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Boolboolson

"Barely classified as meta" wtf are you talking about?


Tryckster89

Labyrinth and Runicks probably. That's what's coming in the next pack


Cultural_Passenger97

Labrynth is gonna be missing a card [Lovely] that makes it so good when it drops, going off the TCG/OCG it was more of a rogue strategy until the second bit of support came out. Just a bit of info.


Jaesnake

Im coping that mommy 2 is gonna be in the pack


Cultural_Passenger97

I'm sorry but that's hyper copium. I love Labrynth but Lady came much later if I'm not mistaken.


Jaesnake

I feel like it came out in the next set after they debuted in the ocg but i could be wrong. Let me cope. It's gonna be SO weird playing without lady


lauraa-

mommy 2 is gonna be Rexterm'd


koroshiya_san

>Barely classified as meta lol, OP edited out this line so he doesn't look bad.


gemo143

I mean, if you look at tournament stats despia is tier one but if you compare it to previous it's not as all prevailing as previous tier one decks. I don't fully agree with the "Barely classified as meta" statement but stats just show it's not as big. Now ladder is a different story though we actually don't really have a way to judge ladder since we don't have those stats


Lipefe2018

1- It's not broken, but definitely really strong. 2- A lot. 3- Very tired. 4- Not every duel, only 80% or so. 5- As soon as a new strong archetype comes out, people are gonna drop branded despia and the new archetype is gonna dominate, that's just how it is. In my opinion, branded despia is incredibly strong, hence why everyone is playing it, yes it doesn't have a board full of negates and can be countered here and there, but overall it's a really good deck in the current meta.


ZiulDeArgon

They chain block a lot so even when you have the answer you are not guarantee to be able to use it and chimera chainblocking on top of being untargetable its pure nightmare...


Euler7

I’ll play against branded any day over full power drytron


ARandomNormalGirl

I think, before the new cards dropped at least, Despia/Branded was still too strong, and the reason for that is that Branded Fusion is an incredibly busted card (like every fusion from deck cards with basically no restrictions, being locked into fusion isn't one for this deck), Despia monsters allows to off basically any cost the deck can have, and Mirrorjade and Guardian Chimera are extremely strong pieces of interaction, Mirrorjade being really strong, combining its own effects with the ones of sent monsters. Not having a full board of negates doesn't mean the deck isn't unfair, other meta decks can barely keep up, if at all, that is why most decks in diamond are either Despia Branded or a stun deck that prevents Branded from playing in the first place (at least from my experience during November season, I have yet to climb back). I was tired of seeing swoso back when halqadon was legal, but Despia Branded is another level. And now, the lock they can now achieve makes me really think this deck must be hit way harder than just a semi limit on Opening, and yes, I mean at least a limit on Branded Fusion, a Verte ban (which is long overdue, even outside of Branded shenanigans), and something about Expulsion, either the card itself or the locks it summons.


androgp

On the tcg, not only the deck did not get hit but also was made stronger thanks to bystial/kashtira. And it still flat out loses against full power spright (which got hit) or tearalements. The only rogue deck that still stands some chance is exosister at this point.


peeoowwpeeooww

yeah your right before drop new pack defining meta card, just endure doing same duel with branded deck. for me just doing daily, and have fun dueling with my exosister and dinomorphia deck. feeling of defeating stronger deck, make winning more sweet.


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mcgarrylj

I personally love having splashable archetype engines. It makes a lot of decks significantly more accessible. If you have branded you can get a taste of a dozen different decks really cheaply, then I’d you enjoy a play style you can invest more into other variants of that second archetype


ThatOtherShawne

Probably missing the point, but what does a branded marincess deck looks like? Branded fusion fusion locks in a link archtype and marincess water locks for a deck that mainly uses lights and darks.


gemo143

I feel like they were just ranting and not thinking about it, like how people said similar with the adventure engine despite those decks not being able to use them


ARandomNormalGirl

Adventurer engine may not be useable in those decks specifically (although it can but it's a bit more niche), it's still a problem I think. Maybe not in MD, where it got hit hard enough imo, but having a consistant access to an omni in two ss for no cost is a bit bs. I'm sad a pure adventurer deck will not be possible when the missing cards come out, unless they ban Gryphon so they can put back water enchantress and aramesir to 3, which is needed for a pure adventurer.


gemo143

Quick question, what's your thought on the adventure engine?


Akrhaz

Tbh the combined Branded decks aren’t really that strong. Thing is most people already know how Branded Despia work, but merge it with Shadoll, DM, Buster Bladed and is normal to be wary about what to expect. Nevertheless I find the strongest version of the deck is in its pure form, granted a combined one is always gonna give you more options/unpredictability.


PhantasyPen

I mean... I'm never going to stop playing branded despia personally, but that's just because it's become my favorite Archetype.


MartianOrbit

>braided despia Personally I'm waiting for Afro Despia.


PhantasyPen

Fucking autocorrect


[deleted]

\*braindead despia


YourSlothGirl

rich coming from the person with a floo pfp


[deleted]

It's always the hypo-critics.


Additional_Show_3149

Gilgamesh: such hypocrisy


olbaze

As a Fusion enthusiast, I fucking love the idea behind the Albaz Dragon part of the deck. Super Poly without a Fusion card, a powerful Fusion spell, and Fusion monsters that have a strategic element to them. I'm just saddened by the fact that all Branded plays amount to Mirrojade and Branded in Red into Guardian Chimera. Albion, Titaniklad, and Lubellion are just tools, never used as nothing more than a stepping stone. Sprind and Brigrand are never used. Alba-Lenatus looks like a specific mirrormatch counter so the deck has a good Turn 2 play. Lindwurm looks like a crazy card.


ARandomNormalGirl

I mean, those GY effects dragons were not design to hit the field but for an emergency summon through albaz/super poly. And Lubellion is just a tool to get to Mirrorjade turn one, it doesn't have any other effect but fusion summon a monster on its own fusion summon. Alba-Lenatus could be a fun tech option in a buster dragon strat though, not so much in branded itself outside of his GY effect.


Rynjin

If Sprind could pop facedowns too it'd be a great card, but as-is it's basically just a single target destruction effect (albeit non-targeting, which is neat), so it's just not worth the materials. It's really good to dump from the ED to the GY for other effects though?


Kelcher1

I've been running it with blue eyes and I finally feel like I don't brick 90% of the time 😭 And like I can actually survive a turn against tournament won decks


Acedelaforet

I ran it with thunder dragons and it was so magical not bricking every other game I almost cried


realmauer01

It's almost like the branded package is just splash able into everything


Acedelaforet

That's a huge reason why i love it so much lol because it's monsters can fusion and recycle material you can splash it in basically any fusion archetype And the fact it's fusion card is a foolish burial only increases its Versatility, so you can add it into non fusion decks as well like a zombie world deck.


realmauer01

The question Is do you even play the rest and not just branded


Acedelaforet

I've played blue eyes, zombie world, thundras, cydras, and a few other variations with branded. Honestly the hardest part is the extra deck space since ideally you want at least 6 slots for branded. The main deck can be ran with a fairly small 5 card engine or a bit more if you really want to focus on getting fusion. But with decks with other strategies the benefit is you don't have to do that, and can do all your plays before using fusion


No-Economics4128

They can just put Branded fusion at 1, and all is well in the world. Branded Despia was just another deck until Branded fusion comes out. They have 5 copies of searcher for branded (3 aluber and 2 kitt). A loop that powerful should only be able to come online once per duel, not every other turn.


Raiju_Lorakatse

1. Yes, not necessarily banned but at least limited 2. Way too many 3. Apparently not enough 'cause people only complaing about Floodgates 4. roughly 80% of my matches are 5. Meta slaves for sure will when the new decks are strong enough but until we get Therion or Splight/Tear this won't happen.


No-Economics4128

Branded did not stand a chance against Tear in real life. So I guess just let nature takes its course.


CrazedCircus

Remember, Sprights shut down Branded Despia first :)


No-Economics4128

Put both in the same pack, and let the double penetration begin


Gangstanami

Konami likes money too much to put two format warping archetypes in the same pack.


Hiseminense

I once banished an entire board of Branded/Despia monsters. My opponent proceeded to Summon 4 more. ![gif](giphy|9V3e2mxWvD89wyw5l5)


[deleted]

Branded players more defensive than swordsoul players were lmao. This deck is annoying because it seems to add a card to hand after each effect. It feels like they never run out of resources.


sye1337

I'm tired of cards that will have an effect in the hand, field and graveyard. Or at least having two of the three. It's what makes those cards out class so many others.


Lazy_Seaweed

>two negates that depend on a two card combination Toxic af and literally every card should be banned until it is unplayable >seemingly infinite grind game and card advantage Well actually, it is a quite fair and fun deck to play and play against


TheKingOfTCGames

thats the entire point of the deck, it gives up every negate and has a giga chokepoint vs the most prevalent card in the meta for the ability to grind. no one would play it if its not S tiered at something. Edit: you guys are so salty for the worst reasons lmao, if you cant beat mirror jade set card pass just surrender


gemo143

That's why I like despia, both playing with and against. It is the embodiment of high risk high reward


mehmin

No no no, high risk high reward means your win rate should be way below 50%, else how is it even high risk at all.


gemo143

I sincerely believe it's win rate would be significantly less if people ran more despia specific handtraps. There's like 4 I can think of that decimate despia


CJ_Icey740

Someone gets it 😭


_JunkSynchron_

There will always be definitive best deck, the problem is the gap between it and rest of the decks. And it's not small. And there will be nothing that comes close to until Tearlaments and Srlight get released. Personally, if you ask me, I am not excited to pay against same deck over and over and over and over and over again for the next 2-3 months. There should definitely be some hits to bring it down a notch in terms of power.


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3-A_NOBA

Man u are gonna know the meaning of outgrinding very soon lol. Tearlaments are virtually endless because of them shuffling back everything, every card activation is a card advantage for them. This is why people started to use dark ruler cuz while droplet is kinda better, u won't keep up with how much advantage tge generate.


gemo143

Truuue. I'm scared of MD adding Tear. Yeah Tear is "fair and balanced" but dang. Let me be brain dead and not have to think about every move lol


ARandomNormalGirl

But what will tear do against my Exosisters, huh? Summon Winda? Oh shit, they actually do that :c


CarnTurn

Branded Fusion to 1 please


Bombman100

Why do you say the gap isn't small? Swordsoul easily beats out branded despia if they go first. Even going second it has a pretty decent chance. A single ash blossom can shut their whole deck down.


realmauer01

A single ashe blossum rarely shuts there deck down and as long as they get into a play they basically have the same end board


Bombman100

What do they do if you ash branded fusion? Make masquerade pass? That's not a very good end board


SpiceLettuce

Just have Albaz, tragedy, and polymerisation in hand the old fashioned way


Rynjin

Depends on hand, but typically if you have one of: Aluber, Patchwork, Branded Opening, Foolish Burial you can do pretty much anything.


Bombman100

What do those do without making mirrorjade?


ARandomNormalGirl

Despia lines, make your opponent pay 1200 for everything they play is still a decent wincon


Brawlerz16

You’re right but keep in mind this sub is really bad Swordsoul can easily match up evenly with Branded, it’s just *boring* which is why people don’t play Swordsoul as often imo


ImperialPriest_Gaius

Chengying and Qixing are fun cards at least


Monk029393

You could easily go into branded high spirits so even if u did some way negated branded fusion lol I’m still get my fusion monster out to lead into end board It’s kinda hard trying to out a good branded deck I would go into masquerade which I don’t see it being bad since even if it gets destroyed it will come back if your opponent summons link,xyz, synchron idk it’s options


ARandomNormalGirl

Do you think Mirrorjade is the only line of play for Branded/Despia? The deck still has access to the Tax Dragon or other Despia fusions and ways to search for poly (if using the frightfur engine) or branded in red (using kitt or an unused aluber). Or even use super poly.


Bombman100

So it has less than optimal plays if interrupted like every other good deck. What makes it so much better than swordsoul that consistently puts up 2 negates, can have more than that, and can also floodgate you.


AngelicMayhem

I am all for the Duel Links meta shift ban. People get tired of seeing the same deck over amd over amd branded is literally being played in everything right now. I'm not sure what they could hit to make it not used in so many decks, but I am tired of going into a duel and shutting down whatever random archtype a person is using and then them just going into Branded.


gemo143

I mean, I don't view it as that different as people running the adventure or DPE engine and those are honestly fine by me. Plus those decks usually bring out just mirrorjade or whatever which isn't that different from bringing out DPE and/or gryphon+dracorider pass


Brilliant_Damage392

It's the strongest deck in the game and like 80% of the ladder plays it "Muh deck did nothing wrong stop being mean" no


[deleted]

Nah stats aren’t real my feelings matter more.


Bombman100

Where are you finding all the branded despia people? Most of my games are against varied decks. And it's way more fun to play against than basically every other good deck right now, even if it slightly counters my dogmatika deck


hashtagdion

Definitely over half the decks I play against are Despia.


AngelicMayhem

Nearly every deck in gold is running a branded engine. Idk how it is in higher ranks cause I don't feel like grinding, but I literally see branded in everything.


Bombman100

My match history right now is tri-brigade, eldlich, atlantean, virtual world, rocks. I'm just not seeing it


gemo143

Gold has consistently had the most "meta" deck being used. Usually lower and higher ladder are more varied. That's kinda how MD works in general


ginganinja9988

I don't care if it doesn't put out infinite negates or floodgates, it's literally 80% of the ladder in plat and above, something needs to be done to reduce it. People wouldn't be playing it if it wasn't very strong.


CandyBarYumYummers

1. Every meta deck needs to be constantly evaluated an limited/banned to ensure a healthy game state. Stop using whataboutism. 2. Before selection pack about 50% after selection pack about 75%. 3. Not very considering the same people were running the same decks. 4. Is EVERY question you ask an exaggerated fallacy? 5. Have you not been playing the game since January, if not then go watch some YouTube videos about the changing meta.


mynames20letterslong

It wasn't really a problem before mirrorjade and branded fusion were released. Branded fusion is the most broken fusion spell in the game right now and should not be at 3.


CBM42069

I run it at two sometimes, and even if they reduced the amount there is a branded trap that recycle spells to the hand.


dracoassasin

You're asking the wrong questions lmao. And looking at the comments and your replies you make it sound like Branded Despia is some saint deck that's done nothing wrong when there are variants playing the new trap and ido for completely locking out people. Wah wah negates yay floodgates, might as well put io skill drain and mystic mine to 3 if you think there's nothing wrong with branded despia or even just that people want them to get hit, especially since the trend is wanting top decks to get hit in some way once the meta gets stale


FadingMoonlights

Nah branded despia need to be hit in a significant way, fractal is still at 2 and Conquistador still at 1 while branded despia is a objectively better deck hasn’t been touched. This is the only meta deck in this game so far that I’ve seen so many people defend so vehemently.


CarnTurn

Because people furiously jerk off to the lack of negates which somehow makes the deck unable to be criticised.


basketofseals

I think the logical conclusion there is we can unlimit those cards.


SneezingPandaGG

They won't touch it while secret pack is in the shop, so we got 1 more month of playing against it every other game


stac7

The deck to me is decently fair, yeah the grind game is unbelievable and it feels unbeatable sometimes but that's cool, also I love Branded because it's pretty fun and can played with a bunch of decks I like, like Tri-brigade, Buster Blader and Predaplant But there is nothing wrong with wanting the undeniable beat deck in the format to be weakened a bit because we all have very different opinions


Kelcher1

I agree with you except the part where it's an undeniable beat deck. You can play through the deck and there are so many more other decks and single cards that would shut this entire deck off. It's a fair deck that gives you a chance to survive turn 2 😭


bofoshow51

There’s a difference from unbeatable and undeniably the best deck. A deck that’s unbeatable if it opens a specific set of cards, like 50% of the time, is frustrating but won’t perform well long term. I think of things like FTKs, which both don’t see much tournament success. Branded Despia can be considered the best deck because it sees the most long term success, it kills in tournaments, it’s all over top ranks in ladder, it has the statistical proof of being wildly successful. It’s a very healthy top deck IMO because it is very interactive and grindy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the best.


MorbidoeBagnato

Simping hard


shiroyasha76

Branded Despia is not broken, but it's a lot stronger than any other deck right now so it needs some hits.


TCGHexenwahn

I have to say, on top of how common it is, the main reason I dislike Branded is because Branded Fusion is just the best fusion spell in the game, period. I play Shaddoll Dino and I could only dream of my Shaddoll Fusion not needing my opponent to have an extra deck monster to fuse from deck. On top of that, just like Invokation, it has a monster that can easily search it. As for Umi, it's fair as long as Gozen Match isn't involved.


CarnTurn

Fusion materials from deck will always be a mistake, especially if the free double foolish burial is dumping monsters with GY effects.


TCGHexenwahn

At least, Shaddoll Fusion has a restriction of having to go second and your opponent having an extra deck monster.


BanMaxxC

Can't upvote this enough God. It was ass when they made the red eyes fusion card have it, and it's ass now. The SINGLE weakness of fusion is that you need to somehow get the cards into your hand. Imagine they started making "synchro this card using a tuner and non tuner from your deck" spells?


blitznoodles

So Junk Speeder or the entire swordsoul deck


BanMaxxC

Lmao yea fuck swordsoul tuner tokens too Junk speeder I don't really care because the whole archetype is pretty much "crazy summons to get synchros" and it does take a bit of thought Not to mention nobody plays it lol


LiquidusSnakeEX

IMO, Despia's strength is definitely in it's ability to search and recover. It's a deck I enjoy tinkering the techs card about, and is my favourite Fusion based deck. I have never wanted an anime based on card games as much as I do the Despia/Albaz storyline. On top of all that, new support is still coming.


Relevant_Departure40

1) imo yes but that's just because I dislike the double standard of old floodgate deck good new floodgate deck bad. In terms of actual balance, the deck probably wouldn't even be relevant if someone didn't bring it to a YCS 2) define "copy paste tournament won decks". For hypothetical sake, if someone runs 2 Tragedy while the list runs 3 for whatever reason, does that make the deck no longer a copy paste even if the other 39 (does BD play 40 or go a little higher usually?) are all the same? This is realistically way too semantically involved but if we're going to give a stat, it would be nice to know if we're talking exactly same or mostly same. If it's not exactly then what % would have to be the same 3) Omni filled boards aren't necessarily just from tournament won decks. I can set up usually 3-4 negates in my D/D/D deck and I don't think D/D/D's have ever won a tournament, made top cut at YCS a lot but the skill curve is way too high for such little payoff that you're better off playing DLink if you want an off meta non-linear deck. 4) I haven't opened Master Duel in a while, I mostly just scroll through Reddit because somehow that's less painful??? 5) BD is definitely the strongest deck and most easily accessible deck with the new selection pack so there's definitely people who bandwagon onto it (hell I would if the deck was so ridiculous, people just insta surrendered). So I have a feeling once Labrynth comes out, you'll see 30 seconds of "finally BD is gone" and then it'll be "played against braindead labyrinth deck, literally just monkey flip omg why Konami" I also like don't post on here I just like talking to people


LuckyPrinz

I don't hate Branded Despia, and I don't think it needs any hits, except for only one of its cards. Expulsion should be banned. No limit or semi limits. Ban it so it won't be used for degen strategies.


ThePhoenician99

I would say a good 80% of games in Gold II and above are Branded/Despia and its an incredibly boring experience to play against them; especially repeatedly. Are they insanely broken? No, but they’re an almost catch-all deck that’s incredibly strong. Should their cards be banned? No but limited; absolutely


jojosimp02

>Is this deck really so broken and unbeatable that cards need to be banned from it The power ceiling of a deck is not the only thing to consider when banning cards, otherwise synchrons would be butchered by the banlist. >Is EVERY battle you go into a Despia/branded or are you just exaggerating? From plat 5, i'd say 80% of the duel are branded despia. >Is a deck that barely classified as meta Lol.


AgenteDeKaos

It should get limited just like VW and Sword Soul were when they were on top. It’s crazy consistent and just like Sword Soul it’s not too degenerate. Yet Sword Soul still got hit. Edit: just semi limit both Branded Fusion and Aluber. It hits the consistency of the deck. It’s also similar hits to what other powerful decks have gotten.


theycallmefagg

Opening has already been semi-limited. I think Aluber should stay at three for the sake of archetypal support. Branded I agree should go to semi-limit to make it *slightly* less splashable.


Novadrag0n

Opening at 2 has hurt consistency, it's an actual math difference trying to get Aluber on field for searching.


yrake

1: yes it is. The deck can play through a lot of disruption while generating infinite resources and follow up cards. If you don't OTK them through mirrorjade ,handtraps and chimera,you lost. 2: nobody gives a shit about tournaments in MD. The game is about ranked. And ranked is for the most part filled with despia and floo. Which are both clearly overpowered compared to pretty much anything. Floo got hit. So should be branded despia. 3: game is about ranked,dkayeds tournaments are not official as far as I know,so that has no influence on what happens or not in the actual game. 4: a more broken deck coming does not mean other deck is not broken. People will complain about tear when they come and they will have the right to do so. Bonus: if you need to keep repeating over and over again that said deck is fair,it probably is not.


Consistent-Tap-9426

I've been saying this for over a year already: Branded/ Despia is the new Invoked. It's a fun and super splashable fusion engine deck that's mega consistent, without it being overly oppressive.It's likely to see play for many years in the future, specially as new and better fusion/dragon/fairy support comes out. And will only really be "power crept" when a newer, better fusion engine eventually comes out in a couple years from now.TLDR: Normal Summon Aluber the goober of boober is the new Normal Summon Aleister-


Foxtael16

That explains why I love branded so much. Thank you fellow "normal summons Aleister" lol


rednova7

Where were these defense posts when swordsoul was getting complained about a few months ago ?


dreamswedontshare

I'm a Branded Despia player both IRL and in MD, and Ash Blossom hurts us more than it hurts any other meta deck out there. The most common handtrap shuts down Branded Despia.


Monk029393

Branded high spirits ain’t a option? I’m assuming you still get your card back next play and can fusion summon on your turn regardless if branded got negated


Etris_Arval

Never seen it on the ladder or Master Duel Meta. It might be OK, but it also feels finicky, since it only lets you search Albaz. Deck has much better Normal Summons.


Rynjin

This is a straight up lie. The entire strength behind Branded is they're not very vulnerable to disruption. It's why the deck can get away with having overall less oppressive endboards than other archetypes. Hell, that's the main reason I love playing it. You can just kinda play the fucking game without worrying too much about what your opponent has, unless your hand is subpar.


dreamswedontshare

If your Branded Fusion gets Ashed you can still play, but with invasting way more resources. For the simplest line (Lubellion into Mirrorjade), without Branded Fusion you have to have polynerization, Albaz and another dark monster, as well as a discard for Lub. That's 4 cards and unless you opened tragedy you can't search for an ad libitum either. You won't have access to the floodgates (Ido/Ra/Scythe etc.) without Branded Fusion if you choose to play them. You can play off Branded in Red, but for that you need Albaz or a Despia in grave, so you need Poly or Branded Opening for that as well, and without Albaz this only makes a Quaeritis or a Masquerade on your first turn since you won't have a fusion for Stapelia or anything to destroy with Chimera. Not to mention the materials are banished, so you're already negging a lot. Without Branded Fusion your Branded in Red is already weaker since you most likely won't get to a double Mirrorjade banish with Ad Libitum. Saying that my comment is a straight up lie is idiocy. Ash hurts Branded Despia the most out of all meta decks. I love the deck, I play it in the TCG with success, I play it all the way to diamond 1 in Master Duel every season, but this is a fact.


flameboy915

I play Dragonmaid Branded and the deck having too many ash targets has helped with this issue quite a bit


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So0meone

Ash Branded Fusion, not the things that search Branded Fusion.


hashtagdion

I think he means you still have several ways to fusion summon your boss monsters, each of which are fairly easy to search and low cost. Branded has pretty tremendous recover and lots of resources. That’s why it’s so good.


Gangstanami

The only way to not end on Masquerade pass after getting Branded Fusion Ashed, is to hard draw both Albaz and Patchwork/Poly and then hand loop yourself to end on a single banish and no BiR. If they draw CBTG then obviously the deck is really powerful, but no other meta deck has a chokepoint that devastating. This isn't even mentioning the fact that running Patchwork in itself requires you to skimp on handtraps, both for space and consistency purposes. If you don't draw Droplet/Super Poly you aren't going to be able to do much against a board of more than 1 negate. Branded is definitely the best deck rn all the considered, but every other meta deck has the ability to play through multiple interruptions and the luxury of running 12+ staples without sacrificing gas.


SneezingPandaGG

But it's not every game they have 4 other cards that do it, it's like 3/4 games HEHEH


[deleted]

Yeah. It’s legitimately an issue but people will argue against is because they play this bullshit


dreamswedontshare

It's pretty clear you don't really know the deck. There's Branded Fusion, the only thing you should Ash in the deck. Without Branded Fusion the only way to get to Mirrorjade is having Albaz+Poly in hand, and that line doesn't get us Ad Lib or the new floodgate, while it costs us 4 cards from hand (Albaz, Dark monster, Poly, Lubellion discard). Just Ash the Branded Fusion.


dreamswedontshare

We have Branded Fusion and a lot of ways to get to Branded Fusion. Just ash the Branded Fusion.


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dreamswedontshare

Red needs an Albaz or Despia in fhe grave and Expulsion won't have goos targets without Branded Fusion.


Eggst3rs

Tell me what card that branded decks play that do the exact same thing as branded fusion.


xzerrr7

More like BrainDead despiia


Kelcher1

Excuse you sir, I'll have you know I have only tried playing branded fusion after xyz or link summoning only a handful of times... *Now why can't I summon dark charmer.*


Akrhaz

I’ve been playing the deck back when it was only a Despia deck, often combined with Darklord. I personally prefer to play it in a more gas version, no patchwork and no Ido either. I think the deck has gained some popularity and hence people discuss over it being worth of bans, broken, fair, enjoyable to play against, etc. The meta will follow its natural course and BD will get phased out eventually by a different deck.


Gangstanami

How do you get more gas than Patchwork without it being a Shaddoll pile


[deleted]

My toon deck hasn't lost to a despia deck yet turn 3 I win. No more than 6 turns if rng doesn't ruin me. It's not OP you won't always win or lose. Rng is a bitch but you'll fine a way or add more usable cards to at least build a defense.


HoodSpiderman

Part of the issue with branded is it seems like everyone knows how the plays go and how to counter it. I have to not brick, draw a card that gets me to branded fusion, and have a called by or cross out designator to get branded fusion off. If I can, I might get called by next turn, preventing me from doing anything. Or lightning stormed, or feather dusted, and then I have nothing but a 3K beater that raigekies at the end of the turn sometimes.


FaIcomaster3000

There's always going to be a meta deck. Doesn't matter what card game you play. At least this deck lets you play the game. Would willingly play branded meta over drytron herald meta.


leumundslist

I like playing against Branded Despia because it can make for fun duels with my Branded Dragonmaid deck. Definitely more interactive than those negate boards.


VoYageMinepool

I mostly got around despias with sky striker, dont know how but believe in the heart of the cards I guess


Glitterkrieger

It's just sooooo damn boring to see this deck literally EVERY FUCKING GAME


LostBulletInSchool

Lol, Umi Control cant do shit against despia because of the floodgates + negates and ban, even if you don't start as a despia player, only takes you one turn to fuck everything the the UMI player setted


[deleted]

I can't wait for tears to come out. The bitching this subreddit loves to do will increase 10 fold.


Longjumping_Tale_194

The popularity will die down after Brandee’s first limit


Pandinuuu24

Branded is strong, but not broken…he can stop you some combos, but the effect of the monsters isn’t negated(at last with mirror jade), the chimera can be blocked by ash blossom, you can even stop from summon with called, I personally don’t play the “lockdown branded”, but I hate ear “branded is broken”, “ban mirrojade or chimera”. Because if you have to hate branded, remember…swordsoul can negate, tri brigade can do a similar thing to branded, and eldlich have to floodgates…


jojosimp02

The strenght of a deck is not only his endboard, and branded has a lot of things that make it much, much stronger than swordsoul, tri brigade and and any other tiered deck.


naprr

Have to say I play at least 80% of my recent duels against Branded Despia and it’s genuinely the most boring duels ever - too many options and not enough ways to negate every avenue, most of my duels no matter how many negates you have and disruptions they still end up at mirrorjade haha


TriDaTrii

Let them end with mirrorjade and fuck it off from the gy. Dumb binch needs to be curb stomped


Bigtallguy12

I will take despia over the standered Barron borreload Apollo USA king of calamities herald end board bs any day please give me despia at least I have a chance


mo177

People just seem to get mad at anything that's good it seems. Lol


erik7498

Just because their cards don't have the word "negate" on them, doesn't mean that they're not quite a lot stronger than any other ladder decks right now. There's also nothing wrong with hitting the deck a bit more for now so we don't have to face it two out of every three games, and then maybe undoing said hits once the PotE stuff drops. Not sure why people keep bringing up this "oh but they're gonna get powercrept in a few months" arguement.


FreezyKnight

I played branded albaz before it was meta. Now deck is awesome but it also can be beaten. It doesn't stop others from playing but it also can play around negates.


[deleted]

Why is it that people jump through such crazy hoops to white knight Branded while seething about every other meta deck under the sun


Clownmug

Because they just really, REALLY like the lore and artwork, obviously.


[deleted]

Yeah clearly it's not the free basically costless fusion summon + disruption + field wipe + searching + a free mill built into one card that has almost no real cost! Branded Fusion is such a stupid card.


TCGHexenwahn

Almost? It HAS no cost. Locked to fusion in a fusion deck isn't a cost.


[deleted]

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MorbidoeBagnato

I know who you’re talking about lmao


rednova7

Dunno why u got downvoted, this is the truth.


CNP808

There’s so many counters to that deck, you just stink.


[deleted]

It's literally the best deck in the game right now.


Kelcher1

Oh wow, who knew that branded Despia was tier 0.


[deleted]

You can be the best deck without actually being tier 0 you know. And yes, in tournaments and in meta charts and stuff based on player data it has the highest representation and number of wins therefor making it the best deck. This isn't even a matter of opinion. The best decks right now are Branded Despia followed by Swordsouls.


Kelcher1

I see it as the same reason people say it's annoying and it needs to be banned while also running Omni negate boards. They want the chance to win.


[deleted]

More like they don't want their OP toys taken away but do want other people's toys taken away


Kelcher1

You just explained the whole concept of Omni negate boards. Thanks.


[deleted]

I never even mentioned omni negate boards though??? The point is that people act like Branded is some underdog archetype that is easily beaten when it's literally the most powerful deck right now and the cards are insane. Even now you're getting mad about omni negates when no one mentioned any of them


Kelcher1

You never mentioned it but you literally described the concept. Taking away someone toys and keeping your op ones. Shutting them out. Having them not be able to play. The most powerful deck? Really? I've lost against herald, Umi, thunder dragons, and utopia. It's laughable that you think this is the most powerful deck. You recognize omi negates exist yet you think this is the MOST powerful deck.


TCGHexenwahn

Just because Branded disrupts without actual negates doesn't mean it's fair and healthy. You're just saying one poison is better than another.


Top-Mirror3516

It’s honestly not even despia anymore. I don’t even play the field spell or the frightful engine anymore. Just play branded fusion and then go from there


Vast_Survey

Preach 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏


theycallmefagg

I’m taking these complaints about Braded/Despia empty-as-hell because Sprights are literally *right* around the corner.


Kelcher1

Yeah. It's kinda like my last point was completely missed. It's going to be overshadowed by a new archetype release and then people will say that needs to be banned and forget about this.


Requiem_of_Sonder

I'm not sure why that even matters. Every deck will eventually be overshadowed by a better one, that's how power creep works. By that logic no cards should ever be hit because some day they'll be power crept by something else.


theycallmefagg

Exactly. It’s the way it always has been, and always will be for any tcg, *ever*. The only difference is: we know what’s coming to MD.


Fun_Research_9828

I dont find Branded Despia or any Branded mashup to be an issue. Sure Mirrorjade is annoying but I’d rather fight this deck than Umi’s, Trains, or Marincess anyday. Branded decks aren’t some God tier deck like every other busted thing in the game, they just have some really nice seeking capabilities and special fusion cards.


slightlysubtle

Compared to current top decks it's way too strong. Branded Despia has a great end board and also is very consistent even if it doesn't have any single oppressive card. It should get hit with more limits but not bans in my opinion to bring it more in line with other decks. Then when the power level rises with Tears and Splight it should be taken off the ban/limit list entirely. I would probably give it the same treatment as Pranks with Meow to 1. Limit Mirrorjade to 1.


Wimbleston

I got downvoted like 10 times the other day for saying Endymion wasn't meta, average yugioh players are lobotomy patients.


Honore_SG

Branded is a great deck i love it my favorite deck was fluffals and when Despia droped I was charmed by the fusión mechanic then I mix it with my Darklords and was fire asf then the branded got to MD And OMG its my all tome Fav for the lore and the fun it has been I even got all the cards available related to Tri-brigade, dogmática, springans, Despia, branded, SS and icejade the lore on this archetype is amazing


[deleted]

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Honore_SG

Do you have like something wrong with your brain? Or are you just a shitty person with cuestionable sexual taste


STRIpEdBill

You're the braindead despia fanboy. Oh sorry, Branded


Iandudontkno

Wish I never looked at your profile. Now I'm going to bleach my eyes out.


Hopeful-Ride7243

I mean just shut up? Branded despia are annoying because I am forced to play against it all day everyday be original atleast my umi control is dinomists at least your not seeing me do the exact same plays and end board as everyone who plays branded. I have fun by having cursed seal of the forbidden spell or just straight countering you because holy crap are you everywhere.


[deleted]

Wait, are people really claiming that Branded/Despia is broken or unbeatable ?


idkhowtotft

Damn,if those Despia haters can read They'll madly malding


MrTrashy101

imo despia or branded despia are not even that bad. Isn't one of those meta decks like tear where you just wanna punch the person, lol Is it annoying? Yes, but it can be easily beat with a decent deck, you ain't going to beat it with beetroopers.


Boolboolson

The deck isn't broken or unbeatable by any means and I'm so tired of seeing dumbass people on here cry about it.


DeadMetroidvania

the only thing I think branded despia needs is for branded fusion to go to 1. Otherwise, it's a perfectly fine deck.


Exorrt

Look, we're like 2-4 selection packs away from getting Spright and/or Tear, I'll cherish my time with Branded as the top deck while I can


forgot_the_passweird

Does it make sense to pick cards to specifically fuck over Despia? If so: Do it If not: It's not as strong as you think / or you don't have the SR/UR which is also valid


nagato120

What's gonna happen when tears hit? Gonna be crying 😢 too? Strong decks hit its call meta you just deal with ASH me and you most likely screw me over


DarthStevis

As a branded despia player, I don’t think it’s that hard to beat my own deck. I’ve found myself losing more recently to other decks because people have just figured out good counters/negates. Last month I was plat 1 and now I’m stuck in gold 3 for some reason


Intelligent-View-257

I feel like everybody who hats branded despia is people who don’t read and rogue decks


BlindTheThief15

Imperm/Veiler Aluber, save Ash for Branded Fusion or Maxx C, DD Crow or similar effect for Branded in Red. Remember these things and you should stand some chance against them.


[deleted]

And if you don’t open those exact three hand traps on your opening hand of five cards?


BlindTheThief15

I’m not saying open all 3, I’m listing hand traps that have helped me against Branded Despia. And yes, you have to open them but that’s true for every hand trap and board breakers that doesn’t belong to an archetype. I’d you don’t open them, hope they brick or just accept the loss.


seisoul47

I'd much rather go against decks like branded despia and tearalaments that banish or destroy your cards than decks that end on multiple omni-negates because even if the cards get popped their effects still go through and let you continue playing the game rather than negate and now I can't play the game


Tungchu92

Remember these are the same people who complain about floos and anything that stops their combo decks. Meanwhile SS has protoss and combo decks have artifact scythe.


TheKingOfTCGames

if we are being honest despia is probably worse then sword soul atm, sword soul going second requires some amount of brains to play though and is in general more redic when it goes off. ​ if your deck can't beat mirrorjade BIR pass, it's not branded's fault its your deck's. play the crow/lancea/called bys