The Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links landscape is constantly evolving, with new strategies and decks emerging to challenge the meta. Among the enduring and occasionally resurging archetypes is the LV Monster deck. These decks, built around monsters that "level up" during the duel, offering enhanced abilities and effects, provide a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. This article delves deep into the world of LV Monster decks in Duel Links, specifically focusing on the iconic Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8, while also exploring the broader potential and challenges of LV decks in the game. We will examine deck builds, strategies, tips, and answer frequently asked questions to help you master this captivating archetype.
Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8: A Case Study in LV Monster Power
One of the most recognizable and potentially devastating LV monsters is Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8. This FIRE Dragon-type Effect Monster, once successfully leveled up, becomes a formidable force on the field.
Effect and Rulings:
* Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8: This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by Tributing 1 "Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6" you control during your next Standby Phase after it destroyed a monster by battle. Negate the activation of any Spell Cards and destroy them.
The core strength of Horus LV8 lies in its spell negation ability. By negating and destroying any Spell Card activation, it shuts down a significant portion of many decks' strategies, crippling their ability to control the field, draw cards, or execute key combos. This makes Horus LV8 a powerful tool against Spell-heavy decks like Spellbooks, Ritual Beasts (which rely on Ritual Spells), and even some versions of Blue-Eyes.
Building a Horus LV Deck in Duel Links:
A successful Horus LV deck requires careful planning and resource management. The key components include:
* Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4: This is the starting point of the Horus evolution. While it lacks any inherent effects, it's crucial for initiating the leveling process. Optimizing the number of LV4 monsters in the deck is essential for consistent starting hands. 3 copies is generally recommended.
* Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6: This is the stepping stone to Horus LV8. It gains the crucial ability to destroy monsters by battle, which is a prerequisite for leveling up to LV8. 2-3 copies are generally sufficient as you aim to get it out and trigger its effect as quickly as possible.
* Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8: The ultimate goal of the deck. Having 2 copies can be beneficial to ensure you can recover if one is destroyed or banished.
* Support Cards: These are essential for protecting and accelerating the Horus evolution.
* Level Up!: This Spell Card is the most direct way to advance your Horus monsters. It allows you to immediately Special Summon the next level Horus monster from your hand, bypassing the need to destroy a monster by battle. Running 2-3 copies of this card is highly recommended.
* Protection Cards: Spells/Traps like "Wall of Disruption," "Mirror Wall," "Curse of Anubis," "Sphere Kuriboh," and "Kiteroid" can help protect your Horus monsters while they are leveling up. Choose cards that synergize well with your overall strategy and the current meta.
* Search/Draw Power: Cards like "Senju of the Thousand Hands" (for searching Ritual Monsters which can also be used to tribute summon Horus LV4), "Sonic Bird" (also for Rituals), and generic draw cards like "Pot of Duality" (while restricting Special Summons that turn) can improve the consistency of the deck. "Cards of Consonance" with Blue-Eyes White Dragon engine is also another good option.lv monster deck duel links
* Monster Removal: Cards like "Enemy Controller" can help you clear the opponent's board to ensure Horus LV6 can destroy a monster by battle.
* Field Spells: Field Spells that boost Dragon-type monsters or provide other beneficial effects can enhance the deck's overall power.
Duel Links Skill Considerations:
The choice of Skill can significantly impact the effectiveness of a Horus LV deck. Some potentially useful Skills include:
* Level Augmentation: Some characters have skills that can alter monster levels. This can be beneficial for quickly evolving your Horus monsters.
* Balance: Ensures a balanced starting hand of monsters, spells, and traps, increasing consistency.
* Restart: Allows you to redraw your opening hand if it's unfavorable.
* Draw Sense: Low Level: Guarantees drawing a Level 4 or lower monster, increasing the likelihood of drawing Horus LV4.
* Beatdown: Increases the ATK of all your monsters for each Level 5 or higher monster you control, boosting the offensive power of Horus LV6 and LV8.
Gameplay Strategy:
The key to piloting a Horus LV deck successfully is to: