Starting Yu-Gi-Oh can be a daunting experience. Hundreds of archetypes exist, just a few booster packs can be overwhelming with the multitude of included cards that don’t work together.
Structure decks are by far the cheapest way to get off to a good start in Yu-Gi-Oh, but they are not competitive. Instead, this starter list will focus on decks that may stand a chance in the competitive scene, rather than starting your casual collection.
All of the options on this list will be both beginner friendly and budget friendly. Links to deck lists are included so you can get the perfect deck to start playing Yugioh in just a few minutes!
10. Altergeists
Based on the use of monster effects to seek out trap cards and nullify your opponent’s strategy, AltergeistS are a powerful control archetype.
Multifaker is the standout monster in this deck, capable of giving you plenty of summoning fodder for Links, or looking for additional Altergeist strategies.
As a control deck, you won’t actually be summoning big boss monsters. Instead, Altergeists seek to prevent your opponent from playing while simultaneously slowly reducing their hit points.
9. Infinitrack trains
If you like to summon huge mechanical monsters, this deck is perfect for you.
Also known as a rank 10 train deck, it comes across as one of the best budget decks in the game.
Use the effects of low-level train machine monsters to invade the field with your engines, then simply layer them for big XYZ summons.
Powerful spells provide protection for your trains, as well as seek out additional cards when summoned.
8. exodia
Exodia decks can be built in two ways; stall or draw
Stop: Set up an unbreakable board, negate any effects your opponent tries to activate. Then wait until you draw all 5 pieces.
Draw: Try to draw through your entire deck in 1-2 turns.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Stall is a bit more reliable, while Draw ends up with faster duels.
While you’ll never win a tournament with Exodia, it’s a great beginner deck due to its lack of complexity. You will learn a lot about other decks, archetypes or players.
After all, knowledge of the game is one of the biggest aspects of success in Yu-Gi-Oh.
7. Cyber Dragons
It can be built in a variety of ways, the recent addition of new Cyberdark cards adds a new dimension to the way Cyber Dragons are built.
In general, you’ll want to block your opponent with Cyber Dragon Infinity (pictured) and Summon huge Fusion Monsters to take them out in one turn.
Plenty of quest cards make Cyber Dragons viable, as well as its huge variety of bonus deck monsters. I would recommend building a deck out of Cyber Dragon Pure and Cyberdark Cyber Dragon, as they are both equally as fun to play!
6. Lost World Dinosaurs
Still one of the best budget competitive decks in Yu-Gi-Oh, Ultimate Conductor Tyranno is an absolute beast of a dino.
Basically a combination of blending and control strategies, dinos are exceptional at seeking out and summoning their dino friends.
Mix lost world dinosaurs with the Dinowrestler archetype for even more combined power.
5. Frogs
Konami is constantly releasing new water attribute support cards, but Toadally Awesome and his frog friends are still at the top of the ladder.
Frogs are an amazing control archetype that can constantly negate effects, as well as seek out and summon other water monsters when destroyed.
In addition to the paleozoic traps, you have a steady income of Link/XYZ fodder to spawn lots of additional deck monsters.
It was only 2 years ago that the Frogs were at the top of the tournaments and they are still very relevant today.
4. Heroes
Dozens of individual HERO cards, but beginners are advised to stick to the masked HEROs, thanks to its simplicity. Over time, you can upgrade to stronger HERO strategies.
masked heroes dark law and Acid (pictured) are two of the best and both are available at affordable prices. Surprisingly easy to summon, as well as turning the tide of an entire duel.
While they’re not entirely viable in the competitive scene, they’re worth collecting and using for any beginner, as support is constantly being released and there are plenty of ways to build them.
3. blue eyes
Blue-Eyes has Fusions, Rituals, and Synchronized Monsters available for his archetype.
For beginner games I would recommend sticking with fusions or rituals. Then migrate to the time-synchronized look.
Use archetype-specific cards to search for and add Blue-Eyes White Dragons to your hand and/or graveyard. Combine the Blue-Eyes White Dragons in your hand with Fusion or Ritual Cards to summon a large Blue-Eyes boss monster. Simple as that!
They are the main dragon archetype in the entirety of Yu-Gi-Oh, as well as the most fun to play with and against.
2. cubic
Dirty cheap deck with insane OTK power, Cubics is a weird hybrid deck that seems to have an answer for everything.
The object of the game is to get Crimson Nova (pictured) onto the field as quickly as possible. Keep him backed up by spell, trap, and monster support and he’ll take the duel.
You’ll be surprised how often you can OTK opponents with such a random deck, but it’s so, so good. I highly recommend any beginning player to invest in Cubics as most of the cards are cheap and have a high rarity.
1. Mathematical
Mathmechs are a hugely reliable and versatile combo deck for any beginning player to master. Combo decks are the lifeblood of Yu-Gi-Oh in 2022, so it’s important that you have at least one.
Building a Mathmech deck will allow you to use XYZ, Synchro, and Link monsters all in the same duel. You will also need a great knowledge of strategies and combos, often developed by yourself with time and experience.
Once you get the hang of Mathmechs, they will serve as a powerful (and cheap) deck to combat many of the most popular archetypes seen today.