It is time for a new format —or at least a modified format—after Konami updated the Forbidden and Limited List last week. Let's look at the cards that have been affected and talk about the implications of the hits as well as the potential implications of the cards that have been set free.
Newly Forbidden
The forbidden section welcomed three new cards, the first of which is . I know a lot of ABC players are not in favor of this ban as the card helped them a lot. However, it is a card that posed a threat to future decks in terms of card design. Any new strategy that would revolve around equipping monsters was almost guaranteed to abuse Union Carrier in addition to any monster that would gain its effect when leaving the field. Also, besides being a preventive hit for future strategies, it was a strong hit to Drytron, as Union Carrier was utilized to fetch from the deck, before sending to the graveyard to trigger and to send a light monster to the graveyard that they need for their combos.
Next up, we have . In general, cards that make the opponent basically skip their turn are unhealthy for the game. While ZEXAL has not been causing too much trouble this format aside from a couple of tops either as a pure strategy or mixed up with Eldlich, the Numeron deck/engine has made summoning it a lot easier than it should have been. In my opinion, it was a hit to prevent Numeron from becoming too unfair. They still have other options to replace ZEXAL when going first such as , , and .
Moving on to the last forbidden card on the list, Konami got rid of the format's most problematic card, . Again, it follows the same logic as ZEXAL in that preventing opponents from making plays during their turn is extremely unhealthy. That it propelled Virtual World to become the strongest and most hated deck of the format has helped make the decision of banning it a lot easier. As for the Virtual World deck moving forward, they will have to adapt to the loss of Calamities. It could either be replaced by ; or the deck could take a new route utilizing with and to hand loop the opponent's cards; or the deck could try to build a strong board via to summon a —which cannot destroy monsters but is still an omni-negate, backed by a and a .
Newly Limited
Only one card has been added to the limited section this time, and it is arguably a stronger hit to Drytron than Union Carrier. The not once-per-turn was deemed too powerful to remain at three since every time it was used as a tribute for the effect of a Drytron monster, it was replacing itself with any light fairy monster—including another copy of Benten. This helped Drytron players use their monsters' effects freely without having to worry much about resource management. In any case, Drytron will soon be getting a powerful on-theme xyz monster that will help them gain back the lost ground caused by the banning of Union Carrier and the limiting of Benten. Also, Megaliths can help recycle Benten, although that might add a few bricks to the deck.
No Longer on the List
With no cards currently added to the semi-limited section—which is composed only of —Konami decided to release seven cards from the list. has been released following the banning of . players may rejoice as they are now able to play their deck properly once more!
Next up, we have going straight from forbidden to unlimited, but with a catch! The list specifically states that this change only takes effect on the 14th of April, which coincides with the release of Ghosts from the Past, which includes Firewall's errata. The card will be relatively fair and will mainly benefit Cyberse decks, so I am not too concerned about its impact, at least for the near future.
The scariest change for me is moving from the limited section to nowhere on the list. I am not sure if Phantom Knight decks would play all three copies, but I guess that would mean they can use and/or for draw power now. Also, it would help make a Phantom Knight engine splashable in decks that utilize this kind of draw power. We only need to wait and see what kind of ingenuity will come from players as the format progresses.
When it comes to filtering and cleaning the list, has served its time. It was due for the unlimitation, especially after it gained its errata to be a hard once per turn. It might have been a strong card in the past, but right now it is just subpar unfortunately. could potentially be part of the answer that pendulum players have been looking for. But decks will have to make room for . Only time will tell if unlimiting it can have any effect without the presence of poor . was able to come back since took its place. Lastly, went back up to three, giving True Dracos a boost, though is still limited and remains rightfully banned.
Winners and Losers
Winners from the list update include since it avoided the ban hammer this time. Bird Up and Dinosaurs were untouched too, which might give them more of an edge moving forward, since their strongest opponents were nerfed. Control decks including Eldlich variants, which also avoided the heavy hand of Konami, will thrive now. I expect Phantom Knights to see more representation, but no one knows just how good they'll be with the extra copies of Rusty Bardiche. True Draco experiences a marginal boost too. Last but not least, Dragon Link looks like it will be having a blast this format since Drytron and Virtual World will no longer restrict it from going off.
The losers from this list are mainly Virtual World, Drytron, as well as Numerons and ABC. However, I expect these decks—especially the first three—to adapt and find alternative ways to prove that they still deserve a spot in the competitive landscape. The format is young and the capability for innovation of Yu-Gi-Oh! players knows no end.
What are your favorite and least favorite changes from this list update and why? Which deck do you think will claim the status of deck to beat? And what do you plan on playing this format? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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