Difference between revisions of "Gem-Knight"

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'''"Gem-Knight"''', spelled '''"Gemknight"''' (ジェムナイト ''Jemunaito'') in Japan, is an [[archetype]] released in ''[[Duel Terminal - Vylon Descends!!]]''. Their team symbol is a jewel droplet adorned with gold trim and two small arched points with usually the jewel color being respective of the monster or object it is attached to. All Gem-Knights are [[EARTH]], and are [[Pyro]], [[Thunder]], [[Aqua]], or [[Rock]]-[[Type]] (with one exception which is Fairy-Type), which represents their elemental powers. There is always a trio of three Types - Thunder, Aqua, & Pyro, - for each type of monsters, such as [[Normal Monster|Normal]], [[Gemini monster|Gemini]], and [[Fusion Monster]]s.
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'''"Gem-Knight"''', spelled '''"Gemknight"''' (ジェムナイト ''Jemunaito'') in Japan, is an [[archetype]] released in ''[[Duel Terminal - Vylon Descends!!]]''. Their team symbol is a jewel droplet adorned with gold trim and two small, arced points. Its color varies according to the monster or object to which it is attached. All Gem-Knights are [[EARTH]] [[Attribute]], whereas [[Type]] varies between [[Pyro]], [[Thunder]], [[Aqua]], or [[Rock]]-[[Type]] (with one Fairy exception), in keeping with the cardinal elements: fire, wind, water, and earth, respectively. "Gem-Knights" are further subdivided into trios: each [[Type]] includes a [[Normal Monster|Normal]] member, a [[Gemini monster|Gemini]] member, and a [[Fusion Monster]].
  
They are all named after different minerals. Aesthetically, they appear to be a "fusion" of [[Jesse Anderson]]'s "[[Crystal Beast]]s" and [[Jaden Yuki]]'s "[[Elemental HERO]]" cards, possibly as a homage to their friendship in the anime. This is shown on some cards, such as "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]" (a fusion of "[[Crystal Release]]" and "[[Miracle Fusion]]"). While the three [[Normal Monster]]s are shown without weapons, the nine [[Fusion Monster]]s are shown using weapons befitting their stats and effects (or lack thereof): "[[Gem-Knight Aquamarine]]" uses a bladed shield, "[[Gem-Knight Ruby]]" uses a polearm, "[[Gem-Knight Topaz]]" uses twin bladed tonfa, "[[Gem-Knight Amethys]]" wields a shield and a form of thin blade or wand, "[[Gem-Knight Citrine]]" uses a sword, and "[[Gem-Knight Prismaura]]" uses a lance and a shield. "[[Gem-Knight Zirconia]]" has two humongous fists instead of a weapon, referencing its lack of an effect, "[[Gem-Knight Seraphi]]" uses a saber and "[[Gem-Knight Master Dia]]" uses a broadsword with gems enshrined.
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They are all named after different minerals. Aesthetically, they appear to be a synthesis of [[Jesse Anderson]]'s "[[Crystal Beast]]s" and [[Jaden Yuki]]'s "[[Elemental HERO]]" cards, possibly as a homage to their friendship in the anime. This is evidenced in cards such as "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]," whose artwork is clearly a merging of "[[Crystal Release]]" and "[[Miracle Fusion]]." While the three Gem-Knight [[Normal Monster]]s are shown to be unarmed, the nine [[Fusion Monster]]s wield weapons befitting their stats and effects (or lack thereof): "[[Gem-Knight Aquamarine]]" uses a bladed shield; "[[Gem-Knight Ruby]]" uses a polearm; "[[Gem-Knight Topaz]]" uses twin-bladed tonfa; "[[Gem-Knight Amethys]]" carries a shield and what is either a wand or a slim blade; "[[Gem-Knight Citrine]]" uses a sword, and "[[Gem-Knight Prismaura]]" wields a lance and shield. "[[Gem-Knight Zirconia]]," on the other hand, is equipped with gigantic fists seemingly to compensate for its lack of effect, "[[Gem-Knight Seraphi]]" uses a saber, and "[[Gem-Knight Master Dia]]" uses a broadsword embedded with gems.
  
"Gem-Knight" is the first and so far the only archetype which has not just one or two, but FOUR "[[Polymerization]]"-style card for a specific archetype. They are "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]", "[[Particle Fusion]]", "[[Pyroxene Fusion]]", and "[[Doublet Fusion]]". This makes it much easier for "Gem-Knight" archetype to perform Fusions than any other archetypes. "Pyroxene Fusion" and "Doublet Fusion" in particular are '''Trap''' Cards, allowing you to fuse your "Gem-Knight" monsters even during opponent's turn.
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"Gem-Knight" is the first, and so far, the only archetype to boast four "[[Polymerization]]"-styled cards: "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]," "[[Particle Fusion]]," "[[Pyroxene Fusion]]," and "[[Tablet Fusion]]." This allows "Gem-Knight" to perform Fusions with far greater speed and efficacy than any comparable archetype, given that "Pyroxene Fusion" and "Tablet Fusion" in particular are [[Trap Card]]s.
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
A group of knights embedded by the power of gems. Although they value honor above all else and hate useless fighting, against the provocation of the barbaric "[[Laval]]", they finally could not stand it and rose up to protect their friends. However, the "[[Steelswarm]]" started to take over the surface land. So, the Gem-Knights united with the other clans to create a temporary union lead by the "[[Vylon]]s". They obtained [[Gem-Knight Prismaura|new powers]] to fight back against the "Steelswarm". Soon, the union finally defeated the invaders, but conflicts haven't lowered yet; the "Vylons" decided to stop the wars between clans by... exterminating them completely. Later, the "Gem-Knights" teamed up with the other clans again in order to bring an end to the "Vylon's" actions. As a result, they managed to break through the "Vylon's" force by using [[Gem-Knight Pearl|their weakness]] against them. After the "Vylons" disappeared, the union disbanded, and the Gishki, working on their rituals, began invading the regions of "[[Mist Valley]]" for resources and leading a genocide to the "Gusto". Having to value justice above others, the "Gem-Knight" saved some of the [[Daigusto Emeral|remaining "Gustos"]] left. Then, "[[Verz]]" virus started to spread, and in order to support themselves, they prayed for the "[[Sacred]]s", a legend passed down for generations, to descend and help them. Knowing that the "Sacred" may not be strong enough to resist the "Verz" army by themselves, while the "[[Gishki]]" tribe spearheaded by "[[Evigishki Psychelone]]" have also joined the "Verz", the "Gem-Knights" could not stand by and let this potential threat go aside. Using all of their might, the "Gem-Knights" fuse together into their [[Gem-Knight Master Dia|ultimate fusion form]].
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A group of warriors endowed with the power of minerals, the "Gem-Knights" value honor above all else and disapprove of battle for the sake of battle. At the provocation of the barbaric "[[Laval]]s," however, they are forced to take up arms and protect the clans from their wanton destruction. However, the "[[Steelswarm]]" begin to invade the surface land, intending to take over. The Gem-Knights join up with the other clans in a temporary union spearheaded by the "[[Vylon]]s." Along the way, they obtain [[Gem-Knight Prismaura|new powers]] with which to resist the "Steelswarm." Although the "[[Steelswarm]]" are quickly dispatched, conflict is far from over. The "Vylons" decide to exterminate the clans in order to prevent future wars.
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The clans once more band together in order to halt the "[[Vylon]]s," but it is the collaboration between the "Gem-Knights" and "[[Gishki]]" to whom credit for their eventual victory goes: "[[Gem-Knight Pearl]]" is the downfall of the "[[Vylon]]." After the "Vylons" are driven back, the alliances between clans once again dissolve.
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The "[[Gishki]]" immediately resume their invasion of "[[Mist Valley]]," which had been their main objective pre-"-[[Steelswarm]]." In order to obtain resources from the Valley, the "[[Gishki]]" enact a genocide on the "Gusto." The Gem-Knights intervene to [[Daigusto Emeral|rescue the remaining]] "[[Gusto]]"s.
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When the "[[Verz]]" virus begins to spread across the Duel Terminal world, the Gem-Knights join the "[[Gusto]]" in a prayer for the "[[Stellar]]," a legendary band of divine warriors, to aid them. The "[[Stellar]]" may not be strong enough to resist the "Verz" army alone, as the "[[Gishki]]" clan falls to the virus. Knowing this, the "Gem-Knights" fuse into [[Gem-Knight Master Dia|the most powerful Gem-Knight]].
  
 
These are the '''Gem-Knight''' Fusions and their components.
 
These are the '''Gem-Knight''' Fusions and their components.
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==Play style==  
 
==Play style==  
The "Gem-Knights" use a [[Beatdown]] strategy using the Normal "Gem-Knights" and their Fusion Counterparts that can be summoned with the easy to get "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]". The [[Normal Monsters]] can benefit from most of the Normal Monster support cards as well as their own related "[[Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow|Kalut]]-Type" monster - "[[Gem-Merchant]]". They are relatively quick since "[[Gem-Knight Alexandrite]]" and "[[Gem-Armadillo]]" search for the "Gem-Knights" you need from your Deck.
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The "Gem-Knights" employ a rapid [[Fusion]] [[Beatdown]] strategy, accomplished with the use the archetype's four [[Fusion]] Spells/Traps and a wide array of recycling effects. The Gem-Knight's [[Normal Monsters]] benefit from most Normal Monster support cards, as well as "[[Gem-Merchant]]," whose effect resembles that of the "[[Blackwing]] "[[Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow|Kalut the Moon Shadow]]." "[[Gem-Knight Alexandrite]]" and "[[Gem-Armadillo]]" provide excellent search power to facilitate this strategy.
  
Because of the card "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]", which can return itself to your hand at the relatively low cost of a Gem-Knight from your Graveyard, the Deck can also use many [[discard]] effects. Use cards such as "[[Phoenix Wing Wind Blast]]" to remove threats from the field. "[[D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation]]" also enable you to re-Summon the Gem-Knights banished via Gem-Knight Fusion, which can provide materials for another Fusion Summon quickly, or just to swarm the Field with strong monsters. It also can be searched or recycled via "[[Hidden Armory]]".
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The archetype's key card is "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]," which, apart from granting access to its vast arsenal of powerful Fusions, can return itself to the hand at the price of a Gem-Knight banished from the Graveyard. [[Discard]] effects can come in handy: cards such as "[[Phoenix Wing Wind Blast]]" can remove threats from the field, while also loading the Graveyard to pay this cost. "[[D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation]]" can re-Summon the Gem-Knights banished via "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]," essentially rendering the cost moot and restocking the hand with materials for another Fusion Summon.
  
With the release of the "Gem-Knight" [[Gemini monster]], "[[Gem-Knight Amber|Amber]]", "[[Gem-Knight Iolite|Iolite]]", and "[[Gem-Knight Sanyx]]" can be support with Gemini cards such as "[[Gemini Spark]]", "[[Gemini Trap Hole]]" and "[[Supervise]]", making these cards ideal additions. As this archetype has heavy fusion support, it would also be beneficial to include the Gemini-support [[Fusion Monster]] "[[Superalloy Beast Raptinus]]".
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"[[Gem-Knight Amber]]," "[[Gem-Knight Iolite]]," and "[[Gem-Knight Sanyx]]" import the assistance of "[[Gemini]]"-oriented support, such as "[[Gemini Spark]]," "[[Gemini Trap Hole]]," and "[[Supervise]]." As this archetype is built to churn out Fusions en masse, "[[Superalloy Beast Raptinus]]" could be included to make the effects of "[[Gemini]]" "Gem-Knights" live upon hitting the field, without the delay native to "[[Gemini]]" monsters.
  
"[[Future Fusion]]" is also a great card to use in this deck type as it will help pull the fusions out with more ease. Since Gem-Knights have heavy fusion support other cards that might be useful in this sense are; "[[Branch!]]", "[[Centrifugal Field]]" & "[[De-Fusion]]".
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"[[Future Fusion]]" is also a great addition: it can load the Graveyard with fuel for "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]" even if the Fusion Monster is prevented from reaching the field. Other notable fusion support for this deck includes: "[[Branch!]]," "[[Centrifugal Field]]," and "[[De-Fusion]]".
  
With the release of [[Xyz Monster]] and "[[Rescue Rabbit]]", "Gem-Knights" have the ability to quickly pull out Xyz monsters relativity quickly. "Rescue Rabbit" can also help with bringing out the many "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monsters, making the deck quick and powerful, not to mention that Gem-Knight Amber's effect can bring a banished Rabbit back to your hand for further usage.
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The release of both [[Xyz Monster]]s and "[[Rescue Rabbit]]" give "Gem-Knights" another welcome boost. "Rescue Rabbit" can bring out the materials of many "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monsters, and "[[Gem-Knight Amber]]'s" effect can return a banished Rabbit to the hand for further usage.
  
 
==Weakness==
 
==Weakness==
Despite being powerful in terms of both flexibility and speed granted by this archetype's [[Fusion Summon]]ing nature, Gem-Knights are not without their weakness. Similar to [[Evil HERO]] decks, this deck's true strength is also their greatest weakness, which is "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]". The most effective way to cripple this deck is by activating "[[Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell]]" which can render "Gem-Knight Fusion" unusable for the rest of the Duel. "[[Non-Fusion Area]]" can also damaging this deck further, as it can block any other attempts on Fusion Summoning, leading Gem-Knights into severe disadvantage. You can use "[[Seven Tools of the Bandit]]" or "[[Royal Decree]]" to prevent these from happening.
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Despite its speed and flexibility, "Gem-Knights" are not without weaknesses. Like the [[Evil HERO]]es, which rely on "[[Dark Fusion]]" and "[[Dark Calling]]," the "Gem-Knights" depend upon their own Fusion Spells/Traps for advantage. One of the most effective ways to cripple it is to activate a card like "[[Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell]]," which can render its Fusion Spells unusable for the rest of the Duel. "[[Non-Fusion Area]]" can also damage its play-style, blocking all attempts at Fusion Summoning, leaving the deck at a severe disadvantage. Fortunately, these cards are rarely played, but in the event that these or similar  nuisances appear, "[[Seven Tools of the Bandit]]" or "[[Royal Decree]]" are reliable answers.
  
Of course, anti-Special Summon cards such as "[[Archlord Kristya]]" can also shut this deck down. Fortunately, some of the Gem-Knights are also [[Gemini Monsters]], which means you can use "[[Gemini Spark]]" to handle most of the threats. It can also helps for shutting "[[Macro Cosmos]]" or "[[Dimensional Fissure]]" so that they will not disrupt your Fusion Summoning cycle routine further.
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A more typical concern would be anti-Special Summon cards such as "[[Archlord Kristya]]," which are not as easily dealt with once on the field. Due to the [[Gemini Monster]] portion of the archetype, however, support like "[[Gemini Spark]]" can be used to handle threats of this nature. The same applies for cards like "[[Macro Cosmos]]" or "[[Dimensional Fissure]]," so that they will not disrupt the stream of Fusions.
  
Cards such as "[[Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]", "[[Mist Wurm]]" and "[[Neo-Spacian Grand Mole]]" can also get rid of your Gem-Knights Fusion Monsters easily (especially useful for dispatching "[[Gem-Knight Aquamarine]]"). To remedy this, you can use "[[Effect Veiler]]" or "[[Divine Wrath]]".
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Cards such as "[[Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]", "[[Mist Wurm]]" and "[[Neo-Spacian Grand Mole]]" can also get rid of your Gem-Knights Fusion Monsters (especially useful for dispatching "[[Gem-Knight Aquamarine]]"). "[[Effect Veiler]]" or "[[Divine Wrath]]" are readily available responses.
  
Being over-reliant on "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]" also can be troublesome, especially if your hand is filled with Gem-Knight Normal Monsters and you don't have any single Gem-Knight Fusion in your hand. "[[Gem-Turtle]]" can help grabbing Gem-Knight Fusion faster, but some players considered it still too slow. Unfortunately, currently there's no another reliable alternative available yet to solve this problem ("[[Pot of Duality]]" can be used, but not only it will suspend your action for 1 turn, it also doesn't 100% guaranteed). Instead, you can include at least good amount of [[Deck Thinning]] cards (best examples are "[[Thunder Dragon]]" and "[[Volcanic Shell]]") so that you can raise the chance of drawing Gem-Knight Fusion. If you happen to use the two examples mentioned above, you should consider focusing your deck around "[[Gem-Knight Prismaura]]" and "[[Gem-Knight Citrine]]", since "[[Thunder Dragon]]" and "[[Volcanic Shell]]" are [[Thunder]]-type and [[Pyro]]-type, respectively. Another deck thinning strategy is to use [[Lavalval Chain]] to put Gem-Knight Fusion in the grave. [[Summoner Monk]] can help bring Lavalval Chain out quicker, but at the cost of a spell card. It is also susceptible to effect veiler and warning.
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Occasionally, a "Gem-Knight" player's hand may clog up with Normal Monsters in a moment where [[Gem-Knight Fusion]] is nowhere to be found. "[[Gem-Turtle]]" can sometimes provide a remedy, as it retrieves a copy from the Deck and places it in the hand, but some players consider it dangerously slow in a fast-paced meta. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed alternative available yet to solve this problem ("[[Pot of Duality]]" can be used, but not only it will suspend Fusion Summoning for a turn, but it also may not work as intended).
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Proper [[Deck Thinning]] cards can be used to increase the odds of drawing the correct cards; "[[Thunder Dragon]]" and "[[Volcanic Shell]]" are prime candidates for this role. If one or both are utilized, consider focusing the Deck around "[[Gem-Knight Prismaura]]" and "[[Gem-Knight Citrine]]," since "[[Thunder Dragon]]" and "[[Volcanic Shell]]" are [[Thunder]]-type and [[Pyro]]-type, listed as materials on the above-mentioned cards, respectively.
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Another strategy in this vein is using "[[Lavalval Chain]]" to put "[[Gem-Knight Fusion]]" in the Grave. "[[Summoner Monk]]" can quickly put "[[Lavalval Chain]]" on the field at the cost of a Spell Card, but be warned: it is susceptible to cards such as "[[Effect Veiler]]" and "[[Solemn Warning]]."
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
* While seen mostly as a reference to both the "[[Elemental HERO]]" and "[[Crystal Beast]]" [[archetype]]s; this theme can also be seen as a reference to the Power Rangers/Super Sentai series (much like the "Elemental HERO" monsters pay tribute to American comic heroes).
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* While seen mostly as a reference to both the "[[Elemental HERO]]" and "[[Crystal Beast]]" [[archetype]]s, "Gem-Knights" can also reference the Power Rangers/Super Sentai series (much like the "Elemental HERO" monsters pay tribute to American comic heroes).
* It seems there once was a "Gem-Knight Heliolope/Bloodstone", but it was infected by the "[[Verz]]" and became "[[Verz Heliolope]]".
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* It seems there once was a "Gem-Knight Heliolope/Bloodstone," but it was infected by the "[[Verz]]" and became "[[Verz Heliolope]]."
* It's also noticeable that [[Gem-Knights]] are all one attribute ([[earth]]), but many types while [[Elemental Heroes]] are contrary: (most) are all one [[type]] ([[warrior]]) but different attributes.
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* [[Gem-Knights]] are all of one Attribute ([[Earth]], yet have a variety of types, whereas [[Elemental HERO]]es are nearly all of one type ([[Warrior]]) but of different Attributes.
 
{{Archetype navbox}}
 
{{Archetype navbox}}

Revision as of 11:48, 19 March 2012

Gem-Knight
Gem-Knight
Japanese
  • ジェムナイト
  • Jemunaito (romanized)
  • Gemknight (translated)
French
  • Chevalier-Gemmes
German
  • Edelstein-Ritter
Portuguese
  • Cavaleirogema
Spanish
  • Gema-Caballeros
Sets
Lists

"Gem-Knight", spelled "Gemknight" (ジェムナイト Jemunaito) in Japan, is an archetype released in Duel Terminal - Vylon Descends!!. Their team symbol is a jewel droplet adorned with gold trim and two small, arced points. Its color varies according to the monster or object to which it is attached. All Gem-Knights are EARTH Attribute, whereas Type varies between Pyro, Thunder, Aqua, or Rock-Type (with one Fairy exception), in keeping with the cardinal elements: fire, wind, water, and earth, respectively. "Gem-Knights" are further subdivided into trios: each Type includes a Normal member, a Gemini member, and a Fusion Monster.

They are all named after different minerals. Aesthetically, they appear to be a synthesis of Jesse Anderson's "Crystal Beasts" and Jaden Yuki's "Elemental HERO" cards, possibly as a homage to their friendship in the anime. This is evidenced in cards such as "Gem-Knight Fusion," whose artwork is clearly a merging of "Crystal Release" and "Miracle Fusion." While the three Gem-Knight Normal Monsters are shown to be unarmed, the nine Fusion Monsters wield weapons befitting their stats and effects (or lack thereof): "Gem-Knight Aquamarine" uses a bladed shield; "Gem-Knight Ruby" uses a polearm; "Gem-Knight Topaz" uses twin-bladed tonfa; "Gem-Knight Amethys" carries a shield and what is either a wand or a slim blade; "Gem-Knight Citrine" uses a sword, and "Gem-Knight Prismaura" wields a lance and shield. "Gem-Knight Zirconia," on the other hand, is equipped with gigantic fists seemingly to compensate for its lack of effect, "Gem-Knight Seraphi" uses a saber, and "Gem-Knight Master Dia" uses a broadsword embedded with gems.

"Gem-Knight" is the first, and so far, the only archetype to boast four "Polymerization"-styled cards: "Gem-Knight Fusion," "Particle Fusion," "Pyroxene Fusion," and "Tablet Fusion." This allows "Gem-Knight" to perform Fusions with far greater speed and efficacy than any comparable archetype, given that "Pyroxene Fusion" and "Tablet Fusion" in particular are Trap Cards.

Story

A group of warriors endowed with the power of minerals, the "Gem-Knights" value honor above all else and disapprove of battle for the sake of battle. At the provocation of the barbaric "Lavals," however, they are forced to take up arms and protect the clans from their wanton destruction. However, the "Steelswarm" begin to invade the surface land, intending to take over. The Gem-Knights join up with the other clans in a temporary union spearheaded by the "Vylons." Along the way, they obtain new powers with which to resist the "Steelswarm." Although the "Steelswarm" are quickly dispatched, conflict is far from over. The "Vylons" decide to exterminate the clans in order to prevent future wars. The clans once more band together in order to halt the "Vylons," but it is the collaboration between the "Gem-Knights" and "Gishki" to whom credit for their eventual victory goes: "Gem-Knight Pearl" is the downfall of the "Vylon." After the "Vylons" are driven back, the alliances between clans once again dissolve. The "Gishki" immediately resume their invasion of "Mist Valley," which had been their main objective pre-"-Steelswarm." In order to obtain resources from the Valley, the "Gishki" enact a genocide on the "Gusto." The Gem-Knights intervene to rescue the remaining "Gusto"s. When the "Verz" virus begins to spread across the Duel Terminal world, the Gem-Knights join the "Gusto" in a prayer for the "Stellar," a legendary band of divine warriors, to aid them. The "Stellar" may not be strong enough to resist the "Verz" army alone, as the "Gishki" clan falls to the virus. Knowing this, the "Gem-Knights" fuse into the most powerful Gem-Knight.

These are the Gem-Knight Fusions and their components.

Gem-Knight Fusion Fusion Material 1 Fusion Material 2 Fusion Material 3
Gem-Knight Amethys Gem-Knight Aqua-Type
Gem-Knight Citrine Gem-Knight Pyro-Type
Gem-Knight Prismaura Gem-Knight Thunder-Type
Gem-Knight Zirconia Gem-Knight Rock-Type
Gem-Knight Aquamarine Gem-Knight Sapphire Gem-Knight
Gem-Knight Ruby Gem-Knight Garnet Gem-Knight
Gem-Knight Topaz Gem-Knight Tourmaline Gem-Knight
Gem-Knight Seraphi Gem-Knight LIGHT-Attribute
Gem-Knight Master Dia Gem-Knight Gem-Knight Gem-Knight

These are the Gem-Knight cards and the Gem/Creature that they are based off.

Gem-Knight Gemstone/Creature
Gem-Armadillo Armadillo
Gem-Elephant Elephant
Gem-Knight Alexandrite Alexandrite
Gem-Knight Amber Amber
Gem-Knight Amethys Amethyst
Gem-Knight Aquamarine Aquamarine
Gem-Knight Citrine Madeira Citrine
Gem-Knight Crystal Rock Crystals
Gem-Knight Emerald Emerald
Gem-Knight Garnet Garnet
Gem-Knight Iolite Cordierite/Iolite
Gem-Knight Obsidian Obsidian
Gem-Knight Prismaura Prism
Gem-Knight Pearl Pearl
Gem-Knight Ruby Ruby
Gem-Knight Sanyx Sardonyx
Gem-Knight Sapphire Sapphire
Gem-Knight Topaz Topaz
Gem-Knight Tourmaline Yellow Tourmaline
Gem-Knight Zirconia Zirconia
Gem-Knight Lazuli Lapis Lazuli
Gem-Knight Seraphi Seraphinite/Seraphim
Gem-Knight Master Dia Diamond
Gem-Turtle Turtle/Jade
Gem-Merchant Spellcaster
Gem-Knight Fusion, Particle Fusion, Pyroxene Fusion, Doublet Fusion Several Crystals

Play style

The "Gem-Knights" employ a rapid Fusion Beatdown strategy, accomplished with the use the archetype's four Fusion Spells/Traps and a wide array of recycling effects. The Gem-Knight's Normal Monsters benefit from most Normal Monster support cards, as well as "Gem-Merchant," whose effect resembles that of the "Blackwing "Kalut the Moon Shadow." "Gem-Knight Alexandrite" and "Gem-Armadillo" provide excellent search power to facilitate this strategy.

The archetype's key card is "Gem-Knight Fusion," which, apart from granting access to its vast arsenal of powerful Fusions, can return itself to the hand at the price of a Gem-Knight banished from the Graveyard. Discard effects can come in handy: cards such as "Phoenix Wing Wind Blast" can remove threats from the field, while also loading the Graveyard to pay this cost. "D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation" can re-Summon the Gem-Knights banished via "Gem-Knight Fusion," essentially rendering the cost moot and restocking the hand with materials for another Fusion Summon.

"Gem-Knight Amber," "Gem-Knight Iolite," and "Gem-Knight Sanyx" import the assistance of "Gemini"-oriented support, such as "Gemini Spark," "Gemini Trap Hole," and "Supervise." As this archetype is built to churn out Fusions en masse, "Superalloy Beast Raptinus" could be included to make the effects of "Gemini" "Gem-Knights" live upon hitting the field, without the delay native to "Gemini" monsters.

"Future Fusion" is also a great addition: it can load the Graveyard with fuel for "Gem-Knight Fusion" even if the Fusion Monster is prevented from reaching the field. Other notable fusion support for this deck includes: "Branch!," "Centrifugal Field," and "De-Fusion".

The release of both Xyz Monsters and "Rescue Rabbit" give "Gem-Knights" another welcome boost. "Rescue Rabbit" can bring out the materials of many "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monsters, and "Gem-Knight Amber's" effect can return a banished Rabbit to the hand for further usage.

Weakness

Despite its speed and flexibility, "Gem-Knights" are not without weaknesses. Like the Evil HEROes, which rely on "Dark Fusion" and "Dark Calling," the "Gem-Knights" depend upon their own Fusion Spells/Traps for advantage. One of the most effective ways to cripple it is to activate a card like "Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell," which can render its Fusion Spells unusable for the rest of the Duel. "Non-Fusion Area" can also damage its play-style, blocking all attempts at Fusion Summoning, leaving the deck at a severe disadvantage. Fortunately, these cards are rarely played, but in the event that these or similar nuisances appear, "Seven Tools of the Bandit" or "Royal Decree" are reliable answers.

A more typical concern would be anti-Special Summon cards such as "Archlord Kristya," which are not as easily dealt with once on the field. Due to the Gemini Monster portion of the archetype, however, support like "Gemini Spark" can be used to handle threats of this nature. The same applies for cards like "Macro Cosmos" or "Dimensional Fissure," so that they will not disrupt the stream of Fusions.

Cards such as "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier", "Mist Wurm" and "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole" can also get rid of your Gem-Knights Fusion Monsters (especially useful for dispatching "Gem-Knight Aquamarine"). "Effect Veiler" or "Divine Wrath" are readily available responses.

Occasionally, a "Gem-Knight" player's hand may clog up with Normal Monsters in a moment where Gem-Knight Fusion is nowhere to be found. "Gem-Turtle" can sometimes provide a remedy, as it retrieves a copy from the Deck and places it in the hand, but some players consider it dangerously slow in a fast-paced meta. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed alternative available yet to solve this problem ("Pot of Duality" can be used, but not only it will suspend Fusion Summoning for a turn, but it also may not work as intended).

Proper Deck Thinning cards can be used to increase the odds of drawing the correct cards; "Thunder Dragon" and "Volcanic Shell" are prime candidates for this role. If one or both are utilized, consider focusing the Deck around "Gem-Knight Prismaura" and "Gem-Knight Citrine," since "Thunder Dragon" and "Volcanic Shell" are Thunder-type and Pyro-type, listed as materials on the above-mentioned cards, respectively.

Another strategy in this vein is using "Lavalval Chain" to put "Gem-Knight Fusion" in the Grave. "Summoner Monk" can quickly put "Lavalval Chain" on the field at the cost of a Spell Card, but be warned: it is susceptible to cards such as "Effect Veiler" and "Solemn Warning."

Trivia

  • While seen mostly as a reference to both the "Elemental HERO" and "Crystal Beast" archetypes, "Gem-Knights" can also reference the Power Rangers/Super Sentai series (much like the "Elemental HERO" monsters pay tribute to American comic heroes).
  • It seems there once was a "Gem-Knight Heliolope/Bloodstone," but it was infected by the "Verz" and became "Verz Heliolope."
  • Gem-Knights are all of one Attribute (Earth, yet have a variety of types, whereas Elemental HEROes are nearly all of one type (Warrior) but of different Attributes.