Guardian

A Guardian is part of a special group of monsters identified by having "Guardian" (ガーディアン) in their Japanese names. This archetype is played by Rafael in Yu-Gi-Oh! (Duel Monsters) anime.

The core Guardian Monsters were initially released in Dark Crisis and re-released in Dark Revelation Volume 1. Each monster has a corresponding Equip Spell Card, and can only be summoned if that Equip Card is already face-up on the field. The equip does not have to be equipped to their corresponding monster. The only Guardian that is an exception to this rule is Guardian Eatos, whom can be special and normal summoned without restrictions. Each Guardian monster and Equip Spell Card also has their own independent effects. Aside from these "true" Guardian monsters, there are also several other cards which simply have "Guardian" in their card name. These include cards released before and after the Guardian monsters and Dark Crisis and initially can't be used by Arsenal Summoner.