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Yu-Gi-Oh!

Yu-Gi-Oh!

Yu-Gi-Oh! is a Japanese manga and trading card game franchise about Duel Monsters, where players summon creatures and cast spells in strategic card battles. Created by Kazuki Takahashi, it became a global phenomenon spanning anime, games, and competitive tournaments.

Official Website
Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Also Known As
Yu-Gi-Oh, Duel Monsters, King of Games
Format
Anime/Manga/Trading Card Game
Release Year
1996
Current Status
Ongoing franchise with multiple series
Country of Origin
Japan
Original Work
anime
Genre
anime, manga, trading card game, strategy, supernatural, friendship, competition, monsters

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
Yu-Gi-Oh! is a Japanese manga and trading card game franchise about Duel Monsters, where players summon creatures and cast spells in strategic card battles. Created by Kazuki Takahashi, it became a global phenomenon spanning anime, games, and competitive tournaments.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
A modern world heavily influenced by the 'Duel Monsters' card game, where holographic technology brings monsters to life. Beneath the surface, ancient Egyptian magic and 'Shadow Games' dictate the true nature of reality.
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Courage, the unbreakable bonds of friendship (Nakama), the duality of light and dark, and the belief in the 'Heart of the Cards' to overcome impossible odds.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Yu-Gi-Oh!'s global influence.
Creation Background
Kazuki Takahashi's desire to create a story about games and friendship with supernatural elements
Cultural Impact
Popularized trading card games globally, influenced competitive gaming culture, created lasting friendships through shared gameplay
Legacy
One of the most successful trading card game franchises, influenced anime and gaming industries, continues to evolve with new mechanics and series
Major Milestones
1996: Original manga begins publication,1998: First anime adaptation airs,1999: Trading Card Game launches in Japan,2002: International card game release,2004: Yu-Gi-Oh! GX begins new generation,2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's introduces Synchro Summoning,2011: Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL introduces Xyz Summoning,2014: Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V introduces Pendulum Summoning,2017: Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS introduces Link Summoning,2020: Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS introduces Rush Duels
Awards
Various anime and gaming industry awards,Guinness World Record for best-selling trading card game

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Yugi Muto
“I believe in the heart of the cards!”
Kind-hearted high school student who becomes the King of Games after solving the Millennium PuzzleView Profile
Pharaoh Atem
“It's time to duel!”
Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh whose spirit resides in the Millennium Puzzle, master duelist and protectorView Profile
Seto Kaiba
“Screw the rules, I have money!”
Arrogant but brilliant CEO of KaibaCorp, master duelist obsessed with defeating YugiView Profile
Explore all Yu-Gi-Oh! characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order to watch the Yu-Gi-Oh! series?▼
Start with 'Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters' (2000) for the main story. The earlier 1998 'Season 0' is optional. Then proceed chronologically: GX, 5D's, ZEXAL, ARC-V, VRAINS, SEVENS, and GO RUSH!!.
Who is Yami Yugi really?▼
He is the spirit of Pharaoh Atem, an ancient Egyptian ruler who sealed his soul in the Millennium Puzzle 3,000 years ago (5,000 in the dub) to save the world from darkness.
What are the Millennium Items?▼
Seven ancient golden artifacts created with shadow alchemy. They grant unique powers, such as mind reading (Millennium Eye) or starting Shadow Games (Millennium Puzzle).
How do I play the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game?▼
Players start with 8000 Life Points and use a deck of 40-60 cards comprising Monsters, Spells, and Traps. The goal is to reduce the opponent's Life Points to zero using strategy and card effects.
Is Yu-Gi-Oh! based on a real game?▼
The manga created the game (originally called 'Magic & Wizards'), which became so popular that Konami produced the real-life Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG based on it.
What is 'Season 0'?▼
The 1998 Toei anime adaptation of the early manga chapters. It is darker and focuses on various 'Shadow Games' rather than just the card game.
Why was Yu-Gi-Oh! censored in the West?▼
4Kids Entertainment censored violence, death (referring to it as the 'Shadow Realm'), religious symbols, and guns to make the series suitable for a younger Western audience.
What does 'Pot of Greed' do?▼
It is a Spell Card that allows the player to draw two cards from their deck. It is famously banned in competitive play due to the significant advantage it provides.
Who are the Egyptian God Cards?▼
Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor, and The Winged Dragon of Ra. These legendary divine beasts possess immense power and are central to the Battle City arc.
Is the manga different from the anime?▼
Yes. The original manga is darker, with Yugi inflicting terrifying 'Penalty Games' on villains. The 'Duel Monsters' anime skips the first 7 volumes and tones down the violence.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Visit Official Site
Twitter
@YuGiOhTCG
Facebook
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
Instagram
@yugioh_tcg_official
Streaming / Watch
CrunchyrollFunimationHuluVarious regional platforms
Characters Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/yu-gi-oh/characters
Works Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/yu-gi-oh/works
Collectibles Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/yu-gi-oh/collectibles
Experiences Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/yu-gi-oh/experiences

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