Introduction to Code Talker
Into the VRAINS! – Introduction to Code Talkers
Code Talkers: Not only did they introduce us to the VRAINS era and its Link mechanic with Decode Talker, they also ended it with one of the strongest Link monsters currently in the game - Accesscode Talker. As the main archetype of the anime protagonist of this era, there is 3+ full years of support behind this deck, but what exactly does it do?
- The Strategy
- Deckbuilding
- Combos
- Decklists
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tips
- FAQ
- Final Words
1. The Strategy
Code Talkers are the definition of the Link mechanic: rapid Link climbing and co-linking are the core strategy of this archetype. By pointing to other monsters, you receive offensive and defensive power-ups to overpower your opponent or to put a difficult-to-overcome wall in their way. They are supported with their own set of Main Deck monsters, which all have the unique effect of being able to use themselves from your hand as Link material for the Link Summon of a Code Talker monster. In addition, they have a large variety of Spell and Trap cards, which for example allow you several Normal Summons per turn, negate an opponent's entire card name, or even to search monsters from your deck multiple times in one turn. The goal here is the epitome of Link Summoning: The Extra Link.
Yes, sure, but wait, Extra Link? Is there any use for it at all? It only stops decks that focus on Link monsters, and all other Summoning methods don't necessarily need the Extra Monster Zones.
Well, that's true, BUT: Code Talkers still have a way to use this strategy efficiently against pretty much every deck, let's take a closer look.
2. Deckbuilding
2.1. The Code Talker Archetype
2.1.1. Played Code Talker Support
Code Talker
It has no strategy-supporting effects, but as a DARK Link-2 it is the easiest Code Talker to Summon while also having the best Attribute. Summoning it will usually start all of your combos.
Code Talker Inverted
The other Link-2, as a LIGHT monster it has the second best Attribute in the Deck while also having the useful effect to Special Summon another Cyberse monster from your hand when Link Summoned.
Transcode Talker
EARTH Attribute and the first Link-3 with some of the strongest effects in the Deck. Not only can you revive Link monsters for free every turn without negating them it also gives itself and every Link monster that's co-linked with it a 500 ATK boost as well as effect targeting protection.
Excode Talker
WIND Attribute and the second Link-3. All monsters it points to get a 500 ATK boost as well as effect destruction protection. When Link Summoned it can also block Main Monster Zones. Keep in mind it will also protect your opponents monsters if it points to them.
Accesscode Talker
If you know the game, you will know what a pure powerhouse this card is. As DARK Link-4 it not only has the highest Link Rating out of all Code Talkers and the best Attribute, it also has the most destructive capability. It's a Win Condition in tons of other decks and here in this deck is where it's home at.
Talkback Lancer
An underrated Link-1. It doesn't belong to the Archetype by name, but it has the useful effect of being able to revive any “Code Talker” monster from your GY without negating its effects. Pairing it with Transcode Talker will quickly get revival chains going for a big comeback.
Micro Coder
The smallest monster with the biggest job: As a DARK monster Micro Coder has the effect to use itself as Link Material for the Summon of a “Code Talker” monster from your hand. Depending on where it got used from as Material, it will either search your Deck for Cyberse monsters or “Cynet” Spell/Traps, one of those being the heart of this deck, “Cynet Codec”.
Code Generator
EARTH Attribute with the same effect as Micro Coder, but in this case it either sends a Cyberse monster from your Deck to the GY, or adds it to your hand. Cruical for Combos.
Code Exporter
WIND Attribute and also a monster that can be used as Link Material from your hand. Can add monsters from the GY back to hand or Special Summon them negated.
Cynet Codec
The heart of the Deck. As you may have noticed, the Attribute has been named for all monsters so far, and there is a reason for this: As a Continuous Spell Card, Cynet Codec adds a Cyberse monster from your Deck to your hand with the same Attribute as a “Code Talker” monster when it’s successfully Link Summoned. And that’s not all; Cynet Codec is not a typical "once per turn" effect like many other cards in the game. Instead, it can search for each Attribute once, which means that in the best case scenario 6 monsters can be added in one turn.
Cynet Optimization
The underdog of your backrow. Cynet Optimization is a Continuous Spell Card with the effect of allowing for an additional Normal Summon of a Cyberse monster each turn. This helps a lot in building your field presence, but that’s not all: It has a second effect. If a “Code Talker” monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step, which prevents floating effects and other forms of “Battle Traps” and ensures a safe Battle Phase.
Cynet Conflict
Probably one of the best archetypal Counter Traps in the game. As long as you control a “Code Talker” monster, Cynet Conflict can negate any card or effect activation, and banishes the negated card. At the same time, it also prevents the opponent from activating cards with the same name as the banished card until the end of the next turn. Unfortunately, this card is often not played due to consistency issues.
