Predictions for the new format

With the new Ban List being effective on September 1, and Ancient Prophecy being released at the same time, the metagame will undergo a huge evolution. Most of the Tier 1 decks on the previous format are either crippled or toned down and some decks who were cycled out is now expected to return and terrorize the tables. Monarchs and Zombies get a new lease in life while Synchro Cat dies. Some decks see a significant increase in power-specifically the Skill Drain Deck, with its newest addition: Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur.

Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur

Beast-Warrior/Effect
You can Special Summon this card from your hand by removing from play 1 Machine-Type monster and 1 Beast-Warrior-Type monster from your hand, your side of the field, or your Graveyard. When this card battles, Battle Damage to your opponent becomes 0.

Most Skill Drain based decks run Beast King Barbaros and Fusilier Dragon, the Dual-Mode Beast together as their primary beat stick for the simple reason that they are regular easy summons with whopping 2800 and 3000 ATK both. Skill Drain basically locks down most decks. Gladiator Beasts can't tag out and Lightsworns can't use their self-mill Effects, aside from their main Effects, thus slowing them down. With Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur being released on Ancient Prophecy, This will add another easy summon 3800 ATK beat stick that's tremendously easy to Special Summon, adding to Skill Drain's asernal. Coincidentally, Beast King Barbaros and Fusiller Dragon are both the requirements for the Special Summoning of this massive beast. Finally, running Trade-In as this deck's engine will speed it up drastically, with more candidates for discard, and maybe probably use as fodder to Special Summon Ur.

The limit on Bottomless Trap Hole and Solemn Judgment helps this deck too. The limit on Counter Traps will pave way for your massive beat sticks to push forward. Breaker, the Magical Warrior's effect cannot be activated while Skill Drain is active on the field so he can't be used as a counter to this deck.

Expect this archetype seeing more tournament play this coming format.