Monarchs are one of the most effective strategies in Yu-Gi-Oh’s history, maintaining their strength since the first Monarch card was released in 2004.
While they have faded from the spotlight due to the game becoming more combo-oriented, you can relive their former glory through Time Wizard formats like Edison!
This guide will explore the Frog Monarch deck in the Edison format, providing a comprehensive look at the strategy, key cards, and deck-building tips.
History of Monarch Decks
The Monarch archetype debuted with Zaborg the Thunder Monarch in 2004.
Over the years, additional Monarchs were introduced, each representing a different attribute and offering unique disruption effects upon being Tribute Summoned.
Monarch decks have been a staple in competitive Yu-Gi-Oh due to their powerful effects and versatile gameplay.
Why Frog Monarchs in Edison Format?
Frog Monarchs shine in the Edison format due to the abundance of excellent tribute fodder, particularly the Frog engine, and the favorable metagame.
They are beginner-friendly, with straightforward plays like “Tribute Summon a Monarch,” yet offer depth for skilled duelists to excel through smart gameplay and deck-building decisions.
Key Monarch Cards
Caius the Shadow Monarch
Caius the Shadow Monarch is a staple in every Monarch deck.
When Tribute Summoned, Caius banishes any card on the field, making it incredibly versatile.
If the banished card is a Dark monster, Caius inflicts 1000 burn damage to your opponent.
This effect handles problematic monsters like Stardust Dragon and Colossal Fighter, and can even be used to finish off your opponent by targeting one of your own Dark monsters.
Raiza the Storm Monarch
Raiza the Storm Monarch is another essential card, capable of targeting any card on the field and placing it on top of its owner’s deck.
This effect can disrupt your opponent’s draw, effectively time-sealing them.
Raiza can also return Fusion and Synchro Monsters to the Extra Deck, providing a unique form of removal that complements Caius’s banishment.
Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch
Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch targets your opponent’s hand, forcing them to discard a random card. If the discarded card is a monster, your opponent takes burn damage equal to 100 times its Level.
Thestalos is particularly effective against opponents who hold onto cards rather than committing to the field.
Mobius the Frost Monarch
Mobius the Frost Monarch can destroy up to two spells or traps on the field when Tribute Summoned.
This optional effect makes Mobius a powerful tool against backrow-heavy decks, though it can be risky due to the prevalence of Starlight Road in the Edison format.
Zaborg the Thunder Monarch
Zaborg the Thunder Monarch, the first Monarch, destroys one monster on the field when Tribute Summoned.
While still useful, Zaborg is often overshadowed by Caius and Raiza, which offer more versatile removal options.
Granmarg the Rock Monarch
Granmarg the Rock Monarch destroys one face-down card on the field when Tribute Summoned.
Though less commonly used, Granmarg can be a niche choice for specific matchups, such as against decks that rely heavily on face-down cards.
The Frog Engine
Treeborn Frog
Treeborn Frog is the backbone of the Frog engine, Special Summoning itself from the graveyard during each of your Standby Phases if you control no spells or traps.
This free, repeatable body provides constant Tribute fodder for your Monarchs, making Tribute Summons effectively cost-free.
Swap Frog
Swap Frog is a crucial card for setting up Treeborn Frog in the graveyard.
When Summoned, Swap Frog sends a Frog monster from your deck to the graveyard.
It can also return itself to your hand to allow for additional Normal Summons of Frog monsters, or return a Monarch to your hand for reuse.
Substitoad
Substitoad, while banned in the current Advanced Format, is legal in Edison and allows you to tribute a monster to Special Summon any Frog from your deck.
This effect can quickly fill your graveyard with Frogs, including Treeborn Frog, and provides additional Tribute fodder.
Dupe Frog
Dupe Frog prevents your opponent from attacking any monsters other than Dupe Frog, creating a strong defensive wall when combined with another Dupe Frog.
When sent from the field to the graveyard, Dupe Frog can add a Frog from your deck or graveyard to your hand, helping maintain your resources.
Supporting Cards
Brain Control
Brain Control is a staple in Monarch decks, allowing you to take control of your opponent’s monster for a turn, often using it as Tribute fodder.
This card can turn the tide of the game by using your opponent’s best monsters against them.
Soul Exchange
Soul Exchange allows you to use your opponent’s monster as Tribute fodder for a Tribute Summon, even if it’s face-down.
The downside is that you forfeit your Battle Phase, but the resource swing often makes this a worthwhile trade.
Enemy Controller
Enemy Controller offers versatile utility, either changing a monster’s battle position or taking control of an opponent’s monster by tributing one of your own.
In combination with Treeborn Frog, it can effectively provide free monster control during your Standby Phase.
Synchro and Tuner Options
Incorporating Synchro and Tuner monsters can add depth to your Frog Monarch deck.
Deep Sea Diva can summon another Level 2 Sea Serpent from your deck, enabling Synchro Summons. Junk Synchron can revive fallen Frogs or Substitoads for additional Synchro plays.
Other High-Level Monsters
Jinzo
Jinzo shuts down all trap cards, making it an excellent choice against trap-heavy decks. It’s typically included in the Side Deck for specific matchups.
Dark Dust Spirit
Dark Dust Spirit destroys all other face-up monsters when Summoned, making it a powerful board wipe that can be reused by returning to your hand at the end of the turn.
Vanity’s Fiend
Vanity’s Fiend prevents all Special Summons, which can cripple many decks that rely on Special Summoning.
Its 2400 ATK makes it a formidable threat on the field.
Light and Darkness Dragon
Light and Darkness Dragon starts with 2800 ATK and negates up to four effects before being destroyed.
Upon destruction, it can revive another monster, providing continuous pressure on your opponent.
Deck Building Tips
When building a Frog Monarch deck, focus on maintaining a balance between Monarchs, Frogs, and supporting spells and traps.
Ensure you have enough tribute fodder and ways to protect your Life Points.
Avoid Continuous and Field Spells that can interfere with Treeborn Frog’s effect.
Matchup Strategies
Understanding your matchups is crucial for success.
Against backrow-heavy decks, prioritize Mobius and Jinzo. For combo-heavy strategies, Vanity’s Fiend and Light and Darkness Dragon can be game-changers.
Adjust your Side Deck accordingly to address specific threats.
Side Deck Options
Your Side Deck should include cards that address specific weaknesses and enhance your flexibility.
Consider cards like Jinzo, Vanity’s Fiend, and additional removal options based on the current meta.
Tournament Success Stories
Frog Monarch decks have seen success in various tournaments, showcasing their strength and versatility.
Notable players have achieved top finishes by leveraging the powerful Tribute Summon mechanics and adaptable strategies of the Frog Monarch archetype.
Frog Monarch decks offer a unique and powerful strategy in the Edison format, combining the disruptive power of Monarchs with the reliable Tribute fodder provided by the Frog engine.
With the right deck-building choices and strategic play, you can dominate your opponents and feel like royalty in your next Edison event!