: Gathering all five pieces brings victory. Turn by turn, the effect of Destiny Board will place a Spirit Message card on the player's field. However, you cannot activate a Spirit Message card by yourself, they ''have'' to be activated by Destiny Board's effect. Also, removing any Spirit Message card or Destiny Board from the field will bring them to the graveyard.

** In the manga, she can possess any opposing monster once per turn as long she is in the graveyard.

** In the manga, Dark Necrofear must be in the graveyard, so Destiny Board can work. Reviving or banishing her is a major weakness of Destiny Board.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Amazoness Amazoness]]''' monsters are a tribe of female Warrior-Types that rely on strength through battle, with high ATK and effects that determine the outcome of attacks in various ways. Their leader, Amazoness Queen, prevents all Amazoness from being destroyed in battle. Mai Kujaku/[[DubNameChange Valentine]] combined them with her Harpie Deck, and the Seven Star Assassin Tania used an Amazoness deck in ''GX''.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cloudian Cloudians]]''' are a series of WATER Fairy monsters based on types of Clouds. Being Clouds they lack power but are immune to being destroyed in battle, and distribute Fog Counters to monsters to use effects. In ''GX'', Amon Garam/[[DubNameChange Adrian Gecko]] uses a Cloudian deck as his first deck.

* CuteKitten: Cloudian - Cirrostratus

* NumerologicalMotif: The main deck monsters are Level 3, have 3 effects, and were released three to a set. The archetype also has three extra deck monsters. Beatrice is a Rank 6 monster [[note]]6=3*2[[/note]].

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dracoslayer Dracoslayers]]''' are a small archetype of Dragon-Type monsters. They are currently comprised of two Pendulum monsters and three extra Deck monsters that related to the Igknight, Majespecter, and Dinomist archetypes in terms of appearances and effects.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Agent The Agents of Heaven]]''' are a series of angels (Fairy-type Monsters) that hail from the Sanctuary in the Sky. Comprised of "The Agent" archetype and some supporting Fairies. They are named after planetary bodies, their leader is Master Hyperion.

* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: The Aliens are Reptile-type monsters.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Ally_of_Justice Allies Of Justice]]''' are a series of DARK Machine monsters that arrived to stop the invasion of the LIGHT-attribute Worms. As such their effects center on crippling enemy Light monsters. They're lead by Ally of Justice Decisive Armor. In ''5D's'', they are used by the Diablo, an [[MechaMooks army of Ghosts (which are Riding Roids)]].

* CripplingOverspecialization: The Allies of Justice appear to be an entire archetype based around overspecialization. Their effects almost exclusively revolve around the opponent's monsters being LIGHT-attribute or face-down. If they're not facing something with those criteria, they're in a lot of trouble. Note that the Worms are all LIGHT-attribute monsters with a lot of flip effects, meaning the Allies of Justice were designed to just fight this one enemy and nothing else!

* NobleBirdOfPrey: Since it's implied that the "Ally of Justice" monsters are adversaries of the LIGHT-Attribute "Worm" archetype, Ally of Justice Clausolas's bird-like appearance makes sense because of the "stereotypical" (or part of) every bird's diet - they eat worms.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Amazoness Amazoness]]''' monsters are a tribe of female Warrior-types that rely on strength through battle, with high ATK and effects that determine the outcome of attacks in various ways. Their leader, Amazoness Queen, prevents all Amazoness from being destroyed in battle. Mai Kujaku/[[DubNameChange Valentine]] combined them with her Harpie Deck, and the Seven Star Assassin Tania used an Amazoness deck in ''GX''.

* DishingOutDirt: The EARTH attribute is shared by all of them.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Ancient_Gear_(archetype) Ancient Gears]]''' (known as '''Antique Gear''' in the OCG) are an archetype of EARTH Machine monsters. The Ancient Gears have effects that prevent the opponent from using Spells and Traps when they attack, stopping the likes of Mirror Force and Magic Cylinder, and otherwise restrict the opponent's ability to defend from attacks. The Ancient Gears are lead by Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem. They are also connected to the Gadget archetype wich is represented by Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Dragon and Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Chimera, who gain effects when Gadgets are their Tribute fodder.

* AntiMagic: Most of the Ancient Gear monsters have effects that stop the opponent from using Spells and Traps when they attack.

* {{Homage}}: The cards' appearances are inspired by the works of Creator/HPLovecraft and taken from their appearance in Konami's own Franchise/SilentHill series.
** Humorously, Arcana Force XXI - The World's "heads" effect can be considered a reference to Dio Brando's stand "The World" in the manga and anime series "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure", which has the ability to stop time.
* LightEmUp
* LightIsNotGood: Despite their imposing, alien-like designs, they are all LIGHT Fairy-Type monsters.
* LuckBasedMission: The monsters often attribute with coin flips to activate their effects, one positive and one negative. "Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler" and "Arcana Force EX - The Dark Ruler" are the only ones which are not based on tarot cards, and the only ones who have a positive effect for both coin flips. The upside is that the positive effects can be very potent, but of course the detrimental ones can cripple you.
* MookMaker: Arcana Force XVIII - The Moon's "Heads" effect

* TimeStandsStill: Arcana Force XXI - The World's "heads" effect is in reference to the fact that this monster is based on the Lovecraft deity of all time and space, Yog-Sothoth. A World Lock down deck is a lockdown deck revolving around "Arcana Force XXI - The World". All you need to complete this Lockdown is a constant source of monsters that "Arcana Force XXI" can send to your Graveyard to activate its effect. It is important to know that Token Monsters cannot activate "The World's" effect, since they cannot be used for costs that require monsters to be sent outside the field.
* OurAngelsAreDifferent
* TarotMotifs: The monsters are based on the "Major Arcana" tarot cards, each possessing a different symbolic meaning, while the Spell and Trap Cards come in the form of the "Minor Arcana" tarot cards.

* TookALevelInBadass: Summoned Skull-> Skull Archfiend of Lightning. Archfiend Commander is an upgraded version of either "Summoned Skull" or "Skull Archfiend of Lightning". This is supported because they are all "Archfiend" monsters, they have the same Type, Attribute, Level, ATK and DEF, and this card's last effect can target both of those monsters. It also has the same pose as one of Summoned Skull's alternate artworks.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aroma Aroma]]''' is an archetype of Plant and Rock-type monsters. Their strategy is to gain life points in order to have more than the opponent and trigger their monsters' effects.

* AntiMagic: Cananga can return a Spell/Trap card to the hand when you gain life points.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Bergamot's first effect will grant plant-type monsters the ability to inflict piercing damage.
* BlowYouAway, an interesting case, none of the Aromages themselves are WIND but their support traps have them using wind spells and their motif are essential oils, which are ossociated with scents. Aroma jar is Wind attribute though and one of the aforementioned traps has Jasmine stand in as a Wind representative.
* DishingOutDirt: Cananga is EARTH atribute
* EnemySummoner: Jasmine's effect allows the player to normal summon a Plant-type monster in addition to their normal summon.
* FieryRedhead: Bergamot to match his FIRE Attribute.

* LightEmUp: Jasmine is LIGHT attribute.
* MakingASplash: Rosemary is WATER attribute.
* NonIndicativeName: Despite being called Aro''mage'', they are not spellcaster-type monsters, but plant-type.
* NoSell: Aroma Jar can't be destroyed by battle.
* PlayingWithFire: Bergamot is FIRE attribute.
* StatusBuff: Aroma garden will grant a boost of 500 ATK and DEF to all of your monsters if you control an Aroma monster.
** Bergamot can, once per turn, increase its ATK and DEF by a 1000 each when you gain life points.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aquaactress Aquaactress]]''' is an archetype of Aqua-type monsters, supported by the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aquarium Aquarium]]''' Continuous Spell Cards. They are used by Ayu in the ''[[Anime/YuGiOhArcV ARC-V]]'' anime.

* BackFromTheDead: The shared effect of the Aquarium cards summons an aqua-type monster from the graveyard, when the Aquarium is destroyed.
* MakingASplash: All Aquaactress monsters are WATER Aqua-Type monsters.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Burning_Knuckler Battlin' Boxers]]''', known as '''Burning Knucklers''' in the OCG, are a series of FIRE Warrior-type monsters that rely on manipulating battle by powering themselves or each other up. Their leader is Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus, who powers up into Number C105: Battlin' Boxer Comet Cestus. This archetype is used by Alito in ''ZEXAL''.

* HotBlooded[=/=]PlayingWithFire: They all have the FIRE-attribute, which reflects Alito, their user, in ''[=ZeXal=]''.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Batteryman Batterymen]]''' are a series of LIGHT Thunder-type monsters based on batteries. They swarm the field to power each other up. The strongest Batteryman is Batteryman Industrial Strength.

* ShockAndAwe: They're all Thunder-types, naturally.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bee_Force Bee Force]]''' are an archetype of Insect-type monsters based on Bees. Like the Blackwings, they rely on fast Swarm and Synchro techinques to overwhelm the opponent, however they relay more on using ATK/DEF decreasing effects. They are used by Shinji Weber in the ARC-V anime.

* ArmorPiercingAttack: Big Ballista has the ability to inflict piercing damage.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/B.E.S B.E.S.]]''' monsters, standing to '''Bacterion Empire Ship''', known as '''Giant Battleship''' (巨大戦艦 ''Kyodai Senkan'') in the OCG, are a series of Machine-type monsters based on the bosses in the ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}'' video games. To represent their shield protection in the games, they generate counters when summoned that protect them from being destroyed in battle, but they lose a counter every time they battle and are destroyed when they fight without one. Their leader is Ambitious Gofer. Some of them are used by Ryusei Gin/[[DubNameChange Lorenzo]] in ''GX''.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Black_Luster_Soldier_(archetype) Black Luster Soldiers]]''' and '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gaia_Knight Gaia Knights]]''' are a series of Warriors-type monsters. The Black Luster Soldiers are powerful monsters that can use the Gaia Knights as support cards to summon themselves easier. The Gaia Knights are their own subseries separate from the Black Luster Soldiers, as well, with Gaia shifting steeds and weaponry through various advanced forms of summoning.

* BadassNormal: Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth is not only one of the strongest level 6 synchros, but one of the strongest non-effect synchros as well. The original Black Luster Soldier has no effect, but is one of the strongest Ritual Monsters in the game with 3000 ATK.

* {{Cyborg}}: "Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth" and his horse are mechanical. His torso is attached to the top of the horse.
* DishingOutDirt: The original Black Luster Soldier and Gaia, The Fierce Knight, are Earth attribute. Subsequent support relies more on their Light and Dark themes.

* FusionDance: With Curse of Dragon to Form Gaia the Dragon Champion. Later, Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth with any other non-effect synchro becomes Gaia Drake, the Universal Force. Especially considering Gaia Drake is something of a portmanteau of Gaia and Naturia Leodrake, one of the potential fusion components, and the latter is a Beast, which completes Gaia's fusion into a Beast-Warrior type monster.

** The relationship between the Black Luster Soldier and Gaia is a reference to the original manga, where Yugi transformed Gaia into the Black Luster Soldier using the Black Luster Ritual. The "Supreme Warrior Ritual" needed to summon "Supreme Warrior Black Luster Soldier" depicts Kuriboh and Griffore as the tributes, the same tributes Yugi used.
** "Knight of the Evening Twilight" and "Knight of the Beginning" add effects to a Black Luster Soldier monster that is Ritual Summoned using them as tributes; "Evening Twilight" gives the same effects as the Black Luster Soldier variant of the same name, and "Beginning" gives the same effects as "Envoy of the Beginning."

** The Black Luster Soldier went from an unremarkable Ritual Monster with no abilities to a powerful Chaos monster that was one of the best cards in the game at the time of release. The retrained "Supreme Warrior Black Luster Soldier" is back to being a Ritual Monster, but with powerful abilities in its own right, and via Knight of the Evening Twilight and Knight of the Beginning, it has the potential to be the most powerful Black Luster Soldier of all.
* YinYangBomb: Black Luster Soldier is said to wield the power of both light and darkness. Various members of both archetypes tend to be Light or Dark attribute, or have effects that affect one of the two.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Blackwing Blackwing]]''' monsters, known as '''Blackfeather''' in the OCG, are a series of DARK Winged-Beasts, notably used by Crow Hogan in ''5D's'' and ''ARC-V''. They rely on swarming the field to summon Synchro Monsters. ''ARC-V'' introduces a sub-archetype called '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Assault_Blackwing Assault Blackwing]]''' ('''Assault Blackfeather''' in the OCG), a group of non-Tuner Blackwing monsters that can be treated as Tuners.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue-Eyes Blue-Eyes]]''' archetype is a group of primarily LIGHT Dragon-type Monsters famous for being Seto Kaiba's signature card. The main monster, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, is a Normal monsters, but it has 3000 ATK to beat down enemies in battle and has a lot of support cards to help it hit the field.

** Blue-Eyes decks generally consists of monsters that can get the Blue-Eyes and its variants onto the field, at which point their high ATK and cards that let them attack multiple times devastate the opponent's monsters through battle. Dark Magician decks rely on Spell and Trap Cards to get the Dark Magician and its variants into play, and then protect it while using other support cards to destroy the opponent's cards through their effects. The Blue-Eyes has Level 1 Tuners it can combine with to Synchro Summon stronger versions of itself; Dark Magician has the Dark Magician Girl that it can combine with to use stronger support Spells and Traps.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Burgesstoma Burgesstoma]]''' are a group of cards that debuted as Korean exclusives in Clash of Rebellions. Based on extinct animals whose fossils were in the [[UsefulNotes/PrehistoricLifeOtherExtinctCreatures Burgess Shale]], their strategy revolves around trap cards with the ability to summon themselves as normal monsters.

* AntiMagic: Olenoides can destroy a spell or trap card on the field.

* LoopholeAbuse: When they are treated as monsters, the traps will be banished if they leave the field. However, if they are used as Xyz materials and then sent to the graveyard, it doesn't count as leaving the field.
** In an interesting case of [[DevelopersForesight cardmakers' foresight]], this is defied with their Special Summon effect, which specifies ''"when"'' rather than ''"if"'' a Trap Card is activated. This means that only one Burgesstoma monster can be summoned per Trap activation, as using the Special Summon effect of one Burgesstoma card causes the others in the Graveyard to miss the timing. Additionally, Dinomischus and Pikaia discard as part of their effect rather than as a cost, meaning that you can't discard a Burgesstoma card and then immediately summon it in response to Dinomischus/Pikaia.
* MakingASplash: The Xyz Monsters are WATER monsters and so do the Traps when they are summoned as monsters.

* ZergRush: The Burgesstoma traps can Special Summon themselves from the Graveyard as a monster whenever a Trap Card is activated, allowing them to quickly swarm the field and amass Xyz Materials for Anomalocaris and Opabinia.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Burning_Abyss Burning Abyss]]''' is an archetype of LIGHT and DARK Fiend-type monsters based on characters from Literature/TheDivineComedy. All Burning Abyss monsters have an effect that activates when sent to the graveyard.

* TheDragonslayer: Buster Blader is this as evidenced by all of his forms, except Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordsman, becoming stronger if the opponent controls Dragons. And even then, Destruction Swordsman's effect can be used to destroy dragon-type monster if he's been equipped with one.

** He can also fuse with any Dragon-type monster to become Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer.
* ManOfKryptonite: Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer lives up to his name and acts as one to any deck that focus too much on Dragon-type monster. Not only does he gain 1000 ATK and DEF for each dragon-type monsters the opponent controls, or has in their graveyard, but as long as it remains on the field, all dragons will be changed to defense positions and are prevented from activating their effects.
* PowerNullifier: As the Dragon Destroyer, Buster Blader prevents Dragon-type monster from activating their effects.

Originally more of a series of cards with a similar theme, the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Chaos Chaos]]''' archetype The Chaos cards rely oncombining the powers of LIGHT and DARK, or in a couple cases, Fairy and Fiend, and banishing cards from play. Their "leaders" are Black Luster Soldier - Enjoy of the Beginning and Chaos Emperor Dragon - Enjoy of the End, but the anime has an even stronger leader, Chaos End Ruler - Ruler of the Beginning and the End. It has three sub-archetypes: Black Luster Soldier, CXyz, and Number C, all of which have their own folders.

* GlassCannon: They can hit the field on your first turn if you build the deck right, come out of nowhere, and will give you a massive lead in the duel. But they're completely defenseless during an opponent's turn, so you'd better have some traps ready to protect them.

* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Darkflare Dragon and Lightpulsar Dragon. Moreover, both monsters depict space phenomena: a pulsar for "Lightpulsar Dragon" and a sun flare for "Darkflare Dragon".

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Charmer Charmers]]''', known as '''Spirit Charmer''' (霊使 Reitsukai) in the OCG, are a series of six Spellcasters that have learned to commune with the six Attributes to take control of them and perform assorted incantations with them. The normal Charmers all have the same effect of being able to take control of enemy monsters of a certain attribute. They have also two advanced forms: [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Familiar-Possessed Familiar-Possessed]], where their familiar's spirit has taken control of them to increase their offensive power, and [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cataclysmic_Charmer Cataclysmic Charmers]] where they can sacrifice monsters to summon another one. The Trap Card series [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Spiritual_Art Spiritual Art]] is also part of the Charmers via artwork, but they support Attributes in general without being restricted to Charmers.

** PlayingWithFire: Hiita
** MakingASplash: Eria
** BlowYouAway: Wynn
** DishingOutDirt: Aussa
** CastingAShadow: Dharc
** LightEmUp: Lyna

* FourElementEnsemble: Though there's one for all six attributes, Dharc and Lyna don't have as much exposure (or counterparts) as the four elemental Charmers, resulting in this dynamic. The original four were also released years before Dharc and Lyna appeared to round the group out.

** Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech is based on on the ancient city of Machu Pichu. Machu Pichu is in Peru, going along with the South American theme of the "Chronomaly" archetype. Machu Mech also could also have been based on El Dorado, a fabled city that was said to be made of gold, like how this monster is shown to be a city that is made from gold.

* MagmaMan: If one looks at the artwork of Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis, the island is not actually floating: Molten formed what appears to be two legs holding it up, as well as two arms, giving it the appearance of a giant. As such, this card may have been based on Atlas, a Titan from Greek mythology that was forced to support the sky on his shoulders for eternity. Oddly this cards attribute is LIGHT when the Monster is formed out of molten lava and rock.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cyberdark Cyberdarks]]''' (spelled '''Cyber Dark''' in the OCG) are a trio of DARK Machine-types that act as the "Yin" to the "Yang" of the Cyber Dragons listed below. They ensnare Dragon-type monsters in the Graveyard to power themselves up by stealing their power. They fuse into Cyberdark Dragon, who grows more powerful the more cards are in the Graveyard. They're used by Ryo Marufuji/[[InSeriesNickname Kaiser]]/[[DubNameChange Zane Truesdale]] in the anime, though the Cyber Dragons are much more famous as his signature cards. They are later used by his younger brother Sho/[[DubNameChange Syrus]] as well.

* AnimalMecha: The Cyberdarks resemble the bones of a dragon, but they are Machine-type monsters.

* EquippableAlly: Their speciality. The Main Deck trio can equip themselves with Level 3 or lower Dragon-type monsters from the Graveyard when Normal Summoned. Cyberdark Dragon can equip itself with any Dragon-type monster from the Graveyard when Special Summoned.

* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Cyberdark Dragon is a Machine-type monster resembling a skeletal dragon.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Cyber_Dragon Cyber Dragon]]''' is a LIGHT Machine-type monster with allies of the same type and attribute based on mechanical dragons. It relies on brute force, Special Summoning itself from the hand for a quick beatstick and fusing into very powerful combined forms are promised to do serious damage if your opponent cannot stop them, highlighted by Cyber End Dragon and its ArmorPiercingAttack that deals damage when it attacks Defense Position monsters. The archetype later received Xyz support, allowing the Cyber Dragons to merge into Cyber Dragon Nova and Cyber Dragon Infinity.

* AnimalMecha: The mecha part is more important purposes of rules, they're considered Machine-types, not Dragon-types.

* BackFromTheDead: Cyber Dragon Nova can bring back a Cyber Dragon from the Graveyard if an Xyz Material is detached. It can also bring back a Machine-type Fusion Monster if it dies.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/D/D D/D]]''' ('''DD''' in the OCG) are a group of Fiend-type monsters used by Reiji Akaba in ''Anime/YuGiOhArcV''. They focus on swarming the field and searching cards in order to facilitate the summoning of their "boss" monsters, the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/D/D/D D/D/D]]''' ('''DDD''' in the OCG), all of them being either Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Pendulum Monsters. They also make use of the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Contract Dark Contract]]''' cards, Spells and Traps with powerful effects that cause their controller to lose life points as long as they are on the field.

** TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers: Unlike Blue-Eyes' other expies, Armageddon is a Fiend-type, not a Dragon-type and it does not resemble a dragon in the slightest. It also seemingly loses its role as a signature card.

* {{Foil}}: To the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in terms of playstyle. Blue-Eyes decks generally consists of monsters that can get the Blue-Eyes and its variants onto the field, at which point their high ATK and cards that let them attack multiple times devastate the opponent's monsters through battle. Dark Magician decks rely on Spell and Trap cards to get the Dark Magician and his variants into play, and then protect him while using other support cards to destroy/banish the opponent's cards through their effects. Blue-Eyes has Level 1 Tuners it can combine with to Synchro Summon stronger versions of itself; Dark Magician has the Dark Magician Girl that he can combine with to use stronger support Spells and Traps and he has Xyz versions of himself.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Necrofear Dark Necrofear]]''', formerly known as '''Dark Necrophilia''', is a Level 8 DARK Fiend-type Effect Monster with 2200 ATK and 2800 DEF. She is one of Yami Bakura's signature monsters and she has a direct connection with '''Destiny Board''', one of the {{Instant Win Condition}}s. According to the ''Master Guide'', she is the Queen of all Fiend-type Monsters.

* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Considered as the Queen of all Fiend-type Monsters.

** Zigzagged with Dark Necrofear. In the manga, she must be in the graveyard, so the message can be written. Moving her out of the graveyard is a weakness there. But in the manga, she also had the protection effect like Dark Sanctuary.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Ruler_Ha_Des Dark Ruler Ha Des]]''' was, when he was originally released, true to his name as one of the most formidable Fiend monsters in the game. He has appeared in card art as a shadow figure manipulating things from behind the scenes and using dark magic against his enemies. In the story of the cards, the Dark King killed Ha Des, but he returned as the Zombie-type Revived Ruler Ha Des.

* BackFromTheDead: Many of them revive when discarded to the Graveyard. The most famous one is Grapha, who can be revived from the graveyard by sending a Dark World monster back to the hand, so Grapha can be revived many times.

* CastingAShadow: Darkness attribute.

* EnemySummoner: Lucent's second effect can Special Summon any Fiend-type monster from the deck to either side on the field.

* OurDemonsAreDifferent: They are all Fiend-type monsters. And apparently good guys.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Grapha, a Fiend-type monster.
* OvershadowedByAwesome: With the release of "Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World," the Deck no longer needs to rely on "Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World" and "Sillva, Warlord of Dark World" for power. Their high Level means that they will often sit unused in the hand.
* PhysicalGod: "Grapha" appears to be the deity of "Dark World" based on its title of "Dragon God of the Dark World". "Latinum, Exarch of Dark World" alludes to a Dark World religion since Exarch is a religious position of authority and its abilities can be seen as blessings from Grapha itself.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Darklords Darklords]]''', known as '''Fallen Angel''' (堕だ天てん使し ''Datenshi'') in the OCG, are a series of DARK Fairy-type monsters representing fallen angels. They are almost universally high-level and thus hard to summon, but have generally high power and potent effects. They are used by Midori Hibiki in the ''GX'' manga.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Deskbot Deskbot]]''', called '''Bunborg''' in the OCG, are a group of (primarily) low-levelled EARTH Machine-type monsters whose effects allow them to swarm the field and increase their ATK and DEF.

* BackFromTheDead: If two or more Machine-type monsters are special summoned at the same time, Deskbot 001 can return from the graveyard to the field.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Digital_Bug Digital Bug]]''' series is comprised of LIGHT Insect-type monsters with a focus on Xyz Summon with the main deck monsters granting effects when used as materials and some of their Xyz monsters being able to summon themselves using one of lower rank as material. Most of them have effects that involve changing monsters, be it themselves or the opponent's, to Defence position or benefit from doing so.

* AntiMagic: If any Xyz monster summoned with Cocoondenser attacks a Defense position monster, the opponent will be unable to activate spells, traps or monster effects.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Rhinocebus can inflict piercing damage.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dinomist Dinomist]]''' are an archetype of dinosaur-looking machines. They focus on various battle-related effects while relying on their Pendulum effects protect the monsters from being targeted or destroyed.

* AntiMagic: The field Dynamic Powerload prevents the opponent from using cards or effects whenever a Dinomist attacks or is attacked.
* ArmorPiercingAttack: Rex can gain the ability to inflict piercing damage if it attacks again using its effect.
* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The Dinomists are Machine-type monsters that resemble various dinosaurs.

* MakingASplash: The Dinomist have the WATER attribute.
* MeaningfulName: The name Dinomist refer to both the appearance and the attribute of the monsters. The name can also refer to dynamis, the greek word for power.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/Divine_Dragon Divine Dragon]]''' series consists of Dragon-type monsters and two human commands, Lord of D. and Lady of D. They have no connecting effect, but provide general Dragon support. Lord of D. and Lady of D. can fuse with their members to form King Dragun and Queen Dragun Djinn.

* DistaffCounterpart: "Lady of D." is the female counterpart of "Lord of D.". They share the same DEF, Attribute, Type, and Level. She protects Dragons from battle while he protects them from targeting effects. Each are seen in the artworks of different Dragon-Type monsters that are stored in the Extra Deck, have upgraded versions of their respective effects, and depict them as having merged with a Divine Dragon and holding an instrument of summoning dragons.
* ElementalPowers
** CastingAShadow: Apocralyph, Lord of D., Lady of D., King Dragun, and Queen Dragun Djinn
** LightEmUp: Ragnarok and Excelion
** MakingASplash: Divine Dragon Aquabizarre
** PlayingWithFire: Apppearance-wise: Apocralyph and Queen Dragun Djinn

* {{Expy}}: "Divine Dragon Apocralyph" is likely a more obvious counterpart to "Divine Dragon Ragnarok". Both it and "Apocalypse" refer to the end of the world. They are both Level 4 Monster Cards, have inverted ATK and DEF to one another, and their Attributes are opposite, LIGHT and DARK respectively.
** Also, both cards offer Dragon-Type support: "Ragnarok" fuses with "Lord of D." into "King Dragun", a monster that protects Dragons from being targeted by your opponent's card effects and Special Summons them from the hand, and "Apocralyph" returns Dragons from the Graveyard to the hand.
** Another similarity is that "Apocralyph" appears in the artwork of "Queen Dragun Djinn", an Extra Deck Dragon type monster and female counterpart to "King Dragun". Like "Ragnarok", "Apocralyph" appears to have become the lower body of a spellcaster with a downgraded version of the Extra Deck monster's effect. Like "King Dragun", "Queen Dragun Djinn" protects Dragons (from battle) and summons them (from the Graveyard if they are Level 5 or higher). The difference is that King Dragun is a Fusion Monster that requires the 2 specific monsters as materials whereas Queen Dragun Djinn is an Xyz Monster that accepts any 2 level 4s.

* LadyOfBlackMagic: Lady of D. and Queen Dragun Djinn

* WreathedInFlames: Divine Dragon Apocralyph

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Djinn Djinn]]''' monsters, called '''Majin'''/'''Devil''' in the OCG, are, like Archfiends, more a series of monsters with a connecting naming theme rather than an archetype. They are two definite sets, one that rely on supporting Ritual monsters with assorted effects if the Djinn monster was the Ritual tribute, and a series of Xyz monsters that play oversized musical instruments. The musical Djinns are used by Yuma in ''ZEXAL''.

* BlowYouAway: Muzurhythm the String Djinn is WIND attribute.
* CastingAShadow: Maestroke the Symphony Djinn, Dark Balter, the Ritual Djinn series, King Dragun and Queen Dragun Djinn are DARK attribute.

* DishingOutDirt: Temtempo the Percussion Djinn is EARTH attribute.

* LightEmUp: Melomelody the Brass Djinn is LIGHT attribute.

* MakingASplash: Humhumming the Key Djinn is WATER attribute

* PlayingWithFire: Infernal Incinerator is FIRE attribute.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dracoslayer Dracoslayers]]''' are a small archetype of Dragon-type monsters. They are currently comprised of two Pendulum monsters and three extra Deck monsters that related to the Igknight, Majespecter, and Dinomist archetypes in terms of appearances and effects.

They are also connected to the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dracoverlord Dracoverlord]]''' archetype comprised of two Pendulum monsters and a Ritual monster. They have a connection to the Amorphage archetype.

* ElementalPowers: Together, the Dracoslayers and Dracorulers cover all six of the attributes
** BlowYouAway: Majester Paladin.
** CastingAShadow: Vector Pendulum as well as Rector Pendulum.
** DishingOutDirt: Amorphactor Psycho.
** LightEmUp: Luster Pendulum and its evolved form, Master Pendulum.
** MakingASplash: Dinoster Powerful.
** PlayingWithFire: Ignister Prominence.
* {{Expy}}: The Dracoslayers can be seen as one to the D/D and Odd-Eyes due to being an archetype of Pendulum monsters that supports other summoning methods and have access to all three types of Extra Deck monsters. In addition, those Extra Deck monsters have the FIRE, WATER, and WIND attributes.

** While not a fusion monster, Amorphactor Psycho appears to be the result of Rector merging with Amorphage Irritum.

* HunterOfTheirOwnKind: Master, Vector, and Rector are all Pendulum monsters, yet they have pendulum effects that nullify or destroy the opponent's pendulum cards.

** Vector's Pendulum Effect nullifies the effects of the opponent's own Pendulum cards if they are in the Pendulum Zones.
** Rector nullifies the effects of face-up Pendulum monsters.
** Amorphactor Psycho negates the effects of all Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz monster.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Ruler Dragon Ruler]]''', known as '''Holy Dragons''' (征せい竜りゅう ''Seiryū'') in the OCG, monsters are an archetype of dragons representing the four Attributes other than LIGHT and DARK, they can discard themselves or other Dragon-types from the hand to summon themselves and activate powerful effects.

* BalanceOfPower: The power unleashed by the "Dragon Rulers" when they die spreads evenly across the world, giving power to desolated lands. And as the "Dragon Rulers" grow to adulthood, taking over the energy of the other Attributes again, conquering and absorbing the other Attributes of the land into their bodies, the circulation caused by the "Dragon Rulers" keeps a balance of power between the Attributes of nature.

* OurDragonsAreDifferent
* ElementalEmbodiment: By absorbing the forces of nature into their bodies, the "Dragon Rulers" continue to grow into huge dragons as those forces are condensed and stored into their bodies.
* {{Nerf}}: The Level 4 Dragon Rulers got banned in the September 2013 TCG banlist, and the Level 7 Dragon Rulers are limited. And the series was still a strong contender until the Level 7 Dragon Rulers got forbidden.

* {{Reincarnation}}: The "Dragon Rulers" grow to a certain size, expanding their regions of power against the power of the other Attributes. They perform a cycle of condensing and purifying their energy inside their bodies. And, when each of them reaches their limit, the "Dragon Rulers" unleash their power, and their body, which carried that power, reincarnates into the form of a younger "Dragon Ruler".

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dragunity Dragunity]]''' is an archetype of WIND Dragon and Winged-Beast monsters that rely on equipping other members of their series in the Graveyard to themselves to power up.

* BlowYouAway: Everything in the archetype is WIND attributed.

* {{Nerf}}: All of the Earthbound Immortal were unable to be affected by Spells or Traps in the anime. This is not true in real life.

'''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Egyptian_God The Egyptian Gods]]''' are considered as the most powerful cards in the anime and manga universi. They are so powerful that they do not have even card effects written on their flavor texts and cannot be played. However, many years later, legal Effect Monster versions of them were released, but their effects are greatly {{Nerf}}ed, so playing them wouldn't be a GameBreaker. They also have their own attribute: DIVINE. The three Egyptian Gods, also known as the '''Sangenshin'''/'''Three Phantom Gods''' in Japanese, are The Winged Dragon of Ra, Obelisk the Tormentor and Slifer the Sky Dragon. If they combine their power into a single entity, their ultimate form is The Creator God of Light, Horakthy.

* OlympusMons: They are the only DIVINE monsters and the only Divine-Beast-type monsters.

* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Ra is a golden mechanical-like bird dragon who can turn itself into a phoenix. Slifer is a red snake-like dragon with giant wings and two mouths that breathe thunder. Both of them aren't neither Dragon-types nor Wyrm-types.

* PhysicalGod: All of them. They also have DIVINE as their Attribute. The three Egyptian Gods are Divine Beast-type Monsters, while Horakhty is a Creator God-type monster.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Elemental_HERO Elemental HERO]]''' archetype is a sub-archetype of the HERO archetype. The Elemental HERO monsters are all Warrior-type monsters and the focus is heavily on Fusion Summoning. Most of the primary Elemental HERO monsters can be fused with one another, allowing for an enormous amount of flexibility in a dedicated Deck. They were designed by Kazuki Takahashi, and are themed after comic-book superheroes in the anime and are based of natural elements in the manga. This archetype is famous for being used by Judai/[[DubNameChange Jaden]] Yuki, who uses two different Elemental HERO decks in the anime and manga, respectively - in the anime, he fuses specific monsters to create a Fusion Monster, while in the manga he fuses an Elemental HERO with another monster with a specific Attribute. Elemental HERO decks are also used by Edo/[[DubNameChange Aster]] Phoenix and Koyo Hibiki in the anime and manga, respectively.

* AwesomeButImpractical: Unfortunately, nearly all the anime Fusion Monsters are this. Despite the hype they got back in the day, it took Konami practically the entirity of the GX era to figure out what makes a good Fusion Monster. First off, they require specific fusion materials to pull off, which can lead to a lot of brick hands. This can be lessened by using Fusion Substitute monsters, but even still, unless you specifically design a deck around bringing them out, don't expect to get too many of the fusions out on the field. Secondly, a lot of their effects are incredibly underwhelming, often having effects that regular Effect Monsters would have at the time or gain later on thanks to PowerCreep. Thirdly and finally, even if you can get them on to the field, they are just as weak to cards like Mirror Force and such as any other monster. About the only anime HERO Fusion worth running is Shining Flare Wingman, and that forces you to run Sparkman, a Fusion Substitute monster, or Fusion Tag to pull off, the latter of which in turn eats up extra deck space by forcing you to have Flare Wingman in it.

* ElementalPowers: The Elemental HERO monsters cover the six main attributes. The best examples are the Fusion Monsters from the manga, who require only an Elemental HERO monster and a monster with a specific attribute. In the East, there are more elements, such as wood, metal or ice.

* GreenThumb: Woodsman, Knospe and Poison Rose represent the wood element. The latter two are also Plant-type monsters, not Warriors.

** Notable exception to this is Moulinglacia in Mermails. This is mainly since the deck can easily fill up their Grave with Water monsters and manipulate it with cards like Salvage (and formerly Tidal). Also, it is searchable with Atlantean Dragoons (which can be utilized from the Deck with Genex Undine).
* ElementalEmbodiment: It appears that the Elemental Lords are going to represent the elements in the same way as the "Monarchs" being the same in almost every way except for Attribute, summoning requirements, and the effect that activates upon summoning.
* ElementalPowers
** BlowYouAway: Windrose
** DishingOutDirt: Grandsoil
** AnIcePerson: Moulinglacia
** PlayingWithFire: Pyrorex

** The effect of "Grandsoil" is an exact replica of "Monster Reborn".
** The effect of "Moulinglacia" is a more powerful version of "Delinquent Duo".
** The effect of "Pyrorex" is a weakened version of "Ring of Destruction".
** The effect of "Windrose" is an exact replica of "Harpie's Feather Duster".

** Their summoning condition (needing exactly 5 attribute monsters in the Graveyard) is similar to Dark Armed Dragon.
* ThemeNaming: Each "Lord" is named in a different language with their respective element. "Grandsoil" (Earth) and "Windrose" (Wind) in English (This could be German too), "Moulinglacia" (Ice) in French, and "Pyrorex" (Fire) in Latin.

The '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Empowered Warrior Empowered Warriors]]''' are an archetype of warrior-type monsters related to the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Summoner Summoners]]''' serie of spellcaster-type monster. Their effects are varied, ranging from normal monster support to summoning other monsters to the field, or destroying cards. Their ace cards are the '''[[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Aether Aether]]''' group of dragon-type monsters.

* AntiMagic: Hydrotortoise's effect destroys a spell or trap on the field when flipped face-up.

* ElementalPowers: All six of the attributes are covered by this archetype.
* EnemySummoner: Terriger and the White Tiger Summoner can summon normal monsters from the hand when they are themselves summoned. Arnis and the Red Sparrow Summoner can summon Spellcaster and Warrior monsters respectively when they are destroyed by battle.

* ElementalPowers: Each one of them has a different attribute, with all six being represented.

* ElementalPowers: They cover four different attributes: EARTH, FIRE, DARK and LIGHT.

** Malicious Edge + a Fiend-type Monster = Malicious Fiend.
** A Fiend-type Monster + a Rock-type Monster = Dark Gaia.

* OurDemonsAreDifferent: The Evil HERO monsters are all Fiend-type monsters, but they still look similar to the Warrior-type Elemental HERO monsters.

* CastingAShadow

* CripplingOverspecialization: To a certain extent. The boss monster of the Deck (Evilswarm Ophion) prevents the Special Summons of Level 5 or higher monsters. It can also search out Infestation Pandemic, a QuickPlay Spell that protects all Evilswarm monsters on the field from Spell and Trap effects. Ophion can single handedly shut down a large number of decks. But a problem arises when he is confronted by a deck that mainly runs Level 4 or lower monsters (e.g. Fire Fists). While the deck can still protect itself from Spells and Traps, it has a much harder time protecting itself from Monster effects (e.g. Fire Fist's Bear monster destruction effect).

* DarkIsNotEvil: "Evilswarm Kerykeion" is not a true "Evilswarm" monster and also is not completely corrupted per se as compared to the other Duel Terminal monsters infected by the virus of "Evilswarm".

* FusionDance: According to the Duel Terminal Storyline in the Duel Terminal Master Guide 2013, "Constellar Rasalhague" used the power of the "Gishki Aquamirror" to fuse itself with the 3 corrupted "Ice Barrier" Dragons to become "Evilswarm Kerykeion" in order to defeat "Sophia, Goddess of Rebirth" together with "Constellar Sombres", which means that it is not a true "Evilswarm" monster, and is also not completely corrupted per se, as compared to the other Duel Terminal monsters infected by the virus of ""Evilswarm"", and thus explaining the "Constellar" symbol that can be seen on the Aquamirror staff that "Evilswarm Kerykeion" is holding.

* CastingAShadow