[RespectYGO] Top 10 Must-Try Yu-Gi-Oh! Decks in Asian English for 2025 – Post-Banlist Edition! | Discussion

Article published at: Dec 31, 2024 Article author: SUPPORTTCGCORNER Article tag: RespectYGO
[RespectYGO] Top 10 Must-Try Yu-Gi-Oh! Decks in Asian English for 2025 – Post-Banlist Edition! | Discussion
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[RespectYGO] Top 10 Must-Try Yu-Gi-Oh! Decks in Asian English for 2025 – Post-Banlist Edition! | Discussion

Hey Duelists! ArcKnight here. The first Asian English Forbidden and Limited List Update, effective January 1, 2025, is out! While it hit many of 2024's top decks, it also gives new decks a chance to shine. Choosing your next deck in the AE Format might be tough, especially after playing in a full-powered meta. But don't worry, I've got you covered! Let's dive into the top 10 decks to try post-January 2025 AE Banlist. Let’s go!


January 2025 AE Forbidden and Limited List Recap

Before we proceed, let’s review the newest forbidden and limited list for Asian English.


Forbidden

No changes.

Limited:

Diabellestarr the Black Witch

Snake-Eyes Ash

Snake-Eyes Poplar

Tenpai Dragon Chundra

Crossout Designator

Foolish Burial

Harpie’s Feather Duster

Monster Reborn

Kaiser Colosseum

Reinforcement of the Army

Runick Fountain

Sangen Summoning

Terraforming

WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils

Skill Drain

Summon Limit

 

Semi Limited:

 

Bonfire

Called by the Grave

One for One

Pot of Desires

Pot of Extravagance

Pot of Prosperity

Purrely Sleepy Memory

Red Reboot

 

Unlimited:

 

No changes

 

For the full list, please refer to the Official Website.

 

What are the must-try decks post-January AE banlist?

For those curious, Asian English (AE) is a unique format played in OCG territories outside Japan and Korea. It uses cards marked with "-AE" in their set codes and English text. The AE format has a limited card pool, which explains some of the choices in the list. AE cards are versatile and can also be used in OCG tournaments.

While the forbidden section stayed the same, this list hit popular strategies like Tenpai Dragon, Snake-Eyes, and Runick. It also limited staple cards like Terraforming, Reinforcement of the Army, Skill Drain, and Crossout Designator, similar to the current OCG List. With fewer ways to counter popular hand traps like Maxx "C", Mucharmy Fuwalos, and Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, the gameplay of most decks will change drastically.

Here are 10 decks that you can explore in the new AE format. Note that these selections are only based on my personal observation and may change depending on the environment.

  1. Rescue Ace

Rescue Ace is a top pick with EMERGENCY! and Rescue Ace Air Lifter still at 3 copies. You can tech the Diabellestarr engine and bridge to your Rescue Ace Hydrant using the new Azamina engine from RAGE OF THE ABYSS. With only 1 Harpie’s Feather Duster next year, board wipes are less of a threat. Just watch out for Evenly Matched😉

  1. Yubel

Yubel is another top contender for next year. Even with only 1 Terraforming post-banlist, you still have 3 copies of Phantom of Yubel. Plus, with SELECTION 5 – QUARTER CENTURY EDITION, you can boost your end board with Muckracker of the Underworld and Knightmare Gryphon. Get ready to dominate! 

  1. Memento

Memento is another fantastic choice with its consistency and power. The deck excels at countering targeting effects with its quick-play cards. Just watch out for Dimension Shifter, as it's still at 3.

  1. Gimmick Puppet

Ready to be their guest? Meet the Gimmick Puppet theme, specializing in FTK (First-Turn Kill)! The core strategy is to inflict effect damage until your opponent hits 0 on your first turn. Aside from Terraforming, the core strategy is untouched. Plus, you can maximize the Horus engine for extra bait. Like Memento, just pray you don't face Dimension Shifter!

  1. Voiceless Voice

Voiceless Voice is another solid choice with its straightforward plays and versatility against common hand traps. If you don’t like a deck that can be stopped by Maxx “C”, and Mulcharmy Fuwalos, Voiceless Voice can be your best bet. Protect Lo at all costs!

  1. Snake-Eye Fire King

Yes, the deck is very much alive with fewer Snake-Eyes in the year of the Snake (2025). Fire King High Avatar Kirin is still at 3 copies and the deck can still land on explosive plays. The Snake-Eye and Diabellestarr can still be used as an engine to bridge your Fire King plays.

  1. Chimera

Here's another deck to try that can maximize the new Azamina and Horus to speed things up. This deck is consistent and versatile, perfect for countering your opponent's plays. Plus, you can easily access floodgates like Diabellze the Original Sin or King Tiger Wanghu.

  1. Fiendsmith

Pure Fiendsmith decks are becoming a thing lately because all you need is at least one LIGHT Fiend monster to get things going (and add 365354947 hand traps). With the introduction of Primite from RAGE OF THE ABYSS, you can use it to bridge to White Duston and access your core plays. Magical Musket is also a great deck to combine with Fiendsmith.

  1. Salamangreat

Salamangreat is a safe bet with its consistency and solid endboard. It boasts plenty of one-card combos that can lead to powerful plays. Just watch out for the rock, as you have fewer Kaiser Colosseums to play this time. Get ready to blaze through the competition!

  1. Labyrinth

If you’re looking for a control deck, Labrynth is a great choice. The deck has access to powerful normal trap cards that exist in Asian English, and you still have 3 Big Welcome Labyrinth in AE format.

 

Summary:

Asian English is finally catching up to the OCG format, and with decks like Ryzeal and Maliss arriving next year, the competition is heating up! I'm excited to explore new decks and see how they fare in the next meta. Be sure to test and familiarize yourself with your deck before your next tournament, and always remember to have fun playing.

This has been ArcKnight of RespectYGO. Thanks for joining today’s discussion, and happy holidays everyone!

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