Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

About

"Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links" is a digital adaptation of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, where you can duel against players worldwide or go through a single-player campaign as iconic characters. The game offers intuitive controls, stunning 3D animations, and a star-studded lineup including Yugi, Kaiba, Joey, and Mai. The Japanese text option is available if the game is started in Japan.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 19,616 reviews

gameplay217 positive mentions

grinding593 negative mentions

The game runs smoothly on mobile devices, with vibrant graphics and engaging animations that capture the essence of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise.
Players appreciate the nostalgic connections to the anime, with immersive character interactions and a fun, humorous atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience.
The gameplay mechanics are accessible and streamlined, allowing for quick and dynamic duels, while offering a decent amount of content and high replayability.

The PC optimization is poor, with many players experiencing lag, connection issues, and a cluttered user interface, making the experience unsatisfactory.
The game is heavily criticized for its pay-to-win model and excessive grinding, which can frustrate players who do not wish to spend money or invest significant time.
The story lacks a cohesive narrative and can feel repetitive, with many players expressing disappointment over the grinding nature of missions and the overall lack of meaningful progression.

gameplay
670 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
61%
6%
The gameplay of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is characterized by its fast-paced, simplified mechanics that make it accessible for both new and returning players. While the game offers a generous amount of free content and a variety of character skills that enhance strategic depth, it also faces criticism for its pay-to-win elements and reliance on gacha mechanics, which can create a frustrating experience for those unwilling to invest time or money. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of Yu-Gi-Oh! while streamlining the experience, though it may not satisfy players seeking the complexity of the traditional trading card game.
- “The game does a great job introducing all the new cards and mechanics, even if you’ve been out of the loop for decades.”
- “The gameplay is smooth and intuitive, with a tutorial mode that does a great job of introducing new players to the mechanics of the game.”
- “Duel Links streamlines the classic TCG gameplay, reducing the size of the playing field and deck, which leads to quicker and more dynamic duels.”
- “More forced pop-ups than the internet in 2004, unbearable to actually get to gameplay.”
- “The 100% of the game is a joke, I would say it takes more than a thousand hours of gameplay just to get one stupid achievement.”
- “The repetitive nature of the gameplay became more apparent, and the sense of accomplishment that had fueled my enthusiasm was no longer present.”
grinding
608 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively time-consuming and tedious, often requiring players to invest hundreds of hours or significant amounts of money to build competitive decks. While some players appreciate the challenge and find enjoyment in the grind, many express frustration over the slow accumulation of in-game currency and the reliance on luck to obtain desired cards. Overall, the game is seen as heavily leaning towards a pay-to-win model, making it difficult for free-to-play players to keep up without extensive grinding.
- “This is a fun game, when you're not grinding to get the meta cards and decks to compete actively with everyone else playing this.”
- “Not too grindy, yes a bit of pay-to-win element but it's not as bad as others make it out to be.”
- “Understandable from a farming perspective but would be nice as a casual player to be able to progress without face grinding.”
- “Honestly tiring and extremely pay to win, massive FOMO and crazy amounts of grinding. Comparing this to Master Duel is like comparing a Zelda game with an EA Sports title, which is kinda sad because Duel Links has some cool stuff like the anime characters saying their lines and nice 3D animations... that you will always skip and break the flow of gameplay.”
- “Extremely grindy, time intensive and expensive to attain anything resembling a competent or constructed decklist for speed duels due to the years and years of progression you will need to catch up on, on top of the awful gacha system of obtaining cards and the lack of a crafting system in comparison to something like Master Duel.”
- “The grinding for things is a drag; I have to rely on RNG to get the cards I want, and unlocking specific things takes forever in this game. However, the moment I was able to have a functioning PvP deck, the game suddenly got really fun!”
story
385 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
76%
6%
The story aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the nostalgic connections to the anime and the immersive character interactions, while others criticize the lack of a cohesive narrative and the grindy nature of missions. Many reviews highlight that while there are engaging mini-stories and events, the overall progression can feel repetitive and disconnected from a traditional story mode. Overall, the game offers a blend of familiar lore and character-driven content, but it may not satisfy those seeking a deep, structured narrative experience.
- “The anime clips and summoning animations are also very cool, making the game immersive to the anime lore, as well as having its own (is it even canon?) continuation for some storylines.”
- “The story and interaction between the characters are amazing, the dialogue is totally how the character would have spoken in the anime and also provided a great storyline for why different characters from different animes exist together in one place!”
- “The story is riveting and impactful; by the end of the story mode, I had been brought to tears multiple times.”
- “It doesn't feel like there's any real sense of progression through any storylines or narratives, and I don't know.”
- “Very bad game, don't waste your time like I did. There's nothing in here you do freely; all is controlled storylines, very boring.”
- “The game is basically locked from any actual input until you're done with the lame story sequence.”
monetization
234 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
59%
35%
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a blatant cash grab characterized by aggressive microtransactions and a pay-to-win model. While some users appreciate the ability to earn in-game currency and cards through gameplay, the overwhelming presence of ads and the grind required to build competitive decks without spending money detracts from the overall experience. Despite being free-to-play, the game is perceived as heavily reliant on in-app purchases, leading to frustration among players who feel pressured to spend to remain competitive.
- “It's just like the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG except only speed and rush duels, but it's all digital and can be completely free because in-app purchases don't seem mandatory to play the game, and you can earn cards and gems easily, but not too easily.”
- “A surprisingly fair monetization model for a free-to-play game published by Konami. No premium currency, and all in-game currencies are earned solely through gameplay. You can, however, spend real money to buy structure decks or packs, but all in-game currencies can be earned in abundance through leveling up characters, PvP, missions, and events.”
- “While the game provides a decent amount of content accessible through gameplay alone, the reliance on microtransactions to obtain specific cards or to compete effectively in higher-tier competitive play introduces a pay-to-win aspect that can be a point of contention.”
- “The monetization is this game's Achilles' heel; it makes anything that could be better or different from Master Duel into a strict negative. You missed the event?”
- “While the game excels in gameplay mechanics, competitive scene, and presentation, the impact of microtransactions on competitive balance and player experience cannot be overlooked.”
- “It's become more and more apparent how it's just a cash grab and Konami is milking the player base before they eventually shut down the servers.”
graphics
225 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
52%
5%
The graphics of the game have received generally positive feedback, with many users praising the vibrant visuals, detailed card artwork, and engaging animations that capture the essence of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. While some reviews mention limitations in customization options and occasional graphical issues, the overall aesthetic appeal and nostalgic art style resonate well with fans, making it a visually enjoyable experience. However, a few critiques highlight that the graphics may not meet the expectations for a PC game, as it is originally a mobile port.
- “The game's initial charm was undeniable: vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the thrill of unlocking and upgrading cards.”
- “Visually, 'Duel Links' impresses with its detailed card artwork and character models.”
- “Konami has done an excellent job in the graphics and presentation department, bringing the Yu-Gi-Oh! world to life with vibrant visuals and animations.”
- “The graphics are outdated, the game doesn't support ultrawide monitors, and the flashing lights and sound are annoying. Allow users to turn off this and get to gaming.”
- “Not much to the game, lackluster visuals, achievements were boring, stopped pretty early due to a lack of content, overall an underwhelming experience.”
- “Since this game was originally a mobile game, the graphics suck for PC.”
music
150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
48%
15%
The music in the game is widely praised for its quality and ability to evoke nostalgia, with many tracks enhancing the duel experience. However, several users express frustration over the inability to mute or lower the volume during initial updates and tutorials, which can lead to an overwhelming auditory experience. Overall, while the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, the lack of volume control options detracts from the enjoyment for some players.
- “The soundtrack is absolutely wonderful and one of the most notable elements in the game due to how good so many tracks are.”
- “The sound effects and music are well done, with the iconic theme songs from the anime series adding an extra layer of nostalgia for fans of the show.”
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal, with tracks that perfectly capture the intensity of a high-stakes duel or the stage of a tournament setting.”
- “Music feels repetitive, and of course, the background changes and music are locked behind a paywall rather than being able to use in-game gold or gems, preferably gold, unlike Master Duel where you can just spend gems to change your deck box, sleeves, and mat/battlefield.”
- “Good luck learning the game in the tutorial with the music blasted up to about 150% and no way to turn it down.”
- “Unending tutorials that they won't let you skip; during the tutorials, you're unable to access settings at any time, so you can't turn down their annoying dialogs or the absurdly loud music.”
humor
78 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding joy in its quirky card interactions, amusing character lines, and the absurdity of certain game mechanics. Many reviews highlight the comedic elements of gameplay, such as hilarious misplays and the entertaining dynamics of dueling, while also noting that the game's lightheartedness can sometimes be overshadowed by its pay-to-win aspects. Overall, the game is seen as a fun and funny experience, especially when played with friends.
- “Master Duel is much more beginner-friendly, it actually has an interesting plot that is a crossover between other shows within the franchise, and the sense of humor is actually worth seeing!”
- “The game is extremely funny and the story and the characters are really amusing.”
- “Gotta love playing your favorite characters from the old series and dueling out like there's no tomorrow, especially when you lose and your character makes a funny noise.”
stability
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and connection issues that significantly hinder gameplay, especially in PvP modes. Many players experience frequent freezes, crashes, and lag, leading to frustration and a diminished gaming experience. While some updates have improved stability over time, persistent issues remain, making the game feel unreliable and often unplayable.
- “Runs great on PC.”
- “The game itself is really good and fun, always has ongoing events and runs great (and unlike before, it has no issues now).”
- “There are always problems with loading and it freezes a lot.”
- “It takes two hours to load and freezes.”
- “Connection is buggy; you play PvP, find a match, play a couple of turns, and when you're going for the final touch, the connection errors out, causing you to lose because of the server or bugs!”
optimization
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
69%
10%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players noting smooth performance on mobile devices while others criticize its poor optimization for PC, describing it as feeling like a mobile port. Many users report issues such as lag during alt-tabbing and a cluttered user interface on PC, indicating a need for significant improvements. Overall, while some aspects are well-optimized for mobile play, the PC experience is often deemed unsatisfactory and in need of refinement.
- “I play it on phone, and it runs smoothly without lagging.”
- “Best Yu-Gi-Oh game ever, optimized for mobile, nice graphics, cool 3D effects for ace cards, easy controls, in-game tutorial with plenty of bonuses. Basically pay-to-win, but even if you're not paying, you can still win.”
- “Legacy of the Duelist is actually good, runs smoothly on a toaster, and has a lot more enjoyable content.”
- “Game is not optimized.”
- “Just a cash grab, mobile port that hasn't been optimized for PC in any visible way.”
- “I'm also playing it on mobile when I'm not at home, so I can say that my biggest criticism is that this game is absolutely terribly optimized for PC.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a mix of nostalgia, personal connections, and the impact of gameplay experiences. Players express feelings of joy and fulfillment from the game's wholesome nature and community, while others share frustration and disappointment over changes that have affected their enjoyment. Overall, the game evokes strong emotional responses, ranging from fond memories to feelings of betrayal, reflecting the deep ties players have to the franchise.
- “Overall, Duel Links is a fun game, and I was definitely too emotional when writing the first half of this review about half a year ago.”
- “My friends bully me for playing this, but no matter, the heart of the cards is stronger than the emotional ties of friendship!”
- “+The returning English voice cast from the 4Kids series made me feel right at home.”
replayability
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
36%
27%
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many users highlighting the abundance of content and the ability to experiment with various decks and strategies. While some players note the grind and pay-to-win elements, they still find enjoyment in the diverse gameplay options and nostalgic elements that encourage repeated play. The consensus suggests a strong replay value, often rated around 7/10 or higher.
- “Good content and has a lot of replayability.”
- “Easy to learn and has so much replay value.”
- “And no matter what deck you build, you'll always be itching to spin things around, building new ones with different strategies, combos, effects, and testing them out with near infinite replayability by online versus matches.”
- “It's heavily pay-to-win or grind your way for ages and wait for special anniversary/release celebration events if you want to get your hands on those juicy cards. I've spent about 15 euros on this, so I didn't lose much, but with 116 hours through Steam and about 200 through the Google Store, I believe I have my fair share of grind on this and still am not satisfied with the incomplete decks I have. They are playable but not perfect if I don't grind or pay.”
- “Many of the decks released in the last two years or so are playable, but the first two years' worth of decks are way too slow anymore in PvP. However, you can still have a good bit of fun trying them against legendary duelists or against the low-level NPCs that spawn around.”
- “Nostalgic with huge replay value.”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
The atmosphere of Duel Links is highly praised for its faithful recreation of the Yu-Gi-Oh anime, featuring a vast cast of characters and engaging voice work that immerses players in the dueling experience. The game effectively captures the essence of being a Yu-Gi-Oh champion, with a strong sense of progress and enjoyment enhanced by the introduction of newer mechanics like synchro-cards. Overall, players find the atmosphere to be a standout aspect that significantly enriches the gameplay experience.
- “The quality is astounding, the gameplay experience is extremely enjoyable, and the atmosphere is incredible.”
- “The atmosphere of this game really makes the player feel as if they are a real Yu-Gi-Oh champion.”
- “This game went hardcore into the atmosphere of the show.”
- “I love the use of voices and characters in the game which really adds atmosphere.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
150%
Character development in the game is enhanced by frequent updates and engaging events that allow players to utilize characters with diverse abilities, fostering strategic gameplay. Players appreciate the consistent voice acting and character designs that faithfully reflect their personalities and aesthetics from the series, contributing to a deeper connection with their favorite characters.
- “The game always has events to engage players, with frequent updates and a mechanic that features characters with different abilities. This allows for the creation of great strategies for competitive play, while also letting players use their favorite characters. For example, I love Sora; his character design and personality, along with his unique deck, make him a standout.”
- “The voice acting remains consistent, and the character designs effectively reflect the personalities and traits of the characters from the series.”
- “The voice acting is repetitive, and the character designs do not bring anything new to the series.”
- “Character development feels stagnant, lacking depth and meaningful progression.”
- “There is a lack of variety in character abilities, making it hard to create unique strategies.”