Difference between revisions of "Spirit monster"

From Yugipedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(Added a strategy idea.)
m (→‎Recommended cards)
(154 intermediate revisions by 43 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{Redirect|Spirit|the archetype|""Spirit"" (archetype)|the Type|Spirit (Type)}}
 
{{Infobox/Archetype/Start
 
{{Infobox/Archetype/Start
−
| image name          = Gundari-TF05-JP-VG.png
+
    | image name          = LastTurn-TF05-JP-VG-artwork.png
 +
    | image caption        = "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" and "Yamata Dragon" in the artwork of "Last Turn"
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Infobox/Archetype/ExtendedName
 
{{Infobox/Archetype/ExtendedName
−
| kanji                = スピリット
+
    | kanji                = スピリット(モンスター)<ref group=Notes>The parentheses here specify what part is not shown on the cards' [[Type]]/[[Ability]] line.</ref>
−
| romanji              = Supiritto
+
    | romaji              = Supiritto (monsutā)
−
| japanese translated  =  
+
    | japanese translated  =  
−
| english              = Spirit monsters
+
    | english              = Spirit (monster)
−
| french              =  
+
    | french              = (monstre) Spirit
−
| german              = Spirit monster (Geister Monster in the anime)
+
    | german              = Spirit(-Monster) (Geister Monster in the anime)
−
| italian              = Mostro Spirit
+
    | italian              = (mostro) Spirit
−
| korean              = 스피릿
+
    | korean              = 스피릿 (몬스터) ''Seupirit (Monseuteo)''
−
         | portuguese          = Monstro Espírito
+
    | spanish              = (monstruo) Spirit
−
| spanish             = Monstruos Espirtual
+
         | portuguese          = (monstro) Espírito<br/>Formerly: Spirit
−
        | croatian            = Duša
+
        | chinese             = 靈魂(怪獸) ''Línghún (Guàishòu) / Ling4 wan4 (Gwaai3 sau3)''
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Infobox/Yu-Gi-Oh!/Archetype/List
 
{{Infobox/Yu-Gi-Oh!/Archetype/List
−
| sets                =
+
    | sets                =
−
* [[Dark Revelation Volume 1]]
 
−
* [[Dark Crisis]]
 
−
* [[Structure Deck 6: Spellcaster's Judgment]]
 
−
* [[Retro Pack 2]]
 
 
* [[Mythological Age]]
 
* [[Mythological Age]]
 +
* [[Threat of the Dark Demon World]]
 +
* [[Duelist Legacy Volume.5]]
 
* [[Legacy of Darkness]]
 
* [[Legacy of Darkness]]
 +
* [[Pharaonic Guardian]]
 +
* [[Dark Crisis]]
 +
* [[Structure Deck: Zombie Madness]]
 +
* [[Dark Revelation Volume 1]]
 
* [[Dark Beginning 2]]
 
* [[Dark Beginning 2]]
−
* [[Duelist Legacy Volume.5]]
 
−
* [[Mythological Age]]
 
−
* [[Threat of the Dark Demon World]]
 
 
* [[Expert Edition Volume.1]]
 
* [[Expert Edition Volume.1]]
−
* [[Structure Deck 7: Invincible Fortress]]
+
* [[Structure Deck: Spellcaster's Judgment]]
 
* [[Tournament Pack 6]]
 
* [[Tournament Pack 6]]
−
* [[Absolute Powerforce]]
+
* [[Structure Deck: Invincible Fortress]]
−
* [[Hidden Arsenal 4: Trishula's Triumph]]
+
* [[Structure Deck: Revival of the Great Dragon]]
−
* [[Duel Terminal - Charge of the Genex]]
 
 
* [[The Duelist Genesis]]
 
* [[The Duelist Genesis]]
 +
* [[Retro Pack 2]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Charge of the Genex!!]]
 
* [[Extra Pack Volume 2]]
 
* [[Extra Pack Volume 2]]
−
* [[Pharaonic Guardian]]
+
* [[Absolute Powerforce]]
−
* [[Hobby League Participation Cards|Hobby League Participation Cards: Series 7]]
+
* [[Storm of Ragnarok]]
−
* [[Structure Deck 2: Zombie Madness]]
 
−
* [[Photon Shockwave]]
 
−
* [[Structure Deck 13: Revival of the Great Dragon]]
 
 
* [[Duel Terminal - Xyz Startup!!]]
 
* [[Duel Terminal - Xyz Startup!!]]
−
* [[Storm of Ragnarok]]
+
* [[Hidden Arsenal 4: Trishula's Triumph]]
 
* [[Photon Shockwave]]
 
* [[Photon Shockwave]]
 +
* [[Battle Pack: Epic Dawn]]
 +
* [[Hidden Arsenal 6: Omega Xyz]]
 +
* [[Hidden Arsenal 7: Knight of Stars]]
 
* [[Shadow Specters]]
 
* [[Shadow Specters]]
−
| anime                =  
+
* [[Legacy of the Valiant]]
−
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! (second series anime)|Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monster]]s
+
* [[The Dark Illusion]]
−
| list                = List of Spirit monsters
+
* [[Raging Tempest]]
−
| support list        = List of Spirit monster support cards
+
* [[Circuit Break]]
−
| anti-support list    = List of Spirit monster anti-support cards
+
* [[Dawn of Majesty]]
 +
* [[Cyberstorm Access]]
 +
    | anime                =  
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! (anime)|Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX|Yu-Gi-Oh! (Duel Monsters) GX]]
 +
    | list                = List of Spirit monsters
 +
    | support list        = List of Spirit monster support cards
 +
    | anti-support list    = List of Spirit monster anti-support cards
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Infobox/Archetype/End}}
 
{{Infobox/Archetype/End}}
  
−
'''Spirit Monsters''' are characterized by having effects that return them to their owner's hand during the End Phase of turns they are [[Normal Summon]]ed or [[flip]]ped face-up (whether by [[Flip Summon]], surviving battle, or any other method). This would seem to symbolize the monster being "spiritual," in that its physical body on the field is temporary (barring player interventions).
+
'''Spirit monsters''' (スピリットモンスター ''Supiritto monsutā'') are [[Effect Monster]]s with the [[ability]] "Spirit". Usually, they cannot be [[Special Summon]]ed, and have an effect that returns them to the [[hand]] during the [[End Phase]] of the turn they are [[Normal Summon]]ed or [[flip]]ped [[face-up]] (or the turn they are Special Summoned, in case of Spirit monsters that must be Special Summoned). They debuted in ''[[Mythological Age]]'' and first received support in ''[[The Duelist Genesis]]'', almost 7 years later.
  
−
Usual effect text (post-[[Problem-Solving Card Text]]):<br>
+
The designs of most Spirit monsters are based on beings from Eastern mythology, primarily Japanese ones. They all have very similar purple backgrounds, and often feature ''[[wikipedia:Onibi|onibi]]'' lights on their card artworks.
−
''Cannot be [[Special Summoned]]. During the [[End Phase]] of the turn this card is [[Normal Summon]]ed or flipped face-up: [[Return]] it to the [[hand]].''
 
  
−
Spirit Monsters are designated by having "Spirit" in the place where "Effect" would be ([Spellcaster/Spirit] instead of [Spellcaster/Effect]). They are the second subset of [[Effect Monster]]s to have this indicator, the first being [[Toon Monster]]s. (The [[Flip Effect Monster]]s, which were the first subset of Effect Monsters, had "FLIP:" at the beginning of their effects rather than an indicator).
+
There are no [[archetype]]s focused on Spirit monsters, but the [[Shinobird]] and [[Martial Art Spirit]] [[series]] do. While most Spirit monsters are not members of an archetype, a few Spirit monsters belong to the "[[Ice Barrier]]" ("[[Sacred Spirit of the Ice Barrier]]") and "[[Gishki]]" ("[[Gishki Natalia]]" and "[[Gishki Emilia|Emilia]]") archetypes, both of which exist in the [[Duel Terminal]] card storyline; these Spirit monsters are not based on mythological figures, but instead represent revived spirits of deceased characters in their storyline.
  
−
The original run of Spirit monsters could not be Special Summoned. However, some new Spirit monsters starting with ''[[The Duelist Genesis]]'' have been released that can be Special Summoned for a cost.
+
==Characteristics==
 +
===Shared effects===
 +
Most Spirit monsters share the following two effects:
 +
* Cannot be Special Summoned.
 +
* Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card was Normal Summoned or flipped face-up this turn: Return it to the hand.
  
−
Spirit monsters often have effects that would be used when they were Summoned, or had combat-based effects but would be vulnerable due to low [[ATK]], making the returning to hand ability a boon. Examples of the former include "[[Tsukuyomi]]" and "[[Maharaghi]]", and examples of the latter include "[[Yata-Garasu]]" and "[[Inaba White Rabbit]]".
+
The effect to return to the hand during the End Phase only activates during the turn they are Normal Summoned or flipped face-up. If they do not return to the hand in that End Phase (such as due to "[[Dimensionhole]]" or "[[Forbidden Chalice]]"), this effect does not activate in subsequent turns. If a Spirit monster with this effect was [[Special Summon]]ed face-up (which would usually require an effect that [[Ignoring the Summoning conditions|ignores the Summoning conditions]]), then this effect does not activate, as it was not Normal Summoned or flipped face-up.
  
−
==Playing style==
+
These effects are not universal among all Spirit monsters. Notable exceptions include:
 +
* The [[Martial Art Spirit]]s can be [[Special Summon]]ed. They return to the hand during the End Phase of the turn they were Normal Summoned or flipped face-up, like most Spirit monsters.
 +
* "[[Yamato-no-Kami]]", "[[Konohanasakuya]]", and the [[Shinobird]] Ritual Monsters cannot be Normal Summoned/Set; they must be Special Summoned by their own Summoning procedure or [[Ritual Summon]]. They return to the hand during the End Phase of the turn they were Special Summoned.
 +
* "[[Amaterasu]]" cannot be Normal or Special Summoned; it must be [[Normal Set]], and it still returns itself to hand during the End Phase of the turn it is flipped up.
  
−
Spirit monsters can only remain on the field temporarily (unless they are face-down during the End Phase they would be returned or removed from the field temporarily during the the same time), and thus their controllers run into a major problem of maintaining field presence, but many Spirit monsters have devastating special effects to make up for this deficiency. "[[Mirror of Yata]]" and "[[Izanagi]]" keep the spirits on the field permanently or until they are removed, making these cards a must for any Spirit deck. "[[Spiritual Energy Settle Machine]]" also does this, but it costs a discard per turn. Other ways to make up for the returning to hand is to make your opponent's monsters return to their hand whenever a Spirit does, such as with "[[Spirit's Invitation]]", or to gain Life Points whenever this happens, such as with "[[Spring of Rebirth]]".
+
==Design==
 +
Most Spirit monsters are based on specific beings from Oriental mythology, which includes both Japanese [[wikipedia:Yōkai|Yōkai]] and various other Asian folklore. The only Spirit monsters not specifically based on Oriental mythology are the [[Martial Art Spirit]]s, and the Spirit monsters belonging to the [[Duel Terminal]] storyline. The [[Shinobird]] [[series]] is, as a whole, based on the story of the ''[[wikipedia:Tanabata|Tanabata]]''.
  
−
In addition, there is a '''loophole''' with Spirit monsters that lets them stay on the field regardless of their self-bounce effect. The exact text on Spirit monster cards states they must return to their owner's hand "''during the End Phase of the turn [they are] Normal Summoned or flipped face-up''". Therefore, if you can get them to stay on the field past the End Phase, you don't have to worry about them returning to your hand. For instance, a "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" monster equipped with "Mirror of Yata" who then had its Mirror destroyed (e.g. by "[[Heavy Storm]]" or "[[Mystical Space Typhoon]]") would stay on the field the subsequent turns. Another card that can help bypass the common effect of Spirit monsters that returns them to the hand is "[[Future Visions]]". When Spirit monsters are Normal Summoned, and afterward banished by the card, the End Phase would have already passed when they return so they can no longer return to the hand.
+
Most of these Spirit monsters' Japanese names are written in [[wikipedia:Kanji|kanji]] with [[wikipedia:Furigana|furigana]] written in [[wikipedia:Katakana|katakana]]; this is a reference to how Japanese orthography commonly writes the names of major Japanese ''kami'' in katakana.
  
−
A considerable feature on a Spirit Deck is it ability of increase its owner's Life Points, by using cards like "[[Orb of Yasaka]]", "[[Fushi No Tori]]", "Spring of Rebirth", which partly compensates the lack of Field presence caused by the Spirit Monsters' bounce.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
 +
|+ {{nowrap|Mythological Spirit monsters}}
 +
! Spirit monster !! Origin
 +
|-
 +
| [[Konohanasakuya]] || [[wikipedia:Konohanasakuya-hime|Konohanasakuya-hime]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Amaterasu]] || [[wikipedia:Amaterasu|Amaterasu]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi]] || [[wikipedia:Kagu-Tsuchi|Kagutsuchi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Yamata Dragon]] || [[wikipedia:Yamata no Orochi|Yamata no Orochi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Dark Dust Spirit]] || [[wikipedia:Shinigami|Shinigami]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Yamato-no-Kami]] || [[wikipedia:Susanoo|Susanoo]] and the heads of [[wikipedia:Yamata no Orochi|Yamata no Orochi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Fenghuang]] || [[wikipedia:Fenghuang|Fenghuang]] or "Hou-Ou"
 +
|-
 +
| [[Great Long Nose]] || [[wikipedia:Tengu|Red Nose Tengu]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Susa Soldier]] || [[wikipedia:Susanoo|Susanoo]] and [[wikipedia:Kusanagi|Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Yaksha]] || [[wikipedia:Yaksha|Yaksha]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Rasetsu]] || [[wikipedia:Rakshasa|Rakshasa]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Amano-Iwato]] || [[wikipedia:Amano-Iwato|Ama no Iwato]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Hebo, Lord of the River]] || [[wikipedia:Kappa|Kappa]] or [[wikipedia:Hebo|Hebo]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Asura Priest]] || [[wikipedia:Asura|Asura]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Maharaghi]] || [[wikipedia:Dogū|Shakoukidoguu]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Fushi No Tori]] || [[wikipedia:Phoenix|Phoenix]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Izanami]] || [[wikipedia:Izanami|Izanami]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Tsukuyomi]] || [[wikipedia:Tsukuyomi|Tsukuyomi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Gundari]] || [[wikipedia:Kuṇḍali|Kuṇḍali]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Aratama]], [[Nikitama]], and [[Sakitama]] || [[wikipedia:Mitama|Mitama]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Inaba White Rabbit]] || [[wikipedia:Hare_of_Inaba|Hare of Inaba]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Otohime]] || [[wikipedia:Oto-hime|Oto-hime]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Yata-Garasu]] || [[wikipedia:Three-legged crow|Three-legged crow]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Kinka-byo]] || [[wikipedia:bakeneko|Bakeneko]]
 +
|}
  
−
Two of the strongest Spirit monsters ("Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" and "Yamata Dragon") focus on maintaining a significant hand advantage over the opponent, and when combined with "Spiritual Energy Settle Machine" or other effects like "[[Dimensionhole]]" that allow them to remain on the field, they can easily turn the tide of any duel in their owner's favor. Though it wasn't an option in the past, there is currently enough support for decks entirely themed around Spirit monsters to be viable. Because Spirit monsters return to the player's hand, the player runs the risk of having too many cards during the End Phase, forcing a discard, so "[[Infinite Cards]]" is an effective way to counter this problem. Cards like "Exchange", "Creature Swap", and "[[Mystic Box]]" are staples.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"  
 +
|+ {{nowrap|Spirit support}}
 +
! Support card !! Origin
 +
|-
 +
| [[Izanagi]] || [[wikipedia:Izanagi|Izanagi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mirror of Yata]] || [[wikipedia:Yata no Kagami|Yata no Kagami]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sword of Kusanagi]] || [[wikipedia:Kusanagi no Tsurugi|Kusanagi no Tsurugi]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Orb of Yasaka]] || [[wikipedia:Yasakani no Magatama|Yasakani no Magatama]]
 +
|}
  
−
A commonly used card with Spirits is "[[Mausoleum of the Emperor]]", which allows users to pay a life point cost to get high-level Spirit monsters out without tribute. [[Trap Monster]]s are also often used either as tributes or as a method of maintaining a field defense when the Spirits leave the field. "[[Kaiser Colosseum]]" is another decent card to maintain field advantage when "Izanagi" or a Spirit Monster equipped with "Mirror of Yata" is on the field. Another way of easing the Normal Summon of a high-level Spirit Monster is by using "[[Star Blast]]" or Monsters like "[[Totem Dragon]]" or "[[Flame Ruler]]".
+
==Playing style==
  
−
Another Field Spell Card that may help this Deck is "[[Summon Breaker]]"; once Spirit Monsters do not have good swarming capabilities, this card will not harm so much its user, while will stall many Decks, like "[[Six Samurai]]", "[[Madolche]]", "[[Mermail]]" and many other ones that perform several Summons in a turn. If your opponent doesn't want to miss the chance of attacking you, he/she will have to change his/her strategy and perform the Summons during the Main Phase 2.
+
Spirit monsters, as an individual Spirit-focused deck, are focused on overcoming their negative self-restrictions, and utilizing Spirit support cards to bring out powerful individual Spirit monsters and use their strong effects in the one turn they stay on the field. Due to their Main Deck nature and Special Summoning restriction, Spirit-focused Decks are primarily focused on [[Normal Summon|Normal]] and [[Tribute Summon]]ing; however, Spirit Decks focused on the [[Shinobird]] Ritual Spirit boss monsters focus on [[Ritual Summon]]ing instead.
  
−
Another way to make Level 5 and higher Spirit monsters more easily able to be used is to use the monster "[[Level Eater]]". After you Normal Summon the Spirit, you can flood the field with "Level Eaters" and due to the Spirit monster returning to the hand, their Level will be reset. This makes the "Level Eaters" great to use on the next turn for Tributing the Spirit monster back. On top of that, this makes [[Xyz Summon]]ing possible easily in a Spirit monster Deck and also frustrates your opponent when you combine this combo with "[[Dark Dust Spirit]]" and "[[Light of Intervention]]".
+
While Spirit monsters can be played as staple monsters in historical Decks due to having relatively strong effects that made up for their negative effects (relative to their contemporaries), most Spirit monsters have become obsolete as the metagame progressed.
  
−
During your first turn, you could set a "Legacy Of Yata Garasu". Maintain the field by using a general strategy until your next turn. Provided that you have a "[[Creature Swap]]" and a Spirit Monster in your hand, you can summon the Spirit Monster and activate "[[Creature Swap]]" to take control of an opponent's Monster, give control of the Spirit Monster to your opponent, and then activate "[[Legacy of Yata-Garasu]]" to draw 2 cards. During the End Phase, the Spirit Monster returns to your hand, leaving your opponent's field emptier and yours fuller, and your hand refilled. This Deck is good against [[Beatdown Deck]].
+
Spirit monsters have a wide variety of effects. Key Spirit monsters that provide consistency include "[[Aratama]]", a monster searcher, "[[Nikitama]]" and "[[Sakitama]]", who grant extra Normal Summons to Spirits, and "[[Konohanasakuya]]", a Special Summon extender with a GY effect to let a Spirit monster stay on the field (by preventing its return-to-hand effect from activating).  
  
−
"[[Forbidden Chalice]]" can be very useful, as it can negate the Bounce effect of the Spirit Monsters and keep them on the field. Use this card after you used their main effect, like after attacking with "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" or after destroying a Spell/Trap Card with "[[Yamato-no-Kami]]". The usage of this card is more compensative with high-level Monsters, such as "[[Great Long Nose]]", "Yamata Dragon", etc, or with that ones whose effects don't activate upon their Normal/Flip Summon, such as "[[Asura Priest]]" or "Fushi No Tori".
+
Major Spirit boss monsters include the following:
  
−
Another card that can have the Spirit Monsters keeping on the Field is "[[D.D. Sprite]]" and once it is a Tuner Monster, it can give the Deck more flexibility, allowing you to perform Synchro Summons. Some remarkable Synchro Monsters are
+
* "[[Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi]]" empties the opponent's entire hand before their Draw Phase if it inflicts battle damage.
−
* "[[Ancient Sacred Wyvern]]"
+
* "[[Yamata Dragon]]" fills its controller's hand with up to 5 cards if it inflicts battle damage.
−
* "[[Black Rose Dragon]]" ("D.D. Sprite" + "Izanagi" or "Yamato-no-Kami")
+
* "[[Dark Dust Spirit]]" destroys all other face-up monsters when Normal Summoned.
−
* "[[Giganticastle]]" (+ "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" or 2 Level 4).
+
* "[[Fenghuang]]" destroys all of the opponent's Set Spell/Traps when Normal Summoned.
−
"Ancient Sacred Wyvern" is specially interesting, since most of the times the Deck has cards that increase your Life Points ("Spring of Rebirth", "Orb of Yasaka", "Fushi No Tori", etc), allowing you to use this Synchro Monster at its maximum potential. <br> Some other Extra Deck options to mention include
+
* "[[Amaterasu]]", which can only be [[Normal Set|Set]], will [[Banish]] every card on the field other than itself if it flips face-up.
−
* "[[Daigusto Emeral]]" ''(to recycle Spirit Monsters, once they are virtually useless in the Graveyard)''
+
* "[[Amano-Iwato]]", which prevents all non-Spirit monsters from activating their effects. It is arguably the most powerful Spirit boss monster, as it can be easily summoned, and provides a strong continuous lockdown effect, providing real field presence in the opponent's turn if the player manages to have "Amano-Iwato" stay on the field.
−
* "[[Lavalval Chain]]"
 
−
* "[[Evilswarm Ouroboros]]"
 
−
* "[[Constellar Ptolemy M7]]"
 
−
* "[[Photon Strike Bounzer]]"
 
−
* "[[Gauntlet Launcher]]"
 
−
* "[[Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack]]", that is a little unlikely to Xyz Summon, being "[[Tragoedia]]" the most capable Monster to do it, due to its effects.
 
  
−
Some non-Spirit Monsters that may help a Spirit Deck include "[[Neo-Spacian Grand Mole]]" or "[[Gorz the Emissary of Darkness]]", "Tragoedia" and "[[Battle Fader]]", once, due to the Spirit Monsters returning to the hand, the player might be open for a Direct Attack. You can use the "Battle Fader" or the "Emissary of Darkness Token" to Tribute Summon a Spirit Monster and use "Tragoedia" to take control of a opponent's Monster by discarding a Spirit Monster that can be later retrieved by "[[Izanami]]" or that can be banished to Special Summon "Yamato-no-Kami".
+
The Ritual Spirit monsters "[[Shinobaron Peacock]]" and "[[Shinobaroness Peacock]]", despite their status as Ritual monsters, are arguably the most accessible, powerful, and relevant Spirit monsters in the game. Being Ritual monsters, they have access to large amounts of Ritual support, including the powerful "[[Pre-Preparation of Rites]]". Their Ritual Spell, "[[Shinobird's Calling]]", can use GY Spirit monsters as resources for their Ritual Summon. Once Summoned, they can both remove up to 3 opposing cards and Special Summon a Spirit monster [[ignoring its Summoning conditions]] (typically "[[Amano-Iwato]]", which will stay on the field), and after they return to the hand in the End Phase, will float into two tokens. These two Ritual monsters are easily accessible and instantly provide removal and board presence upon hitting the field, making them extremely effective Spirit boss monsters.
  
−
Their effects range from [[Beatdown]], Direct Attack, hand control, and even field control, making a dedicated Spirit deck very flexible regardless of what the opponent has. However, due to their habit of returning to the hand, cards that make you discard will be a serious hamper, as Spirit monsters in general are rather useless in the Graveyard. Cards that recover discarded cards are thus suggested, but not recommended as Spirit monsters do not have much in the way of deck thinning (but now "[[Aratama]]" can help with this). Once the problem of field presence is resolved, Spirit Monsters can be quite annoying as well as devastating, since it is hard for the opponent to destroy them, and even with cards that forces discards, it is hard to target a particular Spirit Monster (unless something like "[[Card Destruction]]" is used). This is particularly true for "[[Inaba White Rabbit]]", as it can attack directly while avoiding opponents' counter-attacks.
+
In terms of supportive Spell/Traps, Spirits lack efficient consistency Spell/Traps, and mostly have obsolete battle-focused Spell/Traps or conditional card effects that remove their self-return effects. Two Spirit support Spell/Traps that still have some relevancy are "[[Shinobird Power Spot]]", which provides stat boosts and conditional searches, and "[[Shinobird Salvation]]", which destroys an opposing card when a Spirit monster returns to the hand.
  
 +
===Recommended cards===
  
−
==Weaknesses==
+
{{Decklist|Recommended cards
 +
<!-- This is not an exact Decklist. Do not add multiples or staples.-->
  
−
The main weaknesses of the Spirit Monster are the fact that they can't stay on the Field for long and can't be Special Summoned (except "Yamato-No-Kami"), which make them have no swarming capabilities. Once most of the times the player cannot maintain Field Advantage, this Deck is susceptible to Direct Attacks, so Beatdown and Aggro Decks, like "Six Samurai", "[[Dark World]]", "Madolche", "[[Dragon Ruler]]", "[[Spellbook]]", etc are good against this deck. <br> ''Note: avoid using "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" against a "Dark World" or "[[Infernity]]" deck, once discarding your opponent's entire hand will highly probably help him/her rather than harming.'' <br> <br>
+
|effect monsters =
−
[[Stall Decks]] are the main threat to this deck, since it is already slow due to the inability of swarming the Field and to the Spirits return to the hand during the End Phase, therefore summoning and attacking with monsters like "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" or "Yamata Dragon" are actions that cannot be wasted; cards like "[[Vengeful Bog Spirit]]", "[[Level Limit - Area B]]", "[[Threatening Roar]]", "[[Gravity Bind]]", "[[Chain Energy]]" and "[[Skill Drain]]" can mean trouble. <br> <br>
+
* [[Battle Fader]]
−
Another cards that can damage this deck include cards like "[[D.D. Designator]]" and "[[Mind Crush]]", since the player's hand will be exposed due to the bouncing effects of the Spirit Monsters.<br>"[[Rivalry of Warlords]]" and "[[Gozen Match]]" can slow this deck down, since there are Spirit Monsters of different Types and all Attributes. <br> Beware of "[[Legacy of Yata-Garasu]]".
+
* [[Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning]]
−
 
+
* [[Electromagnetic Turtle]]
−
: ''See also [[Card Rulings:Spirit monster]]''
+
* [[Speedroid Menko]]
−
 
 
−
==Example==
 
−
[[File:AsuraPriest-BP01-EN-C-1E.png|center|360px]]
 
  
−
{{Decklist|Recommended Cards
+
|spirit monsters =
−
|color=
+
* [[Amano-Iwato]]
−
|color2=
+
* [[Amaterasu]]
−
|monsters =
 
−
<!-- This is not an exact Decklist. Do not add multiples or staples.-->
 
 
* [[Aratama]]
 
* [[Aratama]]
 
* [[Asura Priest]]
 
* [[Asura Priest]]
 +
* [[Dark Dust Spirit]]
 +
* [[Fenghuang]]
 +
* [[Hebo, Lord of the River]]
 +
* [[Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi]]
 +
* [[Izanagi]]
 
* [[Izanami]]
 
* [[Izanami]]
−
* [[Rakshasa]]
+
* [[Kinka-byo]]
 +
* [[Nikitama]]
 +
* [[Rasetsu]]
 +
* [[Sakitama]]
 +
* [[Shinobird Crane]]
 
* [[Tsukuyomi]]
 
* [[Tsukuyomi]]
 +
* [[Tsumuha-Kutsunagi the Lord of Swords]]
 
* [[Yaksha]]
 
* [[Yaksha]]
−
* [[Great Long Nose]]
 
−
* [[Fenghuang]]
 
−
* [[Dark Dust Spirit]]
 
 
* [[Yamata Dragon]]
 
* [[Yamata Dragon]]
−
* [[Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi]]
 
 
* [[Yamato-no-Kami]]
 
* [[Yamato-no-Kami]]
−
* [[Izanagi]]
+
* [[Yata-Garasu]]
−
* [[Battle Fader]]
+
 
 +
|tuner monsters =
 
* [[D.D. Sprite]]
 
* [[D.D. Sprite]]
−
* [[Level Eater]]
+
 
−
* [[Gorz the Emissary of Darkness]]
+
|pendulum monsters =
−
* [[Tragoedia]]
+
* [[Disablaster the Matchless Turret]]
 +
 
 +
|ritual monsters =
 +
* [[Shinobaron Peacock]]
 +
* [[Shinobaroness Peacock]]
 +
 
 
|synchro monsters =
 
|synchro monsters =
 
* [[Ancient Sacred Wyvern]]
 
* [[Ancient Sacred Wyvern]]
−
* [[Giganticastle]]
+
 
 
|xyz monsters =
 
|xyz monsters =
−
* [[Daigusto Emeral]]
+
* [[Constellar Ptolemy M7]]
−
* [[Lavalval Chain]]
 
−
* [[Evilswarm Ouroboros]]
 
 
* [[Gauntlet Launcher]]
 
* [[Gauntlet Launcher]]
−
* [[Constellar Ptolemy M7]]
 
 
* [[Photon Strike Bounzer]]
 
* [[Photon Strike Bounzer]]
−
* [[Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack]]
 
  
−
|spells =
+
|normal spells =
−
<!-- This is not an exact Decklist. Do not add multiples or staples.-->
+
* [[Creature Swap]]
 +
* [[Mystic Box]]
 +
* [[Soul Exchange]]
 +
 
 +
|equip spells =
 +
* [[Mirror of Yata]]
 +
* [[Orb of Yasaka]]
 
* [[Sword of Kusanagi]]
 
* [[Sword of Kusanagi]]
−
* [[Orb of Yasaka]]
 
  
−
* [[Mirror of Yata]]
+
|ritual spells =
 +
* [[Shinobird's Calling]]
 +
 
 +
|continuous spells =
 
* [[Spring of Rebirth]]
 
* [[Spring of Rebirth]]
−
* [[Creature Swap]]
+
 
−
* [[Mystic Box]]
+
|quick-play spells =
−
* [[Dimensionhole]]
 
−
* [[Future Visions]]
 
−
* [[Mausoleum of the Emperor]]
 
−
* [[Double Summon]]
 
−
* [[Star Blast]]
 
−
* [[Exchange]]
 
−
* [[Pot of Duality]]
 
−
* [[Soul Exchange]]
 
 
* [[Forbidden Chalice]]
 
* [[Forbidden Chalice]]
−
* [[Burial from a Different Dimension]] ''(To retrieve Monsters who were banished to Summon "Yamato-no-Kami" and "Izanagi")
+
* [[The Monarchs Stormforth]]
  
−
|traps =
+
|normal traps =
−
<!-- This is not an exact Decklist. Do not add multiples or staples.-->
+
* [[Legacy of Yata-Garasu]] (Combine with "Creature Swap", "Mystic Box", or "Hebo, Lord of the River")
−
* [[Legacy of Yata-Garasu]] (Combine with "Creature Swap" or "Mystic Box")
+
* [[Soul Transition]]
 +
* [[The Golden Apples]]
 +
 
 +
|continuous traps =
 +
* [[Metal Reflect Slime]]
 +
* [[Shinobird Salvation]]
 
* [[Spirit's Invitation]]
 
* [[Spirit's Invitation]]
−
* [[Begone, Knave!]]
+
* [[There Can Be Only One]]
−
* [[Compulsory Evacuation Device]]
+
}}
−
* [[Metal Reflect Slime]]
+
 
−
* [[The Golden Apples]]
+
===Weaknesses===
−
* [[Ultimate Offering]] ''(Traditional Format, only)''
+
* Despite having several strong boss monsters, the lack of consistency support for Spirit monsters, and their inability to swarm the field for combo plays, still makes it difficult to quickly summon Spirit boss monsters. Most Spirit decks thus play extremely slowly, and their plays can be easily disrupted.
 +
* Because Spirit monsters have return to the hand during the End Phase, Spirit Decks have very little field-staying power, leaving the player's board wide open to the opponent's attacks.
 +
* "[[Rivalry of Warlords]]" and "[[Gozen Match]]" can slow this deck down, since Spirit monster Decks typically uses Spirits of different Types and Attributes.
 +
 
 +
==Examples==
 +
{{Show card image gallery
 +
| Amaterasu | Effect Spirit Monster
 +
| Shinobaron Peacock | Ritual Spirit Monster
 +
| Kuro-Obi Karate Spirit | Pendulum Spirit Monster
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==In the anime==
 +
In the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! (anime)|Yu-Gi-Oh!]]'' anime, in episodes [[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Episode 117|117]] and [[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Episode 118|118]], [[Noah Kaiba]] used Spirit monsters in his duel against [[Yami Yugi]]. According to him, the Spirit monsters were created by [[Maximillion Pegasus]] when he was traveling to Eastern Asia and drew inspiration from the religions and mythologies from that region.
 +
 +
In ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]'' and ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V]]'', "Asura Priest" and "Dark Dust Spirit" had cameo appearances, in episodes [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX - Episode 111|111]] and [[Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V - Episode 021|21]], respectively.
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
  
−
* Many of the Spirit monsters' designs are based on icons from Japanese mythology and they all have very similar backgrounds, supposedly of the Spirit World. Their OCG names are given in [[Wikipedia:Kanji|kanji]], but the [[Wikipedia:Furigana|furigana]] would be given in [[Wikipedia:Katakana|katakana]] which normally would indicate a foreign-language word. These themes would also tie into the anime and manga's story; [[Maximillion Pegasus]], the creator of Duel Monsters, would not only have lifted specific cards of his game from Egyptian legends and his love of American cartoons, but would have drawn inspiration from the religions of Eastern Asia to create the Spirit monster type, after having extensively traveled in the continent.
+
* All [[Pendulum Monster|Pendulum]] Spirit Monsters in the game are part of the "[[Martial Art Spirit]]" series.
 +
** They are the only Spirit Monsters that can be Special Summoned under any given circumstances, in which case it does not trigger their effect that returns them to the hand.
 +
 
 +
* The Spirit monster "[[Yata-Garasu]]" is infamous for [[Yata-Garasu Lockdown|its complete lockdown]] of the opponent's hand when combined with "[[Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End]]"; thus, Yata-Garasu was [[Forbidden]] from 2004 until 2022.
 +
 
 +
* "[[Izanagi]]" is the only non-Spirit Monster that has ''Spirit World'' in its background and is the only non-Spirit Monster that directly supports Spirit Monsters.
  
−
* The two most powerful Spirit monsters are "[[Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi]]" and "[[Yamata Dragon]]". They are counterparts of each other. They are both high-level monsters with high ATK and DEF, and have hand-based effects. The first empties your opponent's hand when it deals damage, and the second fills yours when it do the same. The primary weakness is their returning to your hand, due to the requirement for tributes. The fact that they are counterparts is emphasized on "[[Last Turn]]", where a battle between them is depicted.
+
* "[[Soul Resurrection]]" is the only card that has the ''Spirit World'' in its background with absolutely no relation to Spirit Monsters.
  
−
* One Spirit monster in particular, "[[Yata-Garasu]]", is infamous for its complete lockdown of the opponent's hand when combined with "[[Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End]]", however both of these monsters are [[Forbidden]] as of the latest banlist, and likely will continue to be Forbidden forever.
+
* The effect that returns Spirit Monsters to the hand, as well as their transparent appearance, may be a reference to them not being able to stay on the physical plane for long.
  
−
* "[[Izanagi]]" is the only non-Spirit monster that does not have the supposed Spirit World on its background and the only non-Spirit monster that supports directly the Spirit monsters.
+
==See also==
 +
* [[Card Rulings:Spirit monster]]
  
−
* "[[Yamato-no-Kami]]" is the only Spirit monster that cannot be Normal Summoned and ''must'' be Special Summoned.
+
==Notes==
 +
<references group="Notes" />
  
−
{{Gameplay}}
+
{{Card types}}
  
−
[[Category: Secondary types of Monster Cards]]
+
[[Category:Secondary types of Monster Cards]]

Revision as of 13:09, 13 March 2024

"Spirit" redirects here. For the archetype, see "Spirit" (archetype). For the Type, see Spirit (Type).
Spirit monster

"Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" and "Yamata Dragon" in the artwork of "Last Turn"
"Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" and "Yamata Dragon" in the artwork of "Last Turn"

Japanese

スピリット(モンスター)[Notes 1]

Japanese (romanized)

Supiritto (monsutā)

English

Spirit (monster)

Appears in (sets)
Appears in (anime)
Lists

Spirit monsters (スピリットモンスター Supiritto monsutā) are Effect Monsters with the ability "Spirit". Usually, they cannot be Special Summoned, and have an effect that returns them to the hand during the End Phase of the turn they are Normal Summoned or flipped face-up (or the turn they are Special Summoned, in case of Spirit monsters that must be Special Summoned). They debuted in Mythological Age and first received support in The Duelist Genesis, almost 7 years later.

The designs of most Spirit monsters are based on beings from Eastern mythology, primarily Japanese ones. They all have very similar purple backgrounds, and often feature onibi lights on their card artworks.

There are no archetypes focused on Spirit monsters, but the Shinobird and Martial Art Spirit series do. While most Spirit monsters are not members of an archetype, a few Spirit monsters belong to the "Ice Barrier" ("Sacred Spirit of the Ice Barrier") and "Gishki" ("Gishki Natalia" and "Emilia") archetypes, both of which exist in the Duel Terminal card storyline; these Spirit monsters are not based on mythological figures, but instead represent revived spirits of deceased characters in their storyline.

Characteristics

Shared effects

Most Spirit monsters share the following two effects:

  • Cannot be Special Summoned.
  • Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card was Normal Summoned or flipped face-up this turn: Return it to the hand.

The effect to return to the hand during the End Phase only activates during the turn they are Normal Summoned or flipped face-up. If they do not return to the hand in that End Phase (such as due to "Dimensionhole" or "Forbidden Chalice"), this effect does not activate in subsequent turns. If a Spirit monster with this effect was Special Summoned face-up (which would usually require an effect that ignores the Summoning conditions), then this effect does not activate, as it was not Normal Summoned or flipped face-up.

These effects are not universal among all Spirit monsters. Notable exceptions include:

  • The Martial Art Spirits can be Special Summoned. They return to the hand during the End Phase of the turn they were Normal Summoned or flipped face-up, like most Spirit monsters.
  • "Yamato-no-Kami", "Konohanasakuya", and the Shinobird Ritual Monsters cannot be Normal Summoned/Set; they must be Special Summoned by their own Summoning procedure or Ritual Summon. They return to the hand during the End Phase of the turn they were Special Summoned.
  • "Amaterasu" cannot be Normal or Special Summoned; it must be Normal Set, and it still returns itself to hand during the End Phase of the turn it is flipped up.

Design

Most Spirit monsters are based on specific beings from Oriental mythology, which includes both Japanese Yōkai and various other Asian folklore. The only Spirit monsters not specifically based on Oriental mythology are the Martial Art Spirits, and the Spirit monsters belonging to the Duel Terminal storyline. The Shinobird series is, as a whole, based on the story of the Tanabata.

Most of these Spirit monsters' Japanese names are written in kanji with furigana written in katakana; this is a reference to how Japanese orthography commonly writes the names of major Japanese kami in katakana.

Mythological Spirit monsters
Spirit monster Origin
Konohanasakuya Konohanasakuya-hime
Amaterasu Amaterasu
Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi Kagutsuchi
Yamata Dragon Yamata no Orochi
Dark Dust Spirit Shinigami
Yamato-no-Kami Susanoo and the heads of Yamata no Orochi
Fenghuang Fenghuang or "Hou-Ou"
Great Long Nose Red Nose Tengu
Susa Soldier Susanoo and Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi
Yaksha Yaksha
Rasetsu Rakshasa
Amano-Iwato Ama no Iwato
Hebo, Lord of the River Kappa or Hebo
Asura Priest Asura
Maharaghi Shakoukidoguu
Fushi No Tori Phoenix
Izanami Izanami
Tsukuyomi Tsukuyomi
Gundari Kuṇḍali
Aratama, Nikitama, and Sakitama Mitama
Inaba White Rabbit Hare of Inaba
Otohime Oto-hime
Yata-Garasu Three-legged crow
Kinka-byo Bakeneko
Spirit support
Support card Origin
Izanagi Izanagi
Mirror of Yata Yata no Kagami
Sword of Kusanagi Kusanagi no Tsurugi
Orb of Yasaka Yasakani no Magatama

Playing style

Spirit monsters, as an individual Spirit-focused deck, are focused on overcoming their negative self-restrictions, and utilizing Spirit support cards to bring out powerful individual Spirit monsters and use their strong effects in the one turn they stay on the field. Due to their Main Deck nature and Special Summoning restriction, Spirit-focused Decks are primarily focused on Normal and Tribute Summoning; however, Spirit Decks focused on the Shinobird Ritual Spirit boss monsters focus on Ritual Summoning instead.

While Spirit monsters can be played as staple monsters in historical Decks due to having relatively strong effects that made up for their negative effects (relative to their contemporaries), most Spirit monsters have become obsolete as the metagame progressed.

Spirit monsters have a wide variety of effects. Key Spirit monsters that provide consistency include "Aratama", a monster searcher, "Nikitama" and "Sakitama", who grant extra Normal Summons to Spirits, and "Konohanasakuya", a Special Summon extender with a GY effect to let a Spirit monster stay on the field (by preventing its return-to-hand effect from activating).

Major Spirit boss monsters include the following:

  • "Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi" empties the opponent's entire hand before their Draw Phase if it inflicts battle damage.
  • "Yamata Dragon" fills its controller's hand with up to 5 cards if it inflicts battle damage.
  • "Dark Dust Spirit" destroys all other face-up monsters when Normal Summoned.
  • "Fenghuang" destroys all of the opponent's Set Spell/Traps when Normal Summoned.
  • "Amaterasu", which can only be Set, will Banish every card on the field other than itself if it flips face-up.
  • "Amano-Iwato", which prevents all non-Spirit monsters from activating their effects. It is arguably the most powerful Spirit boss monster, as it can be easily summoned, and provides a strong continuous lockdown effect, providing real field presence in the opponent's turn if the player manages to have "Amano-Iwato" stay on the field.

The Ritual Spirit monsters "Shinobaron Peacock" and "Shinobaroness Peacock", despite their status as Ritual monsters, are arguably the most accessible, powerful, and relevant Spirit monsters in the game. Being Ritual monsters, they have access to large amounts of Ritual support, including the powerful "Pre-Preparation of Rites". Their Ritual Spell, "Shinobird's Calling", can use GY Spirit monsters as resources for their Ritual Summon. Once Summoned, they can both remove up to 3 opposing cards and Special Summon a Spirit monster ignoring its Summoning conditions (typically "Amano-Iwato", which will stay on the field), and after they return to the hand in the End Phase, will float into two tokens. These two Ritual monsters are easily accessible and instantly provide removal and board presence upon hitting the field, making them extremely effective Spirit boss monsters.

In terms of supportive Spell/Traps, Spirits lack efficient consistency Spell/Traps, and mostly have obsolete battle-focused Spell/Traps or conditional card effects that remove their self-return effects. Two Spirit support Spell/Traps that still have some relevancy are "Shinobird Power Spot", which provides stat boosts and conditional searches, and "Shinobird Salvation", which destroys an opposing card when a Spirit monster returns to the hand.

Recommended cards

Recommended cards

Monster Cards

Effect Monsters

Spirit monsters

Tuner monsters

Pendulum Monsters

Ritual Monsters

Spell Cards

Normal Spells

Equip Spells

Ritual Spells

Continuous Spells

Quick-Play Spells

Trap Cards

Normal Traps

Continuous Traps

Weaknesses

  • Despite having several strong boss monsters, the lack of consistency support for Spirit monsters, and their inability to swarm the field for combo plays, still makes it difficult to quickly summon Spirit boss monsters. Most Spirit decks thus play extremely slowly, and their plays can be easily disrupted.
  • Because Spirit monsters have return to the hand during the End Phase, Spirit Decks have very little field-staying power, leaving the player's board wide open to the opponent's attacks.
  • "Rivalry of Warlords" and "Gozen Match" can slow this deck down, since Spirit monster Decks typically uses Spirits of different Types and Attributes.

Examples

In the anime

In the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime, in episodes 117 and 118, Noah Kaiba used Spirit monsters in his duel against Yami Yugi. According to him, the Spirit monsters were created by Maximillion Pegasus when he was traveling to Eastern Asia and drew inspiration from the religions and mythologies from that region.

In Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V, "Asura Priest" and "Dark Dust Spirit" had cameo appearances, in episodes 111 and 21, respectively.

Trivia

  • All Pendulum Spirit Monsters in the game are part of the "Martial Art Spirit" series.
    • They are the only Spirit Monsters that can be Special Summoned under any given circumstances, in which case it does not trigger their effect that returns them to the hand.
  • "Izanagi" is the only non-Spirit Monster that has Spirit World in its background and is the only non-Spirit Monster that directly supports Spirit Monsters.
  • "Soul Resurrection" is the only card that has the Spirit World in its background with absolutely no relation to Spirit Monsters.
  • The effect that returns Spirit Monsters to the hand, as well as their transparent appearance, may be a reference to them not being able to stay on the physical plane for long.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ The parentheses here specify what part is not shown on the cards' Type/Ability line.
Retrieved from "https://yugipedia.com/index.php?title=Spirit_monster&oldid=5021344"