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{{Infobox archetype
+
{{Infobox archseries
 
| image = Mat-OrdealTraveler-BurningAbyss.png
 
| image = Mat-OrdealTraveler-BurningAbyss.png
 
| caption = From left to right: "[[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Scarm]]", "[[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss|Dante]]" and "[[Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Graff]]"
 
| caption = From left to right: "[[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Scarm]]", "[[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss|Dante]]" and "[[Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Graff]]"
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| trans = Afterlife
 
| trans = Afterlife
 
| fr_name = Abysses Ardents
 
| fr_name = Abysses Ardents
  +
| fr_trans= Ardent Abysses
 
| de_name = Brennenden Abgrund
 
| de_name = Brennenden Abgrund
 
| it_name = Abisso Bruciante
 
| it_name = Abisso Bruciante
 
| ko_name = 피안
 
| ko_name = 피안
  +
| ko_hanja= 彼岸
  +
| ko_trans= Afterlife
  +
| ko_romanized=Pian
 
| pt_name = Abismo Ardente
 
| pt_name = Abismo Ardente
  +
| pt_trans= Ardent Abyss
  +
| es_trans= Ardent Abyss
 
| es_name = Abismo Ardiente
 
| es_name = Abismo Ardiente
| sets =
+
| tcg =
* ''[[Duelist Alliance]]'' (''[[TCG]]'' only)
+
* ''[[Duelist Alliance]]''
* ''[[The New Challengers]]'' (''[[TCG]]'' only)
+
* ''[[The New Challengers]]''
* ''[[Secrets of Eternity]]'' (''[[TCG]]'' only)
+
* ''[[Secrets of Eternity]]''
* ''[[Crossed Souls]]'' (''[[TCG]]'' only)
+
* ''[[Crossed Souls]]''
* ''[[Extra Pack 2015]]'' (''[[OCG]]'' only)
+
* ''[[Dark Neostorm]]''
  +
| ocg =
  +
* ''[[Extra Pack 2015]]''
  +
* ''[[LINK VRAINS Pack]]''
 
}}
 
}}
   
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==Design==
 
==Design==
  +
The Japanese name of the archetype is the word for a [[wikipedia:Buddhism in Japan|Japanese Buddhist]] concept literally known as "the other bank" of the [[wikipedia:Sanzu River|Sanzu River]], in other words, the boundary of the world of the dead. Once a soul leaves "this bank" (此岸 (''shigan'')), the very outer edge of the world of the living, and crosses the river to "that bank" (彼岸 (''higan'')), they can never come back.
  +
 
The archetype is based on [[wikipedia:Inferno (Dante)|''Inferno'']], the first part of [[wikipedia:Dante Alighieri|Dante Alighieri]]'s 14th-century epic poem [[wikipedia:Divine Comedy|''Divine Comedy'']].
 
The archetype is based on [[wikipedia:Inferno (Dante)|''Inferno'']], the first part of [[wikipedia:Dante Alighieri|Dante Alighieri]]'s 14th-century epic poem [[wikipedia:Divine Comedy|''Divine Comedy'']].
   
 
The "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" are named after the [[wikipedia:Malebranche (Divine Comedy)|Malebranche]], the demons who guard the fifth Bolgia of [[wikipedia:Malebolge|Malebolge]] (the Eighth Circle of Hell), known for their ruthless cruelty and responsible for the punishment of corrupt politicians by holding them under a boiling lake of pitch. Their English names are truncations of the original Italian names of the Malebranche. Most of their Japanese names are the English names of the Malebranche used in [[wikipedia:Dorothy L. Sayers|Dorothy L. Sayers]]' translation of ''Inferno'', although "[[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Alich]]", "[[Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Barbar]]", and "[[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Libic]]" use their original Italian names instead. They are all [[Level]] [[Level 3 Monster Cards|3]] [[DARK]] [[Fiend]] [[Effect Monster]]s.
===Malebranche===
 
The "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" are named after the [[wikipedia:Malebranche (Divine Comedy)|Malebranche]], the demons who guard the fifth Bolgia of [[wikipedia:Malebolge|Malebolge]] (the Eighth Circle of Hell), known for their ruthless cruelty and responsible for the punishment of corrupt politicians by holding them under a boiling lake of pitch. Their English names are truncations of the original Italian names of the Malebranche. Most of their Japanese names are the English names of the Malebranche used in [[wikipedia:Dorothy L. Sayers|Dorothy L. Sayers]]' translation of ''Inferno'', although "[[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Alich]]", "[[Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Barbar]]", and "[[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Libic]]" use their original Italian names instead. They are all [[Level]] [[Level 3 Monster Cards|3]] [[DARK]] [[Fiend]] [[Effect Monsters]].
 
   
 
"[[Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss]]", as the leader of the "Malebranche", instead uses the title "Netherlord of the Burning Abyss" (he is still a member of the "Malebranche" in the source material). In English, unlike the "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Malacoda's" name exactly matches its original Italian name. In Japanese, its name is Sayers' English name for the Malebranche as a whole, "Hellraker" (Sayers translates "Malacoda" as "Belzecue", which is not used in the card's name). It is a [[Level 6 Monster Cards|Level 6]] DARK Fiend [[Ritual Monster]].
 
"[[Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss]]", as the leader of the "Malebranche", instead uses the title "Netherlord of the Burning Abyss" (he is still a member of the "Malebranche" in the source material). In English, unlike the "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Malacoda's" name exactly matches its original Italian name. In Japanese, its name is Sayers' English name for the Malebranche as a whole, "Hellraker" (Sayers translates "Malacoda" as "Belzecue", which is not used in the card's name). It is a [[Level 6 Monster Cards|Level 6]] DARK Fiend [[Ritual Monster]].
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==Members==
 
==Members==
 
===[[Main Deck]]===
 
===[[Main Deck]]===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
! rowspan="2" | [[Card type]]
 
 
! colspan="2" | Burning Abyss
 
! colspan="2" | Burning Abyss
 
! rowspan="2" | Origin
 
! rowspan="2" | Origin
! rowspan="2" | Unique [[Monster effect|effect]]
+
! rowspan="2" | Unique effect
 
|-
 
|-
! English name
+
! English
! Japanese name
+
! Japanese
 
|-
 
|-
| rowspan=11 | [[Effect Monster|Effect]] || [[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Alich]] || Alichino || [[wikipedia:Alichino (devil)|Alichino, the "Harlequin"]] || Negates the effects of a targeted face-up monster on the field until the end of the turn.
+
| [[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Alich]] || Alichino || [[wikipedia:Alichino (devil)|Alichino, the "Harlequin"]] || Negates the effects of a targeted face-up monster on the field until the end of the turn.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Barbar]] || Barbariccia || [[wikipedia:Barbariccia|Barbariccia, the "Curly Beard"]] || Banishes up to 3 targeted "Burning Abyss" cards in the controller's Graveyard, except "Barbar", then inflicts 300 damage to the opponent for each banished card.
 
| [[Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Barbar]] || Barbariccia || [[wikipedia:Barbariccia|Barbariccia, the "Curly Beard"]] || Banishes up to 3 targeted "Burning Abyss" cards in the controller's Graveyard, except "Barbar", then inflicts 300 damage to the opponent for each banished card.
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|-
 
|-
 
| [[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Libic]] || Libbiocco || [[wikipedia:Malebranche (Divine Comedy)#In The Divine Comedy|Libicocco, the "Libyan Hothead"]] || The controller Special Summons 1 Level 3 DARK Fiend monster from their hand with its effects negated.
 
| [[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Libic]] || Libbiocco || [[wikipedia:Malebranche (Divine Comedy)#In The Divine Comedy|Libicocco, the "Libyan Hothead"]] || The controller Special Summons 1 Level 3 DARK Fiend monster from their hand with its effects negated.
 
|-
 
| [[Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss|Malacoda]] || Hellraker || [[wikipedia:Malacoda|Malacoda, the "Evil Tail"]] || Sends 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from your hand to the Graveyard to decrease the ATK and DEF of an opponent's monster by that sent monster's. If sent from the field to the Graveyard, sends 1 card on the field to the Graveyard.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Rubic]] || Rubicant || [[wikipedia:Malebranche (Divine Comedy)#In The Divine Comedy|Rubicante, the "Red-Faced Terror"]] || [[Tuner monster]]
 
| [[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Rubic]] || Rubicant || [[wikipedia:Malebranche (Divine Comedy)#In The Divine Comedy|Rubicante, the "Red-Faced Terror"]] || [[Tuner monster]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Scarm]] || Scaramallion || [[wikipedia:Scarmiglione|Scarmiglione, the "Troublemaker"]] || The controller adds a Level 3 DARK Fiend monster from their Deck to their hand during the End Phase of the turn "Scarm" was sent to the Graveyard.
 
| [[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Scarm]] || Scaramallion || [[wikipedia:Scarmiglione|Scarmiglione, the "Troublemaker"]] || The controller adds a Level 3 DARK Fiend monster from their Deck to their hand during the End Phase of the turn "Scarm" was sent to the Graveyard.
|-
 
| [[Ritual Monster|Ritual]] || [[Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss|Malacoda]] || Hellraker || [[wikipedia:Malacoda|Malacoda, the "Evil Tail"]] || Sends 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from your hand to the Graveyard to decrease the ATK and DEF of an opponent's monster by that sent monster's. If sent from the field to the Graveyard, sends 1 card on the field to the Graveyard.
 
 
|}
 
|}
   
 
===[[Extra Deck]]===
 
===[[Extra Deck]]===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
! [[Card type]] !! Monster !! Origin
+
! Monster !! Origin
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Fusion Monster|Fusion]] || [[Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss]] || [[wikipedia:Dante Alighieri|Dante Alighieri]]
+
| [[Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal]] || [[wikipedia:Beatrice Portinari|Beatrice Portinari]]
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Synchro Monster|Synchro]] || [[Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss]] || [[wikipedia:Virgil|Publius Vergilius Maro "Virgil"]]
+
| [[Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss]] || [[wikipedia:Guido I da Montefeltro#Role in Dante's Inferno|The Black Cherub]]
 
|-
 
|-
| rowspan=2 | [[Xyz Monster|Xyz]] || [[Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal]] || [[wikipedia:Beatrice Portinari|Beatrice Portinari]]
+
| [[Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss]] || rowspan="2" | [[wikipedia:Dante Alighieri|Dante Alighieri]]
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss]] || [[wikipedia:Dante Alighieri|Dante Alighieri]]
+
| [[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
|-
  +
| [[Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss]] || [[wikipedia:Virgil|Publius Vergilius Maro "Virgil"]]
 
|}
 
|}
   
 
==Playing style==
 
==Playing style==
So far, all Main Deck "Burning Abyss" [[Monster Card|monsters]], with the exception of the [[Level]] 6 [[Ritual Monster]] "Malacoda", are Level 3 [[DARK]] [[Fiend]] monsters, and share three effects: they are [[destroy]]ed if the player [[control]]s a monster other than a "Burning Abyss" monster, can be [[Special Summon]]ed from the [[hand]] if the player controls no [[Spell Card|Spell]]/[[Trap Card]]s, and have a unique effect that is activated when it is [[Send|sent]] to the [[Graveyard]] (except "[[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]", which instead is a [[Tuner monster]]<ref name="Venture Deeper into the Burning Abyss!">https://yugiohblog.konami.com/articles/?p=6723</ref>).
+
All Main Deck "Burning Abyss" [[Monster Card|monsters]], with the exception of the [[Level]] 6 [[Ritual Monster]] "Malacoda", are Level 3 [[DARK]] [[Fiend]] monsters, and share three effects: they are [[destroy|destroyed]] if the player [[control]]s a monster other than a "Burning Abyss" monster, can be [[Special Summon]]ed from the [[hand]] if the player controls no [[Spell Card|Spell]]/[[Trap Card]]s, and have a unique effect that is activated when it is [[Send|sent]] to the [[Graveyard]] (except "[[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]", which instead is a [[Tuner monster]]<ref name="Venture Deeper into the Burning Abyss!">https://yugiohblog.konami.com/articles/?p=6723</ref>).
   
  +
The deck is probably one of the most powerful and resilient Decks in Yu-Gi-Oh!'s history, being competitively viable for nearly its entire existence, a staggering 4 and a half years of near-continuous use at top events. It was one of the best Decks of the "[[Duelist Alliance]]" format, famous for the power of its [[Floater|floating]] effects. The combination of "[[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss]]" and "[[Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]" meant few Decks could hope to breach the defences of such a Deck. It soon evolved into a Trap-focussed control strategy, using cards with discard effects like "[[Phoenix Wing Wind Blast]]" and "[[Karma Cut]]" to get extra value out of the "Burning Abyss" monsters in the player's hand. As time went on, more offensive and disruptive monsters like "[[Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss]]" and "[[Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]" were added to the Deck's arsenal. With such power and rapid-fire attacking force, "[[Tour Guide from the Underworld]]" was soon Limited, the first of many attempts to break the Deck's power.
Use "[[Tour Guide From the Underworld]]" to search out any "Burning Abyss" monster or use "[[Crane Crane]]" to Summon them from the Graveyard. Their effects will be negated so they won't be destroyed by their own effect. This ensures that you can overlay into [[Rank]] 3 monsters like "Dante".
 
   
  +
At the end of 2015, with the "[[Nekroz]]" format drawing to a close, the top decks of the last year were all banned into obscurity on the [[November 2015 Lists]]. This included several hits for Burning Abyss, with "[[Mathematician]]" and "[[Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]" being Limited and "Cir" being Semi-Limited. But as so often happened throughout this Deck's existence, "Burning Abyss" simply adapted and evolved to be one of the top Decks of 2016. The Deck grew even stronger with the inclusion of "[[Twin Twisters]]" to bust backrow and "[[Fiendish Rhino Warrior]]" to allow "Burning Abyss" monsters to coexist with other monsters while giving a free "[[Foolish Burial]]". Most importantly, the extremely powerful "[[Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal]]" provided a mighty boss monster that could send "Burning Abyss" monsters to the [[Graveyard|GY]] during either player's turn. Once "[[Downerd Magician]]" was used to make sure "Dante"'s floating effect triggered, now the Deck had an on-archetype version that floated into "[[Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss]]". This turned "Burning Abyss" into a much more aggressive, explosive strategy, seeking to shut down combos if playing first with "Farfa" and similar cards, while [[OTK]]ing with terrifying speed and consistency. This was helped even further by the introduction of "[[Speedroid Terrortop]]" and "[[The Phantom Knights]]", making the Deck's Rank 3 plays even faster and more varied. Eventually, the [[August 2016 Lists]] Limited "Cir" and "Beatrice". This did not stop the Deck topping, but hurt its consistency further.
The archetype's [[swarm]]ing abilities make it a potent Rank 3 [[Xyz Monster|Xyz]] Deck. They can perform Rank 3 [[Xyz Summon]]s quickly while maintaining the player's hand advantage.
 
   
  +
The Deck flew under the radar in 2017, though by this Deck's standards, relatively speaking. It still topped, but the "[[Zoodiac]]" decks ruling the format were too strong on the whole for the Deck, and Burning Abyss had little synergy with the "Zoo" engine. By the time the format ended, "Terrortop" was Limited, and [[Link Summon|Link Summoning]] was introduced. Many thought this would finally be the end of the Deck, due their incompatibility effect and the lack of a "Burning Abyss" [[Link Monster]]. ([[Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss|In the TCG at least]]). Instead, the Deck simply adapted and evolved yet again. One "Dante" and one "Beatrice" was all the Deck needed to execute its strategy. Minimal early Link Monsters like "[[Decode Talker]]" in combination with "Rhino Warrior" allowed the Deck to land finishing blows with lethal consistency. The Deck became more and more aggressive, with fewer and fewer of the Deck's classic Trap lineups being played, and even Spell cards being cut back for heavier monster lineups.
Similar to "[[Lightsworn]]s", this Deck type is all about getting monsters in the Graveyard for its effects, but its milling is far more controllable than with "Lightsworns". This actually makes it potent with "[[Rank-Up-Magic Astral Force]]" as you would mill it easily. With the constant hand advantage, losing a draw doesn't hurt and it gives you access to toolbox cards.
 
   
  +
The current incarnation of the Deck came about from the release of "[[Sekka's Light]]", a better "[[Pot of Greed]]" that locked the player out of their other Spell/Trap cards. This allowed the Deck's heavy monster lineups to be taken to their logical conclusion, with 37-40 monsters and 3 "Sekka's Light" becoming the norm for most Decks. The release of the "[[Knightmare]]" and "[[Borrel]]" Link Monsters provided powerful discard effects and extra OTK force to allow this Deck to wipe its opponents out with explosive consistency. The inclusion of "[[Orbital Hydralander]]", a large beatstick with powerful self-summoning and mill/removal if the player has no monsters in your GY with the same name pushed the Deck into a heavy toolbox style, with minimal 3-ofs and mostly 2- and 1-ofs, with cards like "[[Fairy Tail - Snow]]", "[[Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning]]" and "[[Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]" to control the GY. "Rhino Warrior", "[[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]", "Farfa" and handtraps are viewed as the most acceptable 3-of monsters (besides "[[Orbital Hydralander|Hydralander]]" itself). "Fabled Soulkius" and "[[Destiny HERO - Malicious]]" can be used to Xyz Summon Beatrice with its "Foolish Burial" effect ready that turn. Despite yet [[December 2018 Lists|more]] [[January 2019 Lists (TCG)|hits]] to "Malicious" and "Snow", the Deck has [[Danger!|continued]] [[Dinowrestler Pankratops|to]] [[Kaiju|evolve]], and remains a solid choice at any event at any level, its now legendary resilience and explosive firepower continuing to claim wins against all comers.
{{Decklist|Recommended cards
 
  +
  +
==Recommended cards==
 
{{Decklist|Recommended cards (Classic build)
 
|effect monsters =
 
|effect monsters =
 
* [[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
Line 101: Line 115:
 
* [[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Absolute King Back Jack]]
 
* [[Absolute King Back Jack]]
  +
* [[Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning]]
* [[Armageddon Knight]]
 
 
* [[Crane Crane]]
 
* [[Crane Crane]]
  +
* [[Fairy Tail - Snow]] ([[Traditional Format]]/[[OCG]])
* [[Djinn Releaser of Rituals]]
 
* [[Elemental HERO Blazeman]]
 
 
* [[Fiendish Rhino Warrior]]
 
* [[Fiendish Rhino Warrior]]
* [[Kuribandit]]
 
* [[Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands]]
 
 
* [[Mathematician]]
 
* [[Mathematician]]
  +
* [[The Phantom Knights]] monsters
* [[Tour Bus From the Underworld]]
 
  +
* [[Speedroid Taketomborg]]
  +
* [[Speedroid Terrortop]]
 
* [[Tour Guide From the Underworld]]
 
* [[Tour Guide From the Underworld]]
  +
* [[Vanity's Fiend]]
  +
 
|tuner monsters =
 
|tuner monsters =
 
* [[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Genex Ally Birdman]]
 
 
|ritual monsters =
 
|ritual monsters =
 
* [[Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
 
|fusion monsters =
 
|fusion monsters =
 
* [[Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss]]
* [[Elemental HERO Escuridao]]
 
 
* [[Masked HERO Dark Law]]
 
* [[Masked HERO Dark Law]]
  +
* [[Starving Venom Fusion Dragon]]
 
 
|synchro monsters =
 
|synchro monsters =
 
* [[Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Mist Wurm]]
 
* Any [[Level]] 6 [[Synchro Monster]]
 
 
|xyz monsters =
 
|xyz monsters =
 
* [[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal]]
 
* [[Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal]]
* Any [[Rank]] 3 [[Xyz Monster]]
 
 
* [[Downerd Magician]]
 
* [[Downerd Magician]]
* [[Minerva, the Exalted Lightsworn]]
 
* Any Rank 5 Xyz Monster that works with "[[Rank-Up-Magic Astral Force|Astral Force]]"
 
 
* [[Number F0: Utopic Future]]
 
* [[Number F0: Utopic Future]]
  +
* [[Number 47: Nightmare Shark]]
  +
* [[The Phantom Knights of Break Sword]]
 
* Any [[Rank]] 3 [[Xyz Monster]]
 
* Any Rank 5 Xyz Monster that works with "[[Rank-Up-Magic Astral Force|Astral Force]]"
  +
  +
|link monsters =
  +
* [[Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
 
|spells =
 
|spells =
 
* [[Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[The Terminus of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[The Terminus of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Allure of Darkness]]
 
* [[Allure of Darkness]]
* [[Final Gesture]]
 
 
* [[Foolish Burial]]
 
* [[Foolish Burial]]
* [[Fusion Substitute]]
 
 
* [[Mask Change II]]
 
* [[Mask Change II]]
* [[Polymerization]]
 
* [[Pre-Preparation of Rites]]
 
* [[Preparation of Rites]]
 
 
* [[Rank-Up-Magic Astral Force]]
 
* [[Rank-Up-Magic Astral Force]]
  +
* [[Soul Charge]] (Traditional Format/OCG)
* [[Ties of the Brethren]]
 
  +
 
|traps =
 
|traps =
 
* [[Fire Lake of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Fire Lake of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[The Traveler and the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[The Traveler and the Burning Abyss]]
* [[Divine Wrath]]
+
* [[Anti-Spell Fragrance]]
  +
* [[Breakthrough Skill]]
  +
* [[Compulsory Evacuation Device]]
 
* [[Fiend Griefing]]
 
* [[Fiend Griefing]]
 
* [[Karma Cut]]
 
* [[Karma Cut]]
 
* [[Mind Crush]]
 
* [[Mind Crush]]
  +
* [[Phantom Knights' Fog Blade]]
 
* [[Phoenix Wing Wind Blast]]
 
* [[Phoenix Wing Wind Blast]]
* [[Painful Escape]]
+
* [[Skill Drain]]
  +
* [[Solemn]] [[Counter Trap Card|Counter Traps]]
  +
* [[Torrential Tribute]]
  +
* [[Treasure Map]]
  +
* [[Vanity's Emptiness]] (Traditional Format)
  +
}}
  +
  +
{{Decklist|Recommended cards (Hydralander/Sekka)
  +
|effect monsters =
  +
* [[Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Draghig, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning]]
  +
* [[Block Dragon]]
  +
* [[Danger!? Jackalope?]]
  +
* [[Danger! Nessie!]]
  +
* [[Danger!? Tsuchinoko?]]
  +
* [[Destiny HERO - Malicious]]
  +
* [[Destrudo the Lost Dragon's Frisson]]
 
* [[Doki Doki]]
  +
* [[Edge Imp Sabres]]
  +
* [[Fabled Soulkius]]
  +
* [[Fiendish Rhino Warrior]]
  +
* [[Gallis the Star Beast]]
  +
* Differently named [[Kaiju]] monsters
  +
* [[Mare Mare]]
  +
* [[Orbital Hydralander]]
  +
* [[Power Giant]]
  +
* [[Rescue Cat]]
 
* [[Tour Guide From the Underworld]]
  +
|tuner monsters =
  +
* [[Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
|ritual monsters =
  +
  +
|fusion monsters =
  +
* [[Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
|synchro monsters =
  +
* [[Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss]]
 
* [[Yazi, Evil of the Yang Zing]]
  +
|xyz monsters =
  +
* [[Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal]]
  +
* [[D/D/D Stone King Darius]]
 
* [[Leviair the Sea Dragon]]
  +
* [[Number 47: Nightmare Shark]]
  +
* [[The Phantom Knights of Break Sword]]
  +
|link monsters =
  +
* [[Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss]]
  +
* [[Borrel]] Link-4 monsters
  +
* [[Decode Talker]]
  +
* [[Knightmare]] monsters
  +
* [[Topologic Trisbaena]]
  +
* [[Triple Burst Dragon]]
  +
* [[Underclock Taker]]
  +
|spells =
  +
* [[Sekka's Light]]
  +
|traps =
  +
* [[Evenly Matched]]
  +
* [[Red Reboot]]
 
}}
 
}}
   
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* Being an archetype of primarily DARK monsters, they are susceptible to "[[Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror]]".
 
* Being an archetype of primarily DARK monsters, they are susceptible to "[[Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror]]".
   
* Since they all have effects that activate in the [[Graveyard]], cards like "[[Macro Cosmos]]", "[[Abyss Dweller]]", "[[Dimensional Fissure]]", "[[Soul Drain]]", "Masked HERO Dark Law" and "[[Debunk]]" are potential threats.
+
* Since they all have effects that activate in the [[Graveyard]], cards like "[[Macro Cosmos]]", "[[Abyss Dweller]]", "[[Dimensional Fissure]]", "[[Soul Drain]]", "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]" and "[[Debunk]]" are potential threats.
   
* The Level 3 "Burning Abyss" monsters destroy themselves if their controller controls a non-"Burning Abyss" monster, so your opponent might disrupt you with cards/effects that give you monsters, such as "[[Ojama Trio]]", "[[Santa Claws]]", "[[Creature Swap]]", "[[Flying "C"]]", etc., although "[[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Libic]]" and "[[Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Farfa]]" can help maneuver around such strategies.
+
* The Level 3 "Burning Abyss" monsters destroy themselves if their controller controls a non-"Burning Abyss" monster, so the opponent might disrupt the player with cards/effects that give them monsters, such as "[[Ojama Trio]]", "[[Santa Claws]]", "[[Creature Swap]]", "[[Flying "C"]]", etc., although "[[Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Libic]]" and "[[Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss|Farfa]]" can help maneuver around such strategies.
 
* Since face-down monsters are not treated as "Burning Abyss" monsters, "[[Quaking Mirror Force]]" can make it very difficult for "Burning Abyss" Decks, since any "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" Summoned while there is a face-down monster will destroy itself.
 
* Since face-down monsters are not treated as "Burning Abyss" monsters, "[[Quaking Mirror Force]]" can make it very difficult for "Burning Abyss" Decks, since any "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" Summoned while there is a face-down monster will destroy itself.
   
* Like all decks that function as rapid-fire Summon engines, the deck can be very specific in terms of content. As such, the archetype can have a steep learning curve. It is advisable to limit the number of non-archetype Monsters in the deck to the barest minimum - "[[Fiendish Rhino Warrior]]" and "[[Tour Guide From the Underworld]]" are generally regarded as the most acceptable options.
+
* Like all decks that function as rapid-fire Summon engines, the deck can be very specific in terms of content. As such, the archetype can have a steep learning curve. It is advisable to limit the number of non-archetype Monsters in the traditional forms of the deck to the barest minimum - "[[Fiendish Rhino Warrior]]" and "[[Tour Guide From the Underworld]]" are generally regarded as the most acceptable options.
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
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[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]
  +
[[Category:Archetypes with Ritual Monster(s)]]
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[[Category:Archetypes with Fusion Monster(s)]]
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[[Category:Archetypes with Synchro Monster(s)]]
  +
[[Category:Archetypes with Xyz Monster(s)]]
  +
[[Category:Archetypes with Link Monster(s)]]

Revision as of 15:21, 27 October 2019

"Burning Abyss", known as "Afterlife" ( () (がん) Higan) in Japan, is one of two TCG exclusive archetypes that debuted in Duelist Alliance, alongside the "U.A." archetype.

Design

The Japanese name of the archetype is the word for a Japanese Buddhist concept literally known as "the other bank" of the Sanzu River, in other words, the boundary of the world of the dead. Once a soul leaves "this bank" (此岸 (shigan)), the very outer edge of the world of the living, and crosses the river to "that bank" (彼岸 (higan)), they can never come back.

The archetype is based on Inferno, the first part of Dante Alighieri's 14th-century epic poem Divine Comedy.

The "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" are named after the Malebranche, the demons who guard the fifth Bolgia of Malebolge (the Eighth Circle of Hell), known for their ruthless cruelty and responsible for the punishment of corrupt politicians by holding them under a boiling lake of pitch. Their English names are truncations of the original Italian names of the Malebranche. Most of their Japanese names are the English names of the Malebranche used in Dorothy L. Sayers' translation of Inferno, although "Alich", "Barbar", and "Libic" use their original Italian names instead. They are all Level 3 DARK Fiend Effect Monsters.

"Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss", as the leader of the "Malebranche", instead uses the title "Netherlord of the Burning Abyss" (he is still a member of the "Malebranche" in the source material). In English, unlike the "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Malacoda's" name exactly matches its original Italian name. In Japanese, its name is Sayers' English name for the Malebranche as a whole, "Hellraker" (Sayers translates "Malacoda" as "Belzecue", which is not used in the card's name). It is a Level 6 DARK Fiend Ritual Monster.

Members

Main Deck

Burning Abyss Origin Unique effect
English Japanese
Alich Alichino Alichino, the "Harlequin" Negates the effects of a targeted face-up monster on the field until the end of the turn.
Barbar Barbariccia Barbariccia, the "Curly Beard" Banishes up to 3 targeted "Burning Abyss" cards in the controller's Graveyard, except "Barbar", then inflicts 300 damage to the opponent for each banished card.
Cagna Harrowhound Cagnazzo, the "Nasty Dog" Sends a "Burning Abyss" Spell/Trap Card from the controller's Deck to the Graveyard.
Calcab Hacklespur Calcabrina, the "Grace Stomper" Returns a targeted Set Spell/Trap Card on the field to the hand.
Cir Guttlehog Ciriatto, the "Wild Hog" Special Summons a targeted "Burning Abyss" monster in the controller's Graveyard, except "Cir".
Draghig Dragonel Draghignazzo, the "Big Nasty Dragon" The controller chooses and places a "Burning Abyss" card from their Deck on top of the Deck.
Farfa Farfarel Farfarello, the "Goblin" Banishes a targeted monster on the field until the End Phase.
Graff Grabbersnitch Graffiacane, the "Dog-Scratcher" Special Summons a "Burning Abyss" monster from the controller's Deck, except "Graff".
Libic Libbiocco Libicocco, the "Libyan Hothead" The controller Special Summons 1 Level 3 DARK Fiend monster from their hand with its effects negated.
Malacoda Hellraker Malacoda, the "Evil Tail" Sends 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from your hand to the Graveyard to decrease the ATK and DEF of an opponent's monster by that sent monster's. If sent from the field to the Graveyard, sends 1 card on the field to the Graveyard.
Rubic Rubicant Rubicante, the "Red-Faced Terror" Tuner monster
Scarm Scaramallion Scarmiglione, the "Troublemaker" The controller adds a Level 3 DARK Fiend monster from their Deck to their hand during the End Phase of the turn "Scarm" was sent to the Graveyard.

Extra Deck

Monster Origin
Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal Beatrice Portinari
Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss The Black Cherub
Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss Dante Alighieri
Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss
Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss Publius Vergilius Maro "Virgil"

Playing style

All Main Deck "Burning Abyss" monsters, with the exception of the Level 6 Ritual Monster "Malacoda", are Level 3 DARK Fiend monsters, and share three effects: they are destroyed if the player controls a monster other than a "Burning Abyss" monster, can be Special Summoned from the hand if the player controls no Spell/Trap Cards, and have a unique effect that is activated when it is sent to the Graveyard (except "Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", which instead is a Tuner monster[1]).

The deck is probably one of the most powerful and resilient Decks in Yu-Gi-Oh!'s history, being competitively viable for nearly its entire existence, a staggering 4 and a half years of near-continuous use at top events. It was one of the best Decks of the "Duelist Alliance" format, famous for the power of its floating effects. The combination of "Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss" and "Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" meant few Decks could hope to breach the defences of such a Deck. It soon evolved into a Trap-focussed control strategy, using cards with discard effects like "Phoenix Wing Wind Blast" and "Karma Cut" to get extra value out of the "Burning Abyss" monsters in the player's hand. As time went on, more offensive and disruptive monsters like "Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss" and "Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" were added to the Deck's arsenal. With such power and rapid-fire attacking force, "Tour Guide from the Underworld" was soon Limited, the first of many attempts to break the Deck's power.

At the end of 2015, with the "Nekroz" format drawing to a close, the top decks of the last year were all banned into obscurity on the November 2015 Lists. This included several hits for Burning Abyss, with "Mathematician" and "Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" being Limited and "Cir" being Semi-Limited. But as so often happened throughout this Deck's existence, "Burning Abyss" simply adapted and evolved to be one of the top Decks of 2016. The Deck grew even stronger with the inclusion of "Twin Twisters" to bust backrow and "Fiendish Rhino Warrior" to allow "Burning Abyss" monsters to coexist with other monsters while giving a free "Foolish Burial". Most importantly, the extremely powerful "Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal" provided a mighty boss monster that could send "Burning Abyss" monsters to the GY during either player's turn. Once "Downerd Magician" was used to make sure "Dante"'s floating effect triggered, now the Deck had an on-archetype version that floated into "Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss". This turned "Burning Abyss" into a much more aggressive, explosive strategy, seeking to shut down combos if playing first with "Farfa" and similar cards, while OTKing with terrifying speed and consistency. This was helped even further by the introduction of "Speedroid Terrortop" and "The Phantom Knights", making the Deck's Rank 3 plays even faster and more varied. Eventually, the August 2016 Lists Limited "Cir" and "Beatrice". This did not stop the Deck topping, but hurt its consistency further.

The Deck flew under the radar in 2017, though by this Deck's standards, relatively speaking. It still topped, but the "Zoodiac" decks ruling the format were too strong on the whole for the Deck, and Burning Abyss had little synergy with the "Zoo" engine. By the time the format ended, "Terrortop" was Limited, and Link Summoning was introduced. Many thought this would finally be the end of the Deck, due their incompatibility effect and the lack of a "Burning Abyss" Link Monster. (In the TCG at least). Instead, the Deck simply adapted and evolved yet again. One "Dante" and one "Beatrice" was all the Deck needed to execute its strategy. Minimal early Link Monsters like "Decode Talker" in combination with "Rhino Warrior" allowed the Deck to land finishing blows with lethal consistency. The Deck became more and more aggressive, with fewer and fewer of the Deck's classic Trap lineups being played, and even Spell cards being cut back for heavier monster lineups.

The current incarnation of the Deck came about from the release of "Sekka's Light", a better "Pot of Greed" that locked the player out of their other Spell/Trap cards. This allowed the Deck's heavy monster lineups to be taken to their logical conclusion, with 37-40 monsters and 3 "Sekka's Light" becoming the norm for most Decks. The release of the "Knightmare" and "Borrel" Link Monsters provided powerful discard effects and extra OTK force to allow this Deck to wipe its opponents out with explosive consistency. The inclusion of "Orbital Hydralander", a large beatstick with powerful self-summoning and mill/removal if the player has no monsters in your GY with the same name pushed the Deck into a heavy toolbox style, with minimal 3-ofs and mostly 2- and 1-ofs, with cards like "Fairy Tail - Snow", "Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning" and "Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" to control the GY. "Rhino Warrior", "Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Farfa" and handtraps are viewed as the most acceptable 3-of monsters (besides "Hydralander" itself). "Fabled Soulkius" and "Destiny HERO - Malicious" can be used to Xyz Summon Beatrice with its "Foolish Burial" effect ready that turn. Despite yet more hits to "Malicious" and "Snow", the Deck has continued to evolve, and remains a solid choice at any event at any level, its now legendary resilience and explosive firepower continuing to claim wins against all comers.

Recommended cards

Recommended cards (Classic build)



Weaknesses

  • The Level 3 "Burning Abyss" monsters destroy themselves if their controller controls a non-"Burning Abyss" monster, so the opponent might disrupt the player with cards/effects that give them monsters, such as "Ojama Trio", "Santa Claws", "Creature Swap", "Flying "C"", etc., although "Libic" and "Farfa" can help maneuver around such strategies.
  • Since face-down monsters are not treated as "Burning Abyss" monsters, "Quaking Mirror Force" can make it very difficult for "Burning Abyss" Decks, since any "Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" Summoned while there is a face-down monster will destroy itself.
  • Like all decks that function as rapid-fire Summon engines, the deck can be very specific in terms of content. As such, the archetype can have a steep learning curve. It is advisable to limit the number of non-archetype Monsters in the traditional forms of the deck to the barest minimum - "Fiendish Rhino Warrior" and "Tour Guide From the Underworld" are generally regarded as the most acceptable options.

References