It became apparent that I could not explain all of this at the beginning of the story, so I decided to make this guide. Hopefully it helps you understand things a little better. Please note this guide is not complete by any means. I am hoping that it will give you a general idea of this world. It may contain spoilers, so feel free to skip it if you want.
Worlds
Past:
This world began as a blank canvas with varying regions and environments. It quickly developed during the first week of the game. Kingdoms and alliances grew quickly and established themselves across the world. In this world, cards are more than just cards. Cards in this world are real, so they also server a utility purpose. For example, an Axe of Despair card can be used to chop down a tree. A player may also see a monster roaming the world freely. Fighting it has a chance for it to drop varying items and credits. Cards in this world are also powerful symbols used to represent alliances to certain groups or kingdoms. Players carefully construct their decks with this in mind so they do not offend other duelists.
Available Dueling Styles
Standard dueling
Gladiator Dueling- This is a new dueling style made exclusively for Past. Both duelists will select five cards to use for the duration of this duel. Only one monster may be in play at a time. However, Tribute, Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz summoning is still possible by using the cards in the hand. For example, summoning Blue-Eyes White Dragon requires two tributes. This can be done by sacrificing the monster on the field along with a level four or lower monster from the hand or two level four or lower monsters from the hand. To perform a Fusion summon, a fusion card must first be played and then the required monsters are sacrificed and the fusion monster will be summoned to the field. Spell and trap cards are unlimited and can also be used on the duelist making them a vital part of the duel. This means cards that summon multiple monsters can only summon one monster. Tokens count as monsters. The flip effects of monsters still work. Life points are not used in a Gladiator Duel. Instead, the winner will be determined when only one duelist is still standing. Duelists themselves will have to work with their monsters and spell and trap cards to fight their opponent directly.
Other notes: While a Gladiator Duel can occur anywhere, many kingdoms and groups build arenas to spectate the duels. Many of these arenas have built-in field spells that provide advantages to certain card types. They may also restrict or forbid certain card types. Some of these field spells are unique and exclusive to the arena.
Known Special Items
The Millennium Items and Egyptian God Cards- The rulers of the first ten kingdoms/villages established were offered their choice of one these items. Each item grants the wielder their power known in the anime as well as the power to initiate a shadow game. The Egyptian God Cards however are only meant to serve as power in one's deck. They follow their TCG rules. All of these items are one of a kind.
The Legendary Dragons of Atlantis- Three arenas appeared in random places the first week. The first three duelists who entered and won the Gladiator Duel won one of the Legendary Dragon Cards. They follow their TCG rules. All of these items are one of a kind.
The Seal of Orichalcos- This item is not one of a kind. Instead, at night, Orichalcos stones will fall from the sky and be scattered across the world. The duelists who find them will teleport to an ancient temple where Dartz will bestow the power of the Orichalcos on to the duelist. They will then be presented an accessory containing the stone. They will then teleport back to where they found the stone. When played, the card will initiate a Shadow Game. Like the anime, the player will be allowed to have a front and back row of monsters; five for each row totaling ten monsters. All monsters they control will receive an additional 500 attack points. The Seal of Orichalcos can not be destroyed unless it is by one of the Legendary Knights. The duelist who plays this card may not use certain cards from the extra deck or any legendary monsters such as but not limited to The Egyptian God Cards and/or The Sacred Beast Cards. Some special items do no not function under the influence of the Orichalcos.
Notable Kingdoms, Groups, and Alliances
Starting Village- A small village run by NPCs selling basic supplies and providing tips for players. It disappeared after the first week of the game's release.
The Kingdom of Roses- A large kingdom that is considered one of the nicest in Past. This kingdom grew quickly after selling their Millennium Item on the global market and using the money to advance construction. It is a peaceful kingdom inhabited by many. The streets are paved with cobblestone. The parks are notable for their flowers and lush, open space. It truly is a paradise for many. The government utilizes a high council composed of the wealthiest members of the kingdom. While the kingdom is peaceful, they have prepared their defenses in the form of a small but elite and powerful militia known as the Dragon Riders. By offering them land and an elite status in the kingdom, they have agreed to protect the kingdom and its inhabitants.
The Dragon Riders- A small, but elite group of duelists who reside inside the Kingdom of Roses. They wear duel disks that resemble the wing of a dragon. On their inner wrists, they possess a small tattoo of a pair of dragon wings protruding from a sword. Their decks consist of Warrior and Dragon-Type monsters. Many of them use Dragunity cards. Buster Blader is also a common card that they use. All members of the Dragon Riders use the equip spell, Dragonic Attack. They believe this card to be the ultimate merging of dragons and warriors.
The Water Village- A small town built on the water. Residents use water monsters to travel along the canal streets. They are primarily an economic village exporting fish and other goods to neighboring villages and kingdoms.
The Fire Village- This small village is built at the base of a volcano. Many duelists go there to train to become stronger. The extreme conditions of the environment make it prime for training. They survive on very little, they are a self-sustaining community, and they defend themselves very well.
The Bug Clan- A large, reclusive group. The duel disks on their arms look like scarab beetles. They duel using Bug-Type monsters. They live underground in colonies. They have secret tunnels that run all over Past. However, the tunnels are incredibly difficult to navigate for anyone outside of the Bug Clan, and very few have actually found entrances to these tunnels. Members of the Bug Clan rarely go to the surface, but they have been seen, especially in the Gem Village where they sell ores and gems found while expanding their tunnels. It is rumored that the Developers granted them a special power. Their ruler never goes to the surface. It is also known that they possess the Millennium Key.
The Gem Village- A village made of miners. The village is actually built into a mountain making it unique. Duelists here use Crystal Beasts as well as Gem Knights. The ruler wields the Millennium Eye.
The Harpies- A group composed of all female duelists. They fight using Harpie monsters. They are often compared to the Amazons as they hold similar feminist values, and they have an alliance.
The Amazons- A group very similar to the Harpies. They are all female duelists that use Amazon monsters. They share a very strong alliance with the Harpies.
The Ice Castle- A castle located to the far north. It is inhabited by one boy who calls himself Ice King. People who do not know him often joke making comparisons to the cartoon character. In reality however, he is a very powerful, serious duelist who chooses to be secluded from others. While he possesses the Millennium Rod, it is also rumored that he discovered a special item while exploring the icy region. Duelists fear him hearing stories of disappearances of his opponents.
Modern:
It is said that people who come to this world rich stay rich. Card designers, businessmen, and various types of artists live in this world. People who want a second chance to live life often come to this world and take jobs. Some come to this world to live with their loves from the real world. Duelists in this world have a high concentration at Duel Academy where competition is fierce and opportunity to learn new strategies is abundant. Domino City and New Domino City merge with the city life of Domino City and the Duel Highways of New Domino. This world also recreates parts of the real world making it unique in that aspect. Tournaments always seem to be occurring in this world both public and private due to the amount of wealthy of individuals who can host them. Not all of these tournaments have friendly intentions in mind.
Available Dueling Styles
Standard Dueling
Turbo Dueling- Duelists use Duel Runners/D-Wheels and duel on the highway using Speed World and Speed World 2. Duelists use Speed Counters during their duels to activate Speed Spell cards. While dueling, duelists must also steer and drive their Duel Runner.
Known Special Items
Duel Spirits- They are not one of a kind. At night, they move throughout the world and challenge players to a duel. If they win, there is a small chance that the player will receive the Duel Spirit. While they serve no immediate purpose other than also functioning as a card, they are a desirable accessory for many.
The Sacred Beasts- They are one of a kind. They are a reason that many went to Duel Academy. During the first few weeks, there was a war to obtain the seven gate keys until three students teamed up to unlock the gates together. The cards are now freed and in the hands of duelists. They tend to change hands often due to duelists wanting all three to summon Armityle the Chaos Phantom.
The Aesir Gods- They are one of a kind. They were given to the three most promising turbo duelists at the end of the first week.
Notable Locations
Duel Academy- Many attend to improve their dueling and/or duel for fun. Having Obelisk rank here is a status symbol and a show of dueling skill. The dorms are co-ed unlike the anime.
Kaiba Land- A popular amusement park full of fun rides and duels. Admins run it.
Industrial Illusions- Card artists submit designs here hoping to have them made into cards. Admins run this corporation. The Admins decide the best cards and send them to the Developers who will have the final say on which cards go into production.
Duel Highway- It is a mode of transport as well as a place for Turbo Duels. Some Admins patrol it as Sector Security preventing accidents and making sure people get into the right lanes when a Turbo Duel begins.
Future:
Solid vision and ARC Fields are the dominating technology in this world. Dueling can happen anywhere in this world. Like Modern, businesses are also very popular in this world. Heartland City and Paradise City are the main parts of this world and they seem to make dueling more exciting with their futuristic technologies. The new Duel Highway is also a plus for quick travel between these cities.
Dueling Styles
Standard Dueling
Turbo Dueling- Duelists still ride along the highway on Duel Runners/D-Wheels, however, they use the field spell, Speed World Neo, which does not use Speed Counters. This makes Future a popular destination for people who like Turbo Duels but do not like Speed Spells.
Action Dueling- Duelists will take to a specially generated field using Action Cards in order to gain the advantage in their duels. While they duel normally, they will also be testing their physical and mental strength running around, climbing, jumping, and using their monsters to obtain Action Cards.
Known Special Items
The Numbers- These are one of a kind. On the first night of the game, the numbers were randomly dispersed across the world to players. The Numbers have their anime effect that they can not be destroyed unless it is by another Number. Duelists will also receive the chaos equivalent of their Number, but if it is a different number, they will not receive it. For example, Number F0: Utopic Future is a different from Number 39: Utopia. Some Numbers grant special abilities to their duelist like the anime.
Number 39: Utopia/ power of Zexal- The player will receive all of the cards with Number 39 in the name. They will also be granted the power Zexal. However, they will not be able to use ZW cards or Shining Draw until their life points fall to 500 or lower. The player who receives this power will often tend to become a Number Hunter in order to collect the rest of the Utopia cards. This player will also be given the golden key as an accessory.
Barian Magic Cards- These are not one of a kind. At night, random portals will open for a brief period of time. When a player enters the portal, they will be given Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force along with a pendant that resembles the Barian symbol. If they possess one of the over 100 Number cards, they will also receive Rank-Up-Magic – The Seventh One. Instead of a pendant, they will be given a bracelet with a Baria crystal in it. Players who possess Barian Magic Cards are also able to perform Chaos Draw depending on the intensity of the duel.
Notable Locations
Paradise City- The main city of the ARC-V standard dimension in the anime. This is one of the cities that exists alongside Heartland City. It is a popular site for Action Dueling and Entertainment Duels. Many duelists come here to test their skills while others find jobs.
Heartland City- Duels are always occurring in this city. Similar to Paradise City, Action Duels have also been placed here. People also find jobs in this world.
Duel Highway- This highway links Paradise City and Heartland City. It can also be an exciting place for a Turbo Duel. Like the Duel Highway in Modern, Admins also act as Sector Security patrolling the highway to keep it and other players safe.
Shadow Realm:
Not much is known about this world. It was announced prior to actually entering the game. This is where players who lose a Shadow Game go. When a player goes to the Shadow Realm, all of their communications go offline, so most players assume that when someone goes there they are ejected.
Dueling Styles
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Known Special Items
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Notable Locations
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Definitions, Other Items, Miscellaneous:
Admin- Someone from the real world placed in the game to monitor activity and make sure that players are playing fair. At times, they tend to let players govern themselves.
Ante Rule- The ante rule is where both players put up a rare card/ or item which will go to the victor of the duel. This is present in the world, however, the duelists involved must all agree to this rule before the duel begins.
Appearance Changer- An in-game store item that allows a player to modify their physical appearance as well as some accessories.
Card Shop- These exist across the game. They stock varying cards that players can use credits to buy.
Credits- The currency used in the world. In the real world, one credit is worth 1 Japanese Yen or .01 USD
Developers- People from the real world. They watch and monitor the game. They add in content to make the game more interesting and to reflect the needs and wants of the players. They also create events to generate interest from the outside world.
Dimension Key- An in-game store item. It allows players to change dimensions.
Duel Disk- In this world, the duel disk is also an interface where players can access their card inventory, mail, communications, global market, in-game store, map, and several other functions.
Duelist Profile- This is what the outside world sees when they go online. They can obtain a live feed as well as videos of previous duels that occurred.
Ejection- the term used for a player leaving the game. Ejecting is taken very seriously by all players. When a player leaves the game, they are not allowed to rejoin unless asked personally. There are several fail safes built in to prevent accidental ejection.
Global Market- Players can trade cards and items on this for credits. It links the markets of all the worlds allowing for global trade. It functions like a stock market for some who invest in certain items before reselling them at a different price.
Shadow Game- A duel in which the loser will enter the Shadow Realm. They can be initiated in a number of ways.
Shadow Generator- An in-game store item. This is a one-time use item that can turn a duel into a Shadow Game.
Sponsors- People from the real world assisting players in the game. They often send messages, cards, and/or credits.
Notes:
There are no levels in this game. Instead, players are ranked based on their win ratio and the number of duels they have participated in. Each world has a top ranking chart for each dueling style. There is also a global ranking available for standard duels. While ranking primarily effects tournament eligibility, other factors can contribute.
This world uses the traditional forbidden limited card list rules. However, players are expected to not use one-turn kill decks. They are instead expected to make duels interesting and unique to their dueling styles. Players using one turn kill strategies and decks find themselves forcefully unranked by the admins preventing them from entering tournaments and other players tend to not want to duel them.
When initially creating a character, players are given a range of options for their physical appearance. They can even change the age of the character ranging from five to sixty-five. While they are given a limited set of options for duel disks, there are more available once they are in the game.
Depending on the type of duel/relationship, players will typically ante up a certain amount or a percentage of their credits for the victor to claim at the end of the duel.
The Developers are constantly adding content to the game. They are also planning seasonal events as well as tournaments that can benefit the players.
When a player ejects from the game, they will leave with all of the money and cards they collected while playing the game. Any one of a kind items that were ejected with will be recycled into the game. However, if a player ejects from the Shadow Realm, they will leave the game with nothing.
When a player first signs up for the game, they are expected to pay a minimum of $3000 to join. However, players typically give more money to receive benefits when they join. Some of these things include having more credits, having their decks from the real world, etc.
Special items act differently. Some will always stay with the player, even in the Shadow Realm, unless challenged for them in a duel. Other items are not able to cross over to the Shadow Realm and will be given to the victor of the Shadow Game.
NPCs fill tasks not carried out by other players. When someone takes a job, the NPC will disappear. Players often prefer to hire other players as they typically work cheaper than NPCs.
Illness, injury, and death exist in the game. Injuries and illnesses heal over time along with medication which can be purchased at several stores in the game. When a player dies, they will respawn in their home or a random location in the world if they have no home. They respawn with no credits and all of the items they are carrying will also be lost. They can be recovered at the location of death. However, their death typically is performed by another player, so the items are usually claimed at the times of death. Cards do not count as items and special items stay on the player when they die.
Special items are allowed to move between worlds and be traded on the global market.
FAQs:
-Are you telling us everything?
Absolutely NOT! This world is constantly under development. Secrets are being kept from you. Not everything has been planned out right here and now.
-Are there going to be original cards?
Industrial Illusions was mentioned, so probably.
-Why would you have a five year old or sixty-five year old character?
Well, in Modern or Future, you could get discounts for goods and services. It might be a relationship someone has with another character. It can also serve as an intimidation factor or a psych out during some duels.
-What's up with the Shadow Realm?
That one's a secret.
-Why is it so cheap to have your body frozen to play this game?
Well the game charges such a low amount because you sign away your likeness to be used in toys, games, and television. You are also part of a streaming service where people are paying to watch people playing in this world. Some of these people are also paying to send you messages, cards, and credits. Also, some players are putting a lot of money into the game bringing down the cost for other players.
Okay, hopefully that helped a little bit.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment or message me here or on fanfiction.