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Free OP10 Shanks Guide
🕑 Added 2025-04-19 21:45:06 +0000 UTC
Introduction
With the the release of OP10 and the ST21 Starter Deck, Red Shanks has undergone a significant evolution in the metagame. Once criticized for its weak early game, Shanks now benefits from a more versatile and proactive start thanks to new card additions that offer better tempo plays and board presence from Turn 1. These upgrades have not only shored up its early weaknesses but also expanded its deckbuilding potential.
Currently, two main variants of Shanks are emerging in the OP10 format: a midrange build that leans on value and board control, and an aggressive version that leverages the Straw Hat engine to apply pressure from the get-go. Both styles maintain the deck’s core identity—pushing the pace with rush characters and finishing strong with dominant late-game threats—while offering different ways to navigate the early and mid-game.
This guide covers the deck’s key components, turn-by-turn strategies, and how to build a solid opening. For competitive players seeking to refine their play, the full guide includes advanced metrics, matchup breakdowns, and tech choices—exclusively for Yonko subscribers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Excels in longer games by deploying powerful late-game finishers.
Performs well against decks built around mid-sized characters, thanks to power reduction effects and efficient removal tools.
Can control the board tempo with rush units and targeted KOs, especially in mid-to-late turns.
Weaknesses:
Vulnerable to aggressive strategies that flood the board early and apply fast pressure.
Relies heavily on hitting key curve points to maintain momentum and board control—missing a beat can quickly swing the game.
Decklists
Please note that metagame decklists can shift from week to week as the format evolves. To stay up to date with the latest winning Shanks builds and other top-performing decks, be sure to check our live stats at https://stats.tcgmatchmaking.com/.
With the release of OP10 and the ST21 Starter Deck, Shanks now has access to a wider card pool that supports both midrange and aggressive builds. In this section, we’ll showcase a variety of decklists that highlight the two primary approaches in the current meta: a traditional midrange variant focused on value and board control, and a more aggressive build leveraging the Straw Hat engine to push early pressure.
Each version brings its own strengths and tech options tailored for different matchups. For instance, midrange lists often include cards like Lucky Roux to swing the tempo against decks like Purple Luffy, while aggressive variants may opt for Straw Hat synergy and rush-heavy lineups to punish slower strategies.
As the OP10 meta continues to evolve, adaptability is key. We've included several proven decklists below to give you a strong foundation for your own builds. Later in the guide, we’ll also compare how these variants perform in key matchups—helping you choose the right version of Shanks for your local meta or upcoming tournament.
Decklist 1: Straw Hat Hybrid
This decklist has been performing exceptionally well on the online ranked ladder, thanks to its balanced hybrid approach. It combines the explosive tempo of Straw Hat-type cards with the tried-and-true late-game power of Rayleigh and Rush Shanks, giving it strong play potential at all stages of the game.
One notable inclusion is Red-Hawk—a card that was initially cut from many early OP10 lists. However, with aggressive decks like Zoro and tempo-focused builds like Doflamingo holding a strong presence in the meta, Red-Hawk has found renewed relevance. Its ability to simultaneously remove a small attacker and reduce the power of a key threat makes it a crucial defensive option, especially when trying to survive the early-game flood from wide board strategies. The addition of 1 Rush (unblockable) Luffy is there to help close out games against Blackbeard.
This list showcases how Shanks can thrive in the OP10 environment by blending early pressure tools with game-ending threats, without committing fully to either the midrange or aggressive path. It's flexible, a build that rewards smart sequencing and reactive play.
Decklist 2: Midrange Control (Classic Core with OP10 Enhancements)
This second list leans more into the traditional midrange strategy that defined Shanks during the OP09 era, but with meaningful OP10 upgrades that enhance its board control and defensive play. The deck focuses on stabilizing the early game, leveraging value trades, and transitioning into a dominant late-game.
A standout addition here is 5-cost Marco, whose synergy with Building Snake creates a reliable way to clear 6000-power threats efficiently—something that’s especially useful against decks that aim to stick high-value characters early. This interaction gives the deck a strong tempo swing tool without overcommitting to rush-heavy plays.
The inclusion of Lucky Roux also helps mitigate pressure in matchups like Purple Luffy, offering a powerful tempo unit that can turn the tide when you're on the back foot.
Overall, this list is a testament to the flexibility of Shanks in OP10. While it maintains a slower, more control-oriented game plan, it still keeps pace with modern threats and adapts well to the current meta. It’s a great choice for players who prefer a methodical, board-focused playstyle while still having access to explosive closers.
Decklist 3: Tournament Tech (Top 4 at London Regional)
This third list recently earned a Top 4 finish at the London Regional, showcasing a refined and competitive build tailored for high-level play. It takes a slightly more control-oriented approach while integrating several unique tech choices that give it an edge in the OP10 metagame.
A key inclusion is Uta, which functions both as an early-game searcher and a way to clean up problematic low-power units like Laffitte or Bonney. This allows the deck to stabilize early without compromising board presence.
Another tech choice is Yasopp, which boosts your leader to 6K the turn he enters play. This can be crucial for minimizing chip damage and forcing your opponent to commit more resources to connect, especially in aggressive matchups where every life matters.
Finally, this list includes 10-cost Shanks, a board-sweeping bomb that can decisively swing the game in your favor. In slower or grindy matchups, this card offers a massive tempo swing and forces immediate answers, often leaving your opponent without a strong follow-up.
This build highlights how diverse Shanks decks can be—even at the highest level of competition. With solid early-game tools, defensive tech, and late-game power, it’s a well-rounded deck that can adapt to a wide range of matchups in OP10.
Starting Turns & Early Game Curve
In most matchups, we recommend choosing to go first. This allows you to execute a smoother curve, secure early board control, and set the pace of the game. Many top-tier decks in OP10 also prefer going first, so taking the initiative not only helps you build tempo—it denies your opponent the same advantage.
We’ll cover matchup-specific nuances later in the guide, but here’s a general look at how your curve can play out depending on turn order:
Example Curve – Going First:
1 DON: Pass / Searcher
3 DON: 5K Leader Attack → Play 3-cost character or hold 2 DON for Red-Hawk
5 DON: Leader Swing → Play 5-cost character
7 DON: Sequence attacks → Play Benn Beckman
9 DON: Sequence attacks → Play Rayleigh, Dragon, or another Benn Beckman
10 DON: Push pressure with Leader + Characters → Deploy Rayleigh, Dragon, Rush Shanks, or 10-cost Shanks
Example Curve – Going Second:
2 DON: Pass / Searcher
4 DON: Leader Attack → Play Lucky Roux or 3-cost unit
6 DON: Use Leader/Character swings + Don!! → Play 5-cost unit
8 DON: Attack board/life → Play Rayleigh, Benn Beckman, or Dragon
10 DON: Pressure with attacks → Play high-impact units like 10-cost Shanks
These curves offer a general framework, but rigid play patterns are not optimal. Shanks thrives as a flexible midrange deck, balancing aggression and control depending on the matchup. Knowing when to pivot from attacking life to clearing the board is a skill that will define your win rate.
Key Early Game Principles
Manage Board First, Life Second: Use tools like Otama and Hongo to reduce power, enabling efficient trades with Marco, Benn Beckman, or Rayleigh. These combos let you control the board while developing your own threats.
Watch the 7/8-DON Pivot: This is when board states typically get more complex. Decide if you're shifting into defense or pushing for lethal. Misplaying this turn can cost you the game—read the board carefully.
Efficient Attacking Order: Always attack with existing characters before playing new ones. This avoids them being removed by trigger effects. Against decks like Blackbeard, it prevents key threats from being picked off by cards like Liberation or Finger Pistol.
Maximize Dragon’s Value: When playing Dragon on curve, lead with him first to maximize his effect—ideal for setting up additional strong attacks.
Early Red-Hawk Usage: Don’t save Red-Hawk just for late-game insurance. In OP10, early use can KO searchers or early threats, helping you stabilize into your stronger turns.
By focusing on early stability and adapting your curve to the game state, Shanks can smoothly transition into its devastating mid- and late-game power turns. Mastering your early decisions—and when to break from the “ideal” curve—is key to piloting this deck at a high level.
Shanks Matchup Guide – OP10 Metagame
In this section, we’ll explore how to navigate the most relevant matchups in the current OP10 metagame using both the midrange and aggressive variants of Shanks. You’ll gain insight into how to adapt your game plan depending on your opponent’s strategy, tempo, and power spikes.
We’ll walk through key fundamentals, turn-by-turn tactics, and how to shift your focus between board control and life pressure. Whether you’re piloting a control-heavy list or a rush-oriented build, understanding how to adjust your approach in different matchups is essential to finding consistent success.
🔒 This detailed breakdown is available exclusively to Yonko-tier Patreon subscribers or those who have purchased the Complete Shanks Guide. Unlock advanced strategy insights and take your gameplay to the next level.
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