The best Yu-Gi-Oh! video games depend on what you’re looking for—whether it’s a faithful trading card game (TCG) simulator, a story-driven experience, or something with unique gameplay. Based on critical reception, fan feedback, and versatility across platforms, here are some of the top Yu-Gi-Oh! games, with a focus on variety and replayability.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel (2022)

PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Android

Masterduel

  • What’s Good: This free game is the real deal for card battling online. It’s got over 10,000 cards, looks amazing with sharp visuals, and has music that pumps you up. Newbies get tutorials to learn the ropes, while pros can dive into tournaments. There’s a solo mode too that digs into card stories.
  • Who It’s For: Anyone who wants to battle online with the latest rules, no matter what device they’re on.
  • Downsides: No chill matchmaking for casual play, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re new.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links (2017)

PC, iOS, Android

Duellinks

  • What’s Good: Perfect for quick games on your phone. It simplifies things with smaller play areas, so matches don’t drag. You get anime-style stories, tons of cards from all eras, and constant updates. It’s super popular, with millions playing.
  • Who It’s For: People who want fast, easy duels on the go.
  • Downsides: The game pushes in-app purchases a bit, and it’s not quite like the full card game.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution (2020)

Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC

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  • What’s Good: This one’s loaded with over 10,000 cards and follows the anime’s stories from the OG series to VRAINS. It’s great for solo play or building decks, with all the latest rules.
  • Who It’s For: Anime fans who want to relive the show’s big moments while dueling.
  • Downsides: Online mode’s not as lively as Master Duel, and the menus feel a bit old-school.

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Eternal Duelist Soul (2002)

Game Boy Advance

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  • What’s Good: A classic that nails the early card game feel. You could even scan real cards to boost your deck, which was awesome back then. It’s simple, nostalgic, and part of the 2025 Early Days Collection for Switch and PC.
  • Who It’s For: Old-school fans who want that original Duel Monsters vibe.
  • Downsides: Only about 800 cards, and the rules are outdated compared to now.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelists of the Roses (2001)

PS2

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  • What’s Good: This one’s wild—it turns Yu-Gi-Oh! into a medieval strategy game set in a historical war. You pick Yugi or Kaiba and duel on a grid with weird rules. It’s quirky and memorable.
  • Who It’s For: Players who want something totally different from regular Yu-Gi-Oh!.
  • Downsides: The rules aren’t like the card game, and it’s tough to track down now.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour (2005)

Nintendo DS

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  • What’s Good: Set in the Battle City arc, this mixes card battles with a bit of RPG exploring. It’s got a cool story, familiar characters, and used the DS touch screen well. Pure nostalgia for anime fans.
  • Who It’s For: Solo players who love the early anime and want a portable adventure.
  • Downsides: Not many cards, and the graphics haven’t aged great.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Tag Force 5 (2010)

PSP

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  • What’s Good: A gem from the Tag Force series, it’s got over 4,000 cards and follows the 5D’s anime. You can team up for 2v2 duels and explore Duel Academy like an RPG. Fans love its depth.
  • Who It’s For: 5D’s fans or anyone into team duels on a handheld.
  • Downsides: Only on PSP, and no online mode.

Honorable mentions

  • Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel (2003) - GBA: Feels like stepping into the anime, solid for its time.
  • Forbidden Memories (1999) - PS1: Super nostalgic but clunky with odd rules. Fun for collectors.
  • Early Days Collection (2025) - Switch, PC: Brings back old Game Boy games, including some Japan-only ones. Great for retro kicks.

What to Play?

  • Want serious online battles? Master Duel or Duel Links are your go-to.
  • Love anime stories? Check Legacy of the Duelist or Nightmare Troubadour.
  • Craving something weird? Try Duelists of the Roses or Tag Force 5.
  • Feeling retro? Grab Eternal Duelist Soul or wait for the Early Days Collection.
  • If you’re just starting, Master Duel is free and teaches you the game. If you’re an anime diehard or want a big single-player mode, Legacy of the Duelist is solid. Look for these on Steam, Nintendo’s store, or hunt for older ones secondhand.