Here's why you should pick-up the new "Armored XYZ" engine | Tech Card Discussion

Greetings! ArcKnight here. Today, I'm going to talk about one of the new engines released in AGE OF OVERLORD called "Armored XYZ." 

Is your deck compatible with it? Let's find out.

Overview:

The "Armored XYZ" engine had a soft debut in ANIMATION CHRONICLE 2023 with the spell card "Armored XYZ" and later received support in AGE OF OVERLORD with a whopping 5 cards. The "Armored XYZ" engine provided a great boost for decks that summoned rank 3 or 4 XYZ monsters by adding an additional layer of control and a way to XYZ summon instantly with the help of their new trap. Before we discuss the decks that could take advantage of it, let's have a brief overview of the cards included in this archetype.

Card Discussion:

XYZ Armor Torpedo

XYZ Armor Torpedo is a generic rank 3 XYZ that is related to the theme as it can easily help you climb to XYZ Armor Fortress. It has a useful effect that allows you to detach 2 of its materials to draw 1 card. It also has a nice second effect that supports and protects the monster equipped with this card. Play 1.

XYZ Armor Fortress

This is the XYZ that you will use normally after you exhausted XYZ Armor Torpedo's XYZ material or any other rank 3 or 4. While it cannot be used as an XYZ material while it has materials, its effect lets you detach up to 2 XYZ materials from itself to add up to two "Armored XYZ" Spell/Trap from your Deck to your hand. It also adds a bonus double battle damage if XYZ Armor Fortress is used as an equipped by it. Play 1.

Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer

The go-to XYZ using XYZ Armor Fortress after it exhausted its materials. You will summon this card normally on the opponent's turn using "Full Armored XYZ" instead of placing it on top of XYZ Armor Fortress ideally. The reason is so you can utilize the effect of "Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer" to attach one monster your opponent controls after you equip 1 other XYZ from your GY to your "Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer" (preferably Armored XYZ Torpedo for protection in GY) by banishing "Full-Armored XYZ" in GY. Play 1.

XYZ Entrust

This spell allows you to add any "XYZ Armor" card from your Deck or GY to your hand. While that sounds good on paper as it can search, there are only two valid targets for it which can already be searched by XYZ Armor Fortress making this spell kinda obsolete. Play 0 for now.

Armored XYZ

The original armored XYZ spell. This is useful if you want to trigger "Full Armored XYZ" right away by equipping an XYZ monster in your GY to it. This spell would be your secondary search if you can detach 2 materials from your XYZ Armor Torpedo. Other than that, the engine can live with only the "Full-Armored XYZ" trap alone.

Full-Armored XYZ

The newest "Armored XYZ" in the trap version. This can instantly bring out "Full-Armored Dark Knight Lancer" in the perfect phase where it is necessary. It's GY effect is what shines more as it helps you trigger "Full-Armored Dark Knight Lancer's" non-targeting monster equip effect.

Which decks can utilize the "Armored XYZ" engine?

Here are some options:

1. Mikanko

2. Kashtira (OCG) - Can bring out "Kashtira Arise-Heart" after "Kashtira Shangri-Ira" activates

3. Goblin Rider

4. Shark/WATER Xyz

5. Traptrix (provided you aren't plant/insect locked)

Summary:

AGE OF OVERLORD is indeed a set full of engines and the new "Armored XYZ" is something that shows great potential. I'm certain that there will be more decks that can take advantage of it in the future. I can see that the engine is generic enough to be utilized in many decks and I feel it's worth investing for 1-of playset just in case.

If you're a fan of the XYZ mechanic or want to add another layer of defense on your end board, the "Armored XYZ" engine is definitely a must. Are you ready to XYZ climb to the fullest? 🤔