Matrix Monsters are a new type of monster created by Feder373. Their frame shows a green grill of squares over a black background. Unlike most types of monsters, these do not belong in the Main Deck or Extra Deck, but in the Matrix Deck, which is usually located left to the Extra Deck when playing in a table. Also, unlike most monster kinds, Matrix Monsters do not use materials or Tributes to be Special Summoned, their "materials" are called elements instead.
Origin[]
The notion of Matrix Monsters is inspired by, and based on, various concepts from the real world:
- In Mathematics, a matrix is a bidimensional table of numbers meant to represent some equations and often used in programming and physics. This inspired the Matrix Summoning procedure.
- In many fields, a matrix is something that generates small units to build something. E.g. in Biology, a bone matrix generates primal bone cells. Matrix Monsters help generate resources to build strong fields.
- In "The Matrix" franchise, blue pills and red pills are important items. Similarly, Matrix Monsters are related to Matrix Zones on the field, one of which is blue and the other red.
Main traits[]
- Matrix Monsters are stored in the Matrix Deck, which has a maximum limit of 30 cards.
- They do not have listed materials in their card text, instead they get an Element Matrix located to the bottom right of the card text box, which contains the elements that must be used to Matrix Summon it. For accomodation reasons, this will be placed in the "description" parameter of the card articles on this site, which is located under the card text.
- They have a Level and a Rank at the same time. The Level is usually related to its power, while the Rank is equal to the sum of the number of rows and the number of columns in the Element Matrix.
General rules[]
- Matrix Monsters are Special Summon-only monsters, which means that they must first be properly Special Summoned (by Matrix Summon) before they can be Summoned from the Graveyard or any other place.
- They do not return to the Matrix Deck unless a card effect or condition specifically states it. If a card effect returns them to the hand or Main Deck, they get sent there, but they are treated as having no Rank while in these locations. (This rule makes it possible for a player to have over 60 cards in their Main Deck during a Duel, but all Matrix Monsters must be returned to the Matrix Deck at the end of the Duel).
- If they get returned to the hand or Main Deck, they can be later Special Summoned from these locations with any effect or method that allows for it, as long as they have been Summoned properly first.
- Since Matrix Monsters do not use materials, effects that prevent cards from being used as material for summons do not apply in this case.
Matrix Summon[]
- The numbers in the Element Matrix indicate the Strength Classification of the monsters that must be used as elements to Summon the Matrix Monster.
- The elements used must be aligned in the same rows and columns as shown in the Matrix, but they do not have to be in adjacent rows and/or columns on the field.
- Cards in either player's field can be used, as long as you use at least 1 element from your side of the field. This makes it a potentially devastating Summoning method for the opponent, but it gets limited by the specific numbers and locations of the "materials" that can be used.
- Monsters treated as Equip Cards in the Spell/Trap Card Zone can be used as elements for Matrix Summons, and they are treated as having their Level, Rank, Link Rating, etc. for this purpose only. This will allow Union monsters to get a renewed utility.
Examples of Element Matrixes:
(2 4)
A Level/Rank/Link/etc 2 monster on the left and a Level/Rank/Link 4 monster on the right. This has a single row and 2 columns.
(7 >3 3)
(2 0 <5)
This matrix has 2 rows and 3 columns. A number 0 means no card is needed in that Card Zone to be used as element. ">" means a monster with a Strenght Classficiation higher than that number is required, while "<" is true for lower than the indicated number.
Other matrix elements[]
Some Matrix Monsters have different elements as requirement than strenght numbers. These are the following:
S/T (any Spell/Trap Card, including face-down)
N (Normal Monster)
E (Effect Monster)
F (Fusion Monster)
R (Ritual Monster)
S (Synchro Monster)
X (Xyz Monster)
P (Pendulum Monster)
L (Link Monster)
M (Matrix Monster)
nE (non-Effect Monster)
Matrix Zones[]
Matrix Zones are similar to Pendulum Zones but in the Main Monster Zone. You can Summon Matrix Monsters to any of your Monster Zones, but the leftmost and rightmost Monster Zones will become Matrix Zones (the leftmost is blue colored and the rightmost red colored) if you Summon a Matrix Monster there. This will be relevant with some card effects and gameplay interactions.