YuGiOh Genesys Complete Beginner Guide

Welcome to YuGiOh Genesys, an innovative alternative format that brings fresh excitement to the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Whether you're a veteran duelist or completely new to the game, this comprehensive guide will help you understand and start playing Genesys format.

What is YuGiOh Genesys?

YuGiOh Genesys is an official format created by Konami that introduces a unique point-based deck construction system. Unlike traditional Yu-Gi-Oh! where card limitations are based on ban lists (Forbidden, Limited, Semi-Limited), Genesys has no Forbidden & Limited List and instead assigns point values to powerful cards, allowing strategic deck building with a point budget.

Key Features of Genesys Format

100-Point Deck Limit: Every deck must stay within 100 points total (default, can be adjusted by event organizers)
No Ban List: Traditional Forbidden & Limited List does not apply - use any card within your point budget
Link & Pendulum Banned: No Link or Pendulum Monsters are allowed in this format
Classic Field Layout: Uses the original field layout (no Extra Monster Zones or Pendulum Zones)
Strategic Deckbuilding: Balance power cards vs. deck consistency with point allocation
Official Tournament Support: Playable at Official Tournament Stores and YCS Genesys Invitationals

Understanding the Point System

The heart of Genesys format is its point system. Here's how it works:

Point Categories

0 Points (Free Cards)
- Most cards in the game
- Unlimited copies (up to 3 per deck rules)
- Base of your deck strategy
Low Point Cards (1-20 Points)
- Commonly played staples
- Strong hand traps and disruption
- Example: Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring (15pts official)
Medium Point Cards (21-50 Points)
- Very powerful cards
- Format-defining effects
- Examples vary based on current point list updates
High Point Cards (51-100+ Points)
- Extremely powerful cards
- Game-warping effects
- Example: Abyss Dweller (100pts official)

Note: Point values are regularly updated by Konami based on tournament performance and meta impact. Always check the official point list at yugioh-card.com/en/genesys/

Point Calculation Rules

Each copy of a card costs points individually
Running 3 copies of a 10-point card = 30 points total
You cannot exceed the point cap (default 100) across Main Deck + Extra Deck + Side Deck combined
The standard 3-copy limit per card still applies
Point values are updated every 4-6 weeks based on tournament data and meta impact
Link and Pendulum Monsters cannot be used regardless of points

Basic Deck Building in Genesys

Step 1: Choose Your Strategy

Start with a core strategy or archetype:

Control Decks: Focus on disruption and resource management
Combo Decks: Build powerful boards through card interactions
Aggro Decks: Fast-paced beatdown strategies
Midrange Decks: Balanced approach with flexibility

Step 2: Allocate Your 100 Points

A typical Genesys deck point distribution:

Power Cards (40-50 points):
- 1-2 high-impact banned cards (20-30pts each)
- Essential staples for your strategy

Consistency Cards (30-40 points):
- Draw cards and searchers
- Hand traps and disruption

Free Cards (0 points):
- Core archetype cards
- Tech choices
- Basic staples

Step 3: Build Your Deck Structure

Main Deck (40-60 cards):

20-25 Monster Cards
10-15 Spell Cards
5-10 Trap Cards

Extra Deck (0-15 cards):

Synchro, Xyz, Fusion monsters only (NO Link or Pendulum Monsters)
Points count here too!

Side Deck (0-15 cards):

Matchup-specific tech cards
Points are shared with Main/Extra

Example Budget Genesys Deck

Here's a sample Blue-Eyes deck concept (point values are examples - check official list):

Point Cards (example allocation):

1x Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring (15pts - official value)
Other point cards based on current official point list

Important: Always verify point values on the official Genesys Card Database at registration.yugioh-card.com/genesys/CardList/ as they update regularly

Free Cards (0 points):

3x Blue-Eyes White Dragon
3x The White Stone of Ancients
3x Sage with Eyes of Blue
3x Trade-In
3x Return of the Dragon Lords
Other core archetype cards with 0 point cost

Remember: Most cards in the game cost 0 points, so you can build a strong core deck without spending many points!

Essential Rules You Need to Know

Standard Yu-Gi-Oh! Rules Apply

Genesys uses all standard Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG rules:

Turn structure (Draw, Standby, Main Phase 1, Battle, Main Phase 2, End)
Normal Summon once per turn
Spell Speed interactions
Chain resolution
Damage calculation

Genesys-Specific Rules

Point Limit: Decks must be ≤100 points total (default, varies by event)
No Link/Pendulum: Link and Pendulum Monsters are completely banned
Classic Field: Use the original field layout (no Extra Monster Zones)
No Ban List: Traditional Forbidden & Limited List does not apply
Point Check: Before tournament matches, verify point totals with official deck registration tool
Updated Point Lists: Check for point value changes every 4-6 weeks
Deck Registration: List point values on deck lists
Side Deck Points: Shared with Main + Extra (not additional)

Where to Play Genesys

Online Platforms

YGOPro/EDOPro: Custom format support with Genesys databases
Dueling Book: Manual play with point value tracking
Dueling Nexus: Community Genesys rooms

Local Play

Find local Genesys communities on Discord
Contact game stores about hosting Genesys events
Organize casual meetups with friends

Tournament Structure

Typical Genesys tournaments use:

Swiss rounds (3-5 rounds)
Best of 3 matches
40-minute round timers
Top cut for larger events

Resources for Genesys Players

Official Resources

YuGiOh Genesys Tools (this site!): Deck builder, point calculator, card database
Point List Updates: Check monthly announcements
Community Discord: Rules discussions and meta updates

Recommended Tools

Point Calculator: Verify your deck stays under 100 points
Deck Builder: Visual deck construction with point tracking
Card Database: Search cards by point cost, type, attribute
Deck Printer: Export and print your deck lists

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake #1: Overspending Points Early

Problem: Using all 100 points on power cards without consistency Solution: Balance power cards with free draw spells and searchers

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Side Deck

Problem: Not budgeting points for side deck tech cards Solution: Reserve 10-15 points for side deck options

Mistake #3: Following Traditional Meta Blindly

Problem: Copying TCG meta decks without point optimization Solution: Adapt strategies for Genesys point restrictions

Mistake #4: Not Testing Point Allocations

Problem: Deck feels inconsistent or too weak Solution: Playtest and adjust point distribution iteratively

Your First Steps in Genesys

Week 1: Learn the Basics

Read this guide thoroughly
Browse the official point list
Watch Genesys gameplay videos

Week 2: Build Your First Deck

Choose a familiar archetype
Use the deck builder tool
Start with 60-80 points (leave room to experiment)

Week 3: Start Playing

Join online Genesys communities
Play casual matches on simulators
Get feedback on your deck

Week 4: Refine and Compete

Adjust point allocation based on experience
Enter online Genesys tournaments
Connect with the community

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Genesys format official?

A: Yes, YuGiOh Genesys is an official format created and sanctioned by Konami. It can be played at Official Tournament Stores and has Genesys Invitationals at YCS events.

Q: Can I use Link and Pendulum Monsters?

A: No! Link and Pendulum Monsters are completely banned in Genesys format, regardless of points. The format uses the classic field layout.

Q: Can I use cards from the traditional Forbidden list?

A: Yes! Genesys has no Forbidden & Limited List. As long as a card isn't a Link or Pendulum Monster and you have enough points, you can use it (up to 3 copies).

Q: How often do point values change?

A: The point list is updated every 4-6 weeks based on tournament data and meta analysis by Konami.

Q: Do I need expensive cards to play Genesys?

A: No! Most cards cost 0 points. Many strong Genesys decks use budget-friendly cards. The point system creates diverse viable strategies.

Q: Can I play Genesys at official Konami events?

A: Yes! Genesys can be played at Official Tournament Stores and has official Genesys Invitationals at YCS events (like YCS Anaheim, Pittsburgh, etc.).

Q: Where do I find the current point list?

A: Check the official Genesys Card Database at registration.yugioh-card.com/genesys/CardList/ for the most up-to-date point values.

Conclusion

YuGiOh Genesys offers a fresh take on Yu-Gi-Oh! deck building with its innovative point system. By understanding the 100-point limit, learning smart point allocation, and engaging with the community, you'll quickly master this exciting format.

Ready to start building? Use our Deck Builder Tool to construct your first Genesys deck, or browse our Card Database to explore point values and plan your strategy.

Welcome to the Genesys community, and may your draws be blessed!

Official Resources:

Tools:

YuGiOh Genesys Complete Beginner Guide: Everything You Need to Start Playing