They were good days...

DreamsDestroyer's looking at his Secret Rare Nekroz of Brionacs

Hey there, friends of the Internet! DreamsDestroyer here. I've always been a Nekroz fanboy since it was released in the TCG, back in that cold February of 2015. I remember getting 3 The Secret Forces boxes on my birthday to build this Deck. I remember the laugh at the stores and carefree Saturdays playing a children's card game. I remember one of my best friends pulling a Nekroz of Brionac in his first Secret Forces pack, with me getting so mad at his luck. Wow, the feels!

Getting the core of the Deck in Duel Links was a bit painful as it was for me building this monster at its prime, but with the release of Zillion Thunder, we're finally almost there.

The goal of this guide is to introduce Nekroz to you and to showcase its strengths and weaknesses. You will have all the information you need to pilot this Deck optimally or to beat it, as I believe it's a very underrated Deck in the game.

As for myself, I play Yu-Gi-Oh! and Duel Links mostly for fun (maybe one day you'll see me playing and topping a Duel Links tournament...). I have achieved a national top, some regional tops, and a YCS bubble in my career as a duelist.

Happy reading!

Oh no, please! I've got a family to support!

DreamsDestroyer's opponents, reading Nekroz of Trishula for the first time

Nekroz is a fast and consistent Deck, benefiting from the inherent consistency of Ritual Decks thanks to supports like Loading... , Loading... , and Loading... . However, what sets Nekroz apart from other Ritual Decks is the ability of its cards to search themselves. This unique feature allows any generic ritual support to transform into any desired Nekroz card. Let's explore this engine together to generate ideas on how to transform this consistency into a lethal weapon.

What the hell!?

DreamsDestroyer scrolling Nekroz lists on Duellinksmeta

DreamsDestroyer's Nekroz

This is my Nekroz list. It's designed to use the aggressive effect of Valkyrus, by using Ariel and Sorcerer to gain additional value. We'll delve into these combos in the next section. The inclusion of Catastor allows for easy Rank 4 plays with Jus. Drawing Prep is crucial at times for cycling back our Spells, which is why I've opted to use Destiny Draw as a skill. It offers more versatility than Draw Sense: LIGHT. I'm particularly intrigued to experiment with Exa instead of the third Shurit.

DreamsDestroyer's Kaleido Nekroz

If I were to experiment with Kaleidoscope, my decklist might look something like this, based on the deckbuilding principles we explored earlier. The Extra Deck poses the most significant challenge to solve, given its packed nature with various utility options. A level 3 would be nice to summon Clausolas. Level 6s are overrated in my opinion, as summoning Brionac from the hand is a big minus.

kD10S' Spellbook Nekroz

List from user kD10S. I wanted to share it because I find the idea of playing Loading... intriguing for drawing 2 cards with our normal summon. The card ratios seem reasonable and align with our deckbuilding principles, especially with Gungnir, 3 Clausolas, and Kaleidoscope. However, having only 1 Valkyrus might impact our grind game, as these kinds of lists lose value if we can't Trish our opponent. I'm not a fan of the skill either, as it relies on RNG rather than being guaranteed like Draw Sense: Ju or Destiny Draw.

I also have doubts about the Traps. I believe 3 Loading... could perform better, serving as a faster version of Warning Point. You can send Quasar with Kaleidoscope to summon double Brionac and overlay for Exa-Beetle to equip Quasar, sending it to the GY to get a free Shooting Star Dragon. However, this play might be costly and not achieve as much as we might expect, especially with Rank 4 monsters having a more significant impact on the game state.

Territory of the Sharks Nekroz

I didn't have a pre-made list for this one, so I built it myself. Opening Diva is crucial, as it serves as our primary playmaker. Therefore, we want to keep the card count as low as possible. Which terribly hurts the grind game. I'm not particularly fond of this version, as Diva lacks synergy with Nekroz cards. Territory of the Sharks seems better suited for different decks like Mermail, which can utilize Diva more effectively.

Kaleidoscope also loses value in this build, as there are no WATER Level 12 Extra Deck monsters. Feel free to experiment.

This Side Deck skeleton can be refined if you're going to play Nekroz in a Best of 3 event. The combination of Diorama and Summon Breaker is highly effective for stealing some matchups when going first, especially since opponents tend to side out backrow removal (and if he knows, to leave bad cards in his Deck just to have a chance of playing). Currently, Dark Hole stands out as the best going-second card to re-raise our ceiling.

Cards like Dance Princess and Decisive Armor are useful against specific matchups, while Sealed Tomb appears to be a valuable option for keeping difficult-to-beat decks, like Orcust, in check (even if current state, it's a Deck we can't grind against). Other options include 1 Spiritualism. Feel free to experiment.

Ahahaha! What a pitiful Deck, it only stalls with Valkyrus!

DreamsDestroyer's opponents before being obliterated by Exciton Knight

Nekroz has a very interesting playstyle, as our Ritual Monsters give us different payoffs; it's kinda difficult to play optimally, but so rewarding once you understand how to get the best out of those advantages. The goal of this section is to explain what you have to do and when to become familiar and proficient with the toolbox this Deck offers to you.

Nekroz of Valkyrus

As we said, the draw effect of Valkyrus is very important, as it gives us more options to make explosive plays the following turn. Consider it our Loading... , as we'll draw more options for explosive plays in the following turn. Let's consider the following hand, considering Loading... as a blank card. What do we do?

3. This is our hand after our Valkyrus opening. We achieved an easy +1 since we started with 4 cards, and now we have 5. We have a guaranteed play for the next turn with the Spell we searched and Valkyrus as protection to survive the following turn. Cool, huh?

All these hands can lead to a Valkyrus play, allowing us to easily advance our gamestate. The first hand requires 4 cards as we're doing it with Kaleidoscope; the reward, though, is a free Clausolas on the board. In the second hand, we'll summon Ariel and modulate its level to 5, searching Mirror with Clausolas. In the third one, it's crucial to remember that Brionac's search is valuable, so we're going to get Valkyrus with Senju. In the fourth one, we can use the Brionac that Shurit gives us to search for Great Sorcerer, tributing Manju + Sorcerer to draw. That's excellent because if Valkyrus stays alive, we can draw more cards the following turn.

Nekroz of Catastor

This card requires a bit of setup, but it's very strong indeed, serving as the extender that this Deck desperately needs. Let's see how to use it, imagining that we did the Valkyrus play turn 1. We used Valkyrus to survive turn 2, and now it's our turn, with our blank serving as the draw for the turn.

Nekroz of Gungnir

Gungnir serves as a powerful offensive tool to control the game. It does require a heavy investment, but that's acceptable since our cards are quite resource-efficient. What if I told you that we have lines to summon Gungnir after drawing with Valkyrus? Let's consider this hand. We've executed our Valkyrus play and drawn into the nuts—a Preparation of Rites and another Valkyrus. So, instead of Valkyrus, we decided to search Gungnir with Great Sorcerer.

3. Gungnir achieves its best value when trading with opponent's plays or multiple backrows. If your opponent is topdecking, Gungnir becomes an unstoppable win condition, easily dealing with their drawn card. To trade efficiently with plays, be aware of the choke point of that play and counter it. For instance, after your opponent declares and resolves a Lilly or Kilsy, put the toggle on and destroy one of them before your opponent can Link climb. Force your opponent to have an extender to continue playing. To efficiently trade with backrows, force your opponent to flip something before blindly destroying one of them. Make sure to do that only to protect an incoming, powerful play or during your opponent's End Phase.

Nekroz of Clausolas

We can also end on Clausolas, as we don't need either Shurit or Cycle to make our Valkyrus play (NB: if you need Shurit to summon Valkyrus and you have to use Cycle because you drew it, then this play is not possible, and you might need Kaleidoscope + a level 3 in the Extra Deck). Let's take a look at this hand. We made our Valk play with Nekroz Mirror and our board is empty. One of the card we drew is Shurit. We searched Valkyrus with Great Sorc.

Why no die?

DreamsDestroyer's opponents crashing monsters on Nekroz of Clausolas

In this section, we'll analyze some popular match-ups you'll face in your KOG rush or a competitive event. It is advisable to know their playstyle to understand what to do in any given situation.

Nekroz vs Tenyi

• Abyss Dweller: This card is very powerful in denying the Tenyi player access to GY follow-ups, such as Adhara or Heavenly Dragon Circle. It can be considered a win condition on its own.

• Nekroz of Trishula: This card is potent in this match-up, particularly against Adhara, as its add-back effect will put a card in the opponent's hand. Flawless Perfection of the Tenyi does the same during your turn if your opponent has no cards in hand.

• Nekroz of Clausolas: A fantastic counter against Draco Berserker, Baxia, and Shaman of the Tenyi. They can't be protected with Mapura's effect. Clausolas is very good at forcing out this annoying card, as you can chain Gungnir to protect it from destruction.

• Watch out for Flawless Perfection! This card makes every normal monster immune to Nekroz of Valkyrus. Your opponent can attack for game with Monk of the Tenyi + Berserker of the Tenyi.

• Nekroz of Brionac: Excellent removal for those monsters. Be careful about Mapura.

• Nekroz of Gungnir: If your opponent is low on resources in hand, Gungnir can become a win condition, as it can destroy a Tenyi monster after being Special Summoned. No normal monsters on the board = no Tenyi follow-ups from the GY.

• Vishuda's Bounce Back Effect: Use Vishuda's bounce back effect to your advantage, as Nekroz monsters provide value in your hand.

Nekroz vs Live Twin

• Evilswarm Exciton Knight: This card serves as a dual-purpose solution, clearing both the backrows and disrupting the Twin resource loop. It's easy to activate, especially with Ki-sikil providing a draw every turn.

• Nekroz of Trishula: Watch out for surprises like Effect Veiler or Paleizoic Dinomischius, which can make Trishula lose its effect if your opponent has only one card in hand.

• Nekroz of Clausolas and Nekroz of Gungnir: Both are strong turn 1 plays, capable of disrupting the Twin loop and forcing your opponent to have an extender. Remember that Clausolas can't negate the effects of an Extra Deck monster summoned from the GY.

• Counter Ice Dragon's Prison: Counter the threat of Ice Dragon's Prison by banishing Great Sorcerer of the Nekroz. Ariel is a Psychic monster, a type not shared with the other Nekroz monsters.

• Protection from Destruction Effects: Trishula and Gungnir can protect you from Lil-la's destruction effect, providing valuable defenses.

• Strategic Decision-Making: Make informed decisions and play around the right Trap cards to dominate this match-up. Live Twin struggles to close out games quickly, providing you with more Tempo compared to other match-ups.

Nekroz vs Constellar

• Evilswarm Exciton Knight: Utilize Exciton Knight to easily clear the board, especially as the Constellar Deck generates advantage through Caduceus and Star Chart.

• Nekroz of Trishula: Trishula is so good in this match-up, as it can banish important resources like Pleiades from field and Zubeneshamali from GY, making our opponent's follow-ups less effective.

• Nekroz of Clausolas: This card serves as a good counter to Pleiades, as it can be chained to its effect. Brionac's removal is also valuable, especially against a Deck that frequently summons Xyz monsters.

• Grinding Advantage: Exploit the lack of answers against Valkyrus and capitalize on Clausolas to cheaply out Xyz monsters. We are the favorite in a grind game.

• Nekroz of Gungnir: Gungnir acts as an autowin button, countering Constellar follow-ups such as Constellar Sombre.

Nekroz vs Mayakashi

• Abyss Dweller: Activate Abyss Dweller to deny all the floating abilities of the Mayakashi Deck. This can significantly disrupt its strategy and slow down its plays.

• Nekroz of Trishula: Consider Nekroz of Trishula as a win condition, as it can banish a Synchro from the GY, disrupting the whole Mayakashi floating chain. The best target is Tengu, as it floats when Yoko is destroyed.

• Nekroz of Clausolas and Brionac: These cards may not be as effective in this match-up since you cannot target Extra Deck monsters summoned from the GY. Evaluate their use carefully.

• Gashadokuro, the Skeletal Mayakashi: Be cautious of Gashadokuro, as it makes itself unaffected by card effects during the current turn. Valkyrus cannot stop its attack, so plan your moves accordingly.

Nekroz vs S-Force

• Gravitino + Chase Interaction: Be cautious of the Gravitino + Chase combo, as it can banish Nekroz monsters instead of bouncing them back. Adjust the zone selection from automatic to manual to control this interaction.

• Nekroz of Clausolas: Use Nekroz of Clausolas to counter S-Force Justify. Justify can negate important effects like Trishula or Gungnir, which might be devastating.

• Nekroz of Gungnir: Use Nekroz of Gungnir wisely. Pop Rappa Chiyomaru after it activates its effect, as it returns to the hand as part of its effect. Be cautious when popping random backrows, as most of them are chainable.

• Nekroz of Trishula: To activate Rappa's effect the opponent has to leave a card in hand, allowing effective Trishula plays.

Nekroz vs Rokket

• Abyss Dweller: Dweller is a potent floodgate, preventing Rokket monsters from triggering their floating effects during the End Phase.

• Boot Sector Launch: This card can lead to formidable follow-up plays, especially when our board is full. Make sure to be prepared.

• Exploit the Extra Deck: Our opponent will eventually need to commit to an Extra Deck summon to clear our monsters. Seize this opportunity by using Clausolas' effect.

• Nekroz of Gungnir: Use Nekroz of Gungnir with a passive-aggressive approach. Use its body to force out backrows from the opponent, and then capitalize on its effect to address another one.

Nekroz vs EARTH Machine

• Abyss Dweller: Prioritize Dweller to deal with the floating effect of Machina Citadel. It also keeps in check Infinitracks' GY effects.

• Nekroz of Trishula: Use Trishula to deal with Citadel for good.

• Nekroz of Valkyrus: Use Valkyrus at your advantage to deal with the opponent's board next turn. EARTH Machine doesn't have in-engine outs to Valkyrus.

• Big Xyz Monsters go brr: Effectively handle powerful Xyz Monsters with Brionac or Clausolas; they're excellent tools to counter their big bodies. You can protect Clausolas from Citadel's effect with Gungnir's effect.

Nekroz vs Nekroz

• Nekroz of Trishula: It's crucial to avoid falling victim to Trishula, as it can result in a devastating loss of key cards. Strategic play and careful board management are essential to minimize our vulnerability to this card.

• Nekroz of Valkyrus: To counter the threat of Trishula, tributing your board with Valkyrus' effect is crucial. This plays around Trishula's effect.

• Nekroz of Gungnir: You can capitalize on the offensive potential of Gungnir to create OTKs. By chaining Gungnir's effect to Valkyrus, targeting the attacking monster, you can disrupt Valkyrus' effect to seize control of the game. You can do the same with cards like Book of Moon.

• Ariel and Great Sorcerer: Ariel and Great Sorcerer are important at maintaining card advantage. The one playing these cards will have the grind advantage over the other player.

• Chad vs Chad match-up: This match-up is very skilled, interactive, and fun.

Thanks to Dykaed for creating and cultivating a community around this game, giving me a chance to write an article on this site. Thanks to RandomPl0x for overseeing this guide. And thanks to all of you, passionate readers, who have reached the end of this guide! See you all next time, Space Cowboys!