Since its release Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has continued to provide a steady stream of content whether it be unique events or more cards. While it may feel like the solo mode gets forgotten as time goes on Konami has committed to providing a steady stream of new content for it. This includes more archetype lore, a decent amount of rewards, and sometimes
In the last entry in this series, The Absolute Monarch gate was the objective with a focus on Tribute Summoning and monster effects. This time around it will be the gate called The Warriors of the Six Element Lords. Here two archetypes will be the focus with those being the Elementsaber and Elemental Lords. Monster effects still remain central here, but added to that is graveyard/attribute manipulation and a greater focus on Special Summoning. While the archetype isn't as popular as Monarchs it still retains the high-quality art, interesting lore, and low barrier of entry for newer players. With that being said this guide will put that all together and show players how to clear the gate.
1 Scenario 1/Practice 1
As with the previous gate players once again are given a small taste of the lore of the archetype. Unlike Monarchs the lore for the Elementsabers isn't quite as extensive so what is detailed here is pretty close to the majority of it. This does however inform players of the relation the Elementsabers have to the Elemental Lords, which was a series of boss monsters released back in 2012 and were notable for their difficult summoning conditions and fairly disappointing effects...something far too common during that era of Yu-Gi-Oh!.
As will be standard going forward the "Practice" mission will give player's a brief overview of the archetypes mechanics and how best to interact with it. Since the Elementsabers utilize the Extra Deck and Special Summoning to a greater degree than Monarchs newer players should pay attention to this tutorial as it can be very helpful for the future.
2 Duel 1 - Discipline of Rebirth
Opponents Key Cards
Monsters
- Elementsaber Lapauila Mana: Gains beneficial effects depending on the attribute of the monsters sent to the graveyard as a result of its effect
- Grandsoil the Elemental Lord: If Special Summoned it will allow the AI to Special Summon a monster from either sides graveyard
Spell/Traps
- Parallel Twister (Spell): Can destroy one card on the player's side of the field
- Call of the Haunted (Trap): Can Special Summon a monster from the AI's graveyard
Start by trying to combo the Elementsabers effects in conjunction with the Field Spell, Palace of the Elemental Lords to allow for more plays and disruption to the AI's plays. If this is done effectively a player can easily set up the graveyard to Special Summon the Elemental Lord of choice since most of the effects are fairly lackluster in the grand scheme of things. In the event, a player doesn't have an ideal hand or the AI has set up a frustrating board don't forget to use the often underappreciated powerful Spell cards at the player's disposal such as Lightning Storm and Haripie's Feather Duster. The often-forgotten Trap card, Bottomless Trap Hole, is also available to remove any annoying monsters the AI might summon as well.
3 Duel 2 - Dust Rebirth
Opponents Key Cards
Monsters
- Black Luster Solider - Solider of Chaos (Link): After it destroys a monster by battle it can either gain 1500 attack points, make a second attack in the next battle phase, or banish 1 card on the field
Spell/Traps
- Creature (Spell): Forces the player to choose one monster and swap it with one of the AI's monster
- Quaking Mirror Force (Trap): When the player attacks it will force all attack position monsters the player controls into face-down defense position and the position cannot be changed
This time around the loaner deck will focus on paring the wind attribute Elementsabers with the Mist Valley archetype. This is a strange pairing especially since the combos here aren't very synergistic and often require two to three turns to get rolling so use defensive Traps cards such as Storming Mirror Force and offensive Spells like Raigeki to keep your opponent at bay. Once a player can get set up, try to use the Mist Valley turner monsters to Synchro Summon stronger wind monsters such as Clear Wing Synchro Dragon and Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon both of which have negates to disrupt the opponent. Also, if possible attempt to Link Summon Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty as it protects all wind monsters the player controls and can Special Summon 1 winged beast monster during the End Phase and this includes the AI's End Phase.
4 Duel 3 - Ripple Rebirth
Opponents Key Cards
Monsters
- Toadally Awesome (Xyz): Can negate any card effect once per turn
Spell/Traps
- Drowning Mirror Force (Trap): When the player attacks it will force all attack position monsters the player controls to be shuffled into the deck
Similarly to the last duel this time the Elementsaber deck will revolve around fire monsters, more specifically the Volcanic archetype. The main combo is to get the Trap card Blaze Accelerator active to send 1 Volcanic card to the graveyard to activate effects such as inflicting effect damage to the AI. This will also eventually allow for the Summon of Pyrorex the Elemental Lord whose effect can destroy 1 monster your opponent controls and inflict more effect damage to the AI. Players should also look to utilize the Extra Deck with specific a focus on monsters such as Number 59: Crooked Cook which is unaffected by all card effects while it is the only card the player controls on the field. Knightmare Phoenix also deserves mention for its ease of summon and ability to destroy a Spell/Trap card your opponent controls.
Once again the final reward is an icon relating to Elementsabers which may or may not be disappointing to some players, but this is unfortunately the standard for rewards even for the newer gates. Be sure to go back and ensure all missions have been fully completed, and all three duels are beaten once again with a custom deck. While there isn't a structure deck for the Elementsabers the Monarch structure deck or any other good starter deck will handle the duels quite well.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices.