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Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

One of the most exciting online CCGs released yet. It could use more singleplayer content, but for PvP, it's tough to beat.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Game Cover
75%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
grinding, monetization
75% User Score Based on 42,802 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 6 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchAndroidPlaystation 5Playstation 4XboxSteam DeckiPhoneWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCTabletPhoneXbox OneiPadMobile Platform
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Game Cover

About

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a single player and multiplayer strategy game with fantasy and kids themes. It was developed by Konami Digital Entertainment and was released on January 17, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel" is a digital card game that allows players to build and duel with virtual collections of Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards. The game features high-definition graphics and supports online multiplayer, as well as solo gameplay against AI opponents. Players can compete in various dueling modes, including ranked matches and special events, to earn rewards and improve their skills.

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75%
Audience ScoreBased on 42,802 reviews
gameplay465 positive mentions
grinding514 negative mentions

  • The game features stunning graphics and smooth animations that enhance the overall dueling experience.
  • The free-to-play model is generous, allowing players to build competitive decks without excessive grinding or spending money.
  • The atmosphere is joyful and immersive, with engaging music and sound effects that evoke nostalgia for fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise.
  • The story mode lacks depth and engagement, often serving as a simplistic tutorial rather than a compelling narrative experience.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues and bugs, particularly on mobile devices, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • The steep learning curve and complex mechanics can be overwhelming for newcomers, making it less accessible for new players.
  • gameplay
    1,772 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its smooth mechanics, stunning visuals, and the depth of strategy involved in deck building. However, newcomers and returning players often find the steep learning curve and complex mechanics, such as synchro, pendulum, and link summoning, overwhelming. Additionally, the gameplay can be marred by lengthy turns dominated by powerful combos, leading to frustration and a feeling of being sidelined during matches. Overall, while the game offers a rich experience for seasoned players, it may alienate those unfamiliar with the latest mechanics.

    • “The gameplay is smooth, the card animations are great, and the generous free-to-play model makes it easy to build competitive decks without spending money.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, I have absolutely no complaints.”
    • “The polished presentation, smooth gameplay, and generous free-to-play model make it one of the best ways to experience Yu-Gi-Oh!”
    • “For the first time, it is not friendly to new players, and it is even worse for older players returning to the game who don't know the mechanics of XYZ, synchro, pendulum, or links.”
    • “The overwhelming meta, 10-minute solitaire combos, and unfair mechanics will leave you feeling like a spectator in your own game.”
    • “This game is so unfair; every time I join a duel match, it's someone with a 30-action first turn getting out a 10,000 ATK and 6,000 DEF monster. How are you supposed to enjoy this game if there is only one deck that can win, and it either takes years of gameplay to get to or you have to spend a bunch of real-life money?”
  • story
    1,365 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story mode has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it lacking depth and engagement. While some appreciate the lore behind various card archetypes presented in the solo missions, others criticize the mode for being overly simplistic and not offering a compelling narrative experience. Overall, the story mode serves primarily as a tutorial and a means to earn in-game currency, but it fails to provide a rich or immersive storyline that fans of the franchise might expect.

    • “The good side of this game is the insane level of competitive spirit; the solo mode really goes deeply into the cards' lore; I enjoyed the Sky Striker storyline a ton.”
    • “The story mode is a good introduction to a difficult card game; things could be improved, but overall this is a very fun simulator for the TCG and OCG.”
    • “The solo mode is both a tutorial to learn the basics of the game as well as several archetypes, but it is also a mode that tells the story, the themes behind certain archetypes.”
    • “Story mode is dog water; ranked is a watch my opponent play with himself simulator. Duel pass does not work for casual duels, so no fun decks as you are forced onto the sweat lord ladder if you want rewards.”
    • “The story mode is so bare that it often amounts to beige text descriptions of card art and slide shows, though the instruction on playing different archetypes is positive.”
    • “The story mode could use some improvements, but all in all, a great experience to relive the nostalgia and learn about modern Yu-Gi-Oh.”
  • graphics
    734 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Master Duel" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and polished animations, which effectively bring the card game to life. Many players appreciate the vibrant artwork and smooth gameplay, noting that the animations for monster summons and effects enhance the overall experience. However, some critiques mention that certain aspects, like the user interface and card artwork resolution, could benefit from updates to keep pace with modern standards. Overall, the game is praised for its impressive graphics, making it one of the best-looking digital adaptations of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise.

    • “The graphics are stunning, and the animations are so smooth that it feels like you're actually in the duel.”
    • “Master Duel delivers breathtaking visuals, with flashy animations and beautifully detailed card art that truly bring the dueling experience to life.”
    • “The visuals are beautiful, the sound design is incredible, and the music goes a bit too hard for a card game to be honest.”
    • “Its graphics are so last decade, even the pharaoh would've found them ancient.”
    • “The graphics are PS2 quality; it still is worth giving it a shot.”
    • “The pretty graphics don't make up for a bad user experience with everything else.”
  • music
    705 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its high quality and dynamic nature, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to shift in intensity based on in-game events, creating an immersive atmosphere during duels. However, some users have noted that the limited variety of tracks can lead to repetitiveness over extended play sessions, suggesting a desire for more diverse musical options.

    • “The soundtrack is amazing too.”
    • “The sound design, including voiceovers and music, perfectly complements the on-screen action, making each duel feel epic and immersive.”
    • “The music is absolutely fantastic, and easily the best we've had in a Yu-Gi-Oh game.”
    • “The music is crazy redundant: it's a loop of bagpipes and medieval music from Vikings, none of it matches the theme of Yu-Gi-Oh.”
    • “The game also installs updates when you open it, but it still plays the start screen music which you can't mute on its own, so you just kinda have to listen to the music if you don't want to mute all your audio.”
    • “The music gets repetitive very fast to the point that by hour 3 of hearing it while playing I had to mute the music.”
  • grinding
    545 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews from players. While many acknowledge that it is a common feature in free-to-play games, they express frustration over the time-consuming nature of grinding for cards and gems, especially for competitive decks, which can take weeks or even months to build without spending money. However, some players appreciate the balance of the grind, noting that with strategic resource management, it is possible to create viable decks without excessive effort, particularly through solo missions and events that provide ample rewards. Overall, the consensus is that while the grind can be tedious, it is manageable for dedicated players willing to invest time.

    • “The grind is well balanced for a free-to-play game; not too grindy yet not too generous. If you're clever with your resources, you can make powerful decks for free.”
    • “The game gives you enough gems at the start to make a couple of decks and roll with them, and the process of getting gems for free isn't that tedious or difficult.”
    • “But relative to other card games, it's not too grindy for free-to-play.”
    • “Even as a veteran player, coming into it knowing what deck to build, the fact that making another takes weeks of grinding if you're F2P is just garbage.”
    • “Another pay-to-win game, because you can spend a whole year grinding for the cards and you still don't have a complete deck.”
    • “The game is incredibly grindy.”
  • monetization
    387 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its reliance on microtransactions for card packs and cosmetics, which can feel intrusive and lead to a "pay-to-win" environment. However, some users appreciate the game's relatively generous free-to-play structure, allowing players to earn enough in-game currency to build competitive decks without spending money, though the grind can become steep over time. Overall, while the monetization is seen as less predatory than in previous titles, concerns about its long-term sustainability and fairness remain prevalent among the community.

    • “The monetization model is very fair.”
    • “Master Duel's free-to-play model is refreshingly generous, providing plenty of gems upfront and a card-crafting system, though microtransactions are available for those looking to accelerate their progress.”
    • “I find it relatively easy for free-to-play players to build decks and play the game just as competitively as players who make in-game purchases.”
    • “The monetization model is bad - you simply do not get enough gems for your money, even when they go on sale.”
    • “It's too much of a cash grab.”
    • “The game heavily relies on microtransactions, offering booster packs and other in-game purchases.”
  • humor
    245 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is often described as chaotic and absurd, with players finding amusement in the ridiculousness of certain deck combinations and the unpredictable nature of matches. Many reviews highlight the enjoyment of using "funny" or unconventional decks, leading to hilarious moments during gameplay, even amidst frustrations with the competitive meta. Overall, while some players express annoyance at the game's balance and mechanics, the community's ability to laugh at the absurdities of the game contributes to a lighthearted atmosphere.

    • “I played against a few funny deck combinations and also played a few myself that me and my friends couldn't stop laughing.”
    • “It's very fun, I don't feel competitive about this game; it feels relaxing, fun, joyful with trolls, funny plays against tryhards, and just in all honesty, it's fun as hell to play!”
    • “Haha, funny cards go brrrr!”
    • “The enemies are so good (bots) that this game is not funny or nice to play...”
    • “Not funny at all. I see a lot of people playing for fun, but for new players like me, I don't know what to do. Everyone is using the same card, and I'm just using a starting deck.”
    • “Game is trash, full of stall, unfunny, toxic decks.”
  • optimization
    123 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many users reporting significant performance issues, particularly on mobile devices, including frequent disconnections and lag. While some players appreciate the smooth gameplay on PC and the ability to create optimized decks without excessive spending, others criticize the matchmaking system and the prevalence of over-optimized decks that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the game has potential, it suffers from technical shortcomings that hinder enjoyment.

    • “The game delivers smooth performance and offers an enjoyable card game experience.”
    • “From a technical standpoint, the game is well-optimized, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay.”
    • “The game is optimized well and I haven't experienced any issues running the game on 4k with a 1060 graphics card.”
    • “The optimization sucks; the game servers are always unresponsive, with many bugs that make the game nearly unplayable. The RNG for shuffling makes no sense and is completely unrealistic.”
    • “The game's optimization is absolutely atrocious, as I can barely run it with only Discord and Steam active.”
    • “Game is horribly optimized, making my PC heat up when there is nothing remotely demanding in terms of visuals.”
  • stability
    90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, particularly in ranked matches. While some users have experienced smooth performance and minimal issues, others have encountered frequent freezes, connection problems, and unresponsive card mechanics, leading to frustration and unplayable situations. Overall, the game's stability appears to be inconsistent, with ongoing issues that detract from the overall experience.

    • “Even though there are thousands of cards with complex text, the game still feels bug-free, and I never felt like an interaction went wrong because of the game's code.”
    • “It feels so strangely complete and bug-free, which is becoming more and more of a rare sight nowadays.”
    • “Polished and almost bug-free.”
    • “The game is buggy right now.”
    • “This game is a buggy pile of garbage.”
    • “Its a great game, but the major problem it has is that more often than not, the game will freeze and force you to close it altogether, which is a big problem when playing ranked where you give your opponent a free win and you go down a tier and have to win two duels to break even.”
  • emotional
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from nostalgia and joy to frustration and disappointment. Many players express a deep emotional investment in the game, recalling fond memories of past experiences with Yu-Gi-Oh, while others highlight the emotional toll of gameplay mechanics and balance issues, leading to feelings of anger and sadness. Overall, the game serves as both a heartwarming reminder of childhood passions and a source of emotional distress due to its competitive nature and perceived flaws.

    • “10/10 would cry again”
    • “The memories of trading cards with friends, the epic duels that stretched into the night, and the indescribable joy of summoning iconic monsters create an emotional tapestry that transcends mere gameplay.”
    • “There's something emotionally satisfying about playing the cards all my old favorite characters did and smashing face.”
  • replayability
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is rated highly, with many players appreciating the diversity of cards and deck-building options that encourage experimentation and strategic depth. However, concerns about the solo mode's lack of challenge and the need for more accessible content and events were noted, suggesting that while the game offers significant replay value, it may require investment and ongoing updates to maintain player engagement. Additionally, the competitive aspect can be hindered by balance issues and the impact of card bans, which can affect the longevity of certain decks.

    • “Replayability is high due to the diversity of cards, formats, and updates, but it requires investment.”
    • “The ability to construct decks using a vast pool of cards enables players to experiment with various strategies, enhancing the game's depth and replayability.”
    • “Yugioh is a fun card game with virtually endless replayability; literally anything could happen in a duel, and there are so many deck combinations.”
    • “All in all, I'd say it's okay, but the replay value is minimal if you're only going to treat it as a single player game.”
    • “Solo mode is underbaked and low effort, with no replay value or challenge except with the badly made loaner decks to pilot.”
    • “There's not much replay value in solo mode, as once you have all the rewards, you are pretty much forced to go into ranked to earn more gems to buy packs of cards.”
  • atmosphere
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its joyful and immersive qualities, enhanced by engaging music and sound effects that evoke nostalgia, particularly for fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. However, some players note a disparity in atmosphere quality compared to other games, with criticisms aimed at the tension and pressure created by competitive elements. Overall, the game offers a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that contributes significantly to the player experience, despite some mixed feelings about its execution.

    • “From the moment I started playing, I was greeted with a joyful and exciting atmosphere.”
    • “The music and atmosphere also feel great, even beyond card game standards.”
    • “The sound effects and voice lines for iconic monsters add a nostalgic touch, immersing players in the familiar atmosphere of Yu-Gi-Oh!”
    • “In such contexts, the term 'boring' encapsulates a lack of excitement, stimulation, or novelty, suggesting a prevailing atmosphere that fails to engage or captivate participants.”
    • “Their relentless pursuit of victory or validation can create a tense and unfriendly atmosphere, where success is prioritized over camaraderie, and individuals may feel pressured to conform to rigid standards or expectations.”
    • “After just playing the wonderful Inscryption recently, this game is a major downgrade in visuals, UI, and atmosphere from that.”
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38h Median play time
153h Average play time
12-176h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 150 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a strategy game with fantasy and kids themes.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 153 hours playing Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel was released on January 17, 2022.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel was developed by Konami Digital Entertainment.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Yu-Gi-Oh! Cross Duel, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links, Vanguard ZERO, Magic: The Gathering Arena, Dead by Daylight Mobile and others.