Currently, single-player is the only way to earn new cards through gameplay. You earn points for actions during duels (e.g., successful summons, high damage); every 20 points awards you one card (up to 15 per match).
The game is notorious for a steep difficulty curve because the initial starter deck is considered "pathetically bad" compared to AI opponents who use powerful Synchro and Fusion monsters early on.
You compete in the "Fortune Cup" tournament in New Domino City. It begins with a round-robin preliminary phase against generic duelists, followed by an elimination bracket featuring iconic 5D's characters like Yusei Fudo and Jack Atlas .
