In-Depth Endymion Guide
- BASIC GUIDE
- SAMPLE DECKS
- ADVANCED TOPICS
- RULINGS
Lore
Years ago, Loading... harnessed the magic of the Loading... s to build a thriving epicenter of magic, the Loading... . He believed magic was dangerous and that access to it should be tightly regulated. Under Endymion's reign, the Citadel's might was unparalleled.
However, there also existed a rival faction of spellcasters at Loading... , a library and research institute powered by the magical energy of none other than Endymion's own former classmate, Loading... . The Spellbook users flourished and created great achievements, however Endymion believed they had done too little to prevent misuse of their magic. He sought to conquer his fellow spellcasters and mounted a raid on Loading... . But in a confirmation of Endymion's concerns, his forces were driven back when the Loading... accidentally accessed the Loading... and lost control of its magic, transforming into the powerful Loading... .
After this loss, Endymion furthered the Citadel's power by founding the Loading... , where he infused the Power Stones directly into magical creatures to produce fearsome creations, the Mythical Beasts. He also underwent his own magical transformation, becoming the one we now know as Loading... .
(Once students together under the Magistus, it is unknown whether Endymion is aware that Crowley—formerly Loading... —is currently held within Loading... . Freeing Crowley may have been an additional objective of Endymion's attack.)
General Approach
Like the Mighty Master himself, an Endymion deck uses the magic of the Power Stones (Spell Counters) to fuel effects that can establish multiple interruptions on turn 1 or break boards on turn 2.
Most "Endymion" and "Mythical Beast" cards generate Spell Counters each time a Spell resolves. By using Spells that replace themselves, you can gain those Spell Counters without losing any resources and activate your most powerful effects essentially for free.
As with other Pendulum decks, there is no standard combo or play line. Each opening hand requires thought and improvisation. The general approach is to accumulate Spell Counters while searching your heavy hitters from the Deck, and then Special Summon everything via Pendulum Summon and various card effects. It's almost always possible to establish monster effect negation within the first 5 Summons, so playing around Loading... is fairly straightforward.
The deck's two strongest variants pair Endymion with either:
- His own "Mythical Beast" cards.
- The rivaling "Spellbook" cards.
Deck Contents
Core "Endymion" Cards
Endymion is the defining example of a 'boss monster' if there ever was one.
His Pendulum Effect Special Summons himself and then immediately destroys almost any number of cards without targeting. This is a Spell effect that resolves in your Pendulum Zone, so monster effect negation does not stop it. It's also common to use this effect during your first turn, but you must still attempt to destroy at least 1 card — ideally Loading... or a card that can avoid destruction.
In the Monster Zone, being untargetable and indestructible by card effects already gives many opponents trouble. Additionally, he can negate the activation of a Spell/Trap Card or effect by returning a card with a Spell Counter to the hand (including itself). Since Endymion gains the returned card's Spell Counters, you don't lose anything and often gain an opportunity to reuse the returned card.
He even gets you back on track by adding Loading... or Loading... to your hand if destroyed by battle while he has a Spell Counter.
Endymion's three loyal aides each Special Summon themselves from the Pendulum Zone, along with any monster that can have Spell Counters from the hand, Deck, or face-up Extra Deck, respectively.
Servant is your best play starter by Special Summoning Endymion or Loading... directly from the Deck — not only giving you a +1 but also positioning you to negate your opponent's Loading... , Loading... , or other interruption.
Magister's monster effect can Special Summon Jackal King, Endymion, or Reflection during your opponent's turn, which helps tailor your board to your opponent's strategy. His Pendulum Effect requires more set-up and is often used near the end of your combo.
Reflection's Pendulum Effect does come up, but her monster effect is more impactful. Both Magister and Loading... can Special Summon her during your opponent's turn and trigger her effect to return a card to the hand.
- This can be important for getting rid of an opponent's Xyz Monster before it battles, to avoid dealing with Loading... .
Mythical Beast Variant
All versions of the deck include Loading... , but this variant excels at fielding it early and protecting your plays from interruption. Loading... allows you to quickly accumulate Spell Counters and then swap it for Jackal King.
Master Cerberus destroys itself to add Jackal King to your hand, and then Jackal King destroys itself to Special Summon that same Master Cerberus. From here, you'll gain 2 Spell Counters for each Spell that resolves, you have a material for Loading... , and you've loaded a copy of Jackal King into the Extra Deck for your Pendulum Summon.
- Master Cerberus is a magnet for Loading... but the pay-off is worth the risk.
Going second, Loading... 's effect to destroy a Spell/Trap can be essential against cards like Loading... and Loading... . Its effect in the hand is also a great way to blindside your opponent.
Finally, Astrograph's effect in the hand is easy to trigger and it searches a second Jackal King or Endymion from your Deck for your Pendulum Summon.
Spellbook/Abductor Variant
This variant excels at drawing deep into the Deck to consistently find your strongest cards. Loading... and Loading... add one another to your hand, and then either adds Loading... — effectively trading your Normal Summon for 2 Spell resolutions and a Loading... effect.
Loading... sends a copy of Endymion, Reflection, or Jackal King to the GY (which you can revive with Loading... ), then Special Summons itself to be used as material for Selene or Loading... . Its effect on the field draws additional cards... just don't be too greedy because it's vulnerable to several hand traps.
With all these Spell resolutions, it's easy to accumulate 3 Spell Counters on Loading... for her effect that adds any Pendulum Monster to your hand. This effect can be used more than once per turn, if you can remove her from the field and activate another copy. Depending on your play style, her monster effect can also add Loading... .
Core Extra Deck Cards
For a Link-3 monster, Selene is incredibly simple to Link Summon and instantly creates enough Spell Counters for any effect you might want to activate.
Her Quick Effect is great for triggering Loading... 's effect during your opponent's turn. She can also Special Summon a copy of Loading... or Loading... that was just returned to your hand by Endymion's effect, thereby allowing you to use their once-per-turn negates a second time.
- For decks that run non-Pendulum Spellcasters, Selene can revive these from the GY and give you an easy route to Loading... or Loading... .
Electrumite is easily Link Summoned after resolving any of Endymion's aides' Pendulum Effects. Loading... is often the best card to retrieve with her effect, but that's not always the case so think carefully. Electrumite can be a choke point, so try to keep a copy of Jackal King or Endymion on the field to protect her from hand traps.
Loading... 's effect comes with its own obvious choke point. In exchange for searching any Pendulum Monster, you're left more vulnerable to interruption until you Pendulum Summon. Cards in your Pendulum Zones also lose their Spell Counters. She's a strong card in the right situation, but not always worth her downsides.
Crowley and Artemis are only used in decks that run the "Spellbook" cards. The latter converts any Level 4 or lower Pendulum Spellcaster into fodder for Loading... .
Loading... is Special Summoned by using 2 Level 7 monsters (preferably Loading... and/or Loading... ) to Xyz Summon Loading... , and then triggering its effect by using it as Link Material or destroying it with Endymion's Pendulum Effect. If you need to use Endymion as Xyz Material for Absolute Dragon, then Selene can quickly revive him.
Endymion's Spells
Mastery and Institution are both outstanding searchers.
Institution can use Spell Counters from anywhere on your field, and you can search multiple times if you control multiple copies (or return one to your hand and activate it again). Loading... is essentially free for just 1 Spell Counter, and Institution also gives additional access to Loading... and Loading... .
Citadel and Bestiary are not necessary, but remain decent options to suit your preference. You'll sometimes draw into Servant, Magister, or Loading... after already using several Spells, and Citadel lets you activate their effects immediately without needing 3 more Spell resolutions.
Free Spell Counters
These are sometimes called "cantrips", which is a Dungeons & Dragons term for a spell that can be cast for no cost and without using a spell slot.
Similarly, each of these gives you Spell Counters without costing you any cards from your hand. Many of these are limited or forbidden in the TCG, but in Master Duel you can run 3 of each and enjoy the consistency of a 30-card Deck. Include as many as possible.
- Loading... prevents the player with lower LP from taking damage. Remember to get rid of it before attacking for game!
Allure is most ideal in decks that run multiple copies of Loading... and sometimes [Abyss Actor - Curtain Raiser}, since they provide additional DARK monsters and Souls can trade Allure for a new draw if you prefer. It's a bit risky in the Mythical Beast variant because you would prefer not to banish Endymion or Jackal King, and your only other DARK monsters are Loading... and 1 or 2 copies of Loading... (which can at least be searched with Loading... .)
Common Flex Spots
The opposite of cantrips, these Spells do reduce your resources and some cannot be activated in all situations.
Nevertheless, pushing through interruption is important. And backed up by even just 1 Loading... , either Field Spell can lock your opponent right out of the Duel. Just keep these cards to a minimum to avoid bricking on them.
- While Secret Village is active, remember not to use your only Spellcasters for Loading... . Otherwise you'll instantly lock yourself out of Spells, including activating cards in the Pendulum Zones.
Less Common Tech Cards
Loading... prevents your opponent from interrupting your plays with monster effects — which does block some of your own effects, but can be great when going second. Kai-Den's Pendulum Scale lets you Pendulum Summon Loading... , and its Pendulum Effect gives you an additional Spell activation for more Spell Counters. Sloth's monster effect is self-explanatory.
Restage is an extender that revives a Spellcaster from the GY, so it's only an option in the Spellbook/Abductor variant. Sending it to the GY (e.g. via Loading... ) nets you a free Loading... , which does negate Loading... and Loading... if your opponent doesn't play around it.
Loading... can be a way to send Loading... to the GY, and its effect occasionally comes in handy. Loading... lets you salvage some awkward hands by sending Loading... to the Extra Deck, in order to enable Loading... 's and Loading... 's Pendulum Effects.
Day-Breaker sometimes generates that last Spell Counter you need. Any of the "Charmer" Link Monsters can get you to Loading... with just 2 of your own monsters.
Starving Venom (forbidden in the TCG) lets you use Loading... 's effects a second time, although it rarely comes up.
Sample Decks
Without rigid play lines, most Pendulum decks have ample flexibility and Endymion is the same. The 'pure' variants can borrow tech cards from one another, or they can be more extensively combined to create hybrid builds.
Nevertheless, over the course of many duels, the 'pure' variants have consistently better performance than hybrids do. The following decks are accurate demonstrations of what veteran players most commonly run to maximize synergy between various cards and engines.
These variants include:
-
Mythical Beast variant – Most resilient to interruption and the strongest option when going second.
-
Spellbook/Abductor variant – Has the most draw power and extenders.
-
Jowgen/Judgment variant – Features a strong lock at the cost of running several brick/suboptimal "Spellbook" Spells.
-
Budget deck – Focusing on unique archetypal boss monsters instead of generics makes this deck fun, but also expensive!
Mythical Beast Variant
The Mythical Beast variant excels at protecting your turn 1 plays by fielding Loading... early. It rarely bricks, since anything that isn't a key card either (1) searches your key cards or (2) draws more cards. It's also hands-down the stronger option for breaking your opponent's board when going second.
-
This version accumulates Spell Counters by running a lot of cards that generate them when Spells resolve.
-
Using the "Mythical Beast" Pendulum Effects generates Spell Counters very quickly on Loading... , but remember that Institution can remove Spell Counters from any card you control for its effect.
-
Institution most commonly searches for Loading... by removing 1 Spell Counter or Loading... by removing 3. If you draw it late in your turn, you can also use it to search Loading... for another interruption.
This deck is completely unaffected by Loading... , which has shown up in several tournament-topping Endymion decks. Loading... and Loading... are also common picks.
It does hurt when Ash Blossom negates Master Cerberus's Pendulum Effect, since it remains stuck in the Pendulum Zone. Remember not to keep Loading... in your hand if you resolved Loading... that turn.
Spellbook/Abductor Variant
The Spellbook/Abductor variant is unparalleled in its draw power, including all the usual "draw 1 card" Spells in addition to Loading... and Loading... . It also has a slightly higher ceiling in terms of the boards it can establish on turn 1.
-
Souls can send Loading... from the Deck to the GY, which can then be revived with Loading... during your opponent's turn.
-
Loading... is Summoned more easily because you'll have a Spellcaster in the GY for Selene to revive.
-
Loading... is also easier to Summon, since having a Level 4 or lower Spellcaster in the GY lets you take advantage of Loading... combos.
-
Loading... can revive Loading... , and then Souls sends it to the GY to draw a card — which triggers Restage's effect to search Loading... . It can also revive Loading... , and in a pinch, the card can be activated (to generate Spell Counters) even with no targets in the GY for its effect.
This version isn't quite as strong when going second, and is slightly more prone to bricking in general. It's also common to run more copies of Souls and/or Jackal King, but drawing them at the wrong time is a risk.
Jowgen/Judgment Variant
The goal here is to use Loading... to search 3 or more "Spellbook" Spells during the End Phase and then Special Summon Loading... from your Deck. Backed up by multiple negates, your opponent will have a hard time getting past him. If they destroy Jowgen by battle, then you can use the Quick Effect of Loading... to bring him right back and keep your opponent locked out of Special Summoning.
-
If you draw Jowgen, then you can use him as fodder for Loading... and revive him with Selene.
-
Sending a Spellcaster or a "Spellbook" card to the GY occurs when Knowledge resolves. You can maximize your card economy by Chaining to Knowledge with Loading... , Loading... , or Loading... — allowing you to resolve that Spell's effect on the Chain, and then send that same Spell to the GY for Loading... .
-
Loading... allows you to activate Fate and Wisdom from your hand during your opponent's turn, after searching them with Loading... during your previous End Phase.
Based on
's deck that performed well on 's Twitch stream, this build demonstrates that the "Mythical Beast" and "Spellbook" cards can be used together.
Budget Deck
Endymion earns its reputation for being an expensive deck on Master Duel, but the good news is that the deck's strongest plays (including its boss monsters) all come from the Main Deck. When getting started, you can save on UR crafting points by focusing on the Main Deck and skipping Extra Deck toolbox options. Based on
's budget build, this deck is fully functional and can perform all of the hardest-hitting Endymion plays.All of the "Endymion" and "Mythical Beast" cards come in the Knowledge of the Mythlords Secret Pack. The deck's UR cards should be prioritized as follows:
-
Endymion, Selene, Jackal King, and Loading... are each mandatory as listed.
-
Master Cerberus can be reduced to 2 in a pinch, but the third is worth the gems/crafting points.
-
Loading... is high-priority, so run as many as you can afford.
-
Loading... can wait until you have the above cards.
Other UR cards:
-
Loading... should definitely be added if you have it.
-
Loading... can be deferred until you have the CP to craft it.
-
Apollousa, Loading... , and Loading... are the highest-yield cards to add to your Extra Deck as you can afford them. Loading... can wait until you have these cards.
Advanced Topics
As you've seen by now, Endymion is a fluid deck that plays every duel differently. Every opening hand requires improvisation, so this portion of the guide will not be a collection of 1-, 2-, and 3-card combos like many others. Instead it will cover additional options for deck building and advanced duel strategies for varying situations.
Topics will include:
-
Options for gaining Spell Counters
-
Gaining additional interruptions during the opponent's turn
-
Breaking the opponent's board
-
First turn lock-outs
-
Instant Fusion toolbox
-
Vaylantz Field Spells
-
Common mini-combos
-
Salvaging bad hands
Options for Gaining Spell Counters
Sky Striker Engine
Use Hornet Drones to Summon a Sky Striker Ace Token, use it to Link Summon Kagari, and trigger Kagari's effect to return Hornet Drones to your hand. This gives you 2 Spell activations, and Engage adds a third Spell activation as well as a draw.
Hayate is an option for a down-pointing Link Arrow and Widow Anchor can be an alternate search target for Engage. The "Sky Striker" cards saw use when Master Duel was first released, but have fallen out of favor due to the likelihood of drawing them while you already have monsters in your Main Monster Zones.
Toon Engine
Use Loading... to add another copy of Contents to your hand. Repeat with the second copy, and then use the third copy of Contents to search Loading... or Loading... . You can also add Loading... , although just 1 copy due to its condition.
This gives you 4 to 5 Spell resolutions in exchange for an effective –1, since Loading... has no effect and Loading... can only Special Summon itself under specific conditions. The "Toon" cards work a little better in the Spellbook/Abductor variant because you can use Loading... for the effect of Loading... , but they're still only rarely used.
Gaining Additional Interruptions During the Opponent's Turn
Avoid letting your opponent bait your last monster negate or Spell/Trap negate, by Chaining Magister's Quick Effect preemptively.
Example:
- At the start of your opponent's Main Phase 1, they activate Loading... while you control just 1 copy of Endymion.
- Activate Endymion's effect as Chain Link 2 and Magister's effect as Chain Link 3.
- When the Chain resolves, Magister's effect Special Summons a second Endymion, and then the first Endymion negates Loading... .
You can do the same to Special Summon Loading... on the same Chain as your other Jackal King or Loading... . This ensures that you're ready to negate your opponent's next effect before they have an opportunity to activate it.
If Garuda is in your Extra Deck and you have an available zone that a Link Monster points to, you can Pendulum Summon Garuda and then activate a Spell so it gains a Spell Counter.
During your opponent's turn, use Endymion to return Garuda to your hand and negate an opponent's Spell/Trap. Now Garuda's effect in the hand gives you another interruption.
Selene's Quick Effect lets you reuse Endymion's or Jackal King's negate effects a second time.
- Use Endymion's effect to negate a Spell/Trap, by returning to your hand a Jackal King or an Endymion (including itself) that has already used its effect.
- Turn on your toggle.
- Immediately after that Chain resolves, activate Selene's Quick Effect to Special Summon that same Jackal King or Endymion from your hand.
In most cases, Vortex Dragon will be Summoned during your own turn by using Absolute Dragon as material for Loading... , Loading... , or Loading... .
You can also Summon Loading... without using Absolute Dragon as material, and instead use Loading... 's Quick Effect to trigger Absolute Dragon's effect during your opponent's turn. This not only Summons Vortex Dragon for an omni-negate, but also triggers its effect to return an opponent's monster to the hand.
Example:
- You end your turn with Absolute Dragon, Loading... , and Loading... .
- During your opponent's turn, they activate a monster effect.
- Activate Jackal King's effect as Chain Link 2 and Loading... 's effect as Chain Link 3.
- When the Chain resolves, Loading... Link Summons any Link-4 monster, and then Jackal King negates your opponent's monster effect.
- Trigger Absolute Dragon's effect to Special Summon Vortex Dragon.
- Trigger Vortex Dragon's effect to return an opponent's monster to the hand.
(You could also wait to activate Loading... 's effect until your opponent controls a better monster for Vortex Dragon to return to the hand, but this may leave you vulnerable with no negates.)
Breaking the Opponent's Board
Nontargeting Monster and Spell/Trap Destruction
The standard win condition on turn 2 is to resolve Endymion's Pendulum Effect after baiting your opponent's Spell disruptions.
Loading... will often provide all the Spell Counters you need. Additionally, Loading... and Loading... both generate twice as many Spell Counters as other cards do.
Avoid letting your opponent know that you have Endymion, by searching/activating it later rather than earlier. Fielding a copy of Loading... can prevent your opponent from disrupting Endymion's effect.
- (Remember that Endymion's Pendulum Effect resolves in the Pendulum Zone. Monster effect negation does not stop it, and it still destroys cards even if Loading... is active.)
Nondestruction Removal
Note that Reflection, Master Cerberus, and Vortex Dragon each target an opponent's monster or card. Master Cerberus is often used as Link Material, but remember to use his monster effect first if you have extra Spell Counters.
Loading... does not target, but only works on monsters in the opponent's Extra Monster Zone (e.g. Loading... and Loading... ).
Clearing an Unaffected Monster
Avramax can battle over any opponent's monster that is unaffected by card effects, as long as that monster was Special Summoned.
An Endymion deck usually has no problem fielding enough materials for Underworld Goddess. Loading... and the other "Charmer" Link Monsters can get you to either of these starting with as few as 3 of your own monsters.
First Turn Lock-Outs
Amorphage Sloth
Sloth's effect locks both players out of their Extra Decks, which is strong for obvious reasons. It does limit you a bit as well, since your combos are generally over once you Pendulum Summon it.
Sloth's low Pendulum Scale gives it some additional utility in a pinch. You can also search it with Electrumite, but usually you'll search other cards and just Pendulum Summon Sloth if you draw it.
Dragon Buster Destruction Sword
Link Summon Loading... , then use its effect to equip Loading... to any DARK monster. The deck is already designed to Summon multiple copies of Endymion and Loading... , so targeting a DARK monster is no trouble.
A downside is that using 2 monsters for Loading... might cost you other forms of interruption. Preferable ways include using Loading... and either Loading... or Loading... .
Jowgen the Spiritualist
When the Spellbook of Prophecy structure deck was added in September 2022, players did have some success using the unbanned Loading... to Special Summon Loading... . Even with its relatively low stats, some opponents simply cannot play with Jowgen on the field.
On the other hand, this variant requires more "Spellbook" Spells with different names for Judgment's effect. Loading... and Loading... are typically the best options. Loading... is strong but can brick pretty hard.
There also aren't many ways to prevent your opponent from simply battling over Jowgen, although Loading... can prevent that and Selene can just Special Summon him back.
Instant Fusion Toolbox
Loading... acts as a key to unlock cards you normally wouldn't have access to. Loading... can copy its effect on demand, and Loading... can revive most of these monsters during either player's turn for additional disruptions.
Loading... is a free material for Loading... and Loading... . You can also destroy her with Electrumite or Endymion's Pendulum Effect (or Loading... 's effect during the End Phase) to place her in your Pendulum Zone.
Loading... negates Loading... (or another hand trap) by Chaining to its activation and equipping it from the GY. It can also negate a monster on the field when going second. Be sure to activate your vulnerable effects before using Millennium-Eyes as material.
Loading... baits an opponent's negate by threatening to equip their monster. Its floodgate effect can come up if Selene revives it during your opponent's turn.
Loading... is a floodgate that Selene revives during either player's turn. First use her as material, and then have Selene revive her at the end of your turn. If your opponent attempts to overcome Winda's lock by battling over her, then Selene can revive her again during your opponent's Main Phase 2.
Vaylantz Field Spells
Each "Vaylantz" Field Spell places the other in your opponent's Field Zone. Not only does this send their current Field Spell to the GY without destroying it, but it also allows you to activate the effects of both Field Spells. Just be sure to destroy at least one (preferably both) of them to prevent your opponent from using their effects.
Shinra Banso's effect is good when going first or second, as it lets you Special Summon a monster from your Pendulum Zone. This can give you a material for Loading... , establish a negate (e.g. Jackal King or Endymion), or move an extra/stuck Loading... out of the Pendulum Zone.
Generally, Konig Wissen's effect is only applicable when going second because it moves an opponent's monster into their Spell & Trap Zone. It's free nondestruction removal, and you may even get to destroy one of their Spells/Traps at the same time.
- Be sure to place Konig Wissen on your field and Shinra Bansho on your opponent's field. Konig Wissen is more useful for your opponent, so putting it on your field lets you easily replace Konig Wissen with another Field Spell — leaving your opponent with a live but useless Shinro Banso.
Common Mini-Combos
Vortex Dragon with Cross-Sheep
You'll need 2 Level 7 monsters and a Level 4 or lower Spellcaster (or any any monster if you already have a Level 4 or lower Spellcaster in the GY).
- Use the 2 Level 7 monsters to Xyz Summon Loading... .
- Use Absolute Dragon and the Spellcaster (or other monster) to Link Summon Loading... .
- Trigger Absolute Dragon's effect to Special Summon Loading... to a zone Loading... points to.
- Trigger Loading... 's effect to revive the Level 4 or lower Spellcaster.
- Use Loading... and the revived Spellcaster to Link Summon Loading... .
The monster used as material for Loading... can even be a previous copy of Selene, since her effect helps you put 2 Level 7 monsters on the field. Loading... can be material for the first copy Selene while also putting a Level 7 Spellcaster in the GY for her to revive. Summoning the second copy of Selene allows you to use each of her effects a second time.
If Loading... was used as Xyz Material, then Selene can revive him immediately. If Loading... was used, then Selene can revive her during your opponent's turn and trigger her effect.
Magicians' Souls with Magician's Restage
This 2-card combo searches nets you a +3 by searching the Spellbook engine from your Deck.
- Use Loading... ' effect to Special Summon itself.
- Use Souls as material to Link Summon Loading... .
- Activate Loading... and then use its effect to revive Souls.
- Use Souls' effect to send Restage to the GY, then trigger its effect to add Loading... to your hand.
- Use Artemis and Souls to Link Summon Loading... , then trigger its effect to randomly add Loading... , Loading... , or Loading... to your hand.
- Two thirds of the time, you'll randomly add Magician or Secrets. Use one to search the other, and then use that to search Knowledge. Finally, use Knowledge to send Magician to the GY and draw 2 cards.
The result is Crowley, Right Hand, and 3 draws. One third of the time, you'll randomly add Knowledge instead. You can use it to send Crowley to the GY and draw 2 cards, netting you the same as above sans Crowley.
Salvaging Bad Hands
If you open with a hand full of low Pendulum Scales and too few Spells to generate Spell Counters, then you can use a "Mythical Beast" monster as a high scale to Pendulum Summon multiple Level 3 monsters from your hand. (You can Special Summon multiple copies of Loading... or Loading... simultaneously.)
This provides materials for Loading... to get you back on track.
If you open with just Magister and either Jackal or Institution, then you can use Magister's Pendulum Effect to get multiple monsters onto the field.
- Activate Magister in the Pendulum Zone.
- Activate Institution, then use it to search Jackal by removing Magister's Spell Counter. (Skip this step if you already have Jackal.)
- Normal Summon Jackal.
- Activate 3 Spells to place 3 Spell Counters on Jackal and Magister.
- Use Jackal's effect to Tribute itself and Special Summon Loading... from your Deck. (If your opponent negates Jackal's effect preemptively, then use it as material to Link Summon Loading... )
- Use Magister's Pendulum Effect to Special Summon itself and Jackal from the Extra Deck.
From here, you can access Loading... or other options.
You can do a similar procedure using Loading... 's Pendulum Effect (instead of Magister's) to Special Summon Jackal back from the Extra Deck.
Rulings
Spell Counter Rulings
-
A card is considered "a card that can have a Spell Counter" if it has an effect (in its current location on the field) that mentions it having a Spell Counter(s).
-
If a card has its effects negated, then its Spell Counters are removed.
Pendulum Rulings
-
If a Pendulum Monster Card would be sent from the field to the GY, it goes to the Extra Deck face-up instead. While the effects of Loading... and Loading... are applied, Pendulum Monster Cards that would be sent from the field to the GY are banished instead of going to the Extra Deck. (Source)
-
Loading... only negates the effects of monsters with the same name as the banished card. It does not negate the Pendulum Effects of a card in the Pendulum Zone, because cards in the Pendulum Zones are Spells and not monsters.
-
Loading... does gain Spell Counters when a "Mythical Beast" Monster Card is destroyed in your Pendulum Zone, because "Monster Card" refers to a card's original type. (Source)
-
If you attempt to send a Spellcaster Pendulum Monster to the GY with Loading... , it will be sent to the Extra Deck instead and you will not draw 2 cards. (Source)
Endymion, the Mighty Master of Magic
-
When resolving Loading... 's Pendulum Effect, you count all cards you control with effects that allow them to have Spell Counters. This includes cards whose effects are negated, even though they cannot currently hold Spell Counters. (Source)
-
When resolving Endymion's Pendulum Effect, you do not count "Mythical Beast" cards in your Pendulum Zones. The "Mythical Beast" Pendulum Effects do not mention having Spell Counters, so they are not cards that can have Spell Counters while in the Pendulum Zone. (Source)
-
When resolving Endymion's Pendulum Effect, you must attempt to destroy at least 1 card. You can select a card that cannot be destroyed by card effects (e.g. Loading... ) or a card that prevents its own destruction (e.g. Loading... ).
-
If Endymion's Quick Effect does not return a card with a Spell Counter to the hand (e.g. you return Loading... to the Extra Deck instead), then it stops resolving and does not negate the Spell/Trap activation. (Source)
-
If Endymion's Quick Effect negates a Spell/Trap activation but does not destroy it (e.g. the Spell/Trap is not on the field), then it stops resolving and Endymion does not gain Spell Counters.
Endymion's Aides
-
You can Special Summon multiple copies of Loading... simultaneously (e.g. by Pendulum Summon). The same is true of Loading... and Loading... , including by their own effects.
-
If Servant's Pendulum Effect gets negated, then you can activate it again during the same turn — as long as you can pay its cost and have not already Special Summoned Servant that turn. The same is true of Reflection and Magister. (Source)
-
Loading... 's monster effect deviates from "Problem-Solving Card Text" rules. It says to return "that opponent's card and your card" to the hand, however it still returns one target even if the other target is no longer on the field. (Source)
Astrograph Sorcerer
- You can trigger Loading... 's effect after Loading... adds it to your hand, even though Astrograph was not in your hand when your other card was destroyed by Electrumite. (Source)
Magician's Right Hand
- Loading... only counts your opponent's first Spell Card or effect that actually resolves. If you negate the activation of your opponent's Spell (e.g. with Endymion or Loading... ) then it does not resolve, so Right Hand will negate your opponent's next Spell Card or effect that resolves.
Conclusion
With no standard play line, and Spell Counters as an additional resource to keep track of, an Endymion deck can be intimidating at first. But after just a few duels, most players find its fluidity to be a refreshing change of pace from decks that perform that same combo every game. It prominently focuses on its own "Endymion" and "Mythical Beast" boss monsters while never locking you out of your favorite generic Link Monsters. It has the consistency of a 30-card deck and the luxury of multiple searchers for your key cards.
If that hasn't piqued your interest, then trust us when we say that resolving Loading... 's Pendulum Effect is one hell of a drug.
Feel free to check out some links:
- Endymion channel on the Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Discord server
- 九山しか ＠ Vtuber's YouTube live streams (3rd place winner of the entire Season 8 Duelist Cup)
- Lord Vectra's YouTube Endymion guides
- Endymion lore at YGOganization
- Credit to Chaokage for extending the background art in this guide's banner