A guide to playing Gradius: Rush!

A guide to playing Gradius: Rush!

  Gradius is a new Contact Fusion deck released in Rush Duel, focusing on Light-type Machine monsters. . The core gameplay of this deck doesn't rely on regular Fusion cards, but instead on the strategy of "spamming" monsters onto the field, changing their names to "Gradius" or "Gradius' Option," and then combining them to summon powerful Boss monsters.

The deck's strength lies in its high speed and terrifying OTK ( One Kill) potential. . Fusion monsters like Vic, Viper, Ripple, and Laser have the ability to reduce the opponent's attack power. Meanwhile, the Vic Viper Full Custom boasts penetration and crowd control resistance, allowing players to easily break through the board and finish off opponents. .

Sections covered in this guide:




Skill



The Beasts

  Gradius's strategy doesn't revolve around using Fusion. Instead, the deck focuses on transforming the names of monsters on the field into "Gradius" or "Gradius' Option" to perform Contact Fusion.

First, let's look at the effect monsters that can be renamed "Gradius" to be used as the main fusion material.

Super-Dimensional Lord British Space Fighter (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Super-Dimensional Lord British Space Fighter
 Rarity
 Rarity
Super-Dimensional Lord British Space Fighter
Super-Dimensional Lord British Space Fighter
LIGHT 4
Super-Dimensional Lord British Space Fighter
  • ATK:

  • 1200

  • DEF:

  • 800


[REQUIREMENT] Send the top card of your Deck to the Graveyard. [EFFECT] This turn, this card's name becomes "Gradius". Then, you can Special Summon 1 "Gradius' Option" from your Graveyard face-up to your field. This turn, you can only attack with Machine Type monsters that have 800 original DEF.


Send the first card of your deck to the Graveyard to rename it "Gradius". Afterward, it can Special Summon 1 "Gradius' Option" from the Graveyard to the field.

This is a "one-step boss" card. As long as your Graveyard has Gradius' Option (or Multiple) available, you immediately have two materials on the field to summon Vic Viper Ripple Laser.

Note: This turn you can only attack with AI monsters that have 800 DEF.

Vic Viper Beginning (x2)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Beginning
 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Beginning
Vic Viper Beginning
LIGHT 4
Vic Viper Beginning
  • ATK:

  • 1200

  • DEF:

  • 800


[REQUIREMENT] Pay 100 LP. [EFFECT] This turn, this card's name becomes "Gradius". Then, you can send up to 2 other monsters from your hand and/or field to the Graveyard. You can Special Summon "Gradius' Option" from your Graveyard to your field in face-up Defense Position equal to [the number of monsters sent to the Graveyard by this effect].


Tools for setting up the arena (Swarming) and preparing for big bosses.
Pay 1000 LP to change its name to "Gradius" . Then send up to 2 other monsters from your hand/field to the Graveyard to revive the corresponding number of "Gradius' Options" in Defense Position.

This is an essential piece to summon Vic Viper Full Custom (requires 2 Options). Important note: The number of resurrected must equal the number sent; if you send 2 and only 1 slot is available, the effect will not work.

Vic Viper Spread Bomb (x0-3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Spread Bomb
 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Spread Bomb
Vic Viper Spread Bomb
LIGHT 4
Vic Viper Spread Bomb
  • ATK:

  • 1200

  • DEF:

  • 800


[REQUIREMENT] Send 1 other monster from your hand or field to the Graveyard. [EFFECT] This turn, this card's name becomes "Gradius". Then, you can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card on your opponent's field. This turn, you can only attack with Machine Type monsters that have 800 original DEF.


This is an extremely powerful card because it both clears the way for an attack and transforms itself into fusion material during that turn. It puts immense pressure on the opponent, forcing them to activate their trap early.

Multiple (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Multiple
 Rarity
 Rarity
Multiple
Multiple
LIGHT 1
Multiple
  • ATK:

  • 0

  • DEF:

  • 800


This card's name becomes "Gradius' Option" while in the hand or in the Graveyard. [REQUIREMENT] Send the top card of your Deck to the Graveyard. [EFFECT] This turn, this card's name becomes "Gradius' Option". If you have a face-up monster whose original name is "Super-Dimensional Lord British Space Fighter" on your field, you can also change the battle position of 1 monster on your opponent's field.


The ability to change battle positions allows the deck to overcome high-defense monsters or flip opponent monsters to attack, dealing significant damage. It pairs perfectly with Lord British .

Gradius' Option (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Gradius' Option
 Rarity
 Rarity
Gradius' Option
Gradius' Option
LIGHT 1
Gradius' Option
  • ATK:

  • 0

  • DEF:

  • 800


[REQUIREMENT] Send the top card of your Deck to the Graveyard. [EFFECT] This card gains ATK equal to [the original ATK of 1 face-up Level 4 LIGHT Attribute Machine Type monster on your field with 800 original DEF] until the end of your opponent's next turn.


You often use this card to copy the stats of Boss Fusion cards (2500 or 3200 ATK) for OTK. Maintaining the same stats during the opponent's turn makes it a difficult wall to overcome.

Gradius (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Gradius
 Rarity
 Rarity
Gradius
Gradius
LIGHT 4
Gradius
  • ATK:

  • 1200

  • DEF:

  • 800


A high-performance jet fighter with power capsules for variable attack capabilities.


Although it's a common monster, you should play 3 copies to optimize the Spell Power Capsule Red card (allowing you to draw 2 cards if you get Gradius).

Cyber Serpent (x0-1)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Cyber Serpent
 Rarity
 Rarity
Cyber Serpent
Cyber Serpent
LIGHT 1
Cyber Serpent
  • ATK:

  • 0

  • DEF:

  • 0


[REQUIREMENT] You have another face-up LIGHT Attribute Machine Type monster on your field. [EFFECT] Send the top 3 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard. Then, if you sent 2 or more LIGHT Attribute Machine Type monsters to the Graveyard by this effect, draw 1 card.


This monster grants Mill 3 cards and draws 1 card if the conditions are met. However, it can be a board-bound monster due to its 0/0 stats and is difficult to remove without Beginning or Spread Bomb . Not recommended for frequent play.

Freed the Brave Wanderer (x1)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Freed the Brave Wanderer
 Rarity
 Rarity
Freed the Brave Wanderer
Freed the Brave Wanderer
LIGHT 4
Freed the Brave Wanderer
  • ATK:

  • 1700

  • DEF:

  • 1200


[REQUIREMENT] Place 2 LIGHT Attribute monsters from your Graveyard on the bottom of your Deck in any order. [EFFECT] Destroy 1 face-up monster on the field with higher ATK than this card.


The optimal Legend choice for your deck. Freed allows you to recycle 2 Light monsters from the Graveyard back into your deck (important for restoring Fusion resources) and destroy your opponent's monsters.

Vic Viper Ripple Laser (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Ripple Laser
 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Ripple Laser
Vic Viper Ripple Laser
LIGHT 4
Vic Viper Ripple Laser
  • ATK:

  • 2500

  • DEF:

  • 800


"Gradius" + "Gradius' Option" This card can be Contact Fusioned. [REQUIREMENT] None [EFFECT] Send the top 2 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard. Then, you can make up to 2 face-up monsters on your opponent's field lose 800 ATK until the end of this turn.


It can reduce the ATK of 2 opponent monsters by 800. It's easy to repeatedly summon (spam) it in one turn to weaken the entire opponent's field.

Vic Viper Full Custom (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Full Custom
 Rarity
 Rarity
Vic Viper Full Custom
Vic Viper Full Custom
LIGHT 4
Vic Viper Full Custom
  • ATK:

  • 3200

  • DEF:

  • 800


"Gradius" + "Gradius' Option" + "Gradius' Option" This card can be Contact Fusioned. [REQUIREMENT] None [CONTINUOUS EFFECT] This card cannot be destroyed by card effects. This card inflicts piercing battle damage.


Resistance to destructive effects and Piercing damage. This is key to ending stalemate matches.

Dimension Linker (x0-2)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Dimension Linker
 Rarity
 Rarity
Dimension Linker
Dimension Linker
LIGHT 8
Dimension Linker
  • ATK:

  • 2500

  • DEF:

  • 2000


Duel Dimension System Activated– Born in the Sea of Neuron, a proud swordswoman who journeyed across nine dimensions. Her blade, wielded alongside countless Duelists, is not meant to sever, but to unite. People's hope link beyond time and space.


Gradius can be combined well with Dimension Linker and Skill Power to Weave. I'll mention this combination in the article about Dimension Linker.



Spell/Trap

 

Power Capsule Red (x3)

 Rarity
 Rarity
Power Capsule Red
 Rarity
 Rarity
Power Capsule Red
Power Capsule Red
Spell Normal
Power Capsule Red

    [REQUIREMENT] None [EFFECT] Excavate the top 4 cards of your Deck. You can add 1 excavated "Gradius" and/or 1 LIGHT Attribute Machine Type Effect Monster with 800 DEF to your hand. Place the other cards on the bottom of your Deck in any order.


    This is considered a "Pot of Greed specifically designed" for Gradius. If you're lucky enough to draw both Gradius and another monster, you gain an extra card. This is a must-play card for all three draws to ensure you always have enough pieces for fusion combos.

    Power Meter (x0-2)

     Rarity
     Rarity
    Power Meter
     Rarity
     Rarity
    Power Meter
    Power Meter
    Spell Normal
    Power Meter

      [REQUIREMENT] Place 1 face-up monster from your field on the bottom of the owner's Deck. [EFFECT] Add 1 LIGHT Attribute Machine Type monster with 800 DEF from your Graveyard to your hand. Then, if you have "Power Capsule Red" in your Graveyard, you can Fusion Summon a Level 4 Machine Type monster with 800 DEF by sending monsters from your hand and/or field to the Graveyard as material.


      Move 1 monster from the field to the bottom of your deck to retrieve 1 Machine monster (Light/800 DEF) from your graveyard to your hand. Specifically, if you have Power Capsule Red in your graveyard , this allows you to summon Fusion using materials from your hand or field.

      A versatile card, but often only played once because it can easily brick early in the game. It allows you to unexpectedly summon a Full Custom Vic Viper late in the game without deploying all your monsters, or simply trade an unnecessary monster for a missing piece.

      Over Rush Storm (x2)

       Rarity
       Rarity
      Over Rush Storm
       Rarity
       Rarity
      Over Rush Storm
      Over Rush Storm
      Spell Normal
      Over Rush Storm

        [REQUIREMENT] Place 2 monsters from your Graveyard on the bottom of the Deck in any order. [EFFECT] Place 1 Spell/Trap Card from your opponent's field on the bottom of the owner's Deck.


        In Gradius, this card's "recycling" ability is more important than its trap-breaking capabilities. Due to the extremely fast spamming speed of Ripple Laser , you'll quickly run out of Fusion monsters in your Extra Deck. Overrush Storm brings Ripple Laser or pieces like Lord British back to continue the combo loop. It's prioritized over Barrage of Steel. thanks to this ability.

        Tech

         Rarity
         Rarity
        Executie Riding!
         Rarity
         Rarity
        Executie Riding!
        Executie Riding!
        Trap Normal
        Executie Riding!

          [REQUIREMENT] When your opponent Normal or Special Summons an Effect Monster face-up. [EFFECT] Special Summon 1 monster with ATK less than or equal to that monster from your Graveyard to your field in face-up Attack Position. Then, you can make up to 2 face-up monsters on your opponent's field lose 1800 ATK until the end of this turn.


           Rarity
           Rarity
          Shiny Shady
           Rarity
           Rarity
          Shiny Shady
          Shiny Shady
          Trap Normal
          Shiny Shady

            [REQUIREMENT] When your opponent Normal or Special Summons a monster during their turn, send 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard. [EFFECT] Change up to 2 face-up Effect Monsters on the field to face-down Defense Position. Then, if you changed a monster on your opponent's field with 2600 or more original ATK to face-down Defense Position by this effect, gain 1500 LP.


             Rarity
             Rarity
            Trap Hole
             Rarity
             Rarity
            Trap Hole
            Trap Hole
            Trap Normal
            Trap Hole

              [REQUIREMENT] When your opponent Normal Summons a monster with 1000 or more ATK. [EFFECT] Destroy that monster.


               Rarity
               Rarity
              Pot of Greed
               Rarity
               Rarity
              Pot of Greed
              Pot of Greed
              Spell Normal
              Pot of Greed

                [REQUIREMENT] None [EFFECT] Draw 2 cards.


                 Rarity
                 Rarity
                Pot of Avarice
                 Rarity
                 Rarity
                Pot of Avarice
                Pot of Avarice
                Spell Normal
                Pot of Avarice

                  [REQUIREMENT] Shuffle 5 monsters from your Graveyard into the Deck. [EFFECT] Draw 2 cards.


                   Rarity
                   Rarity
                  Excutie Riding!
                   Rarity
                   Rarity
                  Excutie Riding!
                  Excutie Riding!
                  Trap Normal
                  Excutie Riding!

                    [REQUIREMENT] When your opponent Normal or Special Summons an Effect Monster face-up. [EFFECT] Special Summon 1 monster with ATK less than or equal to that monster from your Graveyard to your field in face-up Attack Position. Then, you can make up to 2 face-up monsters on your opponent's field lose 1800 ATK until the end of this turn.


                    Pot of Avarice: A good alternative. Similar to Overrush Storm , it recycles 5 monsters from the Graveyard back into the deck (including Fusion Monsters) and allows you to draw 2 cards, ensuring your deck never runs out of battle resources.

                    Shiny Shady:This is an "extraordinary" card and should never be removed from the deck. While it sometimes struggles against decks that are immune or capable of sacrificing (like Jointech), it remains the best tool for defending Gradius's weak board against large-scale attacks.





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                    - Yu-Gi-Oh! Guidance Vietnam

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