A recent playrate chart for Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel reveals the significant impact of the Fiendsmith archetype on the game's competitive landscape as of March 2025.  This powerful new engine, introduced in a recent Selection Pack, has quickly climbed the ranks of popularity, securing a prominent position among the most-used cards.

The chart, shared by "Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Guide," showcases the continued dominance of staple cards like Maxx "C", boasting a staggering 93.60% usage rate.  Close behind is the ever-popular Extra Deck Monster, S:P Little Knight, maintaining a strong presence with an 84.40% playrate.  As expected, powerful Hand Traps like Mulcharmy Fuwalos, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, and Infinite Impermanence also occupy top spots.

However, the most striking revelation is the impressive performance of the Fiendsmith archetype.  Three key cards from the set – Fiendsmith's Sequence, Fiendsmith's Requiem, and Fiendsmith's Lacrima – have all achieved playrates exceeding 45%. These Extra Deck Monsters stand out as the only core archetypal monsters on the list, highlighting their versatility and power as an engine within various deck strategies.  Their nearly identical statistics further emphasize their crucial role in executing the Fiendsmith archetype's core combo.

The beginning of 2025 has brought significant changes to the Master Duel meta.  January saw the arrival of the Mulcharmy archetype, a series of Hand Traps designed to disrupt opponent's plays and provide card advantage. Following in February, the Fiendsmith archetype, already dominant in the physical TCG, made its digital debut, quickly establishing its presence in Master Duel.

The popularity of counter cards like Crossout Designator and Called by the Grave also remains high, reflecting the ongoing strategic battle against Hand Traps and Graveyard-focused decks. The meta continues to evolve with players adapting to new threats and opportunities presented by each new card release.

The success of Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel continues with recent milestones, including its third anniversary celebration, marked by exclusive cosmetic items and alternate art versions of popular cards like Sky Striker Ace - Hayate and Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion.  The game also surpassed an impressive 250 million downloads in late 2024, further solidifying its position as a leading digital TCG.