Archetype condition
An archetype condition is a type of condition that specifies that cards are part of an archetype. It exists in certain language prints of cards to accommodate for inconsistent translations of archetype names, which would make a card seem as though it is not affected by support cards. This is always listed at the start of the card text for all cards except Normal Monsters, on which it is listed below the lore.
This type of condition is not present in the Japanese prints of cards, as archetypes are based on the names used in this language. This is primarily done for cards with well-established names in that language that it would not be appropriate to rename.
This type of condition is not an effect, and as such, is unaffected by cards such as "Skill Drain". It is also the only text to be printed in the card text of a Normal Monster that can affect gameplay in any way.
Text
The condition is presented as the text:
- (This card is always treated as a(n) "[archetype]" card.)
or if there is only support for monsters of that archetype:
- (This card is always treated as a(n) "[archetype]" monster.)
History
This type of condition was first seen in Absolute Powerforce on "Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast". While Archfiend cards without Archfiend in their name had long been listed on the official website and in rulebooks, it wasn't until Battle Pack 2: War of the Giants that it saw use on them.
So far, archetype conditions have only been used to include cards in the Phantom Beast and Archfiend archetypes. As there is only support for Phantom Beast monsters rather than Phantom Beast cards, the archetype condition used on "Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast" only includes it as a "Phantom Beast" monster, whereas Archfiends with this condition are all included as "Archfiend" cards.