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{{Infobox archetype
+
{{Infobox archseries
| image = FADownforce-COTD-EN-1E-OP.png
+
| image = FADownforce-CA.png
| caption = "[[F.A. Sonic Meister]]" in the artwork of "[[F.A. Downforce]]"
+
| caption = "[[F.A. Sonic Meister]]" in the artwork of "[[F.A. Downforce]]"
| ja_name = {{Ruby|F.A.|フォーミュラアスリート}}
+
| ja_name = {{Ruby|F.A.|フォーミュラアスリート}}
| romaji = Fōmyura Asurīto
+
| romaji = Fōmyura Asurīto
| it_name = F.A.
+
| fr_name = F.A.
| sets =
+
| de_name = F.A.
| tcg =
+
| it_name = F.A.
  +
| ko_name = {{Ruby|F.A.|포뮬러 애슬리트|lang=ko}}
* ''[[Code of the Duelist]]''
 
  +
| ko_romanized = Pomyulleo Aeseulliteu
| ocg =
 
  +
| pt_name = F.A.
* ''[[Extra Pack 2017]]''
 
  +
| es_name = F.A.
  +
| sets = [[Phantom Rage]]
  +
| tcg =
 
* [[Code of the Duelist]]
  +
* [[Circuit Break]]
  +
* [[Extreme Force]]
  +
* [[Flames of Destruction]]
  +
* [[Rising Rampage]]
  +
* [[2020 Tin of Lost Memories]]
 
| ocg =
 
* [[Extra Pack 2017]]
  +
* [[Extra Pack 2018]]
  +
* [[Secret Utility Box]]
 
}}
 
}}
   
"'''F.A.'''", short for "'''Formula Athletes'''" ({{Ruby|F.A.|フォーミュラアスリート}} ''Fōmyura Asurīto'') is an [[archetype]] of [[WIND]] [[Machine]] [[Monster Card|monsters]]. It is one of two [[TCG-only|''TCG''-exclusive]] archetypes to debut in ''[[Code of the Duelist]]''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.facebook.com/YuGiOhTCGEU/photos/a.624974477644694.1073741831.616190488523093/1032822920193179/?type=3&theater | title = Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (KONAMI Europe) | publisher = Konami | date = July 13, 2017 | accessdate = July 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://ygorganization.com/cotd-fa-arrive/ | title = <nowiki>The Organization | [COTD] The F.A. Arrive</nowiki> | publisher = YGOrganization | date = July 13, 2017 | accessdate = July 13, 2017}}</ref>, the other being "[[Vendread]]".
+
"'''F.A.'''", short for "'''Formula Athlete'''" ({{Ruby|F.A.|フォーミュラアスリート}} ''Fōmyura Asurīto'') is an [[archetype]] of [[WIND]] [[Machine]] [[Monster Card|monsters]]. It is one of two formerly [[TCG-only|''TCG''-exclusive]] archetypes that debuted in ''[[Code of the Duelist]]''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.facebook.com/YuGiOhTCGEU/photos/a.624974477644694.1073741831.616190488523093/1032822920193179/?type=3&theater | title = Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (KONAMI Europe) | publisher = Konami | date = July 13, 2017 | accessdate = July 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://ygorganization.com/cotd-fa-arrive/ | title = <nowiki>The Organization | [COTD] The F.A. Arrive</nowiki> | publisher = YGOrganization | date = July 13, 2017 | accessdate = July 13, 2017}}</ref>, the other being "[[Vendread]]".
   
== Design ==
+
==Design==
The archetype is based on a futuristic motor racing theme, with some elements referencing the [[wikipedia:Speed Racer|''Speed Racer'']] franchise.
+
The archetype is based on a futuristic motor racing theme, with some elements referencing the [[wikipedia:Motorsport|motorsports]] events such as [[wikipedia:Formula One|Formula One]] or [[wikipedia:Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] Motorcycle racing. So far, all monsters of this archetype have original 0 ATK.
   
  +
The archetype is a counterpart to the "[[U.A.]]" series, another TCG-exclusive archetype that are designed around futuristic sports stars, a direct contrast to the design of the "F.A." series. ''[[Phantom Rage]]'' released cards that simultaneously support both archetypes, confirming a connection between them.
=== Monster Cards ===
 
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable card-list"
 
  +
==Playing style==
! scope="col" | F.A.
 
  +
Similar to the "[[Fortune Lady]]" archetype, the "F.A" monsters get stronger the higher their Levels. However, instead of naturally gaining Levels in the Standby Phase, they have an effect that gives the option to increase their Levels each time an F.A. Spell/Trap card or effect is activated. They also have no maximum Level, and are therefore capable of being Level 13 or higher. This makes their Level increasing a lot faster and more aggressive. All non-Tuner monsters revealed thus far gain 300 [[ATK]] x their own Level and have effects and support cards that increase their Levels further. Of particular note are the F.A. [[Field Spell Card|Field Spells]] that grant 2 extra Levels in either the [[F.A. Off-Road Grand Prix|Main Phase]], the [[F.A. Circuit Grand Prix|Battle Phase]], or [[F.A. City Grand Prix|both]]. This, combined with the fact that they search any F.A. card but themselves when destroyed by a card effect, makes them integral to the F.A. theme.
! scope="col" | [[Level]]
 
  +
! scope="col" | Standard [[Monster effect|effect]]
 
  +
However, unlike the "[[Fortune Lady]]" archetype, the F.A. is less about increasing Levels than it is Level control. Being a [[Synchro]]-focussed deck, it rewards players for considering which monster to Summon before making their plays, and adjusting the Level of the monsters they control accordingly. The only on-archetype [[Tuner monster|Tuner]] monster so far, [[F.A. Auto Navigator]], allows the player to reduce any F.A. to its original Level, then Summons itself from the hand or [[Graveyard|GY]] at the Level the target lost. It also searches an F.A. Field Spell when Normal or Special Summoned, further increasing its value to the player and compensating them for the loss in [[card advantage]] [[Synchro Summon|Synchro Summoning]] entails. So, by adjusting the Level of the target beforehand, basically any generic Synchro monster in the game can be Summoned. By matching the Level of the F.A. monsters, it is possible to [[Xyz]] Summon most Xyz monsters too, but this strategy is less effective, as there are many other strategies that are more effective for Xyz Summoning. Some powerful Xyz monsters like [[Cyber Dragon Infinity]] and [[Number 41: Bagooska the Terribly Tired Tapir]] can contribute situationally however.
! scope="col" | New effect when at Lv. ≥ 7
 
  +
  +
The F.A. [[Quick-Play Spell Card|Quick-Play Spells]] are incredibly powerful, with the ability to give the deck lots of options when played from the hand (or Set as response cards) while often contributing to the Deck's Summon power by [[Banish|banishing]] themselves from the GY. [[F.A. Downforce]] can give F.A. monsters an temporary two Level boost both from the hand and from the GY, but [[F.A. Pit Stop]] and [[F.A. Test Run]] are central to the Deck's capabilities. Pit Stop drops an F.A.'s Level by 2 to draw cards equal to the number of Pit Stops in the GY +1 (akin to a stronger [[Good Goblin Housekeeping]]), before banishing itself from the GY to Special Summon any F.A. from the GY. Test Run on the other hand, changes an F.A.'s [[battle position]] to destroy any card on the field without targeting(similar to [[Kozmojo]] without banishing) before banishing itself from the GY to destroy a card the player controls and Special Summon an F.A. from the deck(akin to [[Zoodiac Barrage]]). Test Run in particular can destroy a Field Spell to give an extra search while Summoning an F.A. of choice, a play that often leads as a minumim to an instant [[F.A. Motorhome Transport]] nearly for free. [[PSY-Framelord Omega]] is therefore very valuable to keep recycling the Quick-Plays as they banish themselves, and is often one of the Deck's first Synchro Summons. The various downsides of these cards can often be turned into upsides by some creative play with Levels, keeping in mind that the F.A. monsters can raise their Level by 1 each time any of them is activated.
  +
  +
The F.A. strategy is therefore twofold. On one hand it is about rapidly raising Levels and delivering a straightforward [[beatdown]]. On the other hand, it's about destroying the Field Spells to get whatever card is needed, and getting monsters to the correct Levels for the circumstance. More often than not in the latter case, the correct Level is at least 7, as this allows for the secondary effects of the regular F.A. monsters to come into play and for [[F.A. Dark Dragster]] to be Summoned. Some of these Level 7 effects are on par with some of the most powerful monsters in the game, and this, combined with the fact that the regular monsters' primary effects weaken monsters lower Level/Rank than them, means that any F.A. has the power, given a couple of turns, to become an unstoppable force of nature. Indeed, this is one of the deck's greatest strengths.
  +
  +
[[Flames of Destruction]] introduced a third element to the F.A. strategy, a [[Duel winner|win condition]] in [[F.A. Winners]]. While it is not recommended to include this card in all F.A. decks for consistency reasons, a deck built around it is not actually bad. It is a [[Continuous Spell Card|Continuous Spell]] card that allows the player to banish an F.A. Field Spell from their hand, field or GY when an F.A. 5 Levels or more higher than its original Level inflicts [[battle damage]] to the opponent while battling their monster, and when all 3 Field Spells have been banished by this effect the player wins. This is surprisingly good as it cannot be destroyed by card effects while the player controls an F.A. monster, and even if the opponent removes one of them, Winners does not care which Winners banished the Field Spells, only that they were banished by any F.A. Winners. However, getting an F.A.'s Level up by 5 requires both a Field Spell and [[F.A. Downforce]], or the risky [[F.A. Dead Heat]]. However, Dead Heat's potential to activate Winners on the opponent's Battle Phase by raising the Level and ATK of an F.A. in response to an attack makes it worth the risk, potentially allowing an F.A. player to wrap up the Duel in 2 turns going second, banishing 1 Field Spell in each Battle Phase. This strategy is however vulnerable to attack response Traps like [[Storming Mirror Force]] and F.A. Dead Heat can backfire badly.
  +
  +
==Members==
  +
===Level-based===
  +
{| class="fandom-table sortable" style="text-align: center"
 
! rowspan="2" | F.A.
  +
! colspan="2" | Effect
 
|-
 
|-
  +
! Standard
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Sonic Meister|Sonic Meister]]
 
 
! New when at Lv. ≥ 7
| rowspan="2" | [[Level 4 Monster Cards|4]]
 
| Cannot be destroyed by battle against monsters whose original Levels/[[Rank]]s are lower than current Level.
 
| Can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each [[Battle Phase]].
 
 
|-
 
|-
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Hang On Mach|Hang On Mach]]
+
| [[F.A. Hang On Mach|Hang On Mach]]
 
| Unaffected by activated effects of monsters whose original Levels/Ranks are lower than current Level.
 
| Unaffected by activated effects of monsters whose original Levels/Ranks are lower than current Level.
| Any card that would be sent to the opponent's [[Graveyard]] is [[banish]]ed instead.
+
| Any card that would be sent to the opponent's Graveyard is banished instead.
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Motorhome Transport|Motorhome Transport]]
  +
| At Level 11: Cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects.
  +
| At Level 13: Can Special Summon F.A. Monsters from your GY once per turn.
  +
|-
 
| [[F.A. Sonic Meister|Sonic Meister]]
 
| Cannot be destroyed by battle against monsters whose original Levels/Ranks are lower than current Level.
 
| Can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase.
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Turbo Charger|Turbo Charger]]
  +
| Opponent's monsters whose original Level/Rank is lower than this card's Level cannot target monsters for attacks or effects, except this card.
  +
| Opponent's monsters cannot activate their effects until the end of the Damage Step when an F.A. monster battles.
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Whip Crosser|Whip Crosser]]
  +
| Opponent must pay 300 LP to activate the effect of a monster whose original Level/Rank is lower than this card's Level.
  +
| Opponent cannot discard or send cards from their hand to the Graveyard to activate a card effect.
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Support-based===
  +
{| class="fandom-table sortable" style="text-align: center"
  +
! rowspan="2" | F.A.
  +
! colspan="2" | Effect
  +
|-
  +
! Level manipulation
  +
! Other
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Auto Navigator|Auto Navigator]]
  +
| Target 1 "F.A." monster you control whose current Level is higher than its original Level; Special Summon this card, and if you do, reduce that target's Level by the difference between its current and original Level, and if you do that, this card's Level become equal to the amount reduced.
  +
| If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "F.A." Field Spell from your Deck to your hand.
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Dark Dragster|Dark Dragster]]
  +
| Once per turn: Can target 1 card on the field; reduce this card’s level by 3, and if you do, destroy that target.
  +
| Must first be Special Summoned(from your hand) by having a Level 7 or higher “F.A.” monster on the field, but no “F.A. Dark Dragster” in your Monster Zone.
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Dawn Dragster|Dawn Dragster]]
  +
| Once per turn (Quick Effect): Can negate Spell/Trap Card/Effect by reduce this card's level by 2, and destroy that.
  +
| Inflicts piercing battle damage.
  +
|-
  +
| [[F.A. Shining Star GT|Shining Star GT]]
  +
| Once per Turn (Quick Effect): Can negate Monster Effect by removing 1 Athlete Counter from this card.
  +
| Neither player takes any battle damage from attacks involving this monster.
 
|}
 
|}
   
  +
==Support==
=== Spell/Trap Cards ===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable card-list"
+
{| class="fandom-table sortable" style="text-align: center"
! scope="col" | F.A.
+
! scope="col" | Card
! scope="col" | [[Card type]]
 
 
! scope="col" | Origin
 
! scope="col" | Origin
 
|-
 
|-
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Circuit Grand Prix|Circuit Grand Prix]]
+
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Circuit Grand Prix]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Spell Card|Spell]]
+
| rowspan="3" | [[wikipedia:Grand Prix motor racing|Racing circuit]]
| [[wikipedia:Grand Prix motor racing|Racing circuit]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Downforce|Downforce]]
+
| scope="row" | [[F.A. City Grand Prix]]
  +
|-
  +
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Off-Road Grand Prix]]
  +
|-
  +
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Dead Heat]]
  +
| [[wikipedia:Dead heat|Dead heat]]
  +
|-
  +
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Downforce]]
 
| [[wikipedia:Downforce|Downforce]]
 
| [[wikipedia:Downforce|Downforce]]
  +
|-
 
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Overheat]]
  +
| [[wikipedia:Overheating|Overheating]]
  +
|-
  +
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Pit Stop]]
  +
| [[wikipedia:Pit stop|Pit stop]]
  +
|-
  +
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Test Run]]
  +
| [[wikipedia:Shakedown (testing)|Shakedown]]
  +
|-
 
| scope="row" | [[F.A. Winners]]
  +
| [[wikipedia:Victory|Winning event]]
 
|}
 
|}
   
== Playing style ==
+
==Weaknesses==
  +
* As a conventional strategy without the insane Summon power seen on top-level decks at the moment, F.A.s are vulnerable to [[Anti-Meta]] strategies that can handle the high ATK of the F.A. monsters.
Similar to the "[[Fortune Lady]]" archetype, the "F.A" monsters get stronger the higher their[[Level| Levels]]. They each gain 300 [[ATK]] x their Level and have effects and support cards that increase their Levels further. They also gain a new effect when at Level 7 or higher.
 
  +
* The effects of the F.A. Spell/Trap cards are almost always [[Once per turn|hard once-per turns]], limiting their swarming capability, and forcing them to almost always rely on one or two high-Level F.A. monsters that can be picked off by powerful removal cards.
  +
* Because most of the F.A. plays begin with a Quick-Play in the GY, and their effects cannot be activated the turn they are sent there, F.A.s are almost always vulnerable on the first turn, going first or second. If they cannot Summon [[F.A. Dawn Dragster]] going first they can easily fall victim to an [[OTK]]. Most F.A. decks therefore play a first-turn engine of some kind, especially one that involves destruction of their Field Spell. Examples include [[Destrudo the Lost Dragon's Frisson]] and [[Dragon Ravine]], [[Zoodiac Barrage]] and [[Cockadoodledoo]], or [[Ancient Gear Catapult]].
  +
* Any card which negates the effects of the F.A. monsters is a huge problem, leaving all F.A.s with 0 ATK.
  +
* F.A.'s are very reliant on their GY for longevity, and can lose very quickly to [[Macro Cosmos]] or [[Masked HERO Dark Law]], unless they already have Test Run to remove them.
  +
* F.A. Auto Navigator is often the only reliable Tuner in the Deck, and any card which can get rid of it like [[Called by the Grave]] or [[Chain Disappearance]] is a huge issue.
  +
* With the changes to the ban list banning [[Ancient Fairy Dragon]] and [[Limited|Limiting]] PSY-Framelord Omega, F.A.s have lost most of their Extra Deck power besides their own cards.
  +
* The F.A. [[Mirror Match]] is incredibly hard to win due to F.A. Hang on Mach's banishing effect, the fact that F.A. Spell/Trap activations or Field Spell passives on either side raise all F.A. levels and the indestructability of F.A. Motorhome Transport making it near-impossible to out without cards like [[Cyber Dragon Infinity]].
   
  +
==Recommended cards==
 
{{Decklist|Recommended cards
 
{{Decklist|Recommended cards
 
<!--This is not an exact Decklist. Please do not add multiples or staples.-->
 
<!--This is not an exact Decklist. Please do not add multiples or staples.-->
   
 
|effect monsters =
 
|effect monsters =
  +
* [[F.A. Dark Dragster]]
 
* [[F.A. Hang On Mach]]
 
* [[F.A. Hang On Mach]]
 
* [[F.A. Sonic Meister]]
 
* [[F.A. Sonic Meister]]
* [[Biofalcon]]
+
* [[F.A. Turbo Charger]]
* [[Flying Kamakiri 1]]
+
* [[F.A. Whip Crosser]]
* [[Jumbo Drill]]
+
* [[Ancient Gear Wyvern]]
* [[Risebell the Star Adjuster]]
+
* [[Armageddon Knight]]
* [[Risebell the Star Psycher]]
+
* [[Garuda the Wind Spirit]]
  +
* [[Mystical Fairy Elfuria]]
  +
* [[Silpheed]]
  +
* [[Speedroid Menko]]
  +
* [[The Calculator]]
  +
* [[Windrose the Elemental Lord]]
   
 
|tuner monsters =
 
|tuner monsters =
* [[Debris Dragon]]
+
* [[F.A. Auto Navigator]]
* [[Delta Flyer]]
+
* [[Cockadoodledoo]]
* [[Torque Tune Gear]]
+
* [[Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit]]
   
 
|pendulum monsters =
 
|pendulum monsters =
* [[Risebell the Summoner]]
 
 
* [[Speedroid Dominobutterfly]]
 
* [[Speedroid Dominobutterfly]]
  +
* [[Supreme King Dragon Darkwurm]]
  +
* [[Supreme King Gate Zero]]
   
 
|synchro monsters =
 
|synchro monsters =
* [[Hi-Speedroid Hagoita]]
+
* [[F.A. Dawn Dragster]]
* [[Stardust Dragon]]
+
* [[F.A. Motorhome Transport]]
  +
* Other generic Synchro Monsters
   
 
|xyz monsters =
 
|xyz monsters =
Line 80: Line 177:
 
* [[Cyber Dragon Nova]]
 
* [[Cyber Dragon Nova]]
 
* [[Gear Gigant X]]
 
* [[Gear Gigant X]]
* [[Googly-Eyes Drum Dragon]]
 
 
* [[Heavy Armored Train Ironwolf]]
 
* [[Heavy Armored Train Ironwolf]]
 
* [[Lightning Chidori]]
 
* [[Lightning Chidori]]
Line 86: Line 182:
   
 
|link monsters =
 
|link monsters =
* [[Akashic Magician]]
+
* [[F.A. Shining Star GT]]
* [[Decode Talker]]
+
* [[Knightmare]] monsters
* [[Encode Talker]]
+
* [[Qliphort Genius]]
* [[Firewall Dragon]]
+
* [[Saryuja Skull Dread]]
   
 
|spells =
 
|spells =
 
* [[F.A. Circuit Grand Prix]]
 
* [[F.A. Circuit Grand Prix]]
  +
* [[F.A. City Grand Prix]]
 
* [[F.A. Downforce]]
 
* [[F.A. Downforce]]
  +
* [[F.A. Off-Road Grand Prix]]
  +
* [[F.A. Pit Stop]]
  +
* [[F.A. Test Run]]
  +
* [[F.A. Winners]]
  +
* [[U.A. Hyper Stadium]]
  +
* [[U.A. Locker Room]]
 
* [[After the Storm]]
  +
* [[Ancient Gear Catapult]]
 
* [[Emergency Teleport]]
 
* [[Emergency Teleport]]
* [[Galaxy Queen's Light]]
 
* [[Hidden Armory]]
 
** [[Air Cracking Storm]]
 
** [[Gravity Blaster]]
 
** [[Synchro Boost]]
 
 
* [[Limiter Removal]]
 
* [[Limiter Removal]]
  +
* [[Mystical Space Typhoon]]
 
* [[Quick Booster]]
 
* [[Quick Booster]]
* [[Star Changer]]
+
* [[Quill Pen of Gulldos]]
 
* [[Terraforming]]
 
* [[Terraforming]]
  +
* [[Ties of the Brethren]]
   
 
|traps =
 
|traps =
* [[BIG Win!?]]
+
* [[F.A. Dead Heat]]
* [[Marshalling Field]]
+
* [[F.A. Overheat]]
  +
* [[U.A. Man of the Match]]
  +
* [[Magnet Force]]
 
* [[Metaverse]]
 
* [[Metaverse]]
  +
* [[Spiritual Wind Art - Miyabi]]
  +
* [[Unending Nightmare]]
  +
}}
  +
  +
==Official Decklists==
  +
{{Decklist|Konami's "F.A" deck
  +
<ref>!{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/YuGiOh_OCG_INFO/status/907886145542922240?type=3&theater | title = F.A. Deck Recipe | publisher = Konami | date = September 15, 2017 | accessdate = September 15, 2017}}</ref>
  +
  +
|effect monsters =
  +
* [[F.A. Hang On Mach]] x3
  +
* [[F.A. Sonic Meister]] x3
  +
* [[Gold Gadget]] x3
  +
* [[Silver Gadget]] x3
  +
  +
|pendulum monsters =
 
* [[Risebell the Summoner]] x2
  +
  +
|fusion monsters =
  +
* [[Thousand-Eyes Restrict]]
 
* [[Panzer Dragon]]
  +
* [[Sea Monster of Theseus]]
  +
* [[Mavelus]]
  +
  +
|synchro monsters =
  +
* [[Vermillion Dragon Mech]]
  +
  +
|xyz monsters =
  +
* [[Cyber Dragon Infinity]]
  +
* [[Cyber Dragon Nova]]
  +
* [[Gear Gigant X]]
  +
* [[Lightning Chidori]]
  +
* [[Tornado Dragon]]
  +
  +
|link_monsters =
  +
* [[Linkuriboh]]
  +
  +
|spells =
  +
* [[F.A. Circuit Grand Prix]] x3
  +
* [[F.A. Downforce]] x2
  +
* [[Kaiser Colosseum]] x2
  +
* [[Instant Fusion]] x3
 
* [[Galaxy Cyclone]] x2
  +
* [[Pot of Desires]] x2
  +
* [[Chicken Game]]
  +
* [[Terraforming]] x2
  +
* [[Limiter Removal]]
  +
|traps =
  +
* [[Metaverse]] x2
  +
* [[Summon Limit]] x2
  +
* [[Quaking Mirror Force]] x2
 
* [[Powerful Rebirth]]
 
* [[Powerful Rebirth]]
* [[Pulse Mines]]
+
* [[Vanity's Emptiness]]
 
}}
 
}}
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
  +
{{Reflist}}
<references />
 
   
 
{{Archseries navbox}}
 
{{Archseries navbox}}
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]
 

Latest revision as of 09:52, 26 December 2022

"F.A.", short for "Formula Athlete" (F.A. (フォーミュラアスリート) Fōmyura Asurīto) is an archetype of WIND Machine monsters. It is one of two formerly TCG-exclusive archetypes that debuted in Code of the Duelist[1][2], the other being "Vendread".

Design

The archetype is based on a futuristic motor racing theme, with some elements referencing the motorsports events such as Formula One or Grand Prix Motorcycle racing. So far, all monsters of this archetype have original 0 ATK.

The archetype is a counterpart to the "U.A." series, another TCG-exclusive archetype that are designed around futuristic sports stars, a direct contrast to the design of the "F.A." series. Phantom Rage released cards that simultaneously support both archetypes, confirming a connection between them.

Playing style

Similar to the "Fortune Lady" archetype, the "F.A" monsters get stronger the higher their Levels. However, instead of naturally gaining Levels in the Standby Phase, they have an effect that gives the option to increase their Levels each time an F.A. Spell/Trap card or effect is activated. They also have no maximum Level, and are therefore capable of being Level 13 or higher. This makes their Level increasing a lot faster and more aggressive. All non-Tuner monsters revealed thus far gain 300 ATK x their own Level and have effects and support cards that increase their Levels further. Of particular note are the F.A. Field Spells that grant 2 extra Levels in either the Main Phase, the Battle Phase, or both. This, combined with the fact that they search any F.A. card but themselves when destroyed by a card effect, makes them integral to the F.A. theme.

However, unlike the "Fortune Lady" archetype, the F.A. is less about increasing Levels than it is Level control. Being a Synchro-focussed deck, it rewards players for considering which monster to Summon before making their plays, and adjusting the Level of the monsters they control accordingly. The only on-archetype Tuner monster so far, F.A. Auto Navigator, allows the player to reduce any F.A. to its original Level, then Summons itself from the hand or GY at the Level the target lost. It also searches an F.A. Field Spell when Normal or Special Summoned, further increasing its value to the player and compensating them for the loss in card advantage Synchro Summoning entails. So, by adjusting the Level of the target beforehand, basically any generic Synchro monster in the game can be Summoned. By matching the Level of the F.A. monsters, it is possible to Xyz Summon most Xyz monsters too, but this strategy is less effective, as there are many other strategies that are more effective for Xyz Summoning. Some powerful Xyz monsters like Cyber Dragon Infinity and Number 41: Bagooska the Terribly Tired Tapir can contribute situationally however.

The F.A. Quick-Play Spells are incredibly powerful, with the ability to give the deck lots of options when played from the hand (or Set as response cards) while often contributing to the Deck's Summon power by banishing themselves from the GY. F.A. Downforce can give F.A. monsters an temporary two Level boost both from the hand and from the GY, but F.A. Pit Stop and F.A. Test Run are central to the Deck's capabilities. Pit Stop drops an F.A.'s Level by 2 to draw cards equal to the number of Pit Stops in the GY +1 (akin to a stronger Good Goblin Housekeeping), before banishing itself from the GY to Special Summon any F.A. from the GY. Test Run on the other hand, changes an F.A.'s battle position to destroy any card on the field without targeting(similar to Kozmojo without banishing) before banishing itself from the GY to destroy a card the player controls and Special Summon an F.A. from the deck(akin to Zoodiac Barrage). Test Run in particular can destroy a Field Spell to give an extra search while Summoning an F.A. of choice, a play that often leads as a minumim to an instant F.A. Motorhome Transport nearly for free. PSY-Framelord Omega is therefore very valuable to keep recycling the Quick-Plays as they banish themselves, and is often one of the Deck's first Synchro Summons. The various downsides of these cards can often be turned into upsides by some creative play with Levels, keeping in mind that the F.A. monsters can raise their Level by 1 each time any of them is activated.

The F.A. strategy is therefore twofold. On one hand it is about rapidly raising Levels and delivering a straightforward beatdown. On the other hand, it's about destroying the Field Spells to get whatever card is needed, and getting monsters to the correct Levels for the circumstance. More often than not in the latter case, the correct Level is at least 7, as this allows for the secondary effects of the regular F.A. monsters to come into play and for F.A. Dark Dragster to be Summoned. Some of these Level 7 effects are on par with some of the most powerful monsters in the game, and this, combined with the fact that the regular monsters' primary effects weaken monsters lower Level/Rank than them, means that any F.A. has the power, given a couple of turns, to become an unstoppable force of nature. Indeed, this is one of the deck's greatest strengths.

Flames of Destruction introduced a third element to the F.A. strategy, a win condition in F.A. Winners. While it is not recommended to include this card in all F.A. decks for consistency reasons, a deck built around it is not actually bad. It is a Continuous Spell card that allows the player to banish an F.A. Field Spell from their hand, field or GY when an F.A. 5 Levels or more higher than its original Level inflicts battle damage to the opponent while battling their monster, and when all 3 Field Spells have been banished by this effect the player wins. This is surprisingly good as it cannot be destroyed by card effects while the player controls an F.A. monster, and even if the opponent removes one of them, Winners does not care which Winners banished the Field Spells, only that they were banished by any F.A. Winners. However, getting an F.A.'s Level up by 5 requires both a Field Spell and F.A. Downforce, or the risky F.A. Dead Heat. However, Dead Heat's potential to activate Winners on the opponent's Battle Phase by raising the Level and ATK of an F.A. in response to an attack makes it worth the risk, potentially allowing an F.A. player to wrap up the Duel in 2 turns going second, banishing 1 Field Spell in each Battle Phase. This strategy is however vulnerable to attack response Traps like Storming Mirror Force and F.A. Dead Heat can backfire badly.

Members

Level-based

F.A. Effect
Standard New when at Lv. ≥ 7
Hang On Mach Unaffected by activated effects of monsters whose original Levels/Ranks are lower than current Level. Any card that would be sent to the opponent's Graveyard is banished instead.
Motorhome Transport At Level 11: Cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. At Level 13: Can Special Summon F.A. Monsters from your GY once per turn.
Sonic Meister Cannot be destroyed by battle against monsters whose original Levels/Ranks are lower than current Level. Can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase.
Turbo Charger Opponent's monsters whose original Level/Rank is lower than this card's Level cannot target monsters for attacks or effects, except this card. Opponent's monsters cannot activate their effects until the end of the Damage Step when an F.A. monster battles.
Whip Crosser Opponent must pay 300 LP to activate the effect of a monster whose original Level/Rank is lower than this card's Level. Opponent cannot discard or send cards from their hand to the Graveyard to activate a card effect.

Support-based

F.A. Effect
Level manipulation Other
Auto Navigator Target 1 "F.A." monster you control whose current Level is higher than its original Level; Special Summon this card, and if you do, reduce that target's Level by the difference between its current and original Level, and if you do that, this card's Level become equal to the amount reduced. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "F.A." Field Spell from your Deck to your hand.
Dark Dragster Once per turn: Can target 1 card on the field; reduce this card’s level by 3, and if you do, destroy that target. Must first be Special Summoned(from your hand) by having a Level 7 or higher “F.A.” monster on the field, but no “F.A. Dark Dragster” in your Monster Zone.
Dawn Dragster Once per turn (Quick Effect): Can negate Spell/Trap Card/Effect by reduce this card's level by 2, and destroy that. Inflicts piercing battle damage.
Shining Star GT Once per Turn (Quick Effect): Can negate Monster Effect by removing 1 Athlete Counter from this card. Neither player takes any battle damage from attacks involving this monster.

Support

Card Origin
F.A. Circuit Grand Prix Racing circuit
F.A. City Grand Prix
F.A. Off-Road Grand Prix
F.A. Dead Heat Dead heat
F.A. Downforce Downforce
F.A. Overheat Overheating
F.A. Pit Stop Pit stop
F.A. Test Run Shakedown
F.A. Winners Winning event

Weaknesses

  • As a conventional strategy without the insane Summon power seen on top-level decks at the moment, F.A.s are vulnerable to Anti-Meta strategies that can handle the high ATK of the F.A. monsters.
  • The effects of the F.A. Spell/Trap cards are almost always hard once-per turns, limiting their swarming capability, and forcing them to almost always rely on one or two high-Level F.A. monsters that can be picked off by powerful removal cards.
  • Because most of the F.A. plays begin with a Quick-Play in the GY, and their effects cannot be activated the turn they are sent there, F.A.s are almost always vulnerable on the first turn, going first or second. If they cannot Summon F.A. Dawn Dragster going first they can easily fall victim to an OTK. Most F.A. decks therefore play a first-turn engine of some kind, especially one that involves destruction of their Field Spell. Examples include Destrudo the Lost Dragon's Frisson and Dragon Ravine, Zoodiac Barrage and Cockadoodledoo, or Ancient Gear Catapult.
  • Any card which negates the effects of the F.A. monsters is a huge problem, leaving all F.A.s with 0 ATK.
  • F.A.'s are very reliant on their GY for longevity, and can lose very quickly to Macro Cosmos or Masked HERO Dark Law, unless they already have Test Run to remove them.
  • F.A. Auto Navigator is often the only reliable Tuner in the Deck, and any card which can get rid of it like Called by the Grave or Chain Disappearance is a huge issue.
  • With the changes to the ban list banning Ancient Fairy Dragon and Limiting PSY-Framelord Omega, F.A.s have lost most of their Extra Deck power besides their own cards.
  • The F.A. Mirror Match is incredibly hard to win due to F.A. Hang on Mach's banishing effect, the fact that F.A. Spell/Trap activations or Field Spell passives on either side raise all F.A. levels and the indestructability of F.A. Motorhome Transport making it near-impossible to out without cards like Cyber Dragon Infinity.

Recommended cards


Official Decklists


References