Subliminal Oblivious

First of all, I would like to thank both Mike Ting and LGQ for their shout-outs. Appreciate it a lot and hopefully Digital Mortal will continue to be informative and productive as their blogs, Dueling Legacy and YGO’s zero-th Theory. Coming into today’s topic, every country has their own respective Meta-Game and it may contain the same elements as other countries or can be entirely different. However, the situation is not the same in Malaysia. Some might disagree with this statement. Through my observation, Malaysia’s Meta-Game is still developing as of today. Of course, we know clearly Inzektors is the country’s Tier 1 deck at the moment. Having said that, the country has an inadequate amount of other decks to fill in the Meta-Game in their respective categories. This does not mean its non-existing. Many factors can be considered when evaluating this issue though I wish not to discuss regarding these factors as it varies among each individual’s take and commitment in the game. 

WCQ is approaching soon. June if not mistaken and this week marks the of April thus giving Malaysian players only a month left for preparations. Play-test and finalize your deck while you can. This post contains my observation and opinions on what Malaysia’s Meta situation is as of now. Also, a part of this post includes possible decks that will invade the format of this country. Here is what Malaysia’s Meta possibly looks like.

Tier 1:

-Inzektors

-Hieroglyph Variants

-Rabbits

There is no reason to doubt Inzektors is Malaysia’s core Meta. Every deck has to revolve against it. In terms of construction and tech choice. The deck itself is not as expensive as Hieros and has proved it’s superiority for many months now,  local and international-wise. Many considers this as their best bet when participating in a tournament. Understand that almost everyone has play-sets of Inzektors. Pop-works is not funny.

Going into Hieroglyphs, although this deck is expensive it will see more play because of popularity and its potentials. Hieroglyphs has not been particularly successful in Malaysia, again because of the price tag, but local players tend to make selections through its success in other countries. The only worthy success it has seen in Malaysia is through LGQ’s ambush during Asia Qualifiers. I died to Royal Tributes. In this case, Japan and Singapore will determine how much respect this deck deserves. Knowing for a fact, Hieroglyphs conquered the Asia throne. This alone is enough to perpetuate the rise of representation. Who doesn’t like to OTK really?

The last deck in the list, Rabbits. Raggia has dominated the TCG scene for awhile now, with the help of Dolkka, and Rabbits are beginning to dominate Asia contending for the top spot as seen in Japan with their own variant, Verz Raggia. Everyone knows the capabilities of this deck and thus the reason why it should be included in Tier 1. The possibility of Rabbits having a huge following in Malaysia is no longer an assumption. Turn 1 Raggia, set 5 and end duel. Not turn.

Tier 1.5:

-Six Sams

-Chaos Dragons

-Machina/Karakuri Geargia Variants

With the release of more deadly Rank 4 Exceeds and the swarm-ability Six Sams has always possessed, it will be certain that they deserve a spot in this category. Previously, Shien’s Smoke Signal went back to semi-limited. Another factor to consider. Facing a field held by Shi En, Great Shogun, Excalibur and Blade Heart is no joke and clearly not impossible. Sams’ ability to control, swarm, and OTK are a force to reckoned with though the odds of them opening with a sub-par hand is another factor to consider. That aside, it is still a legit bet and the deck itself is no longer as expensive as previous format. 

Chaos Dragons, it has recently seen success and through observation I have encountered a substantial number of duelists running this deck. Though usually combined with Hieros and such. The deck itself is cheap and can be very explosive, at any given moment. Most importantly, it does not have much problem dealing with the Meta in Game 1. If built and pilot by a experience or good player, this deck proves to be a threat. People will soon realize the potential in this deck. So, It deserves a spot in Tier 1.5. Constant recurring of boss monsters, fucked up much? 

REDU gave us Geargia, Geargia in return gave us more support for Machine-based decks. The attention this archetype has gotten within these few weeks is not surprising. And it has begin to show signs of invasion in Japan’s Meta. With Geargiganto X reaching a price status of RM50-70 feeds players with obvious information on how good that funny robot is. Instant plus. Machina Gadgets, a force to be reckoned with received further spare parts. The same goes to Karakuri. Expect to see this deck in WCQ. Repeating pluses and possible OTK is persuasive enough. Lucky enough, Excalibur and Blade Heart ain’t generic Rank 4 Exceeds.

Tier 2:

-Dark World

-Gravekeepers

-Lightsworns

-Twilight Variants/Stun/Anti-Meta

Dark World has shown potential in many aspects. However, due to the lack of hand consistency and a good understanding on how the deck construction relies on the player’s play-style, it has failed to made any note-worthy achievements. Being a cheap and strong deck, there will be players who choose to pilot it to try out their luck in the upcoming major event. The believe in DDV being a threat to Inzektors is strong. Such thought is further backed-up by Skill Drain. Learn how to go against them and make space in your side-deck for it if you must. Grapha says hi!

An earlier version of Rabbits if I must say so. Gravekeepers are able to control the field well enough and capable to facilitate big beaters like Malefic Stardust Dragon or Malefic Cyber End Dragon without affecting their synergy. Much of their plays are still reliable in this format. Veilers out of the story. And Royal Tributes are a bitch to deal with. If it hits you Turn 1 and you are running decks like Hieros, well, FLIP THE TABLE BRO! Make sure to prepare back-row hate and save your MSTs for Necrovalley.

Lumina back to two and Judgment Dragon at three, why not? The best budget deck in my opinion. Nothing much to talk about really. Its cheap, good, fast, and explosive in some ways. Reprints of Lyla. A majority of player who do not wish to commit much and are there to have fun will definitely pick this deck. How far can they go against top tier decks is pretty up to God. If you happen to meet one, absorb as much information on the type and amount of Traps they run. If they do not run anything that could damage you badly, negate Solar Recharge. A lot of their plays starts there.  

Any tournament has their fair share of Anti-Meta decks that revolves around stun, Twilight and remove- for-play strategies. Black Luster Soldier-Envoy of the Beginning helps to promote this cult even more. Caius and CyDras contains as much potential to kill if used properly. I strongly believe this mindset of trolling in major events will never cease to end or lose popularity. Know when and what to counter. Experience is key in this match-up.

Not to forget, rogue decks. Gladiator Beasts, Black Feather variants, Agents and Plant variants are likely rogues here in Malaysia. They are very much dangerous, especially GBs, just under-represented. Notice that the Meta in this country develops according to price-tags and popularity. Maybe the same in other countries, I cannot say for sure. The chances of meeting self-invented decks are low not because the players lacks creativity instead many are frustrated with how utterly pointless it is to run decks like those in the current state of game. Vanguard as a result became a more celebrated card game. Though I personally disagree probably due to my own beliefs. Perhaps the Meta might change again within the month of May but that is highly unlikely to happen. Trend and pattern of years in calculation. Hopefully this post has given you insights and a perspective on what you should prepare for the coming WCQ. Thank you for reading!