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Yu-Gi-Oh: Top 10 Best Generic Link Monsters

Many Yugioh players went crazy when link monsters were released, the game had changed completely and these new monsters were deemed unnecessary. Now though, Yugioh is still going strong and link monsters are accepted by the community.

Such a new card type was expected to slow the game down a bit, giving players more options when it comes to deck building and allowing duels to last more than a few turns. It didn’t turn out this way though, Link monsters only made it easier to get your combos off!

Over time, the best Link monsters were extremely expensive. This meant you needed to empty your wallet to even think about going to tournaments, never mind winning them. Now though, plenty more have been released and a lot of them are relatively cheap!

Disclaimer: Archetype/type/attribute specific Link monsters have been avoided from the top 10 list. I will list them below however in case you need them!

If any types/attributes are missing, there is no dedicated Link monster for them (yet, there is in the OCG just not released yet in the West)

Attributes

Types


10. Topologic Bomber Dragon

Topologic Bomber Dragon, one of the best Link monsters in Yugioh

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Capable of nuking all main monster zones, Topologic Bomber Dragon is a great choice for clearing pesky boards. 3 Link arrows grant plenty of zones to trigger its nuking effect, so your opponent has reduced options when it comes to countering this card.

As well as a powerful destruction effect, this Link monster is a powerful 3000 ATK beater that can inflict major effect damage too.


9) Saryuja Skull Dread

Saryuja Skull Dread, one of the best Link monsters in Yugioh

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Once a mainstay of all competitive extra decks, Saryuja is still an amazing Link monster that every player should have in their arsenal.

With those 3 link arrows at the bottom, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get even more extra monsters out if needed. Requiring 4 monsters to get the most out of its effect is a slightly detrimental trait, though.

Considered the more reliable and versatile Link 4 monster, players keep going back to Saryuja for its flexibility in a large variety of decks.


8) Borreload Dragon

Borreload Dragon, one of the best Link monsters in Yugioh

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Another epic looking card, you have to appreciate the awesomeness of these Link monsters. Borreload Dragon lives up to its expectations given by its art with some amazing effects.

All kinds of monsters have all kinds of effects nowadays, having immunity to such effects is huge.

Used to tackle huge annoying boss monsters, Borreload can simply take control of any monster regardless of whether they’re immune to targeting effects or not.

As it has been released consistently in huge prints, Borreload is readily available for a budget price and should be the go-to boss monster for any starting player.


7) Knightmares

Knightmare Gryphon, one of the best Link monsters in Yugioh

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If I were to include Knightmares individually, at least half of the list would be full of them.  As a whole package, or choosing 2 or 3, Knightmares have been tech’d into almost every meta deck currently out there.

Each Knightmare Link monster allows you to discard a card, activate a powerful effect then draw a card. With so many cards having recycle effects when they’re sent to the graveyard, this series of Link monsters have boosted a ton of other archetypes considerably.

Every competitive player needs 1 of each Knightmare, they extend combos and strategies considerably, as well as having the potential to lock your opponent out of their extra deck (by taking up all available extra monster zones)!


6) Linkuriboh

Linkuriboh, one of the best Link monsters in Yugioh

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Working well in literally every deck containing a level 1 monster, Linkuriboh is a must-have staple. Not only does it offer a downward Link arrow, but it also brings battle protection to the table and the ability to send level 1 monsters to the graveyard if needed.

Most decks have a level 1 monster they can use as fodder, or the space to include a few in. Linkuriboh is excellent for creating combos and strategies.


5) Crystron Halqifibrax

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Known for being a game-changer upon its release under the nickname “Needlefiber”.

Halqifibrax is an excellent starting Link monster to flood the field with fodder for further Link summoning.

With a few tuners in your deck, an average hand could end with 3 or more big Link monsters on the field!

Unfortunately, it is not budget-friendly at all and still fetches a high price.


4) Apollousa, Bow of the Goddess

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Tons of power and versatility all-round, Apollousa is a staple of Link monsters in today’s Yu-Gi-Oh scene. Plenty of ATK backed up some good Link arrows and multiple monster effect negations per turn.

She isn’t particularly great at ending a game but due to how easy she is to summon, you can rely on her to hold the line until you can pivot into a more offensive strategy.


3) I:P Masquerena

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One of the best extenders in the entire game, I:P is an exceptional Link monster for creating big boards and giving Link monsters some protection from destruction.

As a Link 2 monster with downward diagonal arrows, I:P is full of versatility and can fit into pretty much any extra deck in the game, so long as it contains Link monsters!


2) Borrelsword Dragon

Borrelsword Dragon, the best Link monster in Yugioh!

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You’d think a monster with no built-in effect protection would be too vulnerable to be competitively viable. Players are smart though, they recognise Borrelsword Dragon’s strengths.

Used mainly to OTK, this Link monster can inflict heavy damage and clear the field of your opponent’s boss monsters.

Additionally, Borrelsword’s quick effect can be used to lock your opponent out of using spell/trap cards during the battle step. During your turn, you can activate its quick effect straight after declaring an attack as you have turn priority.

Your opponent won’t be able to chain anything in response, so the attack goes through and they can’t do anything!


1) Accesscode Talker

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Currently, the most frequently used Link monster in the game, Accesscode Talker is an essential OTK card for finishing off a duel.

His banish to destroy effect isn’t once per turn so you can spam it as much as you want to rid the field of your opponent’s cards. With some good Link combos, you’ll have plenty of different attributes to banish.

If I:P Masquerena is used as a Link material, it’ll even be immune to destruction effects. Overall, no other Link monster is as useful and mandatory as Accesscode Talker!

Sakamoto

Friday 31st of August 2018

I think Borrelguard is bad tho, defenitely not on the same level as the rest of the cards you put here

Ryan McKenna

Friday 31st of August 2018

Is it actually bad though? Sure it has difficult summoning requirements compared to what it does but it's a lot more versatile than Borrelsword or even Borreload imo

Borrelsword is better to be fair I need to update the rankings but Borrelguard is still a great Link monsters and should be the go-to budget Link boss monster

Austin Ross

Tuesday 17th of July 2018

if you say that Firewall Dragon is by far the best link monster in Yugioh, then why is he only in second?

Wicker twicker

Saturday 22nd of June 2019

Because he saw that it was going to be hit on the banlist. Recognized its flaws and degenerative gameplay as extremely banworthy. Ie.: this is the best link monster ever, it's too good and will get banned soon so you're better off investing in Borrelsword for (reasons stated within). Also known as "Why you shouldn't burn money for no good reason!"

Ryan McKenna

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

Updated it :)

Ryan McKenna

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

Because I'm an idiot

In all seriousness I edited this list a while ago and forgot to finish it lol glad you brought it to my attention, more Links have been released so I'll have to finish it!

Nitram

Saturday 14th of October 2017

But firewall dragon is link 4 need 4 monsters

Ryan McKenna

Saturday 14th of October 2017

Ahh, don't know how I overlooked that.....Updated, cheers!