1 — Yu-gi-oh! Episode

Often called " Season 0 ," this episode by Toei Animation follows the original manga more closely, where the focus is on a variety of dangerous "Shadow Games" rather than just one card game.

In the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! , "Episode 1" can refer to two very different beginnings: the 1998 "Season 0" premiere or the more globally famous 2000 Duel Monsters premiere. Both episodes establish Yugi Mutou as the protagonist but approach his journey with distinct tones and plotlines. Yu-Gi-Oh! Episode 1

: Yugi Mutou is a lonely student bullied by classmates. The school's hall monitor, Ushio, offers to "protect" Yugi but eventually turns on his friends, demanding a massive "protection fee." Often called " Season 0 ," this episode

: Yugi takes his grandfather’s place, facing Kaiba and his three Blue-Eyes White Dragons. Both episodes establish Yugi Mutou as the protagonist