Linkuriboh
Linkuriboh is a Dark-attribute Cyberse Link Monster featured in the anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game. Serving as a key mascot companion within the deck of the protagonist Fujiki Yusaku (Playmaker), it shares a particularly close bond with the Ignis Ai.
Overview
Linkuriboh is a Dark-attribute Cyberse Link Monster featured in the anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game. Serving as a key mascot companion within the deck of the protagonist Fujiki Yusaku (Playmaker), it shares a particularly close bond with the Ignis Ai.
Appearance
Linkuriboh is a small creature belonging to the iconic Kuriboh family and categorized under the Dark attribute. Unlike its later-appearing variant Linguriboh, which features a harsh glare, Linkuriboh possesses a friendly and gentle facial expression.
Personality
Linkuriboh is extremely affectionate and highly expressive, demonstrating a degree of sentience nearly comparable to that of an Ignis. Although not inherently skilled in battle, it exhibits great bravery by performing a decisive body slam to protect its allies when needed. It frequently utters "Kuri-kurinku" sounds, though even its close friend Ai cannot understand what it is trying to say.
Abilities
As a Link-1 monster with 0 ATK and a downward-pointing Link Marker, Linkuriboh is summoned using a single Level 1 monster. Its primary defensive capability allows it to tribute itself upon an opponent's attack declaration to reduce that attacking monster's ATK to 0 until the end of the turn. Additionally, while in the Graveyard, it can tribute a Level 1 monster on the user's field to Special Summon itself back to the field even during the opponent's turn (an effect limited to once per turn). In combat, it can also execute a direct body tackle.
Background
Originally residing in the Cyberse World, Linkuriboh was the monster closest to the Ignis Ai, who frequently rode on its back. In the second season of the anime (episode 47), Linkuriboh reunited with Ai upon his return to the Cyberse World. Following this reunion, it was officially incorporated into Fujiki Yusaku's deck, supporting him throughout his duels.
Relationships
Fujiki Yusaku (Playmaker): Linkuriboh's duelist and master, who uses the card within his deck.
Ai: Linkuriboh's closest friend from the Cyberse World. While they share a deep bond and Ai frequently rode on its back, Ai is unable to comprehend Linkuriboh's speech.
Linguriboh: A distinct Cyberse monster species related to Linkuriboh, featuring different stats, effects, and a sharper facial expression.
Trivia
Linkuriboh holds the distinction of being the first member of the Kuriboh archetype designed for the Extra Deck. Initially released as a promotional card in the July 2017 issue of Saikyo Jump, its high versatility caused its secondary market value to surge, which later stabilized after it was reprinted in the 2018 Starter Deck.