How Ancient Warriors Thrive in 2024: A Strategic Guide
In the ever-evolving world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, certain archetypes stand the test of time, adapting and finding new ways to remain competitive. One such archetype is the Ancient Warriors [AW], a deck inspired by the historical Three Kingdoms period of China. As 2024 kicks off, we dive into how these ancient combatants effectively navigate both the first and second turns, and highlight the key players that make these transitions seamless.
The Basics of the Ancient Warriors
The Ancient Warriors archetype consists of Beast-Warrior monsters with diverse Attributes, supported by a variety of Continuous Spell/Trap cards. This versatility allows the deck to either establish powerful board control early on or dismantle the opponent’s setup, depending on whether you’re playing the first or second turn.
Consistency as a Cornerstone
One of the primary strengths of the Ancient Warriors deck is its consistency. Key cards ensure you can access the pieces you need, no matter your strategy:
- Ancient Warriors – Masterful Sun Mou: This WATER starter can send a card from your hand or field to the GY, allowing you to search for any AW monster.
- Ancient Warriors Saga – Three Visits: When you summon an AW monster, this card tutors another AW monster. It can also special summon an AW from the hand upon its destruction.
- Ancient Warriors – Virtuous Liu Xuan: This WIND monster can summon an AW from the deck if your opponent controls more monsters, adding another layer of flexibility.
- Ancient Warriors – Savage Don Ying: Upon being summoned, this DARK monster can search for an AW Spell/Trap or a high-level AW monster.
- Fire Formation – Tenki: This familiar card is a classic consistency booster, allowing you to search for level 4 Beast-Warrior monsters like Sun Mou or Liu Xuan.
Disruption and Control
Consistency alone doesn’t win games, especially when the primary strategy involves going first to set up disruptions. Here are the Ancient Warriors that shine in this role:
- Ancient Warriors – Rebellious Lu Feng: This DARK monster can destroy the highest ATK monster your opponent controls, and it can special summon itself if you control the highest ATK AW monster.
- Ancient Warriors – Graceful Zhou Gong: Zhou Gong can negate an opponent’s monster effect when another AW monster effect is activated.
- Ancient Warriors Oath – Double Dragon Lords: The theme’s LINK-2 monster offers a Quick Effect to bounce an opponent’s card, adding another layer of control.
- Ancient Warriors – Ingenious Zhuge Kong: Zhuge Kong can negate a Spell/Trap activation by sending an AW Spell/Trap to the GY. If it’s paired with Liu Xuan, it can also negate a monster effect in the same manner.
Disruption is key for going first, ensuring your opponent doesn’t easily break through your setup.
Offensive Capabilities for OTK
Just as important as consistency and control is the ability to finish games quickly, often in one turn (commonly known as OTK or “one-turn kill”). The Ancient Warriors excel here, too:
- Ancient Warriors Saga – East-by-South Winds: This Continuous Spell prevents the opponent from responding to your AW cards and effects for the rest of the turn when sent to the GY.
- Ancient Warriors – Valiant Zhang De: A powerful offensive force, Zhang De is crucial for pushing significant damage.
- Ancient Warriors – Loyal Guan Yun: Another powerful attacker, Guan Yun helps deliver the final blow during an OTK push.
Coupled with their ability to swarm the field with monsters, these cards ensure the Ancient Warriors can make short work of opponents once the path is clear.
Meet the Team
To summarize the pivotal cards of this archetype:
- Ancient Warriors – Masterful Sun Mou
- Ancient Warriors Saga – Three Visits
- Ancient Warriors – Virtuous Liu Xuan
- Ancient Warriors – Savage Don Ying
- Fire Formation – Tenki
- Ancient Warriors – Rebellious Lu Feng
- Ancient Warriors – Graceful Zhou Gong
- Ancient Warriors Oath – Double Dragon Lords
- Ancient Warriors – Ingenious Zhuge Kong
- Ancient Warriors Saga – East-by-South Winds
- Ancient Warriors – Valiant Zhang De
- Ancient Warriors – Loyal Guan Yun
Your Turn to Take Command
For fans of strategy and history, the Ancient Warriors archetype continues to offer both depth and excitement in 2024. Whether you’re positioning yourself for control or going for an aggressive OTK, this deck promises a versatile and competitive experience.
Want to see these warriors in action? Check out the demonstration below:
Feel free to share your thoughts on this archetype or suggest other decks you’d like to see profiled. Your input helps us bring you the content you love. Until next time, may your duels be victorious!
also read:Ruling the Duel: Mastering the Effects of Multiple Mirror of the Ice Barrier Cards in Yu-Gi-Oh!
Mehek 
Priyanka