Difference between revisions of "HERO"

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{{Infobox archetype
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{{Infobox archseries
| image   = HEROFlash-TF04-JP-VG.jpg
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| image       = Mat-LaunchEventTournament-HERO.png
| caption = "[[Hero Flash!!]]"
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| ja_name     = {{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}}
| ja_name = {{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}}
+
| romaji       = Hīrō
| romaji = Hīrō
+
| tc_name      = HERO
| fr_name = HÉROS
+
| sc_name      = -英雄
| de_name = HELD
+
| fr_name     = HÉROS
| it_name = EROE
+
| de_name     = HELD
| ko_name = 히어로
+
| it_name     = EROE
 +
| ko_name     = 히어로
 
| ko_romanized = Hieoro
 
| ko_romanized = Hieoro
| pt_name = HERÓI
+
| pt_name     = HERÓI
| es_name = HÉROE
+
| es_name     = HÉROE
| sets   =  
+
| sets         =
| anime   =  
+
* [[The Lost Millennium]]
 +
* [[Cybernetic Revolution]]
 +
* [[Elemental Energy]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Duel Academy promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Jaden Yuki]]
 +
* [[Shadow of Infinity]]
 +
* [[Starter Deck 2006: Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Starter Deck 2006]]
 +
* [[Enemy of Justice]]
 +
* [[Power of the Duelist]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Jaden Yuki 2]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Aster Phoenix]]
 +
* [[Strike of Neos]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007 promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Force of the Breaker]]
 +
* [[Tactical Evolution]]
 +
* [[Gladiator's Assault]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Jaden Yuki 3]]
 +
* [[Phantom Darkness]]
 +
* [[Light of Destruction]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Volume 4 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Volume 6 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Volume 9 promotional card]]
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* [[Savage Strike]]
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* [[Dark Neostorm]]
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* [[Burst of Destiny]]
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* [[Power of the Elements]]
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| tcg          =
 +
* [[Mattel Action Figure promotional cards: Series 2]]
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* [[Mattel Action Figure promotional cards: Series 3]]
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* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2006 Wave 1]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2006 Wave 2]]
 +
* [[Dark Revelation Volume 3]]
 +
* [[McDonald's Promotional Cards 2]]
 +
* [[Shonen Jump Vol. 5, Issue 4 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Shonen Jump Vol. 5, Issue 6 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Starter Deck: Jaden Yuki]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2007 Wave 1]]
 +
* [[Pharaoh Tour 2007 promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Elemental Hero Collection 1]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Elemental Hero Collection 2]]
 +
* [[Dark Revelation Volume 4]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2007 Wave 2]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack Collection Tin: Jaden Yuki]]
 +
* [[Champion Pack: Game Six]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 2 (TCG)]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Preview Wave 1]]
 +
* [[Champion Pack: Game Seven]]
 +
* [[Crossroads of Chaos]]
 +
* [[Dark Legends]]
 +
* [[Gold Series 2009]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Preview Wave 2]]
 +
* [[Ancient Prophecy]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal 1]]
 +
* [[Gold Series 3]]
 +
* [[Turbo Pack: Booster Three]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2010 Wave 1]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal 3]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2010 Wave 2]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal 4]]
 +
* [[Storm of Ragnarok]]
 +
* [[Extreme Victory]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal 5a]]
 +
* [[Duelist League 3 participation cards]]
 +
* [[Generation Force]]
 +
* [[Collectible Tins 2011 Wave 1]]
 +
* [[Generation Force: Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Legendary Collection 2: The Duel Academy Years Mega Pack]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal 6a]]
 +
* [[Ra Yellow Mega Pack]]
 +
* [[Premium Collection Tin]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal 6b]]
 +
* [[Duelist League 14]]
 +
* [[Astral Pack One]]
 +
* [[Star Pack 2013]]
 +
* [[Battle Pack 2: War of the Giants]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2013 prize cards]]
 +
* [[Battle Pack 3: Monster League]]
 +
* [[HERO Strike Structure Deck]]
 +
* [[Premium Gold: Return of the Bling]]
 +
* [[Demo Deck 2015]]
 +
* [[World Superstars]]
 +
* [[Astral Pack Eight]]
 +
* [[Weekly Shonen Jump February 2015 membership promotional card]]
 +
* [[Premium Gold: Infinite Gold]]
 +
* [[OTS Tournament Pack 1]]
 +
* [[Shining Victories: Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Weekly Shonen Jump October 2016 membership promotional card]]
 +
* [[Destiny Soldiers]]
 +
* [[Fusion Enforcers]]
 +
* [[Raging Tempest: Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Duelist Saga]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Light's Revenge]]
 +
* [[Code of the Duelist]]
 +
* [[OTS Tournament Pack 5]]
 +
* [[V Jump March 2018 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Relentless Revenge]]
 +
* [[Shadows in Valhalla]]
 +
* [[2018 Mega-Tins]]
 +
* [[2018 Mega-Tin Mega Pack]]
 +
* [[Legendary Hero Decks]]
 +
* [[OTS Tournament Pack 9]]
 +
* [[WSJ Jump Pack Spring 2019 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Duel Power]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Hero's Revenge]]
 +
* [[Legendary Duelists: Immortal Destiny]]
 +
* [[Legendary Duelists: Magical Hero]]
 +
* [[Duel Overload]]
 +
* [[Toon Chaos]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Armageddon]]
 +
* [[2020 Tin of Lost Memories]]
 +
* [[Ghosts From the Past (set)|Ghosts From the Past]]
 +
* [[OTS Tournament Pack 18]]
 +
* [[Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1]]
 +
* [[Ghosts From the Past: The 2nd Haunting]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Crystal Revenge]]
 +
* [[Maze of Memories]]
 +
* [[Speed Duel GX: Duelists of Shadows]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Monstrous Revenge]]
 +
* [[Speed Duel Tournament Pack 6]]
 +
* [[25th Anniversary Rarity Collection]]
 +
* [[2-Player Starter Set]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Chapter 1]]
 +
| ocg          =
 +
* [[Premium Pack 8]]
 +
* [[V Jump February 2005 promotional card]]
 +
* [[The Lost Millennium: Vendor Edition]]
 +
* [[Shadow of Infinity: Vendor Edition]]
 +
* [[Academy Duel Disk (set)]]
 +
* [[Expert Edition Volume 3]]
 +
* [[Weekly Shōnen Jump 2006, Issue 2 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 9]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Duel Academy Game Guide promotional card]]
 +
* [[Booster Pack Collectors Tin 2006]]
 +
* [[Enemy of Justice: Vendor Edition]]
 +
* [[Duel Master's Guide promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Master Collection Volume 2]]
 +
* [[Academy Duel Disk Limited Edition]]
 +
* [[Power of the Duelist: Vendor Edition]]
 +
* [[Weekly Shōnen Jump 2006, Issue 35 promotional card]]
 +
* [[V Jump October 2006 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 10]]
 +
* [[Master Collection Volume 3]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007 Road to Final promotional card]]
 +
* [[Starter Deck 2007]]
 +
* [[Starter Deck 2007 Special Set]]
 +
* [[Expert Edition Volume 4]]
 +
* [[Academy Duel Disk Osiris Red promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 11]]
 +
* [[Master Guide 2 promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Synchro Awakening!!]]
 +
* [[V Jump Fall 2008 subscription bonus]]
 +
* [[Limited Edition 14]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Champion of Chaos!!]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Dragunity of the Hurricane!!]]
 +
* [[V Jump Card Festa 2009 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Charge of the Genex!!]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2009 Vol.3]]
 +
* [[Jump Festa 2010 - Promotion Pack]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Pulse of the Trishula!!]]
 +
* [[V Jump April 2010 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 12]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Vylon Descends!!]]
 +
* [[V Jump Edition]]
 +
* [[V Jump Edition 3]]
 +
* [[Promotion Pack]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Judgment of Omega!!]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 13]]
 +
* [[Duel Terminal - Xyz Startup!!]]
 +
* [[Jump Festa 2012 - Promotion Pack A]]
 +
* [[Jump Festa 2012 - Promotion Pack B]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 14]]
 +
* [[Duelist Edition Volume 1]]
 +
* [[Duelist Edition Volume 2]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2012 Vol.2]]
 +
* [[Gold Series 2013]]
 +
* [[Gold Series 2014]]
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* [[V Jump August 2014 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Structure Deck: HERO's Strike]]
 +
* [[Duelist Card Protector EX: Master of HERO]]
 +
* [[The New Challengers]]
 +
* [[Booster SP: Raging Masters]]
 +
* [[Extra Pack: Knights of Order]]
 +
* [[The Rarity Collection]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 17]]
 +
* [[Entry Pack]]
 +
* [[20th Legendary Collection]]
 +
* [[Gold Pack 2016]]
 +
* [[Advanced Tournament Pack 2016 Vol.3]]
 +
* [[20th Rival Collection]]
 +
* [[Jump Victory Carnival 2016 - Promotion Pack]]
 +
* [[Booster SP: Destiny Soldiers]]
 +
* [[Dimension Box Limited Edition]]
 +
* [[20th Anniversary Pack 1st Wave]]
 +
* [[20th Anniversary Pack 2nd Wave]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 19]]
 +
* [[Collectors Pack 2017]]
 +
* [[Rarity Collection 20th Anniversary Edition]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack 20]]
 +
* [[Perfect Rulebook 2018 promotional card]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2018 Vol.2]]
 +
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Chips]]
 +
* [[LINK VRAINS Pack 2]]
 +
* [[Special Pack 20th Anniversary Edition Vol.4]]
 +
* [[Speed Start Deck Link Edition]]
 +
* [[20th Anniversary Duelist Box]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2019 Vol.1]]
 +
* [[20th Anniversary Legend Collection]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2019 Vol.2]]
 +
* [[Collection Pack: Duelist of Revolution Version]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Legend Duelist 5]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2019 Vol.3]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Legend Duelist 6]]
 +
* [[Legendary Gold Box]]
 +
* [[LINK VRAINS Pack 3]]
 +
* [[Prismatic Art Collection]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2021 Vol.3]]
 +
* [[Burst of Destiny +1 Bonus Pack]]
 +
* [[History Archive Collection]]
 +
* [[Power of the Elements +1 Bonus Pack]]
 +
* [[Secret Utility Box]]
 +
* [[Rarity Collection Quarter Century Edition]]
 +
* [[The Valuable Book EX 3 promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Quarter Century Duelist Box]]
 +
| korea        =
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Aster Phoenix Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Duelist Pack: Jaden Yuki 3 Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Expansion Pack Vol.1]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.2]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.3]]
 +
* [[EX.Premium Pack Kit Vol.3]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.5]]
 +
* [[Winter Festival 2010 promotional cards]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.6]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2011 Vol.11]]
 +
* [[Expansion Pack Vol.4]]
 +
* [[EX-Premium Pack: Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.7]]
 +
* [[Tournament Pack 2013 Vol.15]]
 +
* [[Precious Pack Volume 1]]
 +
* [[Precious Pack Volume 2]]
 +
* [[Advanced Event Pack 2014 Vol.4]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.10]]
 +
* [[Advanced Event Pack 2015 Vol.2]]
 +
* [[Extra Pack 2015]]
 +
* [[Advanced Event Pack 2016 Vol.1]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.11]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.12]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.13]]
 +
* [[Advanced Event Pack 2019 Vol.1]]
 +
* [[Chronicle Binder]]
 +
| anime       =
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D Bonds Beyond Time]]
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D Bonds Beyond Time]]
| manga   =  
+
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V]]
 +
| manga       =
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! D Team ZEXAL]]
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! D Team ZEXAL]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
"'''HERO'''" ({{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}} ''Hīrō'') is an [[archetype]] of mostly [[Warrior]] monsters introduced in ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]'' that includes five sub-archetypes as well as several other cards. "HERO" monsters are often based on comic, cartoon, or movie style heroes.
 +
This archetype was used by [[Jaden Yuki]], [[Aster Phoenix]], and [[The Supreme King]] in the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]'' anime, and an alternate version of [[Aster Phoenix (ARC-V)|Aster Phoenix]] in the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V]]'' anime. It was also used by [[Jaden Yuki (manga)|Jaden Yuki]], [[Aster Phoenix (manga)|Aster Phoenix]], and [[Koyo Hibiki]] in the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|''Yu-Gi-Oh! GX'' manga]], and [[Fusion Mask]] in the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! D Team ZEXAL]]'' manga.
 +
The "HERO" archetype is the second largest archetype in the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!]]'' franchise, behind "[[Number]]".
  
"'''HERO'''" ({{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}} ''Hīrō'') is a group of five [[archetype]]s  and [[series]] introduced in ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]''. In the anime, [[Jaden Yuki|Jaden]] uses "[[Elemental HERO]]" and "[[Neo-Spacian]]" monsters, [[Aster Phoenix|Aster]] uses "Elemental HERO" and "[[Destiny HERO]]" monsters, and Jaden as [[The Supreme King]] uses "Elemental HERO" and "[[Evil HERO]]" monsters. In the manga, Jaden uses "Elemental HERO" and "[[Masked HERO]]" monsters while Aster uses "[[Vision HERO]]" monsters.
+
== Sub-themes ==
 +
The "HERO" archetype exists to unify various related themes that primarily appear in the ''Yu-Gi-Oh! GX'' anime and manga. The primary themes that comprise the "HERO" archetype are "[[Elemental HERO]]", "[[Evil HERO]]" and "[[Destiny HERO]]", "[[Masked HERO]]" and "[[Vision HERO]]". There are several monsters that are not part of any of these five themes by name: "[[Contrast HERO Chaos]]" (although it is treated as an "Elemental HERO" card), the [[Xtra HERO]] cards, and the [[Illegal]] [[Match winner]] "[[E☆HERO Pit Boss]]". Additionally, the archetype also includes two [[Spell Card]]s ("[[HERO's Bond]]" and "[[Legacy of a HERO]]") and one [[Skill Card]] ("[[HERO World]]").
  
"HERO" monsters are often based on comic, cartoon, or movie style heroes.
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Archetype
 +
! Anime users
 +
! Manga users
 +
! Design
 +
|-
 +
| [[Elemental HERO]]
 +
| [[Jaden Yuki]]<br />[[Aster Phoenix]]
 +
| [[Jaden Yuki (manga)|Jaden Yuki]]<br />[[Koyo Hibiki]]
 +
| In the anime, they are themed after comic-book superheroes; in the manga, they are based on natural elements.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Destiny HERO]]
 +
| [[Aster Phoenix|Aster Phoenix (''GX'')]]<br />[[Aster Phoenix (ARC-V)|Aster Phoenix (''ARC-V'')]]
 +
| ''N/A''
 +
| They are based on vigilantes or anti-heroes (such as Batman, Devilman, and Spawn), as well as British culture. Their effects often relate to the passage of time.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Evil HERO]]
 +
| [[The Supreme King]]
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| ''N/A''
 +
| They bear some similarity to various demonic superheroes, villains, and anti-heroes, such as [[wikipedia:The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]], [[wikipedia:Hellboy|Hellboy]], and [[wikipedia:Witchblade|Witchblade]]. Most of the monsters are corrupted versions of Elemental HEROs.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Vision HERO]]
 +
| ''N/A''
 +
| [[Aster Phoenix (manga)|Aster Phoenix]]
 +
| Most "Vision HERO" monsters wear helmets with a singular lens where the face would be, and have an almost robotic appearance.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Masked HERO]]
 +
| ''N/A''
 +
| [[Jaden Yuki (manga)|Jaden Yuki]]
 +
| They appear to be based on Japanese ''[[wikipedia:Kamen Rider|Kamen Rider]]'' heroes (''Kamen'' meaning "Masked"). They also take inspiration from the recurring "form changing" and transformations of Kamen Riders. The Double Attacks are similar to the original Kamen Riders' (1 and 2) "Rider Double" techniques.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Xtra HERO]]
 +
| ''N/A''
 +
| ''N/A''
 +
| [[Link Monster]]s with futuristic designs similar to Vision HEROs. The monsters in this series of cards each have designs and effects referring to the HERO sub-archetypes they support.
 +
|}
  
The "HERO" archetype is one of the three biggest, along with [[Blackwing]]s and [[Number]]s.
+
== Naming ==
 +
===''OCG''===
 +
The Japanese cards use 「{{Ruby|E・HERO|エレメンタルヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|E-HERO|イービルヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|E☆HERO|エンターテイメントヒーロー}}」 「{{Ruby|C・HERO|コントラスト・ヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|D-HERO|デステニーヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|M・HERO|マスクドヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|V・HERO|ヴィジョンヒーロー}}」 and 「{{Ruby|X・HERO|エクストラヒーロー}}」 at the start of their names so only those eight would work with 「{{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}}」. Note that "Elemental HERO", "Evil HERO", and "Entertainment HERO" use 「E・HERO」, 「E-HERO」, and 「E☆HERO」, and their furigana is different: "Elemental HERO" monsters have 「エレメンタルヒーロー」, "Evil HERO" monsters have 「イービルヒーロー」, and "Entertainment HERO" monsters have 「エンターテイメントヒーロー」.
  
==History==
+
====''TCG''====
At first they were divided into "Elemental HERO", "Evil HERO" and "Destiny HERO", "Masked HERO" and "Vision HERO", but later they shifted towards unification of the five archetypes. "[[HERO's Bond]]" and the manga-exclusive "[[Legacy of a HERO]]" are both [[Spell Card]]s that part of the HERO archetype without being a part of any of the five sub-archetypes. The "[[Contrast HERO Chaos]]" and the [[Illegal]] [[Match winner]] "[[E☆HERO Pit Boss]]" are the only HERO monsters not to be part of any of the five sub-archetypes by name alone, though the former is always treated as an "Elemental HERO" monster.
+
In the ''TCG'', originally text supporting this archetype specified "Elemental Hero" and "Destiny Hero" monsters separately, rather than supporting this as an independent archetype; after the release of "Evil Hero" cards in the ''TCG'', support cards for this archetype began to specify all three sub-themes ("Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" and "Evil Hero"). This was done in the old texts of "[[Elemental Hero Stratos]]", "[[Elemental Hero Ocean]]", "[[Elemental Hero Divine Neos]]", "[[Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy]]", "[[Elemental Hero Absolute Zero]]", and "[[Hero's Bond]]". The original print of "[[Card Errata:Elemental HERO Divine Neos|Elemental Hero Divine Neos]]" was the only card to reference this archetype (albeit as "Hero"), although it only did so after already specifying that those same monsters must be "Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" or "Evil Hero" monsters.
  
Cards whose text specifically reference this unification include "[[Elemental HERO Stratos]]", "[[Elemental HERO Ocean]]", "[[Elemental HERO Divine Neos]]", "[[Evil HERO Infernal Prodigy]]", "[[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]", and "[[HERO's Bond]]", where the effects are based on cards present on the field whose names contain "HERO", allowing them to be used with "Elemental HERO", "Evil HERO", "Destiny HERO", "Masked HERO", and "Vision HERO" monsters.
+
As part of the introduction of [[Problem-Solving Card Text]], in anticipation of the upcoming release of "[[Masked HERO]]" and "[[Vision HERO]]" cards, this archetype was introduced to the ''TCG'' as an independent archetype named "HERO". Starting in ''[[Generation Force]]'', "Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" and "Evil Hero" were renamed "Elemental HERO", "Destiny HERO" and "Evil HERO", respectively; and "Masked HERO" and "Vision HERO" had their names capitalized accordingly. "HERO" is rendered in all capital letters to distinguish members from cards such as "[[Hero Kid]]" and "[[Oscillo Hero]]", which have "Hero" in their names but are not part of this archetype.<ref name="part2">{{cite web |url=https://yugiohblog.konami.com/articles/?p=2915 |title=Problem-Solving Card Text, Part 2: New Words & Phrases |last=Tewart |first=Kevin |author-link=Kevin Tewart |publisher=[[Konami]] |date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=October 16, 2022}}</ref>
  
The "Masked HERO" and "Vision HERO" monsters made their debut in the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX - Chapter 050|fiftieth chapter]] of the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|''GX'' manga]].
+
In addition, two Spell Cards were renamed to align with the ''OCG'': "HERO Flash!!" was renamed to "[[Hero Flash!!]]" (to exclude it) and "Hero's Bond" was renamed to "[[HERO's Bond]]" (to include it).
  
==Naming==
+
==Playing style==
The Japanese cards use 「{{Ruby|E・HERO|エレメンタルヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|E-HERO|イービルヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|E☆HERO|エンターテイメントヒーロー}}」 「{{Ruby|C・HERO|コントラスト・ヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|D-HERO|デステニーヒーロー}}」, 「{{Ruby|M・HERO|マスクドヒーロー}}」 and 「{{Ruby|V・HERO|ヴィジョンヒーロー}}」 at the start of their names so only those seven would work with 「{{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}}」. Note that "Elemental HERO", "Evil HERO", and "Entertainment HERO" use 「E・HERO」, 「E-HERO」, and 「E☆HERO」, and their furigana is different: "Elemental HERO" monsters have 「エレメンタルヒーロー」, "Evil HERO" monsters have 「イービルヒーロー」, and "Entertainment HERO" monsters have 「エンターテイメントヒーロー」.
+
{{See also|Elemental HERO#Playing style|Destiny HERO#Playing style|Evil HERO#Plyaing style|Masked HERO#Playing style|Vision HERO#Playing style|Neo-Spacian#Playing style}}
  
The Korean cards use "히어로" to indicate "HERO". "Elemental HERO" and "Evil HERO" monsters are denoted by "엘리멘틀 히어로", and "Destiny HERO" monsters are denoted by "데스티니 히어로". However, "엘리멘틀" doesn't mean "Elemental", it is a transcription that is pronounced "Ellimenteul". Furthermore, the only card that shows "Evil HERO" translated into Korean properly is "[[Evil HERO Inferno Wing]]" and only in the [[Card Gallery:Evil HERO Inferno Wing|Ultra Rare version]] of this card. So the proper translation of "Evil HERO" is "이블 히어로".
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Due to the "HERO" archetype being generally divided across a few sub-archetypes, the overall playstyle of the "HERO" archetype is objectively varied although common traits between the sub-archetypes show that the "HERO" archetype is predominantly a [[Fusion Monster|Fusion]]-based playstyle; they focus on swarming the field by [[Summon]]ing "HERO" monsters, as well as searching "HERO" monsters and/or their "[[Fusion (archetype)|Fusion]]"/"[[Polymerization (archetype)|Polymerization]]" [[Spell Card]]s needed to [[Special Summon]] their Fusion Monsters (usually by a [[Fusion Summon]]).  
  
In English, originally text supporting them specified "Elemental Hero" and "Destiny Hero" monsters without acknowledging the archetype itself. However, after the ''TCG'' release of "Evil Heroes", errata for HERO support cards was issued to include them. With the [[Problem-Solving Card Text]], in anticipation of the [[Masked HERO]] and [[Vision HERO]] sub-archetypes, "Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" and "Evil Hero" were renamed "Elemental HERO", "Destiny HERO" and "Evil HERO", respectively; they were first printed this way in ''[[Generation Force]]''. From this booster pack onward, in English HERO has been supported as an archetype rather than a collection of the three archetypes. "HERO" is rendered in all capital letters to distinguish these cards from cards such as "[[Oscillo Hero]]" and "[[Hero Kid]]", who have "Hero" in their names but are not part of this archetype.
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Many members (despite also being a member of a specific "HERO" sub-archetype) support the entire "HERO" archetype as a whole. The overall "HERO" meta-archetype playstyle highlights some of the key "HERO" members which are almost always worth including:
  
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*The "[[Elemental HERO]]" archetype (specifically, a few individual members) are vital combo pieces to the overall "HERO" meta-archetype playstyle. The most important "Elemental HERO" monster is "[[Elemental HERO Stratos]]", a non-once-per-turn searcher for all "HERO" monsters. It is the ideal choice to Special Summon and search with "[[A Hero Lives]]" and "[[E - Emergency Call]]" respectively. "[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]" is also a once-per-turn searcher for all other "HERO" monsters when [[sent]] to the [[GY]] (usually by "[[Vision HERO Vyon]]"). "[[Elemental HERO Solid Soldier]]" and "[[Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier|Liquid Soldier]]" are good monsters to [[Normal Summon]], as they can [[Special Summon]] needed "HERO" monsters (usually "Shadow Mist" or "Stratos" for their on-Summon Trigger Effects) and can generate more advantage if they are used as material for the Fusion Summon of a "HERO" Fusion Monster. Lastly, "[[Elemental HERO Honest Neos|Honest Neos]]" is an [[ATK]]-booster for all "HERO" monsters, and "[[Elemental HERO Sunrise|Sunrise]]" is a [[Fusion Monster]] with generic "HERO" [[Fusion Material]]s that can search out "[[Miracle Fusion]]", a powerful Fusion Spell Card that can use monsters in the [[GY]] as Fusion Materials, allowing another Fusion Summon with zero card loss to the [[field]] advantage.
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*The "[[Destiny HERO]]" archetype is one of the backbones in the overall "HERO" meta-archetype playstyle, thanks to the [[Link Summon|Link 'climbing']] ability offered by "[[Destiny HERO - Malicious]]" and "[[Destiny HERO - Denier]]". "[[Xtra HERO Cross Crusader]]" combos especially well with "Malicious" as a searcher for all "HERO" monsters. The power offered by the "Destiny HERO" boss monsters ("[[Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer]]" and "[[Destiny HERO - Plasma]]" in particular) also makes them popular for other "HERO" decks to include, especially when they can be Fusion Summoned with "[[Fusion Destiny]]" which can use materials from the Deck.
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*"[[Vision HERO]]" monsters generically support "HERO" monsters outside of their "vision" playstyle. The archetype strongly supports, and is strongly supported by the "HERO" meta-archetype, with general "HERO" support giving the archetype more flexibility, and "Vision HERO" itself giving other "HERO" sub-archetypes multiple extenders, situational tools, and boss monsters. The "Vision HERO" archetype is often compacted into an engine of "[[Vision HERO Faris|Faris]]", "[[Vision HERO Increase|Increase]]", and "[[Vision HERO Vyon|Vyon]]"; "Faris" will Special Summon itself from the hand and place "Increase" in the [[Spell & Trap Zone]] who will then tribute "Faris" to Special Summon itself and "Vyon", then "Vyon" will send other "HERO" monsters to the GY for their GY effects (usually "Destiny HERO" monsters or "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist") and search out a "[[Polymerization]]" to enable "HERO" Fusion plays, all the while providing multiple "HERO" monsters on the field that can enable even more plays. Its Fusion Monsters, "[[Vision HERO Adoration|Adoration]]" and "[[Vision HERO Trinity|Trinity]]" can use any "HERO" monsters as material and the latter serves as a very useful game closer.
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*Although "[[Masked HERO]]" Fusion Monsters can only be Special Summoned with "[[Change]]" [[Quick-Play Spell Card]]s rather than Fusion Summons, these cards are also worth including due to the few "Masked HERO" members with disruptive effects and "Change" cards can be searched with "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist". These "Masked HERO" monsters notably include "[[Masked HERO Dark Law|Dark Law]]" (for its passive one-sided "[[Macro Cosmos]]" and hand-rip effects, also being easy to Summon due to the majority of the key "HERO" monsters being DARK including "Shadow Mist", all "Destiny HEROs" and all "Vision HEROs"), "[[Masked HERO Acid|Acid]]" (by using "[[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]" to perform a board wipe), and "[[Masked HERO Blast]]" for dealing with Spell/Traps. "Change" Quick-Play Spells can also be used to "dodge" certain [[target]]ed disruptions.
 +
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*"[[Evil HERO]]" can only offer "[[Evil HERO Adusted Gold]]", which can search "[[Dark Calling]]" to Summon "[[Evil HERO Malicious Bane]]" using the discarded "Adusted Gold" and another Level 5 or higher monster such as "Vision HERO Faris" or "Destiny HERO - Malicious".
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*Finally, despite the majority of the "HERO" Extra Deck members being Fusion Monsters, a few of them are [[Link Monster]]s, those being the [[Xtra HERO]] series of monsters. These have effects which either support a specific sub-archetype (such as "[[Xtra HERO Cross Crusader]]" with "Destiny HERO" monsters) or ones that support the general shared playstyle of "HERO", such as "[[Xtra HERO Wonder Driver]]" recycling "Change", "[[Fusion (archetype)|Fusion]]" or "[[Polymerization (archetype)|Polymerization]]" Spells.
 +
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==Sample combos==
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"HERO" can function decently well going first by virtue of chainable removal such as "Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer" and "Favorite Contact" to bring out "Shining Neos Wingman" during the opponent's turn, not to mention "Dark Law" posing a threat to Graveyard-reliant strategies and generation of hand advantage. However, they can excel going second due to their ability to accrue high ATK, burn the opponent, and set up opportunity to tag out into additional powerful monsters to continue their onslaught.
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Below is a sample combo with the following objectives:
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# Fusion Summon "[[Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer]]" to act as chainable, non-targeting removal during either player's turn.
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# Set up the Special Summon of "[[Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman]]" during the opponent's turn through a combination of the "[[Xtra HERO]]" monsters and "[[Elemental HERO Flame Wingman - Infernal Rage]]".
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# Destroy "[[Wake Up Your Elemental HERO]]" to allow it to Summon "[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]" in order to search "[[Mask Change]]" with which to Summon "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]" to restrict the opponent's ability to generate card advantage or utilize their GY.
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{{Combo steps
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| opening = "[[Vision HERO Faris]]" + "[[Destiny HERO - Malicious]]" or "[[Destiny HERO - Denier]]"
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| end = "[[Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer]]", "[[Xtra HERO Wonder Driver]]", and "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]" in the Monster Zone + "[[Favorite Contact]]" in the Spell/Trap Zone to Summon "[[Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman]]"
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| steps =
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# Use "[[Vision HERO Faris]]'" effect to discard either "Destiny HERO" mentioned above and Special Summon itself, then use its effect to place "[[Vision HERO Increase]]" from your Deck into the Spell/Trap Zone as a Continuous Trap.
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# Use "Increase's" effect in the backrow to Tribute "Faris" and Summon itself, which will trigger its second effect to Summon "[[Vision HERO Vyon]]" from Deck.
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# Use "Vyon's" on-Summon effect to send the remaining "Destiny HERO" mentioned above to the GY, then use its second effect to banish "Faris" from GY and search "[[Polymerization]]".
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# Link Summon "[[Xtra HERO Cross Crusader]]" using "Increase" and "Vyon", and use its effect to revive either "Destiny HERO" in your GY to Tribute with "Crusader's" second effect and search "[[Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier]]".
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# Banish "Malicious" from GY to Summon a copy of itself from the Deck, and use both it and "Crusader" to Link Summon "[[Xtra HERO Infernal Devicer]]", whose effect will reveal "[[Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman]]" in your Extra Deck to search its mentioned material "[[Elemental HERO Neos]]".
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# Use "Polymerization" to fuse "Neos" and "Liquid Soldier" into "[[Elemental HERO Flame Wingman - Infernal Rage]]". Upon Summon, chain "Liquid Soldier's" effect in GY and "Infernal Rage's" in sequence to search "[[Favorite Contact]]" and subsequently draw two cards, then discard one (doing so will avoid the risk of drawing "Favorite Contact" by "Liquid Soldier's" effect, thereby whiffing "Infernal Rage's").
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# Given "Infernal Rage" was Summoned with a Normal Monster as material in the form of "Neos", Tribute it to Summon "[[Elemental HERO Sunrise]]" from your Extra Deck, who will search "[[Miracle Fusion]]" upon Summon.
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# Link Summon "[[Xtra HERO Wonder Driver]]" using "Infernal Devicer" and "Sunrise", then activate "Miracle Fusion" to banish "Infernal Rage" and "Neos" from your GY as material for "[[Wake Up Your Elemental HERO]]", who will be Summoned to "Wonder Driver's" pointed Monster Zone to activate its effect, targeting and Setting "Polymerization" from GY.
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# Since the second copy of "Malicious" is in your GY, use "Denier's" effect to Summon itself and subsequently take the first copy of "Malicious" from your banishment to place on top of your Deck, thereby allowing you to Summon it again.
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# After Summoning the recycled "Malicious" from your Deck by banishing the second from GY, use "Polymerization" to fuse it and "Denier" into "[[Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer]]", whose Quick Effect will destroy itself and "Wake Up", triggering the former's to allow it to revive during the next Standby Phase, and the latter's effect to Summon "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist" from hand or Deck and enable it to search "[[Mask Change]]". From here you can either use it to tag "Shadow Mist" into "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]" right away, or reserve it for your opponent's turn to use "Shadow Mist's" GY effect to search a "HERO" monster.
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# Set "Favorite Contact" and pass turn, then when an opportunity arises, use it to place "Infernal Rage" and "Neos" back into the Deck and Summon "Shining Neos Wingman", which can both destroy the opponent's cards without targeting and unable to be returned (or "spun") to the Extra Deck given "Favorite Contact" placed "Neos" into the Deck.
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}}
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==Recommended cards==
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{{Decklist|Recommended cards
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|normal monsters =
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* [[Elemental HERO Neos]]
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|effect monsters =
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* [[Elemental HERO Honest Neos]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Stratos]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Spirit of Neos]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Dark Angel]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Denier]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Drawhand]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Malicious]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Plasma]]
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* [[Vision HERO Faris]]
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* [[Vision HERO Increase]]
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* [[Vision HERO Vyon]]
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* [[Evil HERO Adusted Gold]]
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* [[Winged Kuriboh LV6]]
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* [[Droll & Lock Bird]] (with "Drawhand" and "Dark Law")
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|fusion monsters =
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* [[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Escuridao]] (for "Super Polymerization")
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* [[Elemental HERO Flame Wingman - Infernal Rage]]
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** [[Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman]] (with "Elemental HERO Neos")
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* [[Elemental HERO Great Tornado]] (for "Super Polymerization")
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* [[Elemental HERO The Shining]] (for "Super Polymerization")
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* [[Elemental HERO Sunrise]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Dangerous]]
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* [[Destiny HERO - Dystopia]]
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* [[Evil HERO Malicious Bane]]
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* [[Masked HERO Acid]]
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* [[Masked HERO Blast]]
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* [[Masked HERO Dark Law]]
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* [[Vision HERO Trinity]]
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* [[Wake Up Your Elemental HERO]]
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|link monsters =
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* [[Xtra HERO Cross Crusader]]
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* [[Xtra HERO Dread Decimator]]
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* [[Xtra HERO Wonder Driver]]
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* [[Xtra HERO Infernal Devicer]]
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|normal spells =
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* [[A Hero Lives]]
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* [[E - Emergency Call]]
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* [[EN Shuffle]]
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* [[Dark Calling]]
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* [[Fusion Destiny]]
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* [[Miracle Fusion]]
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* [[Polymerization]]
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* [[Reinforcement of the Army]]
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* [[Sabatiel - The Philosopher's Stone]]
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|quick-play spells =
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* [[Mask Change]]
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* [[Super Polymerization]]
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|normal traps =
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* [[Favorite Contact]]
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* [[Magistery Alchemist]]
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}}
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== Official Deck ==
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{{Decklist|Obelisk Force HERO Deck<ref>{{cite web | url = https://ygorganization.com/ocg-duelist-festival-2016-obelisk-force-deck-recipes/ | title = <nowiki>[OCG] Duelist Festival 2016 Obelisk Force Deck Recipes</nowiki> | author = NeoArkadia | website = The Organization | date = May 25, 2016 | accessdate = May 10, 2022}}</ref>
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|effect monsters =
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* [[Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude]] x2
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* [[Elemental HERO Blazeman]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Bubbleman]] x2
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* [[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Stratos]]
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* [[Goblindbergh]]
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* [[Summoner Monk]]
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|fusion monsters =
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* [[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]
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* [[Elemental HERO Escuridao]]
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* [[Elemental HERO The Shining]]
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* [[Masked HERO Acid]]
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* [[Masked HERO Anki]]
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* [[Masked HERO Dark Law]]
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* [[Masked HERO Divine Wind]]
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|xyz monsters =
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* [[Blade Armor Ninja]]
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* [[Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer]]
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* [[Daigusto Emeral]]
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* [[Diamond Dire Wolf]]
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* [[Evilswarm Exciton Knight]]
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* [[Number 39: Utopia]]
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* [[Number S39: Utopia the Lightning]]
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* [[Traptrix Rafflesia]]
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|spells =
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* [[A Hero Lives]] x3
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* [[Destiny Draw]] x3
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* [[E - Emergency Call]] x3
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* [[Galaxy Cyclone]]
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* [[Harpie's Feather Duster]]
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* [[Mask Change]]
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* [[Miracle Fusion]]
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* [[Monster Reborn]]
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* [[Polymerization]]
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* [[Pot of Avarice]]
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* [[Pot of Desires]]
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* [[Reinforcement of the Army]]
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* [[Soul Charge]]
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* [[Super Polymerization]]
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* [[The Warrior Returning Alive]]
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|traps =
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* [[Bottomless Trap Hole]]
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* [[Ferret Flames]]
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* [[Solemn Judgment]]
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* [[Treacherous Trap Hole]]
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* [[Vanity's Emptiness]]
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}}
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===Weaknesses===
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* Most "HERO" monsters often lack protection, and as such the player can often easily have their [[field]] cleared by mass destruction cards and effects like "[[Raigeki]]", "[[Nibiru, the Primal Being]]" and "[[Evenly Matched]]" which most "HERO" monsters do not have effects to counter these cards with. As such, they are heavily reliant on cards such as "[[Forbidden Droplet]]", "[[Crossout Designator]]", and "[[Called by the Grave]]" to be able to play through such disruptions.
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* With a few exceptions, "HERO" monsters generally have little ability to disrupt or prevent the opponent's plays. In particular, there are no "HERO" monsters in the game that can negate the activation of cards or effects so far.
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* "[[Gozen Match]]" can significantly disrupt "HERO" Decks that use "Elemental HERO" monsters due to their variety of [[Attribute]]s.
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* As most "HERO" Fusion Monsters have to be [[Fusion Summon]]ed, cards like "[[Non-Fusion Area]]" and "[[Dimensional Barrier]]" can prevent these Fusion Monsters from being Summoned. Furthermore, cards like "[[Nekroz of Unicore]]" can have their effects negated.
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* As "HERO" monsters are mostly Warrior-Type, cards such as "[[Cipher Soldier]]", "[[Warrior Elimination]]" and "[[There Can Be Only One]]" can pose as a threat to such decks.
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== References ==
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<references />
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{{Archseries navbox}}
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{{Archseries navbox (anime)}}
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{{Archseries navbox (manga)}}
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{{Archseries navbox (D Team)}}
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{{Archseries navbox (Duel Links)}}
 
{{HERO}}
 
{{HERO}}
 
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]

Latest revision as of 17:51, 7 April 2024

HERO
HERO
Japanese
  • HEROヒーロー
  • HERO (base)
  • ヒーロー (ruby)
  • Hīrō (romanized)
Traditional Chinese
  • HERO
Simplified Chinese
  • -英雄
French
  • HÉROS
German
  • HELD
Italian
  • EROE
Korean
  • 히어로
  • Hieoro (romanized)
Portuguese
  • HERÓI
Spanish
  • HÉROE
Sets
TCG
OCG
Korean
Anime appearances
Manga appearances
Lists

"HERO" (HEROヒーロー Hīrō) is an archetype of mostly Warrior monsters introduced in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX that includes five sub-archetypes as well as several other cards. "HERO" monsters are often based on comic, cartoon, or movie style heroes. This archetype was used by Jaden Yuki, Aster Phoenix, and The Supreme King in the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime, and an alternate version of Aster Phoenix in the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V anime. It was also used by Jaden Yuki, Aster Phoenix, and Koyo Hibiki in the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX manga, and Fusion Mask in the Yu-Gi-Oh! D Team ZEXAL manga. The "HERO" archetype is the second largest archetype in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, behind "Number".

Sub-themes[edit]

The "HERO" archetype exists to unify various related themes that primarily appear in the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime and manga. The primary themes that comprise the "HERO" archetype are "Elemental HERO", "Evil HERO" and "Destiny HERO", "Masked HERO" and "Vision HERO". There are several monsters that are not part of any of these five themes by name: "Contrast HERO Chaos" (although it is treated as an "Elemental HERO" card), the Xtra HERO cards, and the Illegal Match winner "E☆HERO Pit Boss". Additionally, the archetype also includes two Spell Cards ("HERO's Bond" and "Legacy of a HERO") and one Skill Card ("HERO World").

Archetype Anime users Manga users Design
Elemental HERO Jaden Yuki
Aster Phoenix
Jaden Yuki
Koyo Hibiki
In the anime, they are themed after comic-book superheroes; in the manga, they are based on natural elements.
Destiny HERO Aster Phoenix (GX)
Aster Phoenix (ARC-V)
N/A They are based on vigilantes or anti-heroes (such as Batman, Devilman, and Spawn), as well as British culture. Their effects often relate to the passage of time.
Evil HERO The Supreme King N/A They bear some similarity to various demonic superheroes, villains, and anti-heroes, such as The Darkness, Hellboy, and Witchblade. Most of the monsters are corrupted versions of Elemental HEROs.
Vision HERO N/A Aster Phoenix Most "Vision HERO" monsters wear helmets with a singular lens where the face would be, and have an almost robotic appearance.
Masked HERO N/A Jaden Yuki They appear to be based on Japanese Kamen Rider heroes (Kamen meaning "Masked"). They also take inspiration from the recurring "form changing" and transformations of Kamen Riders. The Double Attacks are similar to the original Kamen Riders' (1 and 2) "Rider Double" techniques.
Xtra HERO N/A N/A Link Monsters with futuristic designs similar to Vision HEROs. The monsters in this series of cards each have designs and effects referring to the HERO sub-archetypes they support.

Naming[edit]

OCG[edit]

The Japanese cards use 「E・HEROエレメンタルヒーロー」, 「E-HEROイービルヒーロー」, 「E☆HEROエンターテイメントヒーロー」 「C・HEROコントラスト・ヒーロー」, 「D-HEROデステニーヒーロー」, 「M・HEROマスクドヒーロー」, 「V・HEROヴィジョンヒーロー」 and 「X・HEROエクストラヒーロー」 at the start of their names so only those eight would work with 「HEROヒーロー」. Note that "Elemental HERO", "Evil HERO", and "Entertainment HERO" use 「E・HERO」, 「E-HERO」, and 「E☆HERO」, and their furigana is different: "Elemental HERO" monsters have 「エレメンタルヒーロー」, "Evil HERO" monsters have 「イービルヒーロー」, and "Entertainment HERO" monsters have 「エンターテイメントヒーロー」.

TCG[edit]

In the TCG, originally text supporting this archetype specified "Elemental Hero" and "Destiny Hero" monsters separately, rather than supporting this as an independent archetype; after the release of "Evil Hero" cards in the TCG, support cards for this archetype began to specify all three sub-themes ("Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" and "Evil Hero"). This was done in the old texts of "Elemental Hero Stratos", "Elemental Hero Ocean", "Elemental Hero Divine Neos", "Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy", "Elemental Hero Absolute Zero", and "Hero's Bond". The original print of "Elemental Hero Divine Neos" was the only card to reference this archetype (albeit as "Hero"), although it only did so after already specifying that those same monsters must be "Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" or "Evil Hero" monsters.

As part of the introduction of Problem-Solving Card Text, in anticipation of the upcoming release of "Masked HERO" and "Vision HERO" cards, this archetype was introduced to the TCG as an independent archetype named "HERO". Starting in Generation Force, "Elemental Hero", "Destiny Hero" and "Evil Hero" were renamed "Elemental HERO", "Destiny HERO" and "Evil HERO", respectively; and "Masked HERO" and "Vision HERO" had their names capitalized accordingly. "HERO" is rendered in all capital letters to distinguish members from cards such as "Hero Kid" and "Oscillo Hero", which have "Hero" in their names but are not part of this archetype.[1]

In addition, two Spell Cards were renamed to align with the OCG: "HERO Flash!!" was renamed to "Hero Flash!!" (to exclude it) and "Hero's Bond" was renamed to "HERO's Bond" (to include it).

Playing style[edit]

Due to the "HERO" archetype being generally divided across a few sub-archetypes, the overall playstyle of the "HERO" archetype is objectively varied although common traits between the sub-archetypes show that the "HERO" archetype is predominantly a Fusion-based playstyle; they focus on swarming the field by Summoning "HERO" monsters, as well as searching "HERO" monsters and/or their "Fusion"/"Polymerization" Spell Cards needed to Special Summon their Fusion Monsters (usually by a Fusion Summon).

Many members (despite also being a member of a specific "HERO" sub-archetype) support the entire "HERO" archetype as a whole. The overall "HERO" meta-archetype playstyle highlights some of the key "HERO" members which are almost always worth including:

  • "Vision HERO" monsters generically support "HERO" monsters outside of their "vision" playstyle. The archetype strongly supports, and is strongly supported by the "HERO" meta-archetype, with general "HERO" support giving the archetype more flexibility, and "Vision HERO" itself giving other "HERO" sub-archetypes multiple extenders, situational tools, and boss monsters. The "Vision HERO" archetype is often compacted into an engine of "Faris", "Increase", and "Vyon"; "Faris" will Special Summon itself from the hand and place "Increase" in the Spell & Trap Zone who will then tribute "Faris" to Special Summon itself and "Vyon", then "Vyon" will send other "HERO" monsters to the GY for their GY effects (usually "Destiny HERO" monsters or "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist") and search out a "Polymerization" to enable "HERO" Fusion plays, all the while providing multiple "HERO" monsters on the field that can enable even more plays. Its Fusion Monsters, "Adoration" and "Trinity" can use any "HERO" monsters as material and the latter serves as a very useful game closer.
  • Although "Masked HERO" Fusion Monsters can only be Special Summoned with "Change" Quick-Play Spell Cards rather than Fusion Summons, these cards are also worth including due to the few "Masked HERO" members with disruptive effects and "Change" cards can be searched with "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist". These "Masked HERO" monsters notably include "Dark Law" (for its passive one-sided "Macro Cosmos" and hand-rip effects, also being easy to Summon due to the majority of the key "HERO" monsters being DARK including "Shadow Mist", all "Destiny HEROs" and all "Vision HEROs"), "Acid" (by using "Elemental HERO Absolute Zero" to perform a board wipe), and "Masked HERO Blast" for dealing with Spell/Traps. "Change" Quick-Play Spells can also be used to "dodge" certain targeted disruptions.
  • Finally, despite the majority of the "HERO" Extra Deck members being Fusion Monsters, a few of them are Link Monsters, those being the Xtra HERO series of monsters. These have effects which either support a specific sub-archetype (such as "Xtra HERO Cross Crusader" with "Destiny HERO" monsters) or ones that support the general shared playstyle of "HERO", such as "Xtra HERO Wonder Driver" recycling "Change", "Fusion" or "Polymerization" Spells.

Sample combos[edit]

"HERO" can function decently well going first by virtue of chainable removal such as "Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer" and "Favorite Contact" to bring out "Shining Neos Wingman" during the opponent's turn, not to mention "Dark Law" posing a threat to Graveyard-reliant strategies and generation of hand advantage. However, they can excel going second due to their ability to accrue high ATK, burn the opponent, and set up opportunity to tag out into additional powerful monsters to continue their onslaught.

Below is a sample combo with the following objectives:

  1. Fusion Summon "Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer" to act as chainable, non-targeting removal during either player's turn.
  2. Set up the Special Summon of "Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman" during the opponent's turn through a combination of the "Xtra HERO" monsters and "Elemental HERO Flame Wingman - Infernal Rage".
  3. Destroy "Wake Up Your Elemental HERO" to allow it to Summon "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist" in order to search "Mask Change" with which to Summon "Masked HERO Dark Law" to restrict the opponent's ability to generate card advantage or utilize their GY.
  1. Use "Vision HERO Faris'" effect to discard either "Destiny HERO" mentioned above and Special Summon itself, then use its effect to place "Vision HERO Increase" from your Deck into the Spell/Trap Zone as a Continuous Trap.
  2. Use "Increase's" effect in the backrow to Tribute "Faris" and Summon itself, which will trigger its second effect to Summon "Vision HERO Vyon" from Deck.
  3. Use "Vyon's" on-Summon effect to send the remaining "Destiny HERO" mentioned above to the GY, then use its second effect to banish "Faris" from GY and search "Polymerization".
  4. Link Summon "Xtra HERO Cross Crusader" using "Increase" and "Vyon", and use its effect to revive either "Destiny HERO" in your GY to Tribute with "Crusader's" second effect and search "Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier".
  5. Banish "Malicious" from GY to Summon a copy of itself from the Deck, and use both it and "Crusader" to Link Summon "Xtra HERO Infernal Devicer", whose effect will reveal "Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman" in your Extra Deck to search its mentioned material "Elemental HERO Neos".
  6. Use "Polymerization" to fuse "Neos" and "Liquid Soldier" into "Elemental HERO Flame Wingman - Infernal Rage". Upon Summon, chain "Liquid Soldier's" effect in GY and "Infernal Rage's" in sequence to search "Favorite Contact" and subsequently draw two cards, then discard one (doing so will avoid the risk of drawing "Favorite Contact" by "Liquid Soldier's" effect, thereby whiffing "Infernal Rage's").
  7. Given "Infernal Rage" was Summoned with a Normal Monster as material in the form of "Neos", Tribute it to Summon "Elemental HERO Sunrise" from your Extra Deck, who will search "Miracle Fusion" upon Summon.
  8. Link Summon "Xtra HERO Wonder Driver" using "Infernal Devicer" and "Sunrise", then activate "Miracle Fusion" to banish "Infernal Rage" and "Neos" from your GY as material for "Wake Up Your Elemental HERO", who will be Summoned to "Wonder Driver's" pointed Monster Zone to activate its effect, targeting and Setting "Polymerization" from GY.
  9. Since the second copy of "Malicious" is in your GY, use "Denier's" effect to Summon itself and subsequently take the first copy of "Malicious" from your banishment to place on top of your Deck, thereby allowing you to Summon it again.
  10. After Summoning the recycled "Malicious" from your Deck by banishing the second from GY, use "Polymerization" to fuse it and "Denier" into "Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer", whose Quick Effect will destroy itself and "Wake Up", triggering the former's to allow it to revive during the next Standby Phase, and the latter's effect to Summon "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist" from hand or Deck and enable it to search "Mask Change". From here you can either use it to tag "Shadow Mist" into "Masked HERO Dark Law" right away, or reserve it for your opponent's turn to use "Shadow Mist's" GY effect to search a "HERO" monster.
  11. Set "Favorite Contact" and pass turn, then when an opportunity arises, use it to place "Infernal Rage" and "Neos" back into the Deck and Summon "Shining Neos Wingman", which can both destroy the opponent's cards without targeting and unable to be returned (or "spun") to the Extra Deck given "Favorite Contact" placed "Neos" into the Deck.


Recommended cards[edit]

Official Deck[edit]

Weaknesses[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Tewart, Kevin (May 23, 2011). "Problem-Solving Card Text, Part 2: New Words & Phrases". Konami. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  2. NeoArkadia (May 25, 2016). "[OCG] Duelist Festival 2016 Obelisk Force Deck Recipes". The Organization. Retrieved May 10, 2022.