5 Yu-Gi-Oh! Fans of anime series should watch it as soon as possible

THE Yu-Gi-Oh! The anime franchise has remained iconic among fans for over two decades, with new shows releasing periodically. With each series, new protagonists, monsters, cards, and compelling plots have been introduced, creating a complex and beloved universe that fans love deeply. While not every entry in the franchise has been as well-received, each is an incredible value.

Still, certain seasons are arguably the most significant for the series, whether because they are important to the franchise or simply because they are delightful to watch. Anime fans who are thinking about donating Yu-Gi-Oh! a chance should start with them as they will give you the best overall experience.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal

An underdog story that fans grew to love

ZexalThe fourth entry in the franchise, it tells the story of Yuma, a novice duelist with a desire to become the best duelist in the world. Despite his determination and unwillingness to give up, the protagonist struggled to win most duels due to his reckless playing style. His life changed for the better when he met an alien entity known as Astral, sent to Earth with the task of capturing the enigmatic and dangerous Number Monsters. These cards possess ancient cosmic powers that corrupt the hearts of humans, making them cruel and greedy.

With Astral's help, Yuma begins a journey to recover these harmful creatures, learning how to become a better, more controlled duelist. However, your adventure will not be without danger, as in addition to the Numbers themselves, many threatening groups will try to prevent you from succeeding. Furthermore, evil creatures from the same corner of space where Astral was born have arrived on Earth, intending to use the cosmic power that resides on Earth to start an intergalactic war that could threaten existence itself.

Initially, Zexal It was not well received among fans of the franchise, due to its inexperienced protagonist. However, once Yuma learns to be a competent duelist, the series becomes notably better. The introduction of alien worlds, cosmic threats and the fun strategies present in the series make it worth the time investment. Yuma's adventure is one of the most dramatic and complex in the franchise and serves as an introduction to some of the most powerful monsters of all time.

Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS

Embark on a virtual mission to save humanity

In this series, the virtual world has become the second home for millions of duelists around the world. Every day, aspiring professionals access Link VRAINS to try to top the charts. However, lately, a strange group of hackers known as the Knights of Hanoi have been causing havoc. Yusaku, protagonist of the series and one of the best players in the world, enters the game disguised as Playmaker, a legendary duelist who fights against the injustices of the system. His investigation becomes more difficult when he encounters an artificial intelligence known as AI.

While the virtual creature may not be the best partner he could have asked for, it serves as the first clue to uncovering the Knights of Hanoi's goals, as well as the secrets of Yusaku's past. While the protagonist fights against his sworn enemies, new villains enter the fray, complicating the mission to save Link VRAINS. This entry is filled with mystery, betrayal, and philosophical questions about what it means to have sentience. Yusaku's presence also helps the anime a lot, as he is considered one of the best heroes in the franchise.

Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS was the last season that revolved around the original game, making it a perfect opportunity for new fans to learn how to play. The introduction of the versatile and powerful Link Monsters, the latest of the eight main summoning mechanics, also helps understand how Duel Monsters has evolved over the years. The show is much more serious than other entries, portraying themes such as trauma, the dangers of artificial intelligence, and how advancing technology could harm humanity.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

A slice of life that turned into a fight for survival

Several years after Pharaoh Atem returned to the afterlife during the original series' epilogue, Seto Kaiba opened a school where aspiring duelists could learn how to become professional players. Jaden Yuki, a cheerful and carefree student, is about to begin his journey to obtain the title of New King of Games, with his predecessor's blessing. During his first year as a member of Duel Academy's Slifer Red Dorm, the protagonist meets several other students who will push him to his limits, forcing him to become a better player.

However, classes and exams will be the least of Jaden's problems, as the Duel Academy will soon become the main stage for various threats to the human and Duel Monster Spirit worlds. From ancient deities controlled by a megalomaniac to Jaden's former best friend coming back to haunt him, the up-and-coming duelist will find himself fighting for his life throughout the entire series. Accompanied by his friends, teachers and his extremely powerful hero deck, Yuki will try to become the savior he was always destined to be.

GX is undoubtedly one of the best shows in the franchise, taking much of the positive aspects of the original anime and making full use of its potential. This series is iconic for Yu-Gi-Oh! fans for more than just its incredible coming-of-age story, as many of the decks introduced during this era have enjoyed success in competitive play over the years. Jaden's journey will shock and entertain fans, providing them with hours of fun. Still, viewers hoping to enjoy the series will need to know that the fourth season was never brought to the West, making its ending much darker.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D

An exciting futuristic adventure

Set several decades in the future, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D is the story of Yusei Fudo, a stoic and resourceful duelist who lives on the outskirts of New Domino City. When he was a baby, the town where the original show took place was destroyed in an unfortunate accident, and the survivors had to start over. The city was divided into two sections, the opulent center, where technology made life easier, and the Satellite, a desolate place where the poor were forced to find refuge.

Yusei is an incredibly talented duelist and mechanic, who dreams of proving himself in the New Domino Arena, as well as finding his former best friend Jack Atlas, who betrayed him years ago. While the series may seem like a simple revenge story at first, it quickly becomes much more complex as Yusei finds himself in the middle of an ancient war to control the world. By joining forces with old enemies, old friends and new allies, the protagonist will fight the evil minds behind the destruction of his home, while discovering the truth about his birth.

5D is a dramatic and emotional story about friendship, destiny and responsibility that many fans consider to be one of the best. When it was released, it was a refreshing take on this beloved franchise, focusing on a more mature hero and darker themes. Yusei himself is one of the best heroes in the franchise, capable of making the most of any monster he encounters. His deck also features some of the most powerful cards in the game, which have remained iconic for over a decade.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters

The original series that remains iconic

The one that started it all and one of the most beloved anime series of the 90s, Duel monsters, is the story of Yugi Muto, a high school student who loved games and strategy. After solving the sinister Millennium Puzzle, one of the most powerful items in the series' worlds, he releases the soul of an ancient Pharaoh, who supposedly banished evil centuries ago. Despite being new to the Duel Monsters game, Yugi gains fame by defeating champion Kaiba in one of the best duels in the entire franchise.

His popularity has those who want to get their hands on his Millennium Item trying to take it away from him, by any means necessary. Working together with the Pharaoh, Yugi will fight some of the world's most powerful and evil villains to prevent them from destroying humanity. As the show progresses, the protagonist and his trusted companion begin to unravel the enigmatic past of the spirit, who needs to remember his origins to find peace and leave the mortal world.

The original anime is undoubtedly an iconic program, which marked the lives of many children and adults who were lucky enough to watch it while it aired. Its plot may not be as complex as that of later seasons, but it is still incredibly fun. Given that this is the series that started the franchise, anime fans looking to start their Yu-Gi-Oh! journey is recommended to start with this one. Not only will this help explain the game in more detail, but it will also give you a taste of the exciting adventures that await you in future seasons.