I wrote about the January and April 2021 OCG Limit Regulations; it is time again for the third one this year.

Like the last two entries, I enjoyed reading the feedback about them. especially the huge majority of people talking about the quantity of Maxx "C" that they were uncomfortable with, and occasional snark remarks about the region as well. Unfortunately, KONAMI has not yet decided Maxx "C" is problematic in the OCG. So my dear TCG readers, I apologize for the distress this may cause you for the next three months.

This article, as per namesake, is about me breaking down the Limit Regulations for the next three months. I will do my best to explain various reasonings behind certain factors with the current metagame in mind.

As a final disclaimer, this is about the OCG July 2021 Ban List. Several cards like Maxx "C" and Sky Striker Mobilize - Engage are not banned, and some cards that "have not been imported" like Decode Talker Heatsoul exist in this metagame.

April 1st, 2021 Limit Regulations

FORBIDDEN

• Zoodiac Drident (Previously at 1)

LIMITED

• NIL

SEMI LIMITED

• Pendulum Call (Previously at 1)
• Fire Formation - Tenki (Previously at 3)
• PSY-Framegear Gamma (Previously at 3)

UNLIMITED

• Firewall Dragon (Previously at 2)
• Union Hangar (Previously at 2)
• Wind-Up Magician (Previously at 2)
• Mathematician (Previously at 2)

Understanding the Current OCG Metagame

This picture was created with the 29 May – 9 June Metagame in mind, so it is not an exact accurate representation of the current OCG Meta.

Zoodiac Tri-Brigade is currently the most popular deck, along with Virtual World and their irresponsible handling of True King of All Calamities. Zoodiac Tri-Brigade can adapt to going first or second with high impact cards like Tri-Brigade Revolt to cheat advantage, or to downplay the opponent's efforts with AA-Zeus. The natural synergy between both archetypes has allowed the deck to perform in every scenario within the current metagame. Following closely behind is Virtual World with a single limited True King of All Calamities. Without the blessing of the second, the most popular strategy is to summon Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon with Ultimaya Tzolkin before laying down the unfair True King of All Calamities. You only need one to completely shut out an opponent.

Pure Zoodiac, Phantom Knights, Eldlich and Dragonmaid are few of many already existing meta decks that have yet to be rotated out, due to the passive nature of the current ban lists. If there are no new impactful decks or archetypes, the meta will continue stagnating like this. The notable newcomer is Tri-Brigade Lyrilusc, being able to output a strong negate board with spot removal, very much akin to the top deck Zoodiac Tri-Brigade. Notably. Several Combo decks such as Drytron and Endymion are not present.

So with these updates in mind, I will discuss what it could spell for the next quarter of the year. Alternatively, you may choose to read up more on the OCG Metagame through this link here.

Forbidden 🚫

Zoodiac Drident

I was not expecting Drident to be hit, but I will welcome it.
Zoodiac Drident is part of the infamous archetype Zoodiac, where the deck is bolstered by the almighty AA-Zeus. The presence of Drident allowed Zoo players to either develop Number F0: Utopic Future Dragon, Tri-Brigade Ferrijit or its own effect as a spot removal. The existence of Drident allowed many decks to develop an additional disruption at the simple cost of adding a few more cards to their decks, without disrupting any existing synergy.

Drident itself may not be a problematic card, but the existing decks utilizing the Zoodiac Engine are currently too overwhelming. Cutting out Drident again will heavily cripple Zoodiac Engine. It will be more difficult to access Number F0: Utopic Future Dragon or Infinitrack Fortress Megaclops as easily as before.

Zoo Tri-Brigade may suffer a slight dent, or resort to other engines to continue their crusade. Other decks like Zoodiac Eldlich and Zoodiac Dogmatika may completely abandon this engine. Nevertheless, the biggest victim is Pure Zoodiac, having lost their strongest card yet.

I would not call this a deserved hit, but any hits to overperforming decks are always welcome in my book. So long Drident! Back behind bars.

Limited 1️⃣

Nothing

Nothing? I am baffled as well, but it is unsurprising. Due to the stale meta given these 3 - 6 months, absolutely almost nothing has changed. Judging by the previous lists, KONAMI OCG already has a clear idea what they want to see in the lists. As the game continues to stagnate, it may be a while before we see any Banned cards resurface again. Personally I am hoping for Trickstar Light Stage.

Semi-Limited 2️⃣

OCG's favorite section, to be or not to be? We just cannot decide!

Pendulum Call

As Performapal Skullcrobat Joker was semi-ed last list, I expected it to go back to 3 this list. However, Pendulum Call seems to be the pick this time round, so Joker has to wait another 3 more months.

Pendulum Call is no longer a necessary card in Pendulums, due to the conflicting nature between it and Heavymetalfoes Electrumite. Rather, it is used as a tech card to protect against destruction. Having Pendulum Call at 2 may change consistency ratios, but it will not be very impactful. Nevertheless, the inclusion of this card is already under scrutiny amongst several dedicated OCG Pendulum pilots, so it will be a while before we can expect any results.

Choosing Pendulum Call over the unlimit of Joker seems to imply that the Pendulum archetype is yet not ready for their original power yet. Despite several minor boosts to the mechanic like Antagonistic Intelligence ME-PSY-YA, no relevant results has yet to be published. I cannot predict what the planning team is thinking, but I always hope it will be for the best.

Fire Formation - Tenki

Semi-limiting Tenki is part of a valiant effort to curb the onslaught of Tri-Brigade variants, along with Zoodiac. Although this may seem like a light tap, Tenki's presence after use is also quite relevant. As an additional card on field, Tenki can be used as the cost for several impactful effects like Ancient Warriors Oath - Double Dragon Lords and Eldlich the Golden Lord.

Although Tri-Brigade variants will incur heavier consistency risks, this will affect every Beast-Warrior related decks like Lunalights and Ancient Warriors as well. (does anyone care about them? I know I do...)

PSY-Framegear Gamma

Another unexpected hit, and this time I do not welcome it. PSY-Framegear Gamma has become a staple in many top performing decks that can afford it, and for good reason. Gamma is one of the only few cards that cannot be easily countered; while being able to negate, destroy (and remove) while untouched by Called by the Grave. Furthermore, Gamma acts as an extender by putting two bodies on board. A Tuner and Non-Tuner. A Level 2 and Level 6. Instant access to the great toolbox of level 8 Synchros, or just the usual Crystron Halqifibrax. In general, Gamma can both negate monsters and potentially snowball advantage.

Gamma's infamous drawback is its partner, PSY-Frame Driver. Players would frequently encounter the 1 in 40 chance of opening Driver in hand instead of any other desirable card, causing plenty grief and doubt over the power of Gamma. Gamma also requires the player to control no monsters, a simple game state to manipulate within decks seeking to utilize it.

Gamma is one of the few cards that can stop True King of All Calamities with a stronger guarantee. Undeterred by Called by the Grave and any Once Per Turn restrictions, is the key to interrupting the opponent's build-up to devastating boards.

Perhaps, it is because Gamma is this potent in disruption, that KONAMI OCG has begun to take action. This is an enjoyable hit for many combo players, but I personally have conflicted feelings, given that Gamma has saved me so many times. What do you readers think about this?

In any case, OCG players are still undeterred by this hit, and are still sticking to the PSY-Frame package. The power of Gamma is nothing to scoff at!

Unlimited 3️⃣

It's at three, so they will be free! This section notably consists only of Semi-Limited cards moving out of the list, signaling a slow operation from KONAMI OCG.

Firewall Dragon and Mathematician

It has taken 9 entire months for Firewall Dragon to take 3 steps, but it is finally unlimited!!!
Similar to the TCG, Firewall Dragon being at 3 with an errata should not pose any problems within the game. For now.

Mathematician is obsolescent. Outmoded and antiquated. Simply sacrificing your precious Normal Summon for a mill is not enough anymore. Mathematician also suffers from not belonging to any archetypes and lack of synergy. KONAMI OCG thus concluded it would be wise to let this old man live out the rest of its career at 3 copies. As the game continuously develops even stronger cards, I cannot foresee Mathematician making a staple comeback into the meta.

Union Hangar

My stance on this card has not changed since the last article. ABC will continue being irrelevant so as long as ABC-Dragon Buster remains limited. However, every unlimit is a blessing, and I am not ungrateful. I see notable potential in this card as it only specifies Light Machine Union monsters, and in due time, could serve a purpose outside of ABC.

Wind-Up Magician

First hit in anticipation of MR5, Wind-Ups have proven to be completely outdone by the other newer archetypes. The limit to Wind-Up Carrier Zenmaity has severely crippled the speed and consistency of the archetype. Wind-Up Magician is a much needed boost towards tutoring Wind-Up monsters, so the eventual unlimit is helpful.

Even though Wind-Up Magician being at 3 is a good thing for the archetype, Wind-Up enthusiasts can forget about competing without at least a second Carrier Zenmaity. It will be difficult to operate a Wind-Up deck with this limit, but it is not impossible, and I will be keeping my eyes open.

What could be better?

My main issue with the current state of affairs is the major lack of development. Most recent products produced have little to no impact on the current state of the game. New archetypes introduced are always needing a certain something to make it functionable, let alone consider competing amongst established decks. If this is KONAMI OCG's idea of an ideal, they have achieved it.

Similar to the past two articles I have written, I desire for True King of All Calamities's demise. Otherwise, I am genuinely surprised that Zoodiac Drident was banned, which is a small step towards a healthier metagame. The steps KONAMI OCG are taking are very small, but they are worthwhile eventually.

The concluding question, did this list do anything? Zoodiac is finally out of the picture, but AA-Zeus is not. I cannot predict the future of Zoodiac, but I would say this list is a very tiny nerf.

My Thoughts and Conclusions

9 whole months of True King of All Calamities.
Do you guys think KONAMI OCG will ever hit this card like they did in the TCG? At this point, I have already given up hope. Decks that we have seen in January will continue to flourish till October, so maybe my wallet will be happy about that. With little to no variations in the metagame, OCG players will only continue to hone their skills within existing decks.

As Burst of Destiny inches nearer, Flundereeze is a promising new archetype that promises a Stun gameplay, and could be strong enough to compete with the meta. At this point, I personally am just waiting for an overhaul. My hopes have not been answered since January, but anything can happen in this game.

This is my personal outlook on the banlist, and I hope you readers will understand the workings behind KONAMI OCG as well.

Maybe the game really needs 3 Maxx "C", what do you guys think? Is it the savior to a stale metagame, or is it the cause of a bad metagame? Let me know in the comments below!