Konami revealed that Yu-Gi-Oh will introduce a new monster type called “Duelist Nexus” later this year, the first new type in six years. Monster types form one of the pillars of the popular card game, categorizing its creatures into card types such as dragons, spellcasters, and warriors, among others. While most monster types have been in the game since its launch more than 20 years ago, Konami occasionally introduces new types such as Psychic and Wyrm. Now, The Magician will be the latest genre added to the legendary card game.
Almost six years have passed since the release of the new magician type, nearly six years after Yu-Gi-Oh last brought a new monster type into the game. To coincide with the debut of the Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS anime, Konami released the Cyberse Typewriter in 2017, featuring a plethora of monsters based on the new season. The same series also introduced players to Link Summoning for the first time, marking the last time the TCG introduced an entirely new summoning mechanic. Now, Konami is revisiting the classic card type from the Yu-Gi-Oh manga for the latest game update.
Konami has officially revealed the “magician” genre as the latest major change to the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG, introducing several cards that will debut in Duelist Nexus. The new genre will reportedly revolve around mythical monsters and hallucinations, inspired by the classic Yu-Gi-Oh manga. Magicians are a type heavily used by the beloved antagonist Maximillion Pegasus in the comics, and beloved anime monsters like “Relinquished” make their debut as Magician cards. Illusionist Type will debut at the Japanese OCG later this week, with a global TCG planned for July.
The new magician type will feature a brand new card archetype, revolving around one of Yu-Gi-Oh’s classic anime monsters. Yu-Gi-Oh’s first support for the archetype revolves around “Chimeras, flying mythical beasts,” which Yugi uses heavily throughout the original anime’s Battle City arc. The new cards have powerful effects involving mesmer monsters, with a focus on fusion summons, main deck monster searches, and resurrecting mesmer monsters. Mirror Sword Knight and Cornfield Coatl also debuted as updated versions of previous video game exclusive cards.
When Yu-Gi-Oh’s newest monster type came out, Konami had experimented with a number of different ways for players to experience the popular card game. Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel has found success as a digital take on the traditional card game, with the same rules and mechanics as the original. The developers are also putting new spins on classic Yu-Gi-Oh games, like last year’s Yu-Gi-Oh Cross Duel. The launch of Illusionists will bring a unique addition to the legendary card game celebrating its 25th anniversary.