Editing Damage Step

{{Infobox/Archetype/Start}}
{{Infobox/Archetype/ExtendedName
| kanji                = ダメージステップ
| japanese             = 
| furigana             = 
| romaji               = Damēji Suteppu
| japanese translated  = 
| english              = Damage Step
| french               = Damage Step
| german               = Damage Step
| italian              = Damage Step
| korean               = 데미지 스텝 ''Demiji Seutep''
| chinese              = 傷害步驟 ''Shānghài Bùzhòu''
| portuguese           = Etapa de Dano (formerly Damage Step)
| spanish              = Damage Step
}}
{{Infobox/Archetype/End}}
{{Turn Structure}}

The '''Damage Step''' (Japanese: ダメージステップ ''Damēji Suteppu'') is a step during the [[Battle Phase]] during which [[battle]] is performed. It occurs immediately after the [[Battle Step]] ends, if an [[attack]] is still occurring.

Only [[#Cards and effects that can be activated|certain types]] of cards and [[effect]]s can be [[activate]]d during the Damage Step.

==Breakdown of the Damage Step==
There are five distinct timings within the Damage Step.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Damage Step timing !! Japanese
|-
| Start of the Damage Step || ダメージステップ{{Ruby|開|かい}}{{Ruby|始|し}}{{Ruby|時|じ}} ''Damēji Suteppu Kaishiji''
|-
| Before damage calculation || ダメージ{{Ruby|計|けい}}{{Ruby|算|さん}}{{Ruby|前|まえ}} ''Damēji Keisanmae''
|-
| Damage calculation || ダメージ{{Ruby|計|けい}}{{Ruby|算|さん}}{{Ruby|時|じ}} ''Damēji Keisanji''
|-
| After damage calculation || ダメージ{{Ruby|計|けい}}{{Ruby|算|さん}}{{Ruby|後|ご}} ''Damēji Keisango''
|-
| End of the Damage Step || ダメージステップ{{Ruby|終|しゅう}}{{Ruby|了|りょう}}{{Ruby|時|じ}} ''Damēji Suteppu Shūryōji''
|}

===Start of the Damage Step===
* The turn player declares they are entering the Damage Step.<ref name="DmgStepArt">{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Damage Step Rules  |url=https://www.yugioh-card.com/eu/play/damage-step-rules/  |accessdate=10 July 2023}}</ref>

* Effects that apply "''during the Damage Step (only)''", such as those of "[[Steamroid]]" and "[[Double or Nothing!]]", are applied immediately.

* At this timing, cards and effects that activate "''at the start of the Damage Step''" (such as those of "[[Neo-Spacian Grand Mole]]" and "[[Follow Wing]]") can be activated.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/>
** For cards without [[Problem-Solving Card Text]] even on the [http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/?request_locale=en Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG - Card Database], the text "''without (applying) damage calculation''" indicates that the effect activates either at this timing or before damage calculation.
*** Some effects with this text also state that it activates at this timing (such as "[[Gundari]]"); other effects indicate this timing by specifying whether a battling monster is [[face-up]] or [[face-down]], or state that a battling monster is not flipped face-up (such as "[[Nanobreaker]]" and "[[Ally of Justice Reverse Break]]").
*** Cards without Problem-Solving Card Text that have effects that activate at this timing, but have no way to distinguish whether they activate at the timing or before damage calculation in their card text, are "[[Disciple of the Forbidden Spell]]"<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com:80/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [D-E</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Disciple of the Forbidden Spell  |accessdate=27 July 2017  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090218205242/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com:80/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |archivedate=18 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=6594&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » 封魔の伝承者  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Disciple of the Forbidden Spell  |date=23 June 2016  |accessdate=27 July 2017}}</ref> and "[[Core Blaster]]".<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=8343&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » コアバスター  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Core Blaster  |date=11 February 2016  |accessdate=27 July 2017}}</ref>

* [[Spell Card|Spell]]/[[Trap Card]]s and [[Quick Effect|Quick]]/[[Quick-like Effect]]s that directly alter the [[ATK]]/[[DEF]] of a monster(s) (increasing or decreasing ATK/DEF, changing ATK/DEF to a certain amount, switching ATK/DEF values, etc.) can be activated at this timing.<ref name="rulebook DS">{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game - Official Rulebook Version 10  |url=https://yugipedia.com/wiki/File:Rulebook_v10.pdf?page=45  |page=41}}</ref><ref name="PRB Quick Effects">{{cite book  |author=Konami  |title=Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game - Perfect Rulebook 2017 |url=https://ygorganization.com/perfect-rulebook-2017/ |page=112}}</ref><ref name="PRB Damage Step">{{cite book  |author=Konami  |title=Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game - Perfect Rulebook 2017 |url=https://ygorganization.com/perfect-rulebook-2017/ |pages=188–193}}</ref>

* If a [[face-down]] monster is being attacked, it is not flipped [[face-up]] at this time.<ref name="DmgStepArt" />
** If a face-down battling monster is destroyed by a card effect now, since it was never flipped face-up, its effects that activate when flipped face-up (such as [[Flip effect]]s) cannot be activated.<ref name="Sasuke">{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [S-T</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Sasuke Samurai  |accessdate=14 February 2016  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221425/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |archivedate=26 February 2009}}</ref>

===Before damage calculation===
* At this point, if a [[face-down]] monster is being attacked, [[flip]] it [[face-up]].<ref name="DmgStepArt" />
** If the attacked monster has an effect that activates when it is flipped face-up (such as a [[Flip effect]]), that effect will not activate at this time.<ref name="rulebook DS"/><ref name="PRB Trigger Effects">{{cite book  |author=Konami  |title=Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game - Perfect Rulebook 2017 |url=https://ygorganization.com/perfect-rulebook-2017/ |page=110}}</ref> Its effect will not activate after damage calculation if the flipped monster itself leaves the [[Monster Zone]] before then.<ref>{{cite web  |url=https://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=5970&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » 円盤闘士 
 |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Disk Fighter  |date=11 February 2016  |accessdate=13 September 2022}}</ref>

* If a monster is flipped face-up and it has a [[Continuous Effect]], then typically that Continuous Effect is applied immediately, such as the effects of monsters like "[[Star Boy]]" and "[[Jinzo]]".<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=F&last=H  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [F-H</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Goblin King  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226215920/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=F&last=H  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=23 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="Apophis">{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [D-E</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Embodiment of Apophis |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090218205242/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |archivedate=18 February 2009  |accessdate=15 February 2016  |quote=If 'Embodiment of Apophis' attacks a face-down 'Jinzo', once 'Jinzo' is flipped face-up, 'Embodiment of Apophis' reverts to a Trap Card. Damage calculation is not applied.}}</ref>
** Continuous Effects that would prevent the flipped monster from being targeted for attacks (such as the effect of "[[Command Knight]]") are not relevant at this time, since the monster has already been [[target]]ed as an [[attack target]].<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=L&last=O  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [L-O</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Morphtronic Magnen  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090220023927/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=L&last=O  |archivedate=20 February 2009  |accessdate=22 January 2016}}</ref> If the monster survives the Damage Step, its effect will prevent itself from being targeted by any future attacks.
** Continuous Effects that would prevent the flipped monster from being attacked or the attacking monster from attacking (such as the effects of "[[Machina Sniper]]" and "[[Big-Tusked Mammoth]]") do not apply at this time, since the [[Battle Step]] is already over.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [A-C</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Big-Tusked Mammoth  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090217182013/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |archivedate=17 February 2009  |accessdate=13 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Machina Mayhem Structure Deck – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/10406SDMachinaMayhem_Rules.pdf  |date=6 April 2010  |at=Machina Sniper}}</ref> If the monster survives the Damage Step, its effect will protect itself from any future attacks.
** If the flipped monster has a [[Continuous Effect]] that [[destroy]]s itself under certain conditions that are currently met (such as "[[Giant Kozaky]]", "[[Zombie Mammoth]]", etc.), the monster is not destroyed yet and the Damage Step proceeds normally, until after [[damage calculation]].<ref name="Kozaky">{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=F&last=H  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [F-H</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Giant Kozaky  |accessdate=23 January 2016  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221419/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=F&last=H  |archivedate=26 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="Zombie Mammoth">{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=U&last=Z  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [U-Z</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Zombie Mammoth  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226215920/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=U&last=Z  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=22 August 2015}}</ref>
*** The same applies if "[[Rivalry of Warlords]]" or "[[Gozen Match]]" is active and the [[flip]]ped monster has the wrong [[Type]]/[[Attribute]], or if there is an active '[[Unclassified Effect]]' (belonging either to the flipped monster or another face-up monster) that states "''You can only [[control]] 1 […]''" or "''There can only be 1 […] on the field''" and the flipped monster has a name that conflicts with another face-up card on the field (as defined by that 'Unclassified Effect'); the appropriate actions are determined and performed after damage calculation.<ref name="ATiger">{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [A-C</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Amazoness Tiger  |accessdate=13 February 2016  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090217182013/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |archivedate=17 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="Rivalry and Gozen">{{cite web |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/gameplay/card_faq1.html  |title=Card FAQ: "Rivalry of Warlords" & "Gozen Match"  |accessdate=15 February 2016  |quote=While Rivalry/Gozen is active, you can still Set monsters of any Type/Attribute, and you can Special Summon monsters of the wrong Type/Attribute face-down. But you can't Flip Summon them afterwards, and they're sent to the Graveyard after damage calculation if your opponent attacks them. (Also, in that case, you won't get the effects of cards that need to be destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, because they're sent to the Graveyard by the Trap Card's effect instead. But Flip Effects will still activate.)}}</ref>

* Regardless of whether or not the attacked monster was initially face-down, if the attacked monster is changed to face-down Defense Position at this point or later in the Damage Step (up until damage calculation is completed), such as by the effect of "[[Gemini Counter]]", it will be immediately flipped face-up again.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Stardust Overdrive Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/SOVR_sneak_ruling.pdf  |date=29 October 2009  |at=Gemini Counter}}</ref>

* At this timing, cards and effects that activate "''before damage calculation''" (such as those of "[[Drillroid]]" and "[[Performapal Barracuda]]") can be activated.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/>
** For cards without [[Problem-Solving Card Text]], the text "''without (applying) damage calculation''" indicates that the effect activates either at this timing or at the start of the Damage Step. All cards that have effects that activate at this timing that used this wording have since been reprinted with Problem-Solving Card Text, except "[[Disc Fighter]]".<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com:80/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [D-E</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Disc Fighter  |accessdate=27 July 2017  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090218205242/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com:80/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |archivedate=18 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=5970&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » 円盤闘士  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Disc Fighter  |date=19 March 2015  |accessdate=27 July 2017}}</ref><!--Kisetai used to use similar but distinct text. While it doesn't have PSCT, its Legendary Collection lore (which is not on the Card DB) no longer uses the similar text and explicitly states it activates before damage calculation.-->

* [[Spell Card|Spell]]/[[Trap Card]]s and [[Quick Effect|Quick]]/[[Quick-like Effect]]s that directly alter the ATK/DEF of a monster(s) (increasing or decreasing ATK/DEF, changing ATK/DEF to a certain amount, switching ATK/DEF values, etc.) can be activated at this timing.<ref name="rulebook DS"/><ref name="PRB Quick Effects"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/>

* After both players have agreed that they have finished [[activate|activating]] cards and [[card effect|effect]]s in this part of the Damage Step, damage calculation is entered.
** However, if a monster was attacked and left the [[Monster Zone]] by a card effect during this Damage Step (up to this point), [[damage calculation]] is not conducted,<ref name="Sasuke"/><ref name="Apophis"/> but the rest of the Damage Step proceeds normally (allowing for appropriate [[Trigger Effect]]s to activate normally, such as those of [[Flip monster]]s, "[[Nightmare Penguin]]", "[[Amazoness Sage]]", etc.).<ref name="Drillroid"/><ref name="Ehren"/><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Duelist Revolution Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.1)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/DREVRulebook_100803.pdf  |date=12 May 2011  |at=Amazoness Sage}}</ref>

===Perform damage calculation===
* In general, cards and effects that modify the ATK/DEF of a monster(s) can no longer be activated at this point or for the rest of this Damage Step.<ref name="rulebook DS"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Raging Battle – Card Rulings (version 1.2)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/RGBT_rules.pdf  |date=27 May 2009  |at=Forbidden Chalice}}</ref>

* Effects that apply "''during damage calculation (only)''", such as those of "[[Dark Artist]]" and "[[Skyscraper]]", are applied immediately.

* At this timing, cards and effects that activate "''during damage calculation''" (such as those of "[[Kuriboh]]" and "[[Forbidden Scripture]]") can be activated.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/>

* Compare the relevant ATK/DEF values and the appropriate amount of [[battle damage]] is inflicted; if two monsters are involved in the battle, then at this time it is determined which monster(s) will be [[destroyed by battle|destroyed by the battle]] or not.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/>
* If a monster has been determined to be destroyed by battle, it is not sent to the [[Graveyard]] yet.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/>
** If there is a [[Continuous Effect|Continuous]]/[[Continuous-like Effect]] or [[Unclassified Effect]] that has the player perform a certain action instead of the monster being destroyed by this battle (such as that of "[[Return of the Dragon Lords]]" banishing itself from the Graveyard instead of destroying the monster), the relevant player must choose (at this point) whether or not they will use it. If they do, that action is not performed right at that time; instead, it will be applied immediately after damage calculation (Return of the Dragon Lords would be banished after damage calculation).

===After damage calculation===
* Monsters that have been considered to be destroyed by battle are still not sent to the Graveyard yet.<ref name="DmgStepArt" /><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/>

* The following rules apply to monsters that are determined to be destroyed by battle, until they are sent to the Graveyard (or another appropriate location):
** They cannot be [[target]]ed by cards or effects, have their [[battle position]]s changed, or have their [[ATK]]/[[DEF]] changed.<ref name="rulebook DS" /><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [D-E</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Dark Cat with White Tail  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090218205242/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |archivedate=18 February 2009  |accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=I&last=K  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [I-K</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Kangaroo Champ  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221419/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=I&last=K  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=5 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Stardust Overdrive Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/SOVR_sneak_ruling.pdf  |date=29 October 2009  |at=Reptilianne Gorgon}}</ref>
** Their [[Continuous Effect]]s are no longer applied.<ref name="PRB Damage Step"/><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [A-C</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Ancient Gear Golem  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090217182013/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |archivedate=17 February 2009  |accessdate=13 February 2016}}</ref>
** They cannot be [[return]]ed to the [[hand]] by [[card effect]]s,<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=U&last=Z  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [U-Z</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Wall of Illusion  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226215920/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=U&last=Z  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=25 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Storm of Ragnarok – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/Rules_STOR.pdf  |date=2 February 2011  |at=Garmr of the Nordic Beasts}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Gold Series 3 – Card Rulings  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/101109_GoldSeries3_TF5_Rulings_-_x.pdf  |date=9 September 2010  |at=Amazoness Swords Woman}}</ref> unless a card effect specifies that it can return destroyed monsters (such as "[[Last Minute Cancel]]"), but even then the destroyed monster will not be returned yet.
** Their effects can still be [[negate]]d.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Starstrike Blast – Card Rulings (version 1.1)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/lat-am/gameplay/rulings/STBL_Rules_101116_v1-1.pdf  |date=16 November 2010  |at=Wattsquirrel}}</ref>
** Before those monsters would be sent to the Graveyard (or another appropriate location) as a result of being destroyed by battle, it is possible for them to be [[destroy]]ed by card effects, sent to the Graveyard by card effects, or [[banish]]ed by card effects before that can occur.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Storm of Ragnarok – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/Rules_STOR.pdf  |date=2 February 2011  |at=Blackwing - Boreas the Sharp}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Starstrike Blast – Card Rulings (version 1.1)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/lat-am/gameplay/rulings/STBL_Rules_101116_v1-1.pdf  |date=16 November 2010  |at=Ally of Justice Unknown Crusher}}</ref>
** If a monster ends up [[Leaves the field|leaving the field]] before it can be sent to the Graveyard (or another appropriate location) as a result of battle, cards and effects that would activate when/if that monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard cannot be activated.<ref name="Rivalry and Gozen" /><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [P-R</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Red Dragon Archfiend  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090220140220/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=P&last=R  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016  |quote=If 'Red Dragon Archfiend' attacks a Defense Position 'Giant Rat,' etc., and destroys it with its effect, 'Giant Rat's' effect does not activate because it is destroyed by 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' effect before it would be sent to the Graveyard by battle.}}</ref>
** They cannot be used as a [[cost]] to activate a card or an optional effect.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [S-T</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Stardust Dragon  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221425/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016  |quote=If your Defense Position 'Stardust Dragon' is attacked by 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and it is destroyed by battle, you cannot chain 'Stardust Dragon's' effect to 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' effect that destroys your Defense Position monsters.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [S-T</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Tytannial, Princess of Camellias  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221425/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="No.23936">{{cite web  |url=https://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=5&fid=23936&request_locale=ja  |title=ダメージ計算後に、戦闘で破壊されることが決まったモンスターを効果のコストとして使用できますか？ |publisher=Konami |language=Japanese  |trans-title=After damage calculation, can a monster that is determined to be destroyed by battle be used as the cost of an effect?  |date=14 January 2023 |accessdate=14 January 2023}}</ref> But they can be used as a cost to activate a mandatory effect, such as "[[Doomcaliber Knight]]".<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [D-E</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Doomcaliber Knight  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090218205242/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=D&last=E  |archivedate=18 February 2009  |accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref>

* If a monster with a [[Continuous Effect]] that [[destroy]]s itself under certain conditions ("[[Giant Kozaky]]", "[[Zombie Mammoth]]", etc.) survives damage calculation without being determined to be "destroyed by battle", that Continuous Effect will immediately apply at this point and destroy that monster if those conditions are still met.<ref name="Kozaky" /><ref name="Zombie Mammoth" />

* If a monster was flipped [[face-up]] during the Damage Step and "[[Rivalry of Warlords]]"/"[[Gozen Match]]" is still active, if that monster has a Attribute/Type that conflicts with another monster already face-up on the field, the flipped monster will immediately be sent to the [[Graveyard]] at this point.<ref name="Rivalry and Gozen"/>

* If a monster was flipped face-up during the Damage Step and its name conflicts with another monster that is already face-up on the [[field]], as defined by an '[[Unclassified Effect]]' that states "''You can only [[control]] 1 […]''" or "''There can only be 1 […] on the field''" (belonging either to the flipped monster or another face-up monster), the flipped monster will be immediately destroyed.<ref name="ATiger" /><ref>{{cite web  |url=https://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=5&fid=9560&request_locale=ja  |date=24 March 2017  |title=表側表示で「Sin 青眼の白龍」が存在する時に、戦闘でリバースした「Sin 青眼の白龍」はどのタイミングで墓地に送られますか？  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=While "Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon" is face-up on the field, when will the "Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon" that is flipped face-up by battle be sent to the Graveyard?  |accessdate=29 September 2020}}</ref>

* At this timing, cards and effects that activate "''after damage calculation''" (such as those of "[[Wall of Illusion]]" and "[[Madolche Waltz]]"), if a player takes [[battle damage]] (such as "[[Don Zaloog]]" and "[[Damage Condenser]]"),<ref name="DmgStepArt"/> or if a monster is flipped [[face-up]] (including [[Flip effect]]s) can be activated.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/><ref name="PRB Trigger Effects"/>

===End of the Damage Step===
* [[Monster Card|Monsters]] that were determined to be destroyed by battle are now normally sent to the Graveyard, unless they are [[Pendulum Monster]]s (they are placed face-up in the [[Extra Deck]] instead) or if a [[card effect]] states otherwise.<ref name="DmgStepArt" />

* At this timing, cards and effects that activate "''at the end of the Damage Step''" (such as those of "[[Amazoness Sage]]" and "[[Enlightenment]]") or if a monster is [[destroyed by battle]] (such as "[[Grenosaurus]]" and "[[Hero Signal]]") can be activated.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/><ref name="PRB Trigger Effects"/>
** If a card with [[Problem-Solving Card Text]] has an activation timing of a monster being destroyed without specifying a method (such as "[[Chthonian Blast]]"), it can be activated at this timing.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=6494&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » ヘル・ブラスト  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Chthonian Blast  |date=24 September 2015  |accessdate=5 June 2017}}</ref> However, it cannot be if it specifies "''(except during the Damage Step)''", such as "[[Seismic Shockwave]]".

* Once there are no effects left to [[activate]] or [[resolve]], the Damage Step ends, and the [[Battle Step]] is automatically re-entered.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/>
** At the time both players agree to enter the Battle Step, effects that apply "''until the end of the Damage Step''" now expire and no longer apply.<ref name="DmgStepArt"/><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Raging Battle – Card Rulings (version 1.2)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/RGBT_rules.pdf  |date=27 May 2009  |at=Torapart}}</ref>

==Cards and effects that can be activated==
During the Damage Step, only certain cards and effects may be activated. Note that some cards and effects may specify that they cannot be activated during the Damage Step, which supersedes any reason that would otherwise allow them to be activated.

The following cards/effects can be activated during the Damage Step:

* [[Counter Trap Card]]s<ref name="rulebook DS"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/>

* [[Mandatory effect]]s<ref name="PRB Damage Step"/>

* [[Fast effect timing|Fast effects]] that [[negate]] the [[activation]] of a card(s), or negate the activation of an [[Card effect|effect]](s).<ref name="PRB Quick Effects"/><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [S-T</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Stardust Dragon  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221425/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=L&last=O  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [L-O</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Maryokutai  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090220023927/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=L&last=O  |archivedate=20 February 2009  |accessdate=22 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Storm of Ragnarok – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/Rules_STOR.pdf  |date=2 February 2011  |at=Legendary Six Samurai - Shi En}}</ref>

* [[Spell Card|Spell]]/[[Trap Card]]s and [[Quick Effect|Quick]]/[[Quick-like Effect]]s that directly alter the ATK/DEF of a monster(s) (increasing or decreasing ATK/DEF, changing ATK/DEF to a certain amount, switching ATK/DEF values, etc.) can be activated during the Damage Step, but only up until [[damage calculation]]. During damage calculation or afterwards in the Damage Step, they cannot be activated.<ref name="rulebook DS" /><ref name="PRB Quick Effects"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Storm of Ragnarok – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/Rules_STOR.pdf  |date=2 February 2011  |at=Forbidden Lance}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Extreme Victory – Card Rulings (version 1.2)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/RulesEXVC_1_2.pdf  |date=12 May 2011  |at=TGX1-HL}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Absolute Powerforce Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/ABPF_rules.pdf  |date=5 February 2010  |at=Inverse Universe}}</ref>
** These cards and effects do not have to affect a battling monster; they can be used during the Damage Step to affect the ATK/DEF of a monster(s) that is not currently battling.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=The Shining Darkness Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/TSHDRulebook_100430.pdf  |date=30 April 2010  |at=Blackwing - Bombardment}}</ref>
** Optional Spell/Trap Cards and Quick/Quick-like Effects that can indirectly change the ATK/DEF of a monster (such as "[[Reverse Trap]]" or "[[Skill Drain]]") cannot be activated during the Damage Step for that reason alone.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=P&last=R  |title=Individual Card Rulings [P-R&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Reverse Trap  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090220140220/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=P&last=R  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=22 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=Individual Card Rulings [S-T&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Skill Drain  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221425/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref>
** Trap Cards that [[equip]] themselves to monsters and have [[Continuous-like Effect]]s that directly alter the ATK/DEF of the equipped monster, such as "[[Horn of the Phantom Beast]]", can be activated during the Damage Step for that reason alone.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Duelist Revolution Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/DREVRulebook_100803.pdf  |date=3 August 2010  |at=Horn of the Phantom Beast}}</ref>
** Cards like "[[Half or Nothing]]", which might not alter ATK/DEF at resolution, cannot be activated during the Damage Step for that reason alone.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Crimson Crisis – Card Rulings (version 2.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/CRMS_sneak_ruling.pdf  |date=27 February 2009  |at=Half or Nothing}}</ref>
** Cards such as "[[Powerful Rebirth]]" and "[[Reverse of Neos]]", which [[Special Summon]] a monster and exclusively modify the ATK/DEF of that Summoned monster, cannot be activated during the Damage Step for that reason alone.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/community/forums/thread/843535.aspx  |title=Infernal Dragon, Reverse of Neos  |date=9 September 2009  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080528194416/entertainment.upperdeck.com/community/forums/thread/843535.aspx  |archivedate=28 May 2008  |accessdate=11 December 2015}}</ref>
** If a [[Set]] [[Continuous Trap Card]] has an optional [[Quick-like Effect]] that directly alters the ATK/DEF of a monster(s) (such as "[[Attack of the Cornered Rat]]"), that Trap Card can be activated during the Damage Step until damage calculation, but only if that Quick-like Effect is activated and resolved in the same [[Chain Link]] as the activation of the Trap Card itself.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Raging Battle – Card Rulings (version 1.2)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/RGBT_rules.pdf  |date=27 May 2009  |at=Attack of the Cornered Rat}}</ref><ref group="Notes">The ruling "''You can activate "Attack of the Cornered Rat" (and/or its effect) during damage calculation, or at any point in the Damage Step prior to damage calculation.''" is partially incorrect. With the release of Konami's [https://www.yugioh-card.com/eu/play/damage-step-rules/ "Damage Step Rules" article], in conjunction with page 33 in ''Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game - Official Rulebook Version 9.1'' (which also refers to the "Damage Step Rules" article), neither "Attack of the Cornered Rat" nor its effect can be activated during damage calculation.</ref>
** [[Continuous Trap Card]]s with [[Continuous-like Effect]]s that directly alter the ATK/DEF of a monster(s), such as "[[Fire Formation - Kaiyo]]", can be activated during the Damage Step until damage calculation.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Storm of Ragnarok – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/Rules_STOR.pdf  |date=2 February 2011  |at=Token Stampede}}</ref>
*** Such Trap Cards can be activated even if their relevant Continuous-like Effect would not affect any monsters, such as activating "[[Dark Contract with the Witch]]" during your own turn or while you control no [[Fiend]]-[[Type]] monsters, or activating "[[Unpossessed]]" when a monster other than a "[[Familiar-Possessed]]" monster is attacking.<ref group="Notes" name="Extrapolate">This statement is an extrapolation, as there are no rulings that specifically state that such a card can be activated in this particular scenario; there are merely rulings stating that Trap Cards with such Continuous-like Effects can be activated during the Damage Step until damage calculation (with no other context).</ref>
*** Such Trap Cards can be activated even if their relevant Continuous-like Effect only applies an ATK/DEF change under particular conditions and those conditions are not currently met (such as activating "[[Chosen of Zefra]]" while there are fewer than 3 "[[Zefra]]" monsters face-up in your [[Extra Deck]]), unless that condition could never be met during the Damage Step (such as "[[Swift Samurai Storm!]]").<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |title=Individual Card Rulings [S-T&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Swift Samurai Storm!  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226221425/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=S&last=T  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref><ref group="Notes" name="Extrapolate"/>
*** Even if a Continuous Trap Card can be activated during the Damage Step due to having a Continuous-like Effect that alters ATK/DEF, if it also has a Quick-like Effect that can be activated in the same Chain Link as the activation of the Trap Card itself (such as "[[Dark Contract with the Witch]]"), that Quick-like Effect cannot be activated at the same time as the Trap Card's activation during the Damage Step, unless it has another valid reason allowing it to be activated during the Damage Step.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=5&fid=13429&request_locale=ja  |date=9 August 2014  |title=「戦乙女の契約書」をダメージステップに発動する事はできますか？  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Can I activate "Dark Contract with the Witch" during the Damage Step?  |accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref>
** Unique exceptions are "[[Evil Blast]]",<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Absolute Powerforce Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/ABPF_rules.pdf  |date=5 February 2010  |at=Evil Blast}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=7495&request_locale=ja  |date=20 July 2012  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » イービル・ブラスト  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Evil Blast  |accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref> "[[Scrap Sheen]]" (''TCG'' only),<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Duelist Revolution Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/DREVRulebook_100803.pdf  |date=3 August 2010  |at=Scrap Sheen}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=8980&request_locale=ja  |date=25 February 2016  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » スクラップ・ポリッシュ  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Scrap Sheen  |accessdate=5 December 2016}}</ref> "[[Zero Force]]",<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Storm of Ragnarok – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/Rules_STOR.pdf  |date=2 February 2011  |at=Zero Force}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=9355&request_locale=ja  |date=20 July 2012  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » ゼロ・フォース  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Zero Force  |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>, "[[Curse of Anubis]]",<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=6067&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » アヌビスの呪い  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Curse of Anubis  |date=6 November 2014  |accessdate=24 January 2016}}</ref> and the Quick-like Effect of "[[Rocket Hand]]",<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=11668&request_locale=ja  |date=19 September 2015  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » ロケットハンド  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Rocket Hand  |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> which have rulings stating that they cannot be activated during the Damage Step.
** Unlike Quick/Quick-like Effects, having the effect of directly altering the ATK/DEF of a monster(s) does not permit optional Trigger/Trigger-like Effects to be activated during the Damage Step, with examples being "[[Morpho Butterspy]]" and "[[Performapal Turn Toad]]".<!--Note that there are currently no "Trigger-like" Effects that this is relevant to.-->

* Optional [[Trigger Effect|Trigger]] and [[Trigger-like Effect]]s—if that effect activates in response to the card itself being moved to a different location (including [[leaves the field|leaving the field]]),<ref name="PRB Damage Step"/><ref name="PRB Trigger Effects"/><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Ancient Prophecy – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/ANPR_rules.pdf  |date=11 August 2009  |at=Minefieldriller}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=U&last=Z  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [U-Z</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Yubel  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090226215920/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=U&last=Z  |archivedate=26 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=6092&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » ワタポン  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Watapon  |date=23 July 2015  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |title=<nowiki>Individual Card Rulings [A-C</nowiki>&#93;  |publisher=UDE  |at=Cyber Ouroboros  |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090217182013/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/yugioh/en/gameplay/faqs/cardfaqs/default.aspx?first=A&last=C  |archivedate=17 February 2009  |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref> being [[flip]]ped face-up (including [[Flip effect]]s),<ref name="DmgStepArt"/><ref name="PRB Damage Step"/><ref name="PRB Trigger Effects"/> or having its [[battle position]] changed<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Duelist Revolution Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/DREVRulebook_100803.pdf  |date=3 August 2010  |at=Earthquake Giant}}</ref>—can be activated during the Damage Step, unless the effect performs a [[Normal Summon|Normal]] or [[Fusion Summon]].<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=16271&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » プルーフ・プルフラス  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Proof of Pruflas  |date=25 September 2021  |accessdate=22 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=12744&request_locale=ja  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » パラサイト・フュージョナー  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Fusion Parasite  |date=8 October 2016  |accessdate=24 February 2017}}</ref>
** In general, other optional Trigger and Trigger-like Effects that have activation conditions that can be met both during and outside the Damage Step cannot be activated. For cards that have [[Problem-Solving Card Text]], these normally state "''(except during the Damage Step)''" in their activation conditions. Otherwise, these effects are associated with activation conditions that involve actions regarding other cards, such as "''When/If a ... is destroyed''", "''When/If a ... is added from ... to your hand''", "''When/If a ... monster is Special Summoned''", etc. of cards like "[[Revival Rose]]", "[[Ambulanceroid]]", and "[[Cyber Dinosaur]]".<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Starstrike Blast – Card Rulings (version 1.1)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/lat-am/gameplay/rulings/STBL_Rules_101116_v1-1.pdf  |date=16 November 2010  |at=Scrap Searcher}}</ref>
*** This includes Trigger Effects of monsters that can activate in response to actions involving itself and/or other cards (but not just itself or other cards), such as "[[Madolche Chickolates]]"; they cannot be activated during the Damage Step.<!--Source is the TCG text of "Chickolates"-->

* Any effect that specifically mentions an activation timing that is unique to the Damage Step.
** This is indicated by phrases in the text such as "''During damage calculation''", "''At the end of the Damage Step''", "''If/When you take battle damage''", etc.
** This includes cards and effects that activate in response to [[damage]] (without specifying [[battle damage]]), like "[[Blackfeather Darkrage Dragon]]", "[[Attack and Receive]]", and "[[Numinous Healer]]".
** If a [[Set]] [[Continuous Trap Card]] has an optional Trigger-like or optional Quick-like Effect with an activation timing at least partially specific to the Damage Step (such as "[[Yang Zing Creation]]" and "[[Damage = Reptile]]"), that Trap Card can be activated during the Damage Step if that Trigger-like/Quick-like Effect is also activated in the same [[Chain Link]] as the activation of the Trap Card itself.<ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Duelist Revolution Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/DREVRulebook_100803.pdf  |date=3 August 2010  |at=Desperate Tag}}</ref>
*** In contrast, if a Set Continuous Trap Card has a mandatory Trigger-like Effect with an activation timing at least partially specific to the Damage Step, the Trap Card itself cannot be activated, even if its controller intended on activating that Trigger-like Effect in the same Chain Link as the activation of the Trap Card itself.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=4876&request_locale=ja  |date=1 October 2015  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » 追い剥ぎゴブリン  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Robbin' Goblin  |accessdate=6 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=5986&request_locale=ja  |date=6 August 2015  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » バックファイア  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Backfire  |accessdate=6 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |last=Konami  |title=Duelist Revolution Sneak Peek – Card Rulings (version 1.0)  |url=http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/gameplay/rulings/DREVRulebook_100803.pdf  |date=3 August 2010  |at=Howl of the Wild}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.db.yugioh-card.com/yugiohdb/faq_search.action?ope=4&cid=10436&request_locale=ja  |date=22 November 2012  |title=Ｑ＆Ａ » エクシーズ・トライバル  |publisher=Konami  |language=Japanese  |trans-title=Q&A » Xyz Tribalrivals  |accessdate=6 February 2016}}</ref><ref group="Notes">This statement is an extrapolation, as there is no source anywhere that explicitly confirms this; there is merely a consistent pattern of rulings for such Continuous Trap Cards stating that the cards themselves cannot be activated during the Damage Step.</ref>

A card only needs to meet one of the above requirements to be activated during the Damage Step. As long as it does not explicitly specify ''(except during the Damage Step)'', even if it fails to satisfy one of the above requirements, if it satisfies another one it can be activated during the Damage Step. For example, "[[Rope of Life]]" Special Summons a monster and exclusively changes the ATK of the Summoned monster (like "[[Reverse of Neos]]"); cards with such effects cannot be activated during the Damage Step for that reason alone, but since "Rope of Life" also has an activation timing that is unique to the Damage Step ("''When a monster(s) is destroyed by battle and sent to your Graveyard:''"), it can be activated during the Damage Step.

==Notes==
<references group="Notes"/>

==External links==
* [http://ygorganization.com/that-wacky-damage-step/ The Organization - That Wacky Damage Step!]
* [https://ygorganization.com/learnrulingspart9/ The Organization - Demystifying Rulings, Part 9: The Damage Step]

* Official OCG websites:
** [http://www.yugioh-card.com/hk/howto/master_rule_3.php?lang=en OCG] (English)
** [http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/howto/master_rule_3.php OCG] (Japanese)

* Official TCG websites:
** [https://www.yugioh-card.com/eu/play/damage-step-rules/ yugioh-card.com/eu] ''Damage Step Rules''

==References==
<references/>

{{Gameplay}}

[[Category:Phases and Steps]]