RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE!!! The Guide to Zombies Next Format

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

After seeing someone not know how to build Zombies - a sad, sad fact - I decided to make a guide. This guide is geared towards newbs to Zombies, so don’t except to find something new if you are a Zombie expert.

 

[spoiler=RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE!!! The Guide to Zombies || By: Dark_Armed_Zombie]

[spoiler=I. The Grave Erupts: Preamble]

 

Zombies are an archetype known for their swarming, grave control abilities, and synergy within and without their archetype. Zombies, while great at swarming, suffer from a lack of splashable “boss monsters” with more than 2400 ATK causing them to be slightly on the weak side, but a few destruction cards and Synchro monsters quickly make up for their lack in ATK.

 

Zombies work from the grave, which complements their name, so you must play carefully so that you grave always has sufficient numbers of monsters so that you can play properly. For the Zombie’s revival card to work, your opponent must also have a monster in their grave to be removed for the effect, so watch that. One of the more successful Zombie decks is Zombie Synchro for it’s quick synchroing ability using Plaguespreader and the Zombie’s natural swarm to fulfill the synchro monster requirements. With Zombie World, you can synchro out Doomkaiser to snag one of your opponents monsters in their grave, but we’ll cover that more later.

 

 

[spoiler=II. Cursed to Eternal Life: Main Cards of the Zombies]

 

Here are the main Zombie cards of most any Zombie deck with some general strategies:

 

MONSTERS:

 

Zombie Master

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

****

ATK/DEF: 1800/0

Effect:

Once per turn, you can send 1 Monster Card from your hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Zombie-Type Monster from either player's Graveyard.

 

This card is mandatory in most Zombie builds as it swarms and is very useful for synchros, aside from maybe Light Zombies and Raccoon City. When run with Zombie World, you can steal your opponents monsters if they run non-zombies. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 2-3, but 3 are recommended.

 

Mezuki

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

****

ATK/DEF: 1700/800

Effect:

You can remove from play this card from your Graveyard to Special Summon 1 Zombie-type monster from your Graveyard.

 

Another mandatory card, don’t know why you wouldn’t run this, I mean why pass up a free Zombie revive? With Reborn banned, you need them to replace it. It is easily sent to the grave via Foolish Burial or the cost of Zombie Master’s effect. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run in 2's, it's semi-limited next format.

 

Pyramid Turtle

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

****

ATK/DEF: 1200/1400

Effect:

When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 Zombie-type monster with 2000 or less DEF from your Deck.

 

Mandatory in most Zombie decks, but I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to run it, cept maybe Light Zombies… It summons any Zombie with 2000 DEF or less, which, incase you are blind, is pretty much ANY Zombie monster. Ram this into an ATK position monster to quickly summon any Zombie you need from your deck. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run in 2-3’s, depending on space.

 

Goblin Zombie

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

****

ATK/DEF: 1100/1050

Effect:

When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, send the top card of their Deck to the Graveyard. When this card is sent to the from the field Graveyard, add 1 Zombie-type monster with 1200 or less DEF from your Deck to your hand.

 

A good card to have since it thins the deck and gets you a Zombie to your hand for Zombie Master to discard to summon or simply to summon. Don’t forget that it can mill your opponent’s deck if it inflicts battle dmg. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run in 2’s (semi-limited) or not at all depending on the build.

 

Plaguespreader Zombie

Type(s): Zombie/Effect/Tuner

Attribute: DARK

**

ATK/DEF: 400/200

Effect:

You can return 1 card from your hand to the top of the Deck to Special Summon this card from the Graveyard. If you do, remove this card from play when it is removed from the field.

 

This card is used in many decks as it is an easy lvl 6 synchro, but it’s even better in Zombies, because you can summon it via Zombie Master, synchro, and then use it’s effect for double synchro fun! Great to make sure you draw exactly what you need if you super nuke the field with Sky Scourge Norleras via PoC. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run in 1’s, it’s limited.

 

Il Blud

Type(s): Zombie/Effect/Gemini

Attribute: DARK

******

ATK/DEF: 2100/800

Effect:

This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the Graveyard. While this card is face-up on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it be treated as an Effect Monster with this effect:

● Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 Zombie-Type monster from your hand or from either player's Graveyard. When this card is removed from the field, destroy all Zombie-Type monsters Special Summoned by this effect.

 

This card is debatable as to whether it is good or bad for Zombie decks as some do not like the fact that it is a Gemini monster. Personally, I think it’s a good card. Yeah it takes a normal summon to activate it’s effect, but it can easily be special summoned using Pyramid Turtle, Book of Life, Monster Reborn (or Call of the Haunted next format), or Mezuki and the normal summoned to activate. Also, the turn you Normal Summon it, you get to special summon due to it's effect, so you pretty much have your normal summon. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0-2, depending on preference.

 

Paladin of Cursed Dragon

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: LIGHT

****

ATK/DEF: 1900/1200

Effect:

Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Zombie-Type monster that was destroyed by battle from your opponent’s Graveyard to your side of the field.

 

Summon any Zombie-type destroyed by battle from opponent's grave, well unless you are fighting zombies, which might happen more now, it's effect won't activate, but it's still a great card that is summonable by Z Master's effect. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 2-3 depending on build unless you need space.

 

Malevolent Mech- Goku En

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: LIGHT

******

ATK/DEF: 2400/1400

Effect:

You can Normal Summon this card without Tributing. If you do, this card is sent to the Graveyard during the End Phase if it is the only Zombie-Type monster on the field. When it is sent to the Graveyard by this effect, you take damage equal to it’s ATK.

 

A beatstick for 0 tributes, very nice, but note that it will always be you taking the dmg if it be the only Zombie on the field as it says “you.” “Zombie-Type monster on the field” includes opponents, good with Zombie World. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 2 unless you need space as it is also good for a quick lvl 8 Synchro.

 

Bone Crusher

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK (?, I don’t feel like looking it up)

****

ATK/DEF: 1600/200

Effect:

When this card is Special Summoned from your Graveyard by the effect of a Zombie-Type monster, you can destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card your opponent controls. Destroy this card during the End Phase of the turn if was Special Summoned.

 

Ok card, I’ve never seen it run, but not many people run Zombie where I live. Gives Zombies s/t destruction, always good, but it’s weak and non-perma, which I can understand for effect abuse, but still. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run in 2’s if you are going to use it I guess, but Heavy and MST are usually enough.

 

Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

*******

ATK/DEF: 2400/2000

Effect:

You can Tribute Summon this card in face-up Attack Position by Tributing 1 Zombie-Type monster. When this card destroys a Zombie-Type monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon that monster to your side of the field.

 

Ok in Zombie World builds, meh in any other. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 1 if you must, but there are better choices, such as...

 

Ryu Kokki

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

******

ATK/DEF: 2400/2000

Effect:

If this card battles a Warrior of Spellcaster-Type monster, destroy that monster at the end of the Damage Step.

 

Good sub if you don’t have other powerhouses. This became less powerful when people stopped the Warrior/Spellcaster love but it does stop that pesky Goyo and Colossal. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0-2 if you don’t have Malevolent Mech, but just buy a Zombie Structure deck and you’ll be fine, but could be a good side card.

 

Kasha

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

********

ATK/DEF: ?/1000

Effect:

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except while you control 2 or more face-up Zombie-Type monsters. When this card is Special Summoned, return all other monsters on the field to the Decks and this card's ATK is equal to the number of Zombie-Type monsters returned this way x 1000.

 

Not a bad card for Zombies, but it really needs a deck built around using this card for an OTK. Contrary to common belief, Zombie World does not help this card as the monsters returned via his effect will no longer be considered Zombie once returned, having 4k being it's max ATK. In the end, there are better cards for Zombie decks. Special summon able from the hand only, and searchable via Goblin Zombie.

 

Run 2-3 if the build is dedicated to it, but I would recommend not playing it.

 

Plague Wolf

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

***

ATK/DEF: 1000/1000

Effect:

Once per turn, you can change this card's ATK to twice its original ATK. If you do, destroy it during the End Phase.

 

This card can double it’s atk to 2000 ATK each turn. Sounds Good? Well it isn't, for one it is destroyed at the End Phase. That wastes your Normal Summon, plus if you use pyramid turtle to bring him, you fail at zombies, as there are better options. If you want beatsticks, Use Paladin of the Cursed dragon, at least his effect is usable. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0 .

 

Gernia

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

**

ATK/DEF: 1300/1200

Effect:

If this face-up card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard by an opponent's card effect, Special Summon it during your next Standby Phase.

 

Low stats, weak effect, and outclassed by EVERY zombie out there. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0.

 

Immortal Ruler

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

****

ATK/DEF: 1800/200

Effect:

This card cannot be Special Summoned. You can Tribute this card to add 1 "Zombie World" from your Graveyard to your hand.

 

His effect may seem good, but notice how he cannot be Special summoned. This means that you have to normal summon this card to bring that copy of zombie world form the grave. But ask yourself, is it really worth it? Will you actually need a zombie world from your grave if you use 3? Probably not. Do not use this, there are better cards to get Z World back. Searchable via Goblin Zombie.

 

Run 0.

 

Lich Lord, King of the Underworld

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

****

ATK/DEF: 1800/200

Effect:

If you Tribute Summon this card, the Tribute must be DARK. If this card is Tributed by a card's effect and sent to the Graveyard, it returns to its owner's hand.

 

Remember Gernia? Well his effect is even more restrictive, but his stats are actually ok, but Ryu Kokki does a better job, and that's sad. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0.

 

Necroface

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

****

ATK/DEF: 1200/1800

Effect:

When this card is Normal Summoned, shuffle all removed from play cards into their owner's Decks. This card gains 100 ATK for each of those cards. When this card is removed from play, both players remove from play the top 5 cards of their Deck.

 

Good for returning that used mezuki, but Burial from the Different Dimension does a better job if it is for that purpose. He works well in a deck centered around himself, but not in the average zombie. Searchable via Goblin Zombie and recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Only run 1-2 in a deck dedicated to using this card, otherwise run 0.

 

Red Ogre

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

*******

ATK/DEF: 2800/2100

Effect:

When this card is Normal Summoned, you can send any number of cards from your hand to the Graveyard to return an equal number of cards from the field to their owners' hand.

 

It’s stats are good for it’s lvl, but with 2100 DEF it won’t be recuitable via Pyramid nor searched via Goblin. Even at that, it must be Normal Summoned for it’s effect to activate. In the end, it’s crap. Don’t play it.

 

Run 0.

 

Royal Keeper

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

****

ATK/DEF: 1600/1700

Effect:

Once per turn, you can flip this card into face-down Defense Position. When this card is flipped face-up, it gains 300 ATK and DEF until the end of the turn. (If attacked, this effect resolves after damage calculation.)

 

Outclassed by Paladin of Cursed Dragon, plain and simple, and if you are trying to justify using it in def, the part in () kills that option. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0.

 

Skull Flame

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: FIRE

********

ATK/DEF: 2600/2000

Effect:

Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 "Burning Skull Head" from your hand. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect. You can add 1 "Burning Skull Head" from your Graveyard to your hand instead of conducting your normal draw during your Draw Phase.

 

Only viable in burn builds, but outside of that it is crap being outclassed by Ryu Kokki. It’s lvl also kills it for Synchro builds. Even in a burn build it’s not really that great. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0.

 

Vampire Lord

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

*****

ATK/DEF: 2000/1500

Effect:

Each time this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, declare 1 card type (Monster, Spell, or Trap). Your opponent selects 1 card of that type from his/her Deck and sends it to the Graveyard. Also, when this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard by your opponent's card effect, it is Special Summoned to the field during your next Standby Phase.

 

His effect, while useful, is pretty crappy because you opponent chooses the card. It’s second effect is good, but with it weak ATK it won’t be activated much. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0.

 

Vampire's Curse

Type(s): Zombie/Effect

Attribute: DARK

*****

ATK/DEF: 2000/1500

Effect:

When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can pay 500 Life Points. If you do, Special Summon it during the next turn's Standby Phase. When this card is Special Summoned this way, it gains 500 ATK.

 

Not a bad effect, especially considering his ATK, but the ATK gain effect does not stack, making it a 2500 ATK monster after reviving. Considering, it’s crap and there are better cards to use. Recruitable via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Run 0.

 

SPELLS:

 

Book of Life

Normal Spell

Special Summon 1 Zombie-Type monster from your Graveyard and remove from play 1 monster from your opponent’s Graveyard.

 

Can you say staple? Note that your opponent must have a card in their grave to use it, and that Imperial Iron Wall stops this card. Run 2-3 since Monster Reborn is going to be banned.

(credit to OnSlaUght for reminding me of Reborn's future ban)

 

Call of the Mummy

Normal Spell

Once per turn, if you control no monsters, you can Special Summon 1 Zombie-Type monster from your hand.

 

Generally a dead draw. Run 1 if you are going to use it, but there are better cards.

 

Zombie World

Field Spell

All monsters on the field and in any Graveyard become Zombie-Type monsters. Neither player can Tribute Summon monsters, except Zombie-Type monsters.

 

Great card for Zombie Swarming, or just to stop Monarchs. Run 2-3 in a Zombie World build, but keep 1-2 sided if you have Monarchs in your area.

 

TRAPS:

 

Tutan Mask

Counter Trap

Negate the activation and the effect of a Spell or Trap Card that targets 1 face-up Zombie-Type monster and destroy it.

 

You are probably like "OMG, A ZOMBIE SPECIFIC TRAP, PLAY FTW!11!!12!!" but if you ever did this near me, I would smack you upside the head. First off, the s/t has to target for this to work and almost no cards now-a-days used target: Mirror Force, Bottomless, LV, Torrential, Smashing, etc. Second, it does not stop targeting monster effects, so that right there would kill it. While some s/t do target, Dark Bribe would be a better choice for s/t safety. Trust me, you do not want to run this.

Tutan= 0

(reminded to add by OnSlaUght)

 

 

[spoiler=III. Necromancy and You: Zombie Support]

 

No deck is good without out of theme support, and Zombies are no different.

 

 

MONSTERS:

 

Dark Armed Dragon

Type(s): Dragon/Effect

Attribute: DARK

*******

ATK/DEF: 2800/1000

Effect:

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except when there are exactly 3 DARK attributed monsters in your Graveyard. You can remove 1 DARK monster from your Graveyard to destroy one card on the field.

 

Uh, yeah, pimpness. DAD is a great support, but at 1, that’s really all he can be. Run 1 if space and type of deck allow.

 

Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter

Type(s): Beast/Effect

Attribute: LIGHT

***

ATK/DEF: 200/100

Effect:

FLIP: You can destroy 1 card on the field. Send the top 3 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard.

 

Very good tech. Zombies are weak in boss monsters so it's good to have something to destroy top monsters. Also can be used to destroy s/t and mill a few zombies into the grave. Run 1-2, space considered.

 

Sky Scourge Norleras

Type(s): Fiend/Effect

Attribute: DARK

********

ATK/DEF: 2400/1500

Effect:

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except by removing from play 1 LIGHT Fairy-Type monster and 3 DARK Fiend-Type monsters in your Graveyard. You can pay 1000 Life Points to send all cards on the field and in both players' hands to the Graveyard, then you draw 1 card.

 

Not a bad card, needs a build dedicated to using it’s effect, but it works well in Vayu builds. You will obviously only be using it’s effect via PoC, so do not run unless you have PoC. Easily dumped to grave via Foolish or the cost Z Master’s effect.

 

Run 1-2 in Vayu builds dedicated to it.

 

Phantom of Chaos (PoC)

Type(s): Fiend/Effect

Attribute: DARK

****

ATK/DEF: 0/0

Effect:

Any Battle Damage this monster inflicts to your opponent becomes 0. Once per turn, you can remove from play 1 Effect Monster in your Graveyard. Until the End Phase, this card's name is treated as that monster's name, and it gains that monster's effect(s) and ATK.

 

Once again, the build has to be dedicated to it, but not a bad tech. Allows you to reuse DAD’s effect if it is somehow in the grave for quick destruction and swarm or Norleras in a build dedicated to it.

 

Run 2-3 in dedicated builds, depending on preference.

 

Krebons

Type(s): Psychic/Effect

Attribute: DARK

**

ATK/DEF: 1200/800

Effect:

When this card is selected as an attack target, you can pay 800 Life Points to negate the attack.

 

A must in Zombie Synchro. Allows a lot more synchroing, and a good stall for a turn. Run 1-2, but only if you are using synchros.

 

Psychic Commander

Type(s): Psychic/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

***

ATK/DEF: 1400/1200

Effect:

When a Psychic-Type monster you control battles, during the Damage Step you can pay Life Points in multiples of 100 (max. 500) to have the monster it's battling lose that much ATK and DEF, until the End Phase.

 

Very good in Zombie Synchros, allows for lvl 7 Synchros. Run 1-2, only in Synchro builds.

 

There are more yes, but they will be added later.

 

SPELLS:

 

Allure of Darkness

Normal Spell

Draw 2 cards, then remove from play 1 DARK monster from your hand. If you don’t have any DARK monsters in your hand to remove, send all cards in your hand to the Graveyard.

 

Very, very good. Run in any Zombie deck that allows, so essentially, anything except Light Zombies. Run 2, it’s semied.

 

Burial from a Different Dimension

Quick-Play Spell

Select up to 3 Monster Cards that are removed from play, and return them to their owners' Graveyard.

 

Very good card in or against decks that remove monsters from play or to get a monsters removed by Allure back. An absolute must in Zombie Vayu builds as you can return Vayu to the grave. Run 2-3 in Vayu builds, but it definatly is not a bad side deck material.

 

Card of Safe Return

Continuous Spell

When a monster is Special Summoned to the field from your Graveyard, you can draw 1 card from you Deck.

 

Great card, too bad it's being banned :| so you run 0.

 

Creature swap

Normal Spell

Each player selects 1 monster they control and switches control of those monsters with each other. Those monsters cannot change their battle positions for the rest of this turn.

 

Good card, combos well with a Pyramid Turtle when they have a ATK position monster on their side of the field. Run 1-2, depending on space.

 

Emergency Teleport

Quick-Play Spell

Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower Psychic-Type monster from your hand or Deck. During the End Phase this turn, remove from play that monster.

 

Good sub if you don't have Plaugespreader Zombie, or if you just need more Synchro power. Only run if you psychic monsters, obviously. Run 1, it's limited.

 

Foolish Burial

Normal Spell

Send 1 monster from your Deck to the Graveyard.

 

Depends on the build, but run either 0 or 2 depending on space and other cards considered.

 

My Body as a Shield

Quick-Play Spell

When your opponent activates a card that has the effect that destroys 1 or more monsters on the field, pay 1500 Life Points to negate the activation of the card and destroy it.

 

This little baby will save your butt many a time for a mere 1500 lp and since Solemn is being limited, this and Bribe will be used together to patch up defense. Run 1-2 inconjunction with Bribes to protect your cards, although 1-2 by themselves will stop JD in it's tracks.

 

Might be more, I’ll add if there are.

 

TRAPS:

 

Bottomless Trap Hole

Normal Trap

Activate only when your opponent Summons a monster(s) with 1500 or more ATK. Destroy and remove from play the monster(s).

 

A great card for the deck since Zombies have problems with 2500+ monsters. Run 2-3 esspecially if you are making a more anti-meta deck version of Zombies.

 

Call of the Haunted

Continuous Trap

Select 1 monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position. When this card is removed from the field, destroy the monster. When the monster is destroyed, destroy this card.

 

I personally do not like this card as I have had bad experinces with it, but with Monster Reborn being banned, and the fact that you can use it during your opponent's turn, it's worth a try. Run 1 as it is going to be limited.

 

Note: If the monster is removed from the field, but not destroyed (i.e. synchro, tribute, returned to hand, sent to deck, etc.) Call stays on the field uselessly until destroyed, so be careful. (credit to OnSlaUght)

 

Dark Bribe

Counter Trap

Negate the activation and effect of an opponent's Spell or Trap Card and destroy it. Your opponent draws 1 card.

 

Negates any s/t for a simple draw from your opponent, nice. This will be seeing more play since Solemn is limited. Run 2-3, helps much more than you might think.

 

Solemn Judgment

Counter Trap

Pay half your Life Points. Negate the activation of a Spell Card / Trap Card / Normal Summon / Flip Summon / Special Summon and destroy the Spell Card, Trap Card, or Summoned monster.

 

This has been a 0/3 card for atleast this last format, maybe before that, simply because it is so powerful when played correctly. I would say run 3 if you can get them, but since next ban list it will be limited, it's your choice to run 1 or none since it's preference; however, I personally do not run one as without 2 more after that, the cost is much too high.

 

 

 

[spoiler=IV. The Sound Resonates in these Decayed Bones…]

 

Synchros are the easiest way to overcome the underpowered boss monsters of Zombies. While all of their Zombie Synchros also have the problem of <2500 ATK, cards such as Goyo Guardian, Black Rose Dragon, and Magical Android are also used. Doomkaiser Dragon, as mentioned before, helps the swarm ability of Zombies if Zombie World is on the field, or you just so happen to be fighting someone who uses Zombies.

 

Goyo Guardian

Type(s): Warrior/Synchro/Effect

Attribute: EARTH

******

ATK/DEF: 2800/2000

Effect:

1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon that monster to your side of the field in face-up Defense Position.

 

A staple in every deck that uses Synchros, this card allows you to take a monster destroyed by this card for later use, and even without that it is a tremendous beatstick. The stolen monster is summoned in Defense, but most use it for more synchro power or just to tribute for something so it isn’t that big of a deal. Unfortunatly, it is limited.

 

Run 1.

 

Black Rose Dragon

Type(s): Dragon/Synchro/Effect

Attribute: FIRE

*******

ATK/DEF: 2400/1800

Effect:

1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

When this card is Synchro Summoned, you can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn, you can remove from play 1 Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard to change 1 Defense Position monster your opponent controls to face-up Attack Position, and reduce its ATK to 0 until the End Phase.

 

Another staple in any deck that uses Synchros, this card allows for a quick reset of the field incase your opponent got lucky, or just to set up for Swarming fun. Note that it does destroy itself when it’s first effect is activated as it doesn’t say “except this card” but this shouldn’t worry you as it is used simply to nuke the field. Unfortunatly, it is limited.

 

Run 1.

 

Magical Android

Type(s): Psychic/Synchro/Effect

Attribute: LIGHT

*****

ATK/DEF: 2400/1700

Effect:

1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

During your End Phase, gain 600 Life Points for each face-up Psychic-Type monster you control.

 

A staple among lvl 5 Synchros for it’s good ATK in comparison to it’s lvl with it’s effect being a bonus. This card is unlimited in anyway, but most only run 1 so they have room for other Synchros

 

Run 1.

 

I’ll add more later.

 

 

 

[spoiler=V. The Ritual of Necromancy: How to run your Zombies]

 

Zombies, as mentioned before, are an aggressive archetype known for their overwhelming swarm.

 

Zombies are best played conservatively until you can go for the swarm, sort of like how Blackwings except more from the grave instead of the hand. You start with some defensive plays and keep your opponent from going too far as to dominate, but not enough that they go into complete defense, at least not from the start. When you are fairly certain it is safe to play, you bring out one of the “boss monsters,” whether it be Goku, Goyo, Doomkaiser, etc., so that you can start to take over the field. From there you should take the more aggressive path of taking down their monsters and stopping their counter attempts while taking chunks of their life points until victory. If you see an opening to go for a big play, first consider if it is a necessary play and if you can protect yourself either so you can make the play or incase you end up being thwarted.

 

Stall and burn decks play much more defensively, using Swords of Revealing Light, Nightmare Steel Cage, and other cards that stop their opponent from attacking them. Bone Tower is the card used for mill decks, and with 2 or more on the field, they cannot attack any of them, thereby causing a lock. Mass Driver is a good card for mill decks so you can keep a few monster zones open to special summon Zombies to mill.

 

[spoiler=VI. Conclusion]

 

I hope I’ve helped you understand and learn to play Zombies. They are a fantastic deck type with many different variants and combos with other deck types. I will end with some lists of Zombie deck builds and the general strategy of the deck.

 

 

[spoiler=VII. Infestation of the Decks]

 

Zombie Synchro, DAZ:

 

Monsters: [20]

 

1| Dark Armed Dragon

2| Goblin Zombie

1| Gorz the Emissary of Darkness

1| Il Blud

2| Krebons

2| Mezuki

2| Paladin of Cursed Dragon

1| Psychic Commander

1| Plaguespreader

3| Pyramid Turtle

1| Sangan

3| Zombie Master

 

Spells: [16]

 

2| Allure of Darkness

3| Book of Life

1| Brain Control

1| Creature Swap

1| Emergency Teleport

2| Foolish Burial

1| Heavy Storm

1| Lighting Vortex

1| Mystical Space Typhoon

1| Terraforming

3| Zombie World

 

Traps: [5]

 

2| Bottomless Trap Hole

1| Call of the Haunted

1| Threatening Roar

1| Torrential Tribute

 

Total: 41 cards

 

One of my favorite types of deck: Zombie Synchro is meant to swarm and synchro quickly while protecting itself and stopping your opponent. You’ll find as you play that you will be able to synchro many times in one turn and this is the point to the deck, but be careful not to overextend. Any deck that swarms must be careful of this as it kills itself if it does not. Zombie Worlds are optional but can be helpful. This deck is geared much more on the swarm and synchro kills than control.

 

V-World - Vayu Zombie, DAZ:

 

Monsters: [19]

 

1 - Armageddon Knight

1 - Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind

3 - Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn

2 - Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor

1 - Dark Armed Dragon

2 - Dark Grepher

2 - Goblin Zombie

2 - Mezuki

1 - Plaguespreder Zombie

2 - The Dark Creator

2 - Zombie Master

 

Spells: [18]

 

2 - Allure of Darkness

3 - Book of Life

2 - Burial from a Different Dimension

1 - Brain Control

1 - Card Destruction

1 - D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation

1 - Giant Trunade

1 - Heavy Storm

1 - Mystical Space Typhoon

1 - Reinforcement of the Army

1 - Terraforming

3 - Zombie World

 

Traps: [2]

 

2 - Royal Decree

 

Total: 40 cards

 

Vayu Turbo, but with Zombie support. Works well, I haven't yet figured out a specific strat, but run it like normal Vayu Turbo, using the Zombie support when you can. Goblin allows deck thinning, Mezuki allow me to rev Sirocco or the occasional Synchro, Z Master gets back Grepher and Gale, or more Z Masters for a swarm. Runs smoothly. Zombie World required for this version.

 

Zombie Monarchs, Luxord

Monsters: [21]

3 Caius the Shadow Monarch

3 Raiza the Storm Monarch

 

2 Goblin Zombie

2 Zombie Master

2 Mezuki

2 Pyramid Turtle

1 Plaguespreader Zombie

1 Treeborn Frog

1 Spirit Reaper

1 Sangan

1 Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind

1 Cyber Dragon

1 Ryu Kokki

 

Spells: [12]

 

2 Allure of Darkness

2 Burial from a Different Dimension

2 Book of Life

1 Card Destruction

1 Lightning Vortex

1 Mind Control

1 Brain Control

1 Heavy Storm

1 Mystical Space Typhoon

 

Traps: [7]

 

2 Bottomless Trap Hole

2 Threatening Roar

1 Call of the Haunted

1 Torrential Tribute

1 Trap Dustshoot

 

Extra Deck: [15]

 

1 Psychic Lifetrancer

2 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth

1 Goyo Guardian

1 Colossal Fighter

1 Thought Ruler Archfiend

2 Stardust Dragon

1 Black Rose Dragon

1 Magical Android

1 X-Saber Urbellum

1 Red Dragon Archfiend

1 Blackwing Armor Master

1 Doomkaiser Dragon

1 Light End Dragon

 

Zombie Monarchs: A powerful Zombie deck utilizing the easy swarming powers of Zombies to generate Tribute Fodder and gain card advantage via the Monarchs. A strong deck type and fairly inexpensive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I need more deck lists for other Zombie decks. Some that I am looking for are Light Zombies and Raccoon City but others are welcome.

 

Credit to: EnkoMaun, Zelda_tp_fan, OnSlaUghT

 

Please feel free to offer corrections and additions to the guide, but if it starts to become extensive, please PM me your requests as I do not want to spam this thread.

 

This guide will be altered:

 

Current Version: 1.5

 

Changes:

• [8/18/09]Added more support cards and more advice on each card. Completely rewrote first section. Added quotes around each card description to define it. Planning on adding Synchros soon.
  
• [8/19/09]Added even more cards and added a Synchro section, incomplete, but will be added to. Added more cards to section II. Added OnSlaUghT to the Credit list.
  
• [8/20/09] Added a play section.
  
• [8/26/09] Updated Zombie Synchro.
  
• [8/27/09] Added Zombie Monarchs (and then updated the build) and fixed a minor problem in guide.
  

 

P.S. Incase NONE of you got the video game reference (in which you should be shot) it is from Altered Beast.

[EnkoMaun]

It looks pretty good, pretty good.

 

It's EnkoMaun tho. :D

 

We should be also accepting small additions to the guide from other zombie lovers.

[Sander]

Call of the Mummy sucks, Tutan Mask sucks.

[Crow™]

Cool guide. I need to re:edit my BW guide again so I can post it.

Zombies are cool though.

[Guest PikaPerson01]

God damn you're a horrible deck builder.

[EnkoMaun]

Call of the Mummy sucks' date=' Tutan Mask sucks.

[/quote']

 

That might be correct and all, but the purpose here is to help people build zombies with the rawest resources.

Also note that the guides are not directed to you, it's directed to the noobs, and beginners to the card game, and most of them won't have access to solemns/bribes.

 

Also, call of the mummy, as you can see is at 1, and it is only there if I draw it from the first turn. It doesn't matter much if I draw it later too.

 

EDIT:

God damn you're a horrible deck builder.

It's most probably because where I live, everyone builds horrible decks.

I kick ass where I live.

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

I haven't posted my deck builds yet, just fyi << and EnkoMaun's deck is budget out of 3 Zombie World structure's with a few extra. Considering that, it's not a bad build, it can definatly be made better, but that would stop it from being budget...

[RyanAtlus]

It was a nice read +rep.

Try to get in in the 'Articles' stickied topic.

[Guest PikaPerson01]

I haven't posted my deck builds yet' date=' just fyi << and EnkoMaun's deck is budget out of 3 Zombie World structure's with a few extra. Considering that, it's not a bad build, it can definatly be made better, but that would stop it from being budget...

[/quote']

 

One of your "budget" cards is the 25 dollar PlagueSpreader Zombie. You didn't include the 10 dollar Mezuki.

 

You didn't include Monster Reborn or Brain Control, both commons, in a deck that's meant to excel at picking stuff out of the grave and swarming. (Granted, MR might be harder to find, but Brain Control can be picked up for a quarter just about everywhere.)

 

You included Goblin Zombie, but not Allure of Darkness, despite the fact that both are roughly the same cost, being SE cards.

 

You main Zombie world.

 

You're a horrible deck builder in Zombies. If you didn't build it then you're a poor judge of decks, and should not have put your name on something so disgusting.

[EnkoMaun]

You'd understand why and how I'm doing my "sucky" thing if you knew what I'm going through.

 

Ebay etc. does not ship here to Turkey. So I quit on buying cards online.

 

So what I do is go and buy packs. On a limited budget, since I'm 14.

And because buying a singular pack costs about 20 bucks in TL (the currency), I really have not much to do but save, save and buy big hauls whenever I can.

 

I am terribly sorry if I haven't reached your limits by not getting an allure from the two SE's that I bought.

 

On the Monster Reborn and Brain Control staples, you're completely right, and I just fixed it.

 

And about the Mezuki, I am once again sorry for not reaching your limits by not being able to buy Premium Packs because we didn't f***ing get them.

 

And yes I main Zombie World. It sure feels nice to block the tribute summons of my friends. They aren't that informed about the meta.

 

And once again, I'm not aiming at pro, I'm aiming at BUDGET and CASUAL.

I'm not saying that it's a tourney winner, I'm not saying that I'm awesome at deckbuilding, and hey, I know I suck at deckbuilding because I haven't played YGO for the last 3 years, and just got back on track a few months ago.

 

I built this from my raw resources, which is 3 zombie world decks and some very lucky pack buying, and I fricken' don't care if you like it or not. I just want my reasons heard.

[Aesirson]

My Skull Servant deck would utterly destroy your Zombie deck :D

 

Also, why aren't REZD in the deck?

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

Anyways, stop critisizing the decks and read the actual guide. The decks may not be the best, but they are not the focus of this thread.

[Guest PikaPerson01]

You'd understand why and how I'm doing my "sucky" thing if you knew what I'm going through.

 

B'AWWW less. If you don't have access to cards, don't bother with a terrible deck. If it works at your meta, that's all well and good, but there's only one thing everyone else can measure your deck against, the actual meta, and against the actual meta THIS DECK DOES NOT CUT IT. It might be fine advise for a someone in Turkey trying to make a deck and dueling the same people you do, but it's terrible advise for everyone else.

 

Anyways' date=' stop critisizing the decks and read the actual guide. The decks may not be the best, but they are not the focus of this thread.

[/quote']

 

The guide is based mostly on the cards you listed for the deck, and even then your choices are horrible.

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

The guide is not based on the cards listed in the deck, his is, but mine is completly different. Did you actually read my part of the guide? Because your critisism begs to say you did not.

 

I also like how you are complaining, yet offering nothing to actually improve the guide, thereby bashing, and that helps noone. I understand this may not be the best guide, but I see you doing nothing to improve this guide so that it is better. If you have nothing to say that actually improves the guide, please stop bashing, and if you do offere suggestions, can it be in a way that doesn't make people mad? I am open to suggestions, but not to flaming. I made this guide to help people and to be improved, not to be burned to the ground.

[zelda_tp_fan]

Take the decks down, they only distract from the guide... And they suck.

[Guest PikaPerson01]

The guide is not based on the cards listed in the deck, his is, but mine is completly different. Did you actually read my part of the guide? Because your critisism begs to say you did not.

 

 

Parts 1 and 2:

 

Already ridiculously obvious stuff that anyone with even a basic knowledge of the game knows, not to mention that some of it is rather outdated.

 

Parts 3 and 4:

 

The actual meat of the guide, and pretty much the part I actually gave a damn about, hence why I said the cards you listed were terrible. You give no reason as to why anything is the way it is, other then coming up with generic blanket statements.

 

Example:

This is under debate as to whether or not this is a good card for Zombie decks since it’s only good via Pyramid Turtle.

 

Firstly' date=' who the hell is debating this? You claim to be an authority figure in the field of zombies (as you're the one who created this guide), and yet you can't even figure out is this card is goor or not? Secondly, you seemed to have forgotten that Monster Reborn (Or later on, Call of the Haunted), Book of Life, and Mezuki can all special summon this guy. Not to mention it's searchable my Goblin Zombie, and can be used as fuel for Zombie Master's effect regardless (I mean, once you've already gotten the one Plaguespreader and the one Mezuki.)

 

The entire section reaks of uncertainty, you HONESTLY have no clue what you're talking about, and it's frighteningly obvious.

 

 

I also like how you are complaining, yet offering nothing to actually improve the guide, thereby bashing, and that helps no one. I understand this may not be the best guide, but I see you doing nothing to improve this guide so that it is better

 

I'm not hear to help people improve themselves at the game, because making fun of stupid people who don't know what they're talking about yet claim to be experts is infinetely more fun. I've already covered the most part, you're speaking in generalized blanket statements, you're writing reeks of insecurity like you don't know what you're talking about, and your analysis of the cards boils down to "it's good" and "it's bad". The only way to honestly make this crappy guide work would be for someone to completely do it over from the beginning, and I'm telling you I'm not gonna be the one to do it for two reasons. Number one, I'm lazy and I don't feel like doing all that work right about now. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, I don't feel like letting some guy who has no idea what he's talking about take the credit for what I wrote.

 

If you have nothing to say that actually improves the guide, please stop bashing, and if you do offere suggestions, can it be in a way that doesn't make people mad? I am open to suggestions, but not to flaming. I made this guide to help people and to be improved, not to be burned to the ground.

 

No.

 

I could say something like "Considering how easily searchable Zombie Master is, with Pyramid Turtle, Foolish Burial, AND Goblin Zombie, a number lower then 3 can easily be encouraged, especially for decks that are limited in space", but then we reach the problems we see above. Not to mention that me saying that is just you taking my word for it without doing the damn research to back it up or validate the above claim. For all you know I'm lying.

 

tl;dr- If you want to make a respectable guide, stop being lazy and do the research beforehand.

[OnSlaUghT]

about the book of life thing, you should recommend 3 since monster reborn is banned now

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

@OnSlaUght: Done

 

@Pika:

 

1) Any suggestions given will give credit to the person who gave the suggestion, unless otherwise stated by the person, so if you want to give suggestions as to what to change, I will give you credit. If your changes are so vast as it would become a pain to mention you every single time in the guide, you name will be put in the "Credit to:" area with certain things being labeled. Although I am confused... if you are not here to help people, which I can understand, why do you care what I put in my guide? If you truely did not care about helping people you would not care what I put in my guide.

 

2) I am not claiming to be an expert, I posted that at the beginning of the openning post so I do not understand how I am claiming to be one.

 

3) While I do realize my guide can use a lot of work, I have asked you previously to not offer suggestions in a way that would make people angry. The reason for this is because if you actually want it changed, making people mad is not the way to do it as if they do not like you they will discard anything you say simply to spite you. I do not want to be one of these people as that only creates more contension, something I try to avoid.

 

4) Finally, while I am a considerate person and apoligize for anything I have said or will say to offend you, do not expect me to simply disregard your harsh statements because of that. I am still human and no human likes to be spoken to like they are an idiot, even if they are an idiot, so I urge you to follow my previous paragraph. Anything further that is unneccesarily rude or has nothing to improve this guide will be considered spam, as it would be off topic and have no point, and be reported. This is not meant to intimidate you, only to inform you of what will happen if you continue to post in a pure insulting way.

[OnSlaUghT]

You also forgot to put tutan mask, so you can insult it. Also you should mention that, for call of the haunted if your monster is returned to your hand/deck, used for a synchro/fusion/ritual/tribute/special summon, call of the haunted stays on the field permanently

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

Done and credit given.

[OnSlaUghT]

And Card of Safe Return is going to be banned.

[OnSlaUghT]

Also Paladin is searchable by Goblin Zombie

[Guest PikaPerson01]

If your changes are so vast as it would become a pain to mention you every single time in the guide, you name will be put in the "Credit to:" area with certain things being labeled.

 

Thing is though, the entire guide as I've seen it should be scrapped and replaced with a new one. It's THAT bad.

 

Although I am confused... if you are not here to help people, which I can understand, why do you care what I put in my guide? If you truely did not care about helping people you would not care what I put in my guide.

 

It's mostly a "call people out on being stupid, so other stupider people realize what's going on and figure out they SHOULDN'T read the guide" kind of thing. I can't really explain my thought process here, but I do aim to help SOME people, though just not in the coddling and loving way a kindergarten teacher would. More like an ass kicking, mean spirited foul mouthed 11th grade Chemistry teacher would inspire his students to continue on in... I think I'm rambling here. Whatever.

 

I am not claiming to be an expert, I posted that at the beginning of the openning post so I do not understand how I am claiming to be one.

 

If you don't know what you're doing, then why the hell are you even posting a guide about it? It would be like a random bum off the street attempting to write a guide on advanced theoretical quantum physics. Its just a terrible idea.

 

 

The reason for this is because if you actually want it changed,

 

Woah woah woah! I don't want this thing changed. I merely want to point and laugh at the guy who has no idea what he's doing.

 

Finally, while I am a considerate person and apoligize for anything I have said or will say to offend you, do not expect me to simply disregard your harsh statements because of that. I am still human and no human likes to be spoken to like they are an idiot, even if they are an idiot, so I urge you to follow my previous paragraph.

 

This is the internet. Get over yourself.

 

Anything further that is unneccesarily rude or has nothing to improve this guide will be considered spam, as it would be off topic and have no point, and be reported. This is not meant to intimidate you, only to inform you of what will happen if you continue to post in a pure insulting way.

 

If you don't want harsh criticisms on your work, you should either make them better to be less prone to be criticized harshly, or just refrain from posting them.

[Dark_Armed_Zombie]

Updated, check the original post for changes.

 

Edit: To be honest, I'd put your name on the Credit list Pika, but you might kill me if I did. Although I still disagree with your harsh ways, motivation = good.

[OnSlaUghT]

You should also put Kasha, and how he's a rape combo with zombie world