TLDR;
This video presents a comprehensive timeline of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series, focusing on the first three shows: Duel Monsters, GX, and 5D's. It addresses inconsistencies and dubbing changes, and clarifies the canonicity of various events and characters. The timeline spans from 8000 BC to the distant future of 2200 XX, incorporating key events, character backstories, and technological advancements.
- The timeline begins with ancient events, including the destruction of Atlantis and battles involving the Crimson Dragon.
- The video covers the events of Duel Monsters, GX, and 5D's, highlighting major story arcs and character developments.
- The timeline addresses the canonicity of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time movie and its impact on the overall narrative.
Introduction to the Yu-Gi-Oh! Timeline [0:00]
The video introduces a timeline of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series, specifically covering Duel Monsters, GX, and 5D's. It acknowledges that Yu-Gi-Oh! is primarily a series made to sell cards, leading to inconsistencies in plot and canon. The video excludes Season Zero and considers characters from previous series appearing in Arc-V as alternate dimension versions. It also notes that English dubs often changed dates and cut episodes, affecting timeline accuracy.
Ancient Times: 8000 BC to 1000 BC [2:47]
The earliest events in the Yu-Gi-Oh! canon occur around 8000 BC, including the mythical Atlantis, an advanced society destroyed by dark desires. In 3000 BC, the Crimson Dragon fought the Wicked Gods, creating the Nazca Lines. Around 1000 BC, ancient Egypt's lore, involving pharaohs and Millennium Items, unfolds. Aknamkanon's kingdom faces threats, leading to the creation of the Millennium Items with a sacrifice of 99 lives. This event leads to Atem becoming Pharaoh and the rise of Bandit King Bakura, setting off a path of vengeance.
Events Leading to the Original Yu-Gi-Oh! Series [8:47]
The timeline jumps to the 1960s, when Yugi's grandfather obtains the Millennium Puzzle in the Valley of the Kings. Marik's tragic backstory occurs in the 1990s, before the series begins. Kaiba takes over his father's company, and Dr. Eisenstein repeatedly wins the Nobel Prize in duel physics from 1996 onward. The original manga starts in 1996, and the anime begins in 2000.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters: Duelist Kingdom to Dawn of the Duel [10:14]
Sometime between 1996 and 2000, Yugi's grandfather gives him the Millennium Puzzle, leading to Yugi becoming one with Yami Yugi. Kaiba destroys Yugi's grandfather's Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Pegasus traps him in the Shadow Realm. The Duelist Kingdom arc sees Yugi winning duels and facing Kaiba's drastic measures. The Battle City arc introduces Ishtar, the Egyptian God Cards, and Marik's rare hunters. Yami-Yugi seeks his origins, leading to a virtual world arc involving the Kaiba Corp Big Five and Noah Kaiba. The Battle City finals conclude with Yugi winning and gaining possession of all three God Cards.
Filler Arcs and the Dawn of the Duel Arc [15:29]
After Battle City, a filler arc involves Yugi's God Cards being stolen and his soul taken away. The gang travels to Atlantis, and Yugi and Yami agree to uncover Yami's past. This leads to the Dawn of the Duel arc, largely set in a reimagined past. Yami-Bakura hitches a ride to the past, and Shadi sends Yugi and his friends to assist Atem in defeating the great evil. Yugi and Atem duel, Atem fades away, and the Millennium Items disappear. In 2016, Kaiba digs up the remains of the Millennium Items to duel Atem again in the afterlife.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Setting and Early Events [20:33]
GX is set 10 years after the original series, around 2000X (2001-2009). Duel Academy's founding is ambiguous, with conflicting accounts of Seto Kaiba or Kagemaru as the founder. Before the series, Jaden wins a contest where his Duel Monsters and Yubel are sent into space. GX begins with Jaden receiving Winged Kuriboh from Yugi on his way to Duel Academy.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Shadow Riders to Dimension World [22:17]
The first arc involves the Shadow Riders, whom Jaden and his friends defeat to prevent the resurrection of the Sacred Beasts. Zane Truesdale graduates and joins the Pro League. The second season revolves around the Society of Light, led by Sartorius. Jaden is sent to Neo-Space and returns with new cards. Zane becomes edgy and duels with the school chancellor. The third season, Dimension World, sees Jaden and his friends in a realm where Duel Monster Cards are real monsters. Jaden realizes he is the Supreme King and eventually fuses with Yubel.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Graduation and Time Travel [25:57]
The final episodes of GX center on Nightshroud. Jaden graduates around 2007 and is sent back in time to duel Yugi.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Setting and Early Conflicts [27:18]
5D's takes place in the mysterious time of 20XX. Seventeen years before the series, the Zero Reverse incident splits New Domino City and frees the Earthbound Immortals. Yusei Fudo's father dies during this tragedy. The Fortune Cup introduces key players like Yusei, Jack Atlas, and Akiza. The Dark Signer arc involves duelists with grudges wielding the Earthbound Immortals.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Dark Signers and World Racing Grand Prix [29:27]
Despite the Signers' efforts, the King of the Netherworld is summoned. Rex Goodwin is revealed to be both a Signer and a Dark Signer. After six months, Iliaster retrieves a tablet from space and gears up for the World Racing Grand Prix. Yusei encounters Lazarre, who reveals details about Iliaster and the Moment Express Development Agency.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Falsification of History and Arc's Cradle [31:25]
Moment Express houses a machine called Infinity, which can create wormholes and alter history. Yusei is sucked into a wormhole, leading to a new timeline called 20XX + 6 FH (Falsification History). Team Yusei wins the tournament, and the dubbed version of 5D's ends. The Arc's Cradle is about to fall on New Domino City, and Yusei and his friends try to stop it.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Zone's Future and Epilogue [33:23]
Zone is revealed to be Yusei from the future. Yusei wins and Zone sacrifices himself. Six months later, Yusei duels Jack one last time and becomes a scientist. Eight years into the future, glimpses of Jack, Akiza, and others are shown. Zone comes from 2200XX, impervious to the falsification of history events.
Canonicity of 5D's and Connections to Other Series [36:04]
The video discusses the canonicity of 5D's, noting its distant future setting and unique mythology. The Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time movie, which features Yusei and Jaden traveling to Yugi's time, is considered canon. Tetsu Trudge, a character from the original Yu-Gi-Oh!, appears in 5D's as a member of Sector Security, further connecting the series.
Zexal and Arc-V Connections [39:12]
After GX, Kaiba Corp ceases to exist, and the Ener-D moment isn't created, leading to a world without bikes or Synchros in Zexal. Episode 15 of Zexal shows statues of legendary Duel Monsters, connecting it to the original Yu-Gi-Oh! world. In Arc-V, the universe is split into four different universes, and people can travel freely between them. Synchro summoning and Fudo style from 5D's are part of the Leo Duel School's curriculum. In Zexal, the universe was created from a dragon called Number 100 Numeron Dragon.