Yu-Gi-Oh!ZEXAL marks the fourth instalment in the Yu-Gi-Oh! series. It features the debut of Xyz monsters, and is centred around the Number cards. The narrative of ZEXAL follows Yuma Tsukumo, as he embarks on a journey to claim the title of Duel Monsters Champion while collecting all the Number cards.
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However, Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL offers a broad selection of characters that add to the story’s complexity and interest, having a variety of motivations and backgrounds. The core of the series is built around these characters' interactions and personal development as they showcase their duelling ability.
10Dr. Faker
Dr. Faker holds heavy influence in the ZEXAL storyline, as he is the father of Kite and Hart Tenjo, as well as the founder of Heartland City. It’s believed Dr. Faker initially instructs Kite to collect the Number cards, so he could conquer Earth and destroy the Astral World. However, his plan was not a quest for world domination but rather a desperate bid to cure his sick son.
Dr. Faker managed to acquire fifty Numbers via the Sphere Field, which showcases his skill in dueling. He also faced off against important figures like Vetrix and Yuma during the World Duel Carnival finals, and these were memorable matches that cemented his standing as a top-tier duelist.
9Number 96
Number 96 is a character version of the card Number 96: Dark Mist and possesses an insatiable hunger for power. The identity of Number 96’s character is complex as they see themselves as the darkness to Astral’s light, with their card form only serving as a mere extension of itself.
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Beyond their tactical ability, Number 96 takes great pleasure in winning and cruelly deceiving others. Its psychological mind games while dueling are demonstrated by its love of playing puppeteer with their opponents. Overall, its whole persona enriches the narrative and solidifies its place among the most intriguing and dangerous duelists in ZEXAL.
8Mizar
Mizar wants to gain the Number cards to save the Barian World, and he is shown as genuine and considerate to his fellow Barians, despite his arrogance and rivalry with Kite. This devotion to his allies was proven via his rage at Vector for disrespecting Alito and Girag.
Mizar also upholds a strong sense of pride when it comes to dueling, refusing to dishonourably use cards like Sargasso Lighthouse. Due to the growth of his character, his fiery pride, and the skill he possesses when dueling, he stands out as a top duelist in Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL.
7Vector
Vector is an Emperor from the Barian World and wishes to destroy the Astral World. He revels in the chaos and unpredictability of his duels, where his unconventional tactics often catch opponents off guard.Unlike many duelists who stick to traditional strategies, Vector uses monsters that are a reflection of his nature. This adds an element of surprise to his duels.
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The chaos is what truly defines Vector as a character, since he takes pleasure from watching the mayhem unfold, whether it be through manipulating the lives of others or causing disruption in the dueling world. This sadistic enjoyment adds a layer of darkness to his character, making him a dangerous opponent.
6Astral
Astral is one of the central figures in the series. His mission is not one of self-interest, but rather a quest to restore balance and safeguard the Astral World. Astral’s character acts as one of wisdom as he teaches valuable lessons to Yuma, helping him grow not only as a duelist but also as a person.
Astral’s dueling style is precise and calculated. He employs a systematic approach, carefully analysing his opponents' moves and adapting his strategy accordingly. This showcases his intelligence when it comes to dueling, making him a worthy opponent on the field.
5Don Thousand
Don Thousand is the central antagonist in Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL. The focus of his character throughout the series is his hunger for chaos and power. This desire for dominance and the creation of havoc throughout the Astral World, Earth, and the Barian World are what motivates him to collect the Number cards. He also manipulates key characters, like Vector, to further this agenda.
Due to his willingness to exploit the weaknesses of others, he stands out as a duelist who should be feared. He employs unpredictable tactics as he thrives on the disarray it causes, keeping his opponents on edge as he forcefully overpowers them, and utilising powerful cards that symbolise his destruction.
4Vetrix
Vetrix was formerly involved with Dr. Faker but was betrayed and used as a sacrifice. While dueling, he is ruthless and vicious, but unlike some of the more chaotic characters, Vetrix’s motivations are rooted in a desire for revenge and personal gain. He believes the Number cards will grant him ultimate power, so he goes on a relentless pursuit trying to acquire them.
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As the series unfolds, Vetrix undergoes significant character development, revealing a glimpse of his humanity and a deeper understanding of his actions. This shift in character makes Vetrix’s victories and losses all the more intriguing, and his unique deck, emotional complexity, and impactful duels combine to make him an unforgettable character and duelist.
3Shark
Shark is one of the main characters in the series, and his personal growth is what makes his character fascinating. At first, he comes across as a tough street duelist, but his journey transforms him into a much more complex and relatable character. This development goes beyond the usual tropes and instead, makes him someone you may connect with and root for.
His signature deck is packed with Xyz Monsters and mirrors his aggressive duelling style. This aggression and fierce tactics make him a tough opponent, so it should come as no surprise that he has only lost six duels over the entire series.
2Yuma Tsukumo
Yuma Tsukumo is the main protagonist of the series and starts his journey initially as a novice duelist. Some could argue that Yuma is one of the worst duelists in ZEXAL and for the first half of the series, they’d be right.
Yuma’s story is that of the traditional underdog, however, throughout the series, his character evolves as hisrelationships with his friends develop. After his initial struggles, he became one of the best duelists, winning the World Duel Carnival and claiming the title ‘Champion of Heartland City’. To close out the second half of the series he goes on a 28-win streak, cementing himself as one of the top duelists.
1Kite Tenjo
Kite Tenjo is the son of Dr. Faker and becomes a Number Hunter to help his sick brother, Hart. While his persona is initially mysterious and shrouded in secrecy, throughout the series, he gradually reveals the layers of his character. Kite’s rivalry with Yuma is central to the narrative and spans across the entire series, as their rivalry challenges them both, driving their growth and development.
However, Kite’s contrasting personality and dueling style provide that perfect counterpoint to Yuma.With his mighty Photon Deck, he suffered only one defeat, a duel in which he fell under the manipulative influence of Vetrix. He is otherwise undefeated, and this impressive statistic places him as the best duelist in the series.
