If you’re a duelist aspiring to be the King of Games, which Yu-Gi-Oh! game on mobile platforms should you play? Find out the differences between Duel Links and Duel Generation.

Currently, there are two prominent Yu-Gi-Oh games on iOS and Android platforms: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links and Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Generation. Both provide an outstanding dueling experience, and you can never go wrong in downloading any of them. However, if you want to focus all of your efforts into one game, which one should you play between the two?

The rules

In any case, both games follow the usual Yu-Gi-Oh rules, but Duel Links has a number of tweaks. The most prominent change is the downsized field, wherein you can only summon three monsters and set three trap and spell cards at the same time. Whereas in Duel Generation, you’re able to summon and set the usual five. Furthermore, the deck sizes are downsized. Whereas you can only have 20-30 cards on Duel Links, you can have the usual 40 or more in Duel Generation.

The Cards

Duel Generation has a comprehensive list of cards. We don’t exactly know how many, but the current catalogue of Duel Links pales in comparison. Furthermore, you can purchase more card packs in Duel Generation, and it includes the cards from the latter seasons of the anime series. For example, Jaden Yuki’s hero cards still aren’t available in Duel Links.

There’s also a large difference about how you attain new cards and decks. As you progress in Duel Links, you get to unlock more of the anime’s characters and unlock their respective decks. Furthermore, you can get rare limited selections from the Card Trader whose prices are nothing short of exorbitant. New packs are added to the shop on an occasional basis, and it usually takes months. In Duel Generation, you get a starter one and you’ll have the option to purchase new packs from the shop. There are also ready-made decks available, but you’ll need to shell out real money to purchase them.

The Presentation

In terms of presentation, Duel Links is at an advantage. The anime’s voice acting (no matter how terrible), adds a decent dimension into it. Characters like Seto Kaiba, Yami Yugi, Joey Wheeler and Tea Gardner are fully voiced, and a voiced macro chatting mechanic during the duels adds a nice touch. In Duel Generation, you’re still able to duel against these characters, but they’re not voiced at all. Furthermore, the graphics and animation transitions in Duel Links are smoother. Duel Generation feels a little lackluster and lacks the flair the former has.

The Gameplay

In terms of gameplay, the duels in Duel Links are much faster compared to those in Duel Generation. This may be because the life points (LP) in the former is 4000, compared to the 8000 of the latter. Plus, the gesture controls of Duel Links is smoother, and the transitions between phases are faster.

Furthermore, players select an anime character they wish to play as in Duel Links, and as they level up, they unlock certain skills. In Duel Generation, players get to create an original character. This paves the opportunity for deeper roleplay, considering that this allows you to create another duelist in your image.

However, the main advantage of Duel Links is the presence of the Duel World. This is where you can duel with weak NPCs to earn gems and gold, and occasionally, some of the anime characters are present here as well. In a nutshell, this gives you the chance to do more in the game.

Target Players

We can safely say that Duel Links targets casual players who want quick fun. Although it’s also targeted towards Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts, it may not be a game for purists. If you’re looking for authentic Yu-Gi-Oh! Action, then Duel Generation is your primary option.

So, are you ready to start dueling? Make your choices and find out whether you want to focus on player either Duel Links or Duel Generation!