Beginner's Guide
What is Galaxy?
Galaxy is a nonlinear combo deck focused around rank 8 xyzs and Light monsters with 2000 or higher attack.
The archetype is split into two related groups - Galaxy and Photon - bridged by the namesake Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. There is an emphasis on summoning this monster and using it as material for Dragon xyzs with enormous attack values. Galaxy monsters can end games in a single attack, as well as mount a solid defense going first.
Backing up Galaxy's level 8s are an assortment of low level monsters, spell cards, and trap cards. While rank 8s are the deck's payoff, the supports are its foundation.
This guide will introduce you to the general goals of the deck. To learn about specific cards in detail, check out the card ratings page.
Galaxy on the Offense
Break your opponent's board with just one rank 8 xyz!
The majority of Galaxy's xyz toolbox is high attack dragons. Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon reaches incredible attack values in the damage step, and with Galaxy-Eyes Afterglow Dragon as material, can OTK over almost any attack position monster. Alternatively, Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon can steal enemy monsters and turn them into beatsticks or xyz material. This is great for picking boards apart one piece at a time.
xyz stacking is also key to Galaxy's power. There are several high rank xyzs in the deck which can be summoned directly on top of others, such as Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon. Cipher Dragon's simple steal becomes much more when stacking is involved. There are many applications of this summoning method, and you are encouraged to look at all of its available candidates.
Galaxy on the Defense
Stave off enemies with formidable walls!
It is a misconception that Galaxy is a dedicated going second deck. Number 90: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord is a staunch defender and follow-up searcher in one. With the help of Galaxy-Eyes Solflare Dragon and Number 38: Hope Harbinger Dragon Titanic Galaxy, putting up multiple interruptions is easy. Starliege Photon Blast Dragon and Galaxy-Eyes Cipher X Dragon wrap things up with destruction and targeting protection.
There is no shortage of jank Galaxy can pull either. Whether it is searching backrow, adding hand traps, or prematurely ending the opponent's turn with Photon Timestop, the deck can build notably varied boards. This site features many combos showcasing Galaxy's first turn plays.
Number Hunters
Ravage the opponent's Extra Deck with Galaxy Hundred!
A new and important addition to Galaxy plays is Galaxy Hundred. If Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon is special summoned, you get full knowledge of the opponent's Extra Deck and a banish of your choice from it. With the help of Galaxy-Eyes Afterglow Dragon, Starliege Photon Blast Dragon, and others, this can be done on the opponent's turn as well. A double Extra Deck rip greatly limits the opponent's board breaking options.
Beyond that, Hundred can steal a Number monster instead of banishing. This appends an interruption or the floodgate Number 41: Bagooska the Terribly Tired Tapir to your field on the opponent's turn. Make use of this card to the fullest.
A Bricky Situation
Avoid bricking by using proper ratios!
Despite being a rank 8 focused deck, opening too many level 8s - particularly, those known as the bricky level 8s - can leave you unable to play the game. For this reason, it is recommended to run only 5, or at most 6, bricky level 8s in a 40 card deck. These monsters are Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, Galaxy-Eyes Afterglow Dragon, Photon Emperor, and the now omitted Galaxy Knight.
If you wish to increase level 8 count from there, Galaxy Brave is ideal for its flexible summoning condition. Using lower level monsters and rank 4 xyzs to search bricky cards is safer than running additional bricks themselves.
Diversity and Nonlinearity
A deck more complicated than D/D/D!
Galaxy is a deck of extenders. There are few linear combos, and the routes to an optimal end board change depending on the cards in your hand - even if you only have two. Until you are familiar with the deck, what you believe to be a strong end board is not likely the full ceiling. Add in having to adjust routes for Nibiru, the Primal Being or Bystial interruptions, and building first turn boards becomes tricky indeed.
Do not be misled by players who claim Galaxy is a simple deck because of Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon OTK. There is a lot to learn; more than can be conveyed in this section alone.
Weaknesses
Know what you are up against!
As engaging as the archetype is, Galaxy is not without drawbacks. It struggles against most floodgates including Dimension Shifter without specific hands. The presence of the bricky level 8s and combo pieces requiring setup limits room for techs. Finally, Galaxy needs to make compromises - it chooses between safety and ceiling in certain lines and even with decisions on the opponent's turn.
Do not be discouraged, however! Building and playing around your weaknesses are key to success; as is the case for any deck.
Next Steps
Thanks for reading!
We hope you enjoyed this guide. From here, a good place to start would be the card ratings, where you can see detailed text, tips, and ratios for relevant cards in the deck. The deck lists are a good choice as well.
Galaxy combos can be complicated, but it is not necessary to memorize them all. Instead, we suggest you try out one of the 1.5 card combos and one of the 3 card combos to get a feel for how the deck extends. Then just play around with it! There many archetypal cards, and the best way to learn how they interact is by trying them yourself.
Be sure to join our Discord server as well! Most importantly, have fun playing.