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The highly anticipated, free-to-play Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel game released on Thursday, finally bringing Konami’s answer to Wizards of the Coast’s Magic the Gathering: Arena to the community. Master Duel is a fully supported experience catered to every type of Yu-Gi-Oh! player.

From the player coming back for a hit of nostalgia to the hardcore TCG player looking for an official way to practice online, Master Duel has something for everyone. To help those interested get involved, here is a look at everything important to know about the game.

Where to play and how to download

Master Duel is a cross-platform game that can be played on virtually every single gaming device and system. For PC players, the game is available to download for free on Steam. On console, the game is available digitally on the Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox One.

The game will also be available for download on mobile devices through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at a later, undisclosed date.

Game modes

There is indeed ranked play in Master Duel, giving Yu-Gi-Oh! players a true way to test their mettle. | Screenshot provided by Konami.

For new players and those returning to Yu-Gi-Oh! after a while away, the solo campaign modes get players up to speed with the game as it takes players through the game’s 20 year lifetime. Players will get a chance to relive classic moments from the game’s history as well as experience new ones, all through the lens of the game’s most popular lore and cards.

For the more experienced, up to date players, there is in fact a ranked ladder. Players can face off with others across the world and on different platforms in this cross-play mode. The ultimate goal, of course, is reaching the highest rank in the game and becoming the highest-ranked duelist.

Finally, players can play against friends in private lobbies.

Customization

Everything on this board can be customized in Master Duel. | Screenshot provided by Konami.

A key feature of Master Duel is the deep level of customization. Not only can players fully customize their decks to their own liking, they can also customize everything else about the game to their personal interests, too. Everything from the card sleeves for a deck, the field itself to the little “Mates” that cheer players on, it’s possible to acquire a wide range of cosmetics that make the experience special.

Cards

The deck editor in Master Duel gives players an in depth way to sort through and manage their collection. | Screenshot provided by Konami.

The card pool in Master Duel is unparalleled. With more than 10,000 cards ranging from the very first core booster set, Legend of the Blue Eyes White Dragon, up to modern times, players have the world at their disposal.

Cards come in four rarities: Ultra Rare, Super Rare, Rare and Normal. The game’s best cards are often found in the UR or SR rarity, but there are many good and well-known cards in lower rarity as well. Currently, the card pool includes every card in the TCG release up to right before the Burst of Destiny core booster set.

Players acquire cards through buying packs in the in-game shop, the crafting system and earning them through various rewards and missions as well as the solo mode. To do so, players can earn gems to spend there through challenges, missions and other in-game events.

The shop has a wide selection of different card products, with packs coming first and foremost. Outside of “Master Packs” that contain a chance to pull literally every single card in the game, there are also “Secret Packs” that are tailored to specific decks.

Speaking of decks, players are also able to purchase some outright to help jumpstart deck building. The shop also is a way for players to buy cosmetics like sleeves, Mates, and boards.