Extra Deck Cheaters
First released during the 5D’s era, this cards ability to stop Boardwipe effects whilst also summoning one of that era's most iconic monsters made it sought after by both competitive duelists and anime fans alike.
Starlight Road
The Edison Format HERO Beat strategy underwent a metamorphosis during this period, with the name being slightly altered due to the spotlighted use of this slippery HERO’s effect to Special Summon itself from hand.
Elemental HERO Bubbleman
This Rank 4 from Savage Strike was utilized in early Orcust decks upon release, but has since been used more recently for its ability to trigger the GY effect of Tearlament Scheiren
Time Thief Redoer
An adjective used to describe a series of Magicians and Swordsmen used by Yugi; 6 Letters
Silent
I understand duelists want to get it twisted, but man Master Duel did not make it easy releasing this archetypal Continuous Spell as a UR just because they had to release the deck in a heavily neutered, limited state.
Tearlament Scream
While not the first card to cheat monsters out of the future named Extra Deck, it WAS the first one to be banned due to it being the centerpiece of an FTK.
Magical Scientist
While this Spell heavy deck is more remembered for its impact following YCS Meadowlands, its search power through in-archetype Monsters and Spells made it appealing to duelists around the regional scene at the time
Spellbooks
While this classic DM anime monsters Ultra Rare printing in Metal Raiders is highly sought after in 1st Edition, its first printing was actually as a Common in Starter Deck: Yugi nearly 3 months earlier.
Summoned Skull
This birb can double summon on an empty board while also helping search other birds of a feather; 6 Letters
Simoon
While this monster was quite powerful upon release a decade ago, compared to today, detaching material to spin a card back into the Deck isn’t as game determinative as it was in 2014.
Castel the Skyblasting Musketeer
DAILY DOUBLE
Best known for helping any Rank 4 strategy gain access to Cyber Dragon Infinity, this monster’s effect to Xyz Summon any Rank 5, regardless of that monsters required materials, makes it a handy tool to have.
While Mermail is perhaps more known for its potential to go into Rank 3’s or Rank 7’s, it did run this Rank 4 Water Xyz long before its best, and most awesome, target to summon was ever printed.
Bahamut Shark
This feathered fighter of the colosseum was already strong when tagged in to fight backrow, but it’s value only increased due to being the puzzle piece needed to call a strong feathered fowl from the Fusion Deck.
Gladiator Beast Bestiari
A legendary warrior who fights for peace, but is ruthless in his quest, as observed by his 5 followers; 5 Letters
Shien
I mean, I GUESS this card's presence negates the power of cards like Triple Tactics Talents and Change of Heart, but really? A UR?
Remove Brainwashing
Who needs to Fusion Summon? Not this overseer of the colosseum, who with a single whip smack, can call forth a new combatant with no materials needed.
Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor
The use of Inferno Reckless Summon in this format when reviving Ronintoadin allows you to bring out 3 copies of this Level 5 monster from hand, Deck, or GY for OTK plays or for Summoning Rank 5 Xyz.
Des Frog
Before the first Duel Terminal archetypes were released in Hidden Arsenal, this Tuner monsters impact was felt a few months earlier in 2009 when paired alongside Rescue Cat.
X-Saber Airbellum
The Fusion result of Burstinatrix & Bubbleman; 11 Letters
Steam Healer
It has to be because of its appearance in 5D’s, because there is no way a stick that searches an Equip Spell on Normal Summon should be a UR
Ashoka Pillar
LIGHT and DARK are 2 sides of the same coin, so it makes sense to turn a Cyber Dragon into a Chimeratech Rampage Dragon with this Quick-Play Spell.
Duality
As the highest ATK Level 4 Beast Warrior Normal Monster, this card became the primary summon Target for Rescue Rabbit for the Dino Fist strategy
Gene-Warped Warwolf
This Spell’s ability to clear the board as non-destruction removal by having 4 gems in the backrow made it a force on the playground when released in 2007.
Crystal Abundance
The Brother of Chazz and Jagger; 5 Letters
Slade
With this FIRE Synchro’ effect only being able to banish cards in the opponent's GY when Synchro Summoned, I think it’s UR status was just to fill pack space at this point.
Ancient Flamvell Deity