Before we proceed, let us introduce the members of the Zoodiac lineup once more, now that all 12 of them are made available in the OCG.
The infamous Rat is given the name of Zoodiac Ratpier.
Previously loosely translated as Zoodiac Bullhorn, he is now known as Zoodiac Broadbull.
To fit the naming theme of combining weapons and animal names, Zoodiac Tigress is now named Zoodiac Tigermortar.
The Rabbit symbol - Zoodiac
Zoodiac Drancia → Zoodiac Drident
Zoodiac Viper, the Snake Zoodiac sign is now known as Zoodiac Whiptail.
Zoodiac Thoroughblade's name remains unchanged from fan translation.
Zoodiac Ram's name received a slight alteration to become Zoodiac Ramram.
Zoodiac Hammerkong, Zoodiac Lyca and Zoodiac Cluckle have all not been released in the TCG, and shall be hence referred to as their fan-translated names.
Also, for the following combos, we are assuming that your 2nd and 3rd copies of Zoodiac Ratpier are in the deck. Although if they are in your hand, the combo still functions, but at a less profitable outcome.
OTK plays
Combo 1: Zoodiac Barrage ⇒ 8000ATK damage + Two-card draw
Cards required in hand:
- Zoodiac Barrage
Cards required in deck:
- Zoodiac Ratpier x 3
- Zoodiac Ramram
- Zoodiac Thoroughblade
Extra Deck cards required:
- Zoodiac Hammerkong
- Zoodiac Boarbow
- Zoodiac Broadbull
- Zoodiac Lyca
- Zoodiac Drident
- Zoodiac Tigermortar
- Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King
- Gagaga Samurai
- Activate Zoodiac Barrage, special summoning Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Hammerkong by using Zoodiac Ratpier as an Xyz Material.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Boarbow by using Zoodiac Hammerkong as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Boarbow's effect, detaching Zoodiac Hammerkong to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Broadbull by using Zoodiac Boarbow as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Broadbull's effect, detaching Zoodiac Boarbow to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Activate Zoodiac Broadbulls effect, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier to search out Zoodiac Thoroughblade from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King using both copies of Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Trigger Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King's effect upon its Xyz summon, setting Fire Formation - Tenki from the deck.
- Activate Fire Formation - Tenki, searching out Zoodiac Ramram from the deck.
- Activate Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King's effect meaninglessly, attempting to negate the effects of non Beast-Warrior monsters on the field. Since your only other monster is Zoodiac Broadbull, you won't be adversely affected.
- Normal summon Zoodiac Thoroughblade, discarding Zoodiac Ramram to draw a card.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Lyca by using Zoodiac Broadbull as an Xyz Material.
- Actviate the effect of Zoodiac Lyca, detaching Zoodiac Broadbull, to special summon Zoodiac Ramram from the grave.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Drident by using Zoodiac Lyca as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Drident, detaching Zoodiac Lyca, to destroy Zoodiac Ramram.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Ramram once it gets destroyed, reviving Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Xyz summon Zoodiac Daigusto Emeral using Zoodiac Thoroughblade and Zoodiac Ratpier as Xyz Materials.
- Activate Daigusto Emeral's effect, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier, returning two copies of Zoodiac Ratpier and one Zoodiac Xyz monster back to the deck for a draw.
- Activate the effect of Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier to special summon another copy of Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz summon Zoodiac Tigermortar by using Zoodiac Drident as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Tigermortar, detaching Zoodiac Drident , attaching Zoodiac Ratpier from the graveyard to Zoodiac Tigermortar itself as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Tigermortar, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier, to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz summon Gagaga Samurai using both copies of Zoodiac Ratpier as Xyz Materials.
- Activate the effect of Gagaga Samurai, allowing itself to attack twice.
- Attack with all monsters you control.
Gagaga Samurai → 1900 + 1900 = 3800.
Zoodiac Tigermortar → 100
Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King → 2300
Daigusto Emeral → 1800
- Total: 3800 + 100 + 2300 + 1800 = 8000
Note:
The redundant activation of Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King's effect at step 11 is required to get another copy of Zoodiac Ratpier into the graveyard, for it to be revived by Zoodiac Ram later. It is a step that can't be avoided or delayed. Any longer, it will clash with your strategy by negating your own Daigusto Emeral's effect.
By shuffling the two copies of Zoodiac Ratpier back to the deck, it allows for them to be resummoned again for a second Xyz summon. This series of plays were not previously possible, due to the lack of Zoodiac Xyz monsters with different names. However, with Zoodiac Lyca and Zoodiac Hammerkong being released, more Xyz summons can take place. This plays also works aournd Zoodiac Lyca's restriction on the revived monster (Zoodiac Ramram) by destroying it with Zoodiac Drident's effect, for it to be substituted by Zoodiac Ratpier , which can be used for an Xyz summon
The 100ATK point boost by Fire Formation - Tenki is instrumental to this strategy. This play pushes for an exact 8000LP, and is thus not reccomended if there are obstacles in your way, be it a backrow card or a monster on their field. Should your opponent have a sizeable number of cards in hand, I will also advise against this strategy. It is likely that they will activate Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit or Maxx "C" right off the bat, but a D.D. Crow is equally fatal to the game plan. However, this play also grants you two draws from the deck, compensating for the resources devoted to the assault.
At step 24, if the situations allows or if you can afford to, you are also free to enter an Xyz Summon of a second copy of Daigusto Emeral for recycling more resources and netting another draw.
Combo 2: Zoodiac Barrage ⇒ 8300ATK Damage
Cards required in hand:
- Zoodiac Barrage
Cards required in deck:
- Zoodiac Ratpier x 3
- Zoodiac Ramram
- Zoodiac Thoroughblade
- Zoodiac Whiptail
Extra Deck cards required:
- Zoodiac Hammerkong
- Zoodiac Boarbow
- Zoodiac Broadbull
- Zoodiac Lyca
- Zoodiac Drident
- Zoodiac Tigermortar
- Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King
- Activate Zoodiac Barrage, special summoning Zoodiac Thoroughblade from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Hammerkong by using Zoodiac Thoroughblade as an Xyz Material.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Broadbull by using Zoodiac Hammerkong as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Broadbull, detaching Zoodiac Hammerkong, to search out Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Normal summon Zoodiac Ratpier .
- Trigger Zoodiac Ratpier's effect, sending Zoodiac Ramram from the deck to the graveyard.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Boarbow by using Zoodiac Ratpier as an Xyz Material.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Tigermortar by using Zoodiac Boarbow as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Tigermortar, detaching Zoodiac Boarbow, to special summon Zoodiac Ratpier from your deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Lyca by using Zoodiac Tigermortar as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Lyca, detaching Zoodiac Tigermortar, to special summon Zoodiac Ratpier from your deck.
- Xyz Summon Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King using both copies of Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Trigger Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King's effect upon its Xyz summon, setting Fire Formation - Tenki from the deck.
- Activate Fire Formation - Tenki, searching out Zoodiac Whiptail from the deck.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Lyca, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier, to special summon Zoodiac Ramram from the graveyard.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Drident by using Zoodiac Lyca as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Whiptail, attaching it to Zoodiac Drident as an Xyz Material.
- Attack in the following order:
- Zoodiac Drident → 1300ATK
- Zoodiac Ramram →500ATK
- Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King → 2300ATK
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Drident, detaching Zoodiac Whiptail, to destroy Zoodiac Ramram.
- Trigger the effect of Zoodiac Ramram in the graveyard, special summoning Zoodiac Whiptail from the graveyard.
- Attack with Zoodiac Whiptail.
- Zoodiac Whiptail →1300ATK
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Whiptail, attaching itself to Zoodiac Broadbull.
- Attack with Zoodiac Broadbull.
- Zoodiac Broadbull → 2900ATK
- Zoodiac Broadbull → 2900ATK
Total: 1300+ 2300 + 500 + 1300 + 2900 = 8300
Note:
Relying on Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King to push for damage, this method doesn't involve Gagaga Samurai, which has seen lesser play in the OCG since the start of the January 2017 format. Most players no longer feel the need to include Gagaga Samurai in their deck, as Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King can farm for resources and push for damage, while Gagaga Samurai is only limited to the latter. This play is hence more suitable for them.
By destroying Zoodiac Ramram during the Battle Phase, you revive Zoodiac Whiptail
The Xyz summon of Brotherhood of Fire Fist - Tiger King is crucial to this play. It turns two 0ATK Zoodiac Ratpier into a 2300ATK beatstick and adds Zoodiac Whiptail into the equation for an additional 3900ATK damage. ( x 3).
First Turn Plays
Since the release of more Zoodiac Xyz monsters, summoning two copies of Daigusto Emerals in a single turn has been the norm as far as first-turn plays are concerned. The card advantage generated is increadile, and the recycling of resources allows the player to repeat the Zoodiac core engine play again on their next turn.
Combo 3: Double Daigusto
Cards required in hand:
- Zoodiac Ratpier
Cards required in deck:
- Zoodiac Ratpier x 2
- Zoodiac Ramram
- Zoodiac Whiptail
Extra Deck cards required:
- Zoodiac Hammerkong
- Zoodiac Boarbow
- Zoodiac Broadbull
- Zoodiac Lyca
- Zoodiac Drident
- Zoodiac Tigermortar
- Daigusto Emeral x 2
- Normal summon Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Trigger its effect to send Zoodiac Ramram from the deck to the graveyard.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Boarbow by using Zoodiac Ratpier as an Xyz Material.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Hammerkong by using Zoodiac Boarbow as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Hammerkong's effect, detaching Zoodiac Boarbow to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Tigermortar by using Zoodiac Hammerkong as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Tigermortar's effect, detaching Zoodiac Boarbow to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Broadbull by using Zoodiac Tigermortar as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Broadbull's effect, detaching Zoodiac Tigermortar to search out Zoodiac Whiptail from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Daigusto Emeral using both copies of Zoodiac Ratpier .
- Activate Daigusto Emeral's effect, returning one copy of Zoodiac Ratpier and two Zoodiac Xyz monsters back to the deck to draw one card.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Lyca using Zoodiac Broadbull as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Lyca, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier to to special summon Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Lyca, detaching Zoodiac Broadbull to special summon Zoodiac Ramram from the graveyard.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Drident by using Zoodiac Lyca as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Drident, detaching Zoodiac Lyca, to destroy Zoodiac Ramram.
- Zoodiac Ramram's effect activates, reviving Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Xyz Summon Daigusto Emeral using both copies of Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Activate Daigusto Emeral's effect, returning three monster cards of your choice to draw one card from your deck.
Combo #4: Double Daigusto
Cards required in hand:
- Zoodiac Barrage
Cards required in deck:
- Zoodiac Ratpier x 3
- Zoodiac Ramram
- Zoodiac Whiptail
Extra Deck cards required:
- Zoodiac Hammerkong
- Zoodiac Boarbow
- Zoodiac Broadbull
- Zoodiac Lyca
- Zoodiac Drident
- Zoodiac Tigermortar
- Daigusto Emeral x 2
- Activate Zoodiac Barrage, special summoning Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Hammerkong by using Zoodiac Ratpier as an Xyz Material.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Boarbow by using Zoodiac Hammerkong as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Boarbow's effect, detaching Zoodiac Hammerkong to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Broadbull by using Zoodiac Boarbow as an Xyz Material.
- Activate Zoodiac Broadbull's effect, detaching Zoodiac Boarbow to special summon a Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Activate Zoodiac Boarbow's effect, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier to search out Zoodiac Thoroughblade from the deck.
- Xyz Summon Daigusto Emeral using both copies of Zoodiac Ratpier.
- Activate Daigusto Emeral's effect, returning one copy of Zoodiac Ratpier and two Zoodiac Xyz monster back to the deck to draw one card.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Lyca using Zoodiac Broadbull as an Xyz Material.
- Activate the effect of Zoodiac Lyca, detaching Zoodiac Ratpier to to special summon Zoodiac Ratpier from the deck.
- Normal summon the Zoodiac Thoroughblade which you have previously searched with Zoodiac Broadbull.
- Xyz Summon Daigusto Emeral using Zoodiac Ratpier and Zoodiac Thoroughblade.
- Activate Daigusto Emeral's effect, returning three monster cards of your choice to draw one card from your deck.
- Xyz Summon Zoodiac Drident using Zoodiac Lyca as an Xyz Material.
Conclusion
The Zoodiac's power and consistency is nothing to be laughed at. With only one card, you can earn searches and draws from the deck, farming for valueable resources. However, only in the hands of a skilled pilot can one secure victory in this demanding format.
