August Banlist Updates

Goodbye to Raigeki and Change of Heart

At the beginning of the format, both LIGHT and DARK decks were among the weakest strategies in the metagame. To help them compete, they were granted access to these powerful cards as a balancing measure.

However, over the course of several seasons, both Attributes have received enough indirect support to reach a competitive level comparable to the rest of the format.

For this reason, we have decided to remove this special privilege. We believe that both LIGHT and DARK decks now have all the tools they need to compete on equal footing, without requiring additional rules that favor them.

Deep Sweeper to 1

Support for the WATER deck, which is currently the weakest deck in the format.

Forgotten Temple of the Deep to 1

An interesting card that will not be released beyond a single copy.

Black Brachios to 2

The Dinosaur deck is already in a strong position within the format. However, we have noticed that Black Brachios is being played far too often, even in strategies that are not Dinosaur-based.

For that reason, we have decided to limit it to 2 copies. Dinosaur decks will still be able to access it through Fossil Dig, while its presence in other strategies will become less common.

In other words, we want Black Brachios to remain a signature card of Dinosaur decks rather than a generic option for every deck.

Magical Dimension to 2

The Dark Magician deck is currently going through one of its weakest periods. While it has never been a particularly popular strategy in this format, it has almost completely disappeared from the metagame in recent months.

To give the deck a small boost, we have decided to gradually unlimit Magical Dimension. We believe that increasing its consistency will help the deck make a comeback without becoming an oppressive strategy.

Spirit Reaper to 2

Spirit Reaper is an exceptionally strong card. Simply being indestructible by battle already makes it an excellent defensive option. On top of that, whenever it inflicts direct battle damage, it forces the opponent to discard a card, creating significant card advantage.

Since it is also very easy to search, we believe allowing 3 copies would make the card too common and frustrating to play against.

For this reason, we have decided to limit it to 2 copies. Additionally, after reviewing most competitive decklists, we found that almost no players are running 3 copies anyway. As a result, this change will have very little impact on current decks while helping to prevent potential abuse in the future.

Wind-Up Dog to 2

The Rescue Cat deck has been appearing less and less frequently in the format. For that reason, we have decided to give it a small boost in the hope that it will regain a place in the metagame.

Aromage Bergamot to 2

This monster is currently seeing virtually no play. Since Plant decks are almost nonexistent in the current metagame, we have decided to gradually release it from the Forbidden & Limited List.

For this season, Aromage Bergamot will be limited to 2 copies.

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