Rank 4 XYZ Monsters have been a staple in any Yu-Gi-Oh player’s collection since their release in 2011.
Tier 4 monsters are the most common of all monster Link Tiers/Ranks/Classifications, with over 2000 individual monsters existing in the game.
It’s fair to say that most decks will execute at least some of them, so they should also have some rank 4 monsters to summon.
With over 150 different Rank 4 XYZ Monsters in the game, it can be hard to find which ones to acquire.
I have prepared a list for you, acquiring 3 copies of each of these cards will give you all the generic Rank 4 XYZ monsters you will need!
Note: These are generic XYZ monsters that can fit nicely into any deck, rather than archetype/type/attribute specific XYZ monsters.
10. Maestroke the genius of the symphony
Negligible ATK/DEF stats are required for this card to be even remotely balanced.
As any long-term player will know, Book of Moon used to be a staple in any deck.
The ability to flip an opponent’s monster face down is surprisingly effective, shutting down a number of strategies.
Because of this, Maestroke the Symphony Djinn is an epic card that can be used to switch 2 monsters to face-down Defense Position.
9. Photon papiloperative
Pretty much the opposite of the previous entry, just much better as an attacking threat.
Defense Position monsters cannot rest when this monster is on the field, as it will reveal them for all to see and lower their ATK stat.
Photon Papillooperative is great for OTK combos or shutting down defensive decks.
7. Number 101: ARK Silent Honor
Few moments are more satisfying than equipping your opponent’s best monster with the Silent Honor ARK, the look on his face is priceless.
You can run out of options sometimes, some monsters take a long time to get rid of.
When battle or destructive effects fail, the next step is to equip them with your own monster.
The ATK/DEF stats are pretty low, but the power of Silent Honor ARK is in its effect!
6. Steelswarm Roach
Stop your opponent from Special Summoning any high level monsters with this XYZ monster which requires two level 4 monsters.
It seems a bit cheap, but Steelswarm Roach is very, very effective.
It will be particularly useful when you already have the upper hand, and you won’t give your opponent any chance to turn the game around.
Most decks are littered with high level monsters, being able to shut down your board before it gets going is huge.
However, it won’t have any effect on Link or XYZ monsters, so only include it when you’re against decks that don’t rely on them.
5. Number 41: Bagooska, the terribly tired tapir
Bagooska is a crazy card, the low material requirements usually result in a less powerful monster, but this one is particularly smart.
Capable of completely shutting down your opponent’s plays, a Bagooska in defense position is a nightmare for anyone on the opposite side of the field.
Summoning this first turn is extremely easy and will guarantee you an advantageous position for the early stages of the duel!
4. Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer
As discussed before, returning cards to the deck is incredibly powerful, and a monster with such an effect should be difficult to summon.
This card is very easy to use and has the potential to win you the game right there.
You can return a card to the deck or switch 2 monsters to face-down Defense Position over the course of two turns.
Castel can also target spells/traps, some of which are extremely valuable to many decks, so forcing them to waste a few cards to get them back can be devastating.
3. Tornado Dragon
Clearly a monstrous variant of Mystical Space Typhoon, Tornado Dragon will go a long way towards destroying your opponent’s spell/trap cards.
Particularly useful for Stalling decks, this XYZ monster is invaluable in the right situations.
Since it works on either player’s turn, you can interrupt your opponent’s combos after they’ve already flipped cards.
lair of darknessfor example, it’s a great card to finish off Tornado Dragon.
2. Time Thief Remaker
Up there with some of the most annoying cards to face in Yu-Gi-Oh history. Time Thief Redoer has a strange but powerful effect, stealing your opponent’s cards and gaining some bonuses once he has them.
Even being able to draw 2 cards is a silly effect since you will have drawn two spell cards. Decent ATK/DEF stats and self-protection if you detach a monster are just icing on the cake.
1. Daigusto Emerald
The only card on the list to make an entry in the prohibited listlimited to 1 copy per extra deck.
Daigusto Emeral is used in several great combos for its effect of Special Summoning a Normal monster from the Graveyard.
I personally love the monster recycling effect as it also provides a bit of draw power.
Low ATK/DEF is fine, since you won’t be using it in battle, you’ll be using it mostly to complement the rest of the strategies in your deck.