by In the game of Yu-Gi-Oh!, the Extra Deck is where special monsters reside that have specific summoning mechanics. One of these special monster categories is Xyz! First introduced in 2011, Xyz monsters have become a staple in most Extra Decks. These monsters can be teched into a deck, or even a deck’s primary focus. With a huge variety of different effects, Xyz monsters can be very versatile. Let’s take a look at what an Xyz monster is, and how to summon them!
What is an Xyz Monster?
An Xyz monster is a unique kind of Extra Deck monster that must be Xyz Summoned to your Field. These monsters have a black border/background and a Rank instead of a Level. These monsters have abilities that require the use of Materials to activate. Most Extra Deck monsters require Materials, like Synchro Monsters needing a Tuner and a Non-Tuner, or a Fusion Monsters requiring specific Fusion Materials. However, an Xyz monsters does not “consume” it’s materials like other Extra Deck monsters; instead, the materials used are attached to the Xyz monster instead. To activate an Xyz monster’s effect, you must “detach” it’s materials as a cost. How does this work? How do you summon an Xyz monster? Let’s take a look!
Xyz Summonging
The core of Xyz Summoning is simple. Like all Extra Deck monsters, the materials required to summon it are listed under it’s Monster Type, which is displayed in in brackets above the card text. Let’s look at Gem-Knight Pearl as our example. Gem-Knight Pearl is a Rank 4, LIGHT, Rock-type, Xyz Monster. The materials required for this card’s Xyz Summon are “2 Level 4 monsters.” As an example, if you have both Gem-Knight Tourmaline and Gem-Knight Garnet on your Field – both Lv. 4 monster- you can use those monsters to get Gem-Knight Pearl on your Field. Simply select Gem-Knight Pearl in your Extra Deck, then select both Tourmaline and Garnet as materials. Tourmaline and Garnet are taken from the board and attached to Pearl, then you can select a monster zone for Pearl. The materials are stacked under the Xyz Monster and count as it’s Xyz Materials. These materials stay attached to the Xyz monster, even if the monster is changed to face-down defense position.
Rank vs. Level
Another unique aspect of Xyz monsters is, they do not have a Level. Instead, they have a Rank, similar to a Link Monster’s Link Rating. An Xyz Monster’s Rank is displayed under it’s name on the left-hand side of the card just above the card artwork – on the opposite side of where it’s Level would be. Since it has no Level, it cannot be used for a Ritual, Synchro, or Xyz Summon, since those forms of summoning require the use of Levels (unless otherwise specified). Xyz Monsters are also unaffected by cards that manipulate or use Levels, like Roulette Barrel, Gravity Bind, or Demotion.
alternative Sumonging Methods
There are a few alternative ways to perform an Xyz Summon. There is a concept known as Xyz Evolution. This is accomplished via a Monster’s effect that includes the ability to perform an Xyz Summon by summoning the Xyz Monster on top of an existing Xyz Monster you control. Some monsters that can do this are Ghostrick Angel of Mischief, Number C39: Utopia Ray, and Full Armored Crystalzero Lancer. There are also some Xyz Monsters that specify that they can be Xyz Summoned by using Xyz Monsters as material specifically, like Number F0: Utopic Future or Exosisters Magnifica. This does not count as an Xyz Evolution, however. There are also some other cards that can help you perform an Xyz Summon like Rank-Up-Magic Barians Force or Rank-Down-Magic Numeron Fall.
Xyz Monster are fun to use! Now that you know more about them, give them a try! There are many Xyz archetypes to choose from: Traptrix, Utopia, Battlin’ Boxers, Phantom Knights, Zoodiac, Photon, and more!
