Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel: Release date, trailer, cards & everything we know

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel screenshotKonami

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel will see the anime franchise return to its roots with the closest recreation of the card game ever seen. Here’s all we know about the new release.

The Yu-Gi-Oh franchise has been around since 1999 in Japan, and has spawned anime, movies, and video games that are all inspired by the core card game. Still, hardcore fans have been begging Konami for a more traditional digital version of the card game, encompassing as many cards as possible and translating the core rules.

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Thankfully, those prayers have been answered: Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel takes the base card game and turns it into an intricately detailed, gorgeous new video game version. Unlike prior digital installments, Master Duel isn’t inspired by the anime. While many cards will be familiar from the tales of Yugi, Joey et al, here it’s all about the battles.

Here’s everything we know about Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel.


Contents


Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel screenshot showing a boardKonami
Master Duel could be every card battler’s dream

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel release date & platforms

Master Duel was expected in Winter 2021, but Konami surprisingly launched the title on January 19th, 2022. 

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You can jump in right now on the following platforms:

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC (via Steam)
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S

Sadly, the mobile version isn’t available just yet, but we know the game will come to iOS and Android.

Is Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel free-to-play?

Good news for those that believe in the heart of the cards – Master Duel won’t cost you a penny to jump into.

The game’s in-game store offers Gems for purchasing packs, Structure Decks, accessories, and more. Gems can also be earned through in-game methods, as can new cards, decks, and more – so you won’t have to solely rely on opening your wallet.

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Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel card list

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel screenshot showing a card in detailKonami
Expect plenty of wild cards to be included.

While we don’t yet have a full card list, the game’s official site has the following to say:

“Players will be able to unlock more than 10,000 cards* in Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL. They’ll be able to gain access to an incredible library of beloved Monsters, powerful Spells, cunning Traps and more, spanning more than two decades of Dueling history.”

We do know that cards like Dark Magician, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Exodia the Forbidden One will be included.

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Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel modes

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel screenshot showing a card's backstoryKonami
You’ll be learning about cards, rather than characters, in Master Duel

While Master Duel will include matchmade battles and Friend Duels, players will be able to spectate their friends’ games, too.

Perhaps most excitingly, Solo Mode will include Scenario Missions that reveal the backstory behind cards and deck types. So while you may not be learning about the anime’s cast of characters, you’ll be able to learn more about the cards themselves.

New players can also expect a tutorial to help teach them the ropes, as well as deeper lessons in Duel Strategy which cover things like positions and Fusion Summons.

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Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel trailers

Check out the latest trailer below, highlighting the amount of deckbuilding potential there is in Master Duel.

You can check out the original teaser trailer below, too.

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel PC requirements

If you opt to play on PC, the game doesn’t have the most demanding requirements.

Minimum spec:

  • OS: Windows 10 Home (64bit) latest revision
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-7300U
  • Memory: 8GB RAM
  • GPU: Intel(R) HD Graphics 620
  • Resolution: 1280 x 720
  • Storage: 16GB or above

Recommended spec:

  • OS: Windows 10 Home (64bit) latest revision
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F
  • Memory: 8GB RAM
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Storage: 16GB or above

For more on 2022 releases, be sure to check out our guides for the following:

CoD 2021 | The Elder Scrolls 6GTA 6 | Overwatch 2 | Horizon: Forbidden West | Elden Ring