Yu-Gi-Oh! has been hailed as themost iconic card game animefor more than two decades. While the newer seasons of the franchise have not been as successful as the original, the show and the card game based on it are still a worldwide phenomenon.
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However, Yu-Gi-Oh! is not the only amazing anime that revolves around games. Many incredible shows use this trope to create unique, entertaining, and engaging stories that fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime would love to experience. Below, we will talk about ten examples of shows like these.
10Cardfight!! Vanguard
Aichi’s first approach to the Vanguard card game happened when he was still in elementary school. He was given a Blaster Blade card by Kai, an older boy who saved him from some bullies. Now in middle school, Aichi is once again targeted by bullies, who take his favorite card from him.
This leads Aichi to Card Capital, the local game shop, where he encounters Kai once again. After winning a game of Cardfight, Aichi becomes enamored with the game, beginning his journey to becoming Japan’s best player. An intense show that encapsulates Yu-Gi-Oh!’s love for card games perfectly.
9Phi Brain: Puzzle of Gods
Kaito, a new student at the prestigious Root Academy, is selected to join Phi Brain, an association of the smartest students in school. During his time as a part of this group, Kaito and his friend Nonoha come across some ruins near the school. Inside, they find a seemingly unsolvable puzzle, which turns out to be a test made by the organization Puzzle Of Gods (P.O.G.).
Kaito manages to solve the puzzle, becoming a Solver — people with higher than average intellect that solveincredibly difficult puzzlesto bring P.O.G. down. Together with his new friends, Kaito will look for other puzzles made by this enigmatic group to stop their sinister plans. This show will remind Yu-Gi-Oh! fans of the original manga, where puzzles were as important as card games.
8No Game No Life
The legendary sibling duo, Sora and Shiro, were always aware that they were different from the rest of the world. Their intellect is several times higher than most humans, and their ability in any kind of game has no match. One day, their ability is recognized by a deity named Tet, who takes them to a new world called Disboard.
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Now stranded in a strange world where everything is decided through games, the siblings will use their skills to rise to the top and aid imanity (Humans in the world of Disboard) in their quest to restore their glory. If you want a show with clever protagonists who love games like Yugi, No Game No Life is perfect for you.
7Selector Infected Wixoss
Wixoss is the most popular game amongst youngsters in Japan. Rukko, our heroine, is a normal schoolgirl whom one day receives a special deck of Wixoss cards. She quickly discovers why the deck is special, as the avatar card she received has a mysterious girl trapped inside.
Rukko is later informed that she is now a Selector, a small group of female Wixoss players that will partake in a tournament where the prize is their deepest desire. Sadly, Rukko also discovers that losing the game may result in her life being destroyed. An intriguing anime in which card games are much more than just a fun hobby, similar to what Yu-Gi-Oh! does.
6Gundam Build Fighters
In this world,Gundamis the most popular series worldwide. This popularity has caused a boom in the sales of Gunplas, model Gundams. However, these models are completely different from the ones we have, seeing as they are robots that can fight each other in official tournaments.
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Sei is the son of one of the world’s best Gunpla fighters and wishes to be just like his father. While he is a brilliant builder, he lacks the skills to fight in tournaments. Thankfully, he meets Reiji, a prodigal fighter who promises to help Sei achieve his dreams. An inspiring story about friendship and cooperation, like the one between Yugi and Atem.
5Weiss Survive
Based on the popular card game Weiss Schwarz, this show tells the story of Takeshi, a regular student who had a normal life. Michi, the prettiest and most popular girl in school, invites him to have a seemingly innocent study session at her house. Once he arrives, Takeshi is transported to another world called Weiss Schwarz Battle Space.
As the boy searches for a way out, he encounters an old man who explains to him that he has been chosen to become the warrior to save the world. To accomplish this, he will have to win several games against Weiss Schwarz. Sadly, Takeshi knows nothing about the game and will have to rely on Michi’s skills to beat his opponents and return home. Yu-Gi-Oh! fans will no doubt enjoy this unique show’s amazing games andwonderful comedic moments.
4Zenonzard The Animation
In the future, certain humans designated as Concords team up with ultra-intelligent sentient AI beings called Codemans. These teams compete in a game called Zenonzard to prove their superiority over their opponents. Souta, one of the Concords, is one day challenged to a duel by a woman named Eilietta.
After winning the game, Eilietta reveals she is a Codeman and wishes to ally with Souta to win the upcoming Zenonzard tournament. Despite the short length of the episodes of the show, Yu-Gi-Oh! fans will truly enjoy the exciting duels that take place in thisbeautifully animated series.
3Shadowverse
On a seemingly normal morning, our protagonist Hiro hears strange noises coming from the storage shed in his house. Inside, he founds a smartphone laying on a table. Somehow, the popular card game Shadowverse is already installed on the cellphone. The boy is ecstatic, believing the cellular device to be a gift from his grandfather.
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Later that day, Hiro arrives at school, only to hear that one of his classmates, Mimori, was attacked by Kibakura, the school bully. The delinquent is known for beating people in games of Shadowverse and stealing their phones. Hiro decides to confront the bully, beginning his new life as a player of Shadowverse. This anime is a great choice for any Yu-Gi-Oh! fans looking for a new and intriguing card game anime.
2Build Divide
For the people of Neo Kyoto, Build Divide is more than a simple card game; it is a way of life. Everything in this world is decided through matches of this game, from social status to personal disputes. The best player in this world is known as The King, a person with nigh-unlimited power.
Out of nowhere, a boy named Teruto appears in this city without any memories other than his name. A girl named Sakura found our hero and helped him remember how to play Divide and the mission he was given. Teruto must win the Rebuild Tournament and meet the King. This short card game anime will keep Yu-Gi-Oh! fans on the edge of their seats with its intriguing story.
1Z/X: Ignition
Without warning, five Black Points began appearing in the world, each serving as a portal for strange creatures to come out of. After a while, it was discovered that these five portals all connect with the same world but in five different time frames.
These five armies will have to fight to ensure the survival of their time frames by using a strange device in the shape of a card. With it, they will be able to capture and control their opponents’ monsters. A very interesting card game anime that has a refreshing new take that Yu-Gi-Oh! fans will appreciate.
