Yu-Gi-Oh! GENESYS

Why a Point System Matters in Yu-Gi-Oh! Genesys

The Genesys point system introduces a brand-new Deck-building philosophy for Duelists, offering flexibility and balance beyond the traditional Forbidden & Limited Card Lists. Instead of outright banning cards, every choice now carries a cost — meaning powerful cards can still be played, but at a strategic price.

No More Forbidden Cards

Under the Genesys system, no card is completely off-limits. Even iconic Forbidden Cards like Painful Choice can return, but with a high point cost—such as 95 points—restricting players from pairing it easily with other powerful cards. This approach gives Duelists more freedom while maintaining fair, balanced play.

Balanced Combos and Custom Rules

Point values allow organizers to adjust the game’s balance dynamically. If a combo becomes too strong, its components can simply be priced higher to prevent abuse. Plus, local tournaments can set their own point caps, encouraging creativity through custom, high-powered events or casual fun builds.

Strategic Deck-Building Choices

Every card now represents a trade-off. Want to include a heavy-hitter like Maxx “C” at 50 points each? You can—if you’re willing to sacrifice room for other utility cards. The system forces players to consider whether power or consistency suits their strategy best, making Genesys Decks uniquely diverse.

More Creativity, More Fun

For many Duelists, Deck-building is the heart of Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Genesys brings that creativity to the forefront. By mirroring the salary cap style of professional sports, it turns players into strategic “team managers” of their own Decks. With evolving point values and endless combinations, Genesys keeps creativity alive—giving Duelists more freedom, variety, and fun than ever before.

Cool Stuff that’s Never Been Legal Before

The new Genesys point system isn’t just a balance mechanic—it’s a gateway to creative Deck-building freedom. By assigning point values instead of blanket bans, Duelists can finally experiment with cards once considered too powerful for competitive play. The result? Familiar favorites return, and new strategies emerge that were never possible in Advanced Format.

Mirage of Nightmare Makes a Comeback

After being Forbidden for over 20 years, Mirage of Nightmare finally gets its moment. Thanks to the point system, it’s playable again—especially with cards you can activate from your hand during your opponent’s turn. Smart Duelists are already pairing it with combos like Paleozoic Opabinia to create unexpected momentum and tricky advantage swaps.

Triple Pot of Greed—If You Dare

Yes, you read that right. In Genesys, you can legally run three copies of Pot of Greed—the iconic draw card that’s been banned for decades. The catch? It comes at a heavy point cost, meaning your Deck can’t afford many other high-value cards. Still, for creative Duelists, the idea of triple Pot of Greed could fuel bold new strategies emphasizing speed and resource advantage.

The Rare Hunter’s Exodia Deck Lives Again

One of the most infamous setups in Yu-Gi-Oh! history, the Rare Hunter’s Exodia Deck from the Battle City arc, becomes playable under the Genesys rule set. Duelists can attempt full playsets of each Exodia piece and even include classics like Graceful Charity, recreating a nostalgic yet entirely new win condition that’s finally tournament-legal within point limits.

Card of Safe Return Revives Zombie Combos

Old-school Zombie Deck fans can rejoice. Card of Safe Return, once a devastating draw engine, can now team up with modern archetypes like Mayakashi. Imagine combining it with Dakki, the Graceful Mayakashi for massive loop plays and endless recursion—a synergy that was simply never possible before.

Endless Experiments Await

With Yu-Gi-Oh! Genesys, innovation is limitless. Duelists can finally explore classic cards and dream combinations long confined to casual play. The Genesys Deck-builder lets you check the point values of every Forbidden or Limited card, helping you customize your strategy without breaking balance.

If there’s a card you’ve always wished you could play again—now’s your chance. Dive into Genesys and see how far your point total can take you!