Yu-Gi-Oh adds new monster type that can't be defeated

One of the new Illusion Type monsters from Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist Nexus
(Image credit: Konami)

A brand-new monster type has been added to the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game (TCG), and it looks like it'll be a real headache to fight against.

Dubbed 'Illusion' monsters, these cards stand out due to the fact that they "cannot be struck down in battle." While this sounds like a particularly overpowered addition to the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG, there's a catch; according to the press release, these cards "can’t defeat other monsters in battle either." Instead, they'll harm monsters "in other ways… Take for example Nightmare Magician, an Illusion monster that gives you control of any other monster it battles. It can also destroy any other card on the field if another monster attacks."

Illusion monsters will be arriving in the new booster set, Duelist Nexus, on July 28. 

An example of two Illusion Type monster cards from Yu-Gi-Oh Duelist Nexus

(Image credit: Konami)

It's been quite a while since the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG added a new monster Type; since 2017 and the Cyberse monsters of Starter Deck: Link Strike, in fact. It's not the only addition either. Quarter Century Secret Rares are being thrown into core boosters for the first time with this release, and they've been designed to represent 25 years of what for some is one of the best card games.

Want to grab Duelist Nexus for a little less? You can currently pick up the booster box for less via Amazon, Prodigy Games (the cheapest we've seen it, and generally reviews for the site are good), or TCG Player. As for the UK, it's available via Zatu at a discounted price.


It's a big week for TCGs - Disney's new card game, Lorcana, just launched. You can see if it's worth trying in our Disney Lorcana first impressions. As for the set you should try, check out our guide on which Disney Lorcana Starter Deck you should get.

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Benjamin Abbott
Tabletop & Merch Editor

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and now manage 12DOVE's tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news.

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