Chris.

This Tier List is stricter than the previous ones cause as we saw in KC Cup and in some tournaments rogue decks can perform in this meta. So, we had 2 options: to either have 10+ Tier 3 decks or be stricter and only have decks on the Tier List that perform consistently well in tournaments and not just occaisionally.

Tier 1

ChuChuMTFKR

Karakuri is undoubtely the strongest deck of the format, beign able to pull out OTK's with the help of Loading... while still beign able to make a respectable board going first makes this deck super scary to face. Also, in Side Deck format, beign able to draw into your side cards with Loading... is super useful.

Fetty Guap

Karakuri is being bumped into Tier 1 as the only Tier 1 deck at the moment due to its ability to consistently set up nicely going first and OTK going second with its ability to play bomb cards like Loading... without conflicting with engine cards (ex. Blackwings). Throughout the recent weeks many players have been figuring out the most optimal way to play the deck and realizing its power. Going first the deck almost always sets up Loading... which is essentially a stronger Loading... as it also doubles as an Loading... with its second effect in the GY. Going second the deck can deal over 4000 Damage easily, especially with Loading... .

Tier 2

TPC Comments

trapdexter

Blackwings are looking at Karakuri with a bit of envy because it was not too long ago they were thought of as the best Synchro deck. However, make no mistake, Blackwings can be insane going second against Karakuri especially if they open Loading... and Loading... or Loading... . With offerings you can play around Loading... rather easily and Blackbird Close allows you to negate Loading... because of its mandatory draw effect if a karakuri's battle position is changed. On the other hand, going first without Blackbird Close usually results in your board being cleared against Karakuri at best if you're not OTK'd. With Side Deck coming back Blackwings still have a place in the meta and should still be able to produce decent results, but they are not on the level of Karakuri as of right now.

Luke Tyler

Invoked Neos faces demotion as a result of declining success in the competitive scene. Though still a strong deck no doubt, it has it’s issues in consistency and reliance in it’s backrow sticking when it comes to matchups like Karakuri and Witchcrafter. The deck did not see much success in Stage 2 compared to other decks, and in tournaments it’s no longer strongly represented with equally good conversion rates. Because of this, demotion seems appropriate.

gift

Witchcrafter has been demoted to Tier 2 for the upcoming week where we have switched from KC Cup to Side Deck format. The deck is still very strong and should never be underestimated, but it is difficult to call it Tier 1 with the emergence of Karakuri which is a difficult matchup and a very good deck.

Both variants, backrow removal and Loading... are both still very good and with proper adjustments can easily remain very competitive. The backrow removal build is great against control decks while the Recharge build is better against more aggressive decks (Karakuri, Blackwings, Mirror, etc.). As seen in the results of the KC Cup, most players have swapped Loading... to Loading... , which is very good against Karakuri and many other decks.

Against Karakuri, without Machine Angel Ritual, you are always at risk of losing your board to Loading... or Loading... and simply getting OTK'd. Additionally, Witchcrafter players can try to set up double Loading... or Verre with Loading... in graveyard with the objective of surviving their turn and negating their Loading... . Machine Angel Ritual is also excellent against the rest of the meta, being critical against many cards such as Loading... and Loading... (the most popular side deck card against Witchcrafter).

This deck will definitely continue seeing heavy usage in Meta Weeklys, Clan Wars, and other community tournaments/events. It will hopefully further be benefited by players teching less hard for it, and opting for specific cards against Karakuri instead.