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Nina Accepting Help from Diamond Dust? (Budget Remix Girls Band Cry Series: 3)

  • Writer: Melanie Lynette
    Melanie Lynette
  • Jan 28
  • 12 min read

Girls Band Cry is a very powerful Premium Booster and TD+ release that has an amazingly deep combination of experimental and powerful card effects. If sticking to non-foil cards, the entire set becomes very affordable, even to upgrade. (As of the writing of this article in January 2026, there is only one card in the Japanese main set and TD+ over 1000 yen, and it’s the 0/0 Nina due to her widespread use in decks.) While the English version of the set may have a slightly different price point due to print run size, I still feel like this set will be very easy for players to upgrade outside of some PRs that we’re not sure how they’ll be released yet exactly as of the timing of this article.


Let’s continue the series with a look at a deck that looks at a budget 8 Comeback (Door) variant. Nina is the overwhelming finisher of choice for the set if we leave out Rupa x Tomo and the TD+ combo, but if we start mixing in the Diamond Dust cards we can get a pretty interesting 8 Comeback (Door) variant that doesn’t focus on the Nina top end. This opens up the possibility of running Subaru’s 2/0 combo for some fun cancel/not canceled ways to affect the game.



Deck 1 Code: 51NPH 



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 1:


It’s tricky to do an 8 Comeback (Door) deck without using the 3/2 Nina finisher from the booster set (the typically preferred set finisher) or the TD+ Nina combo, however, it is possible if we overlap into the Diamond Dust Level 3s for some off finisher options (Togenashi Togeari really didn’t get any off finishers outside of the TD+ Rupa). One of the other things the set presents is a very interesting experimental 2/0 combo for Subaru, which, by going with non-climax combo finishers, opens up our deck slots to either compress our deck or challenge our opponent’s backrow cards.


From the start: Please keep in mind that the Level 3 Nana needs Experience Level 4 to fully be playable. Just seek to level a Level 3 Ai (ideally) for your Blue which will get you 3 of that 4 experience. A 2/1 Nina, a 2/0 Subaru, or a 1/0 Tomo can get you the 4th or over bit of it. Level 0 uses the Hina, search brainstormer Rin, and the TD+ Salvage Nina to set up for Level 1. This also seemed like a good build to test out the 0/0 Momoka who has a similar effect to the 0/0 Akane in Oshi no Ko set 1 (she’s a 0/0 3500 power continuously if you meet her power condition when you have 4 or less stock to bottom deck her reversed battle opponents). While it won’t always work out to stick that extra damage at the bottom of deck on top of deny on reverse or on death from stage to waiting room effects on your turn, it’s worth an attempt given we don’t have the most powerful top end.


At Level 1 our goal is to play one of the early play 2/1 Nina combo. She early plays if you have 4 or more other Togenashi Togeari characters, so she pairs well with a dual lane of the 1/0 Tomo, or another Togenashi Togeari Level 0 card. Note: You CAN NOT use Nina’s combo if your board has any Diamond Dust members in play. You also can’t grab Diamond Dust members for the combo. Prepare to use other tools in the deck to filter for them and keep them in hand for your end game.  You can only get off one of her climax combo due to the fact she sends the climax to the waiting room as part of her cost, but she does generate 2 clean stock and a card to hand. Because she generates extra stock you may consider using the inherent “Pay 3” Encore rule in niche situations where hand is running low to maintain desirable board options.


At Level 2 you can either relight the 2/1 Nina combo (with a full Togenashi Togeari board), or play the 2/0 Subaru combo with the early play Ai healer. Subaru, on climax placement, either on damage cancel can send an opponent’s Level 2 or lower backrow character to the waiting room or, on damage sticking, searches the deck for a Music character or a 1/1 event the deck isn’t running and gets +3000 power. She’s an interesting coin flip that can further the game multiple ways. 


Level 3 is going to chain the 3/2 Nana’s into play. She, on play, can put a character your level or lower into play and give it 2000 power. So if you play a Nana, you can play another Nana, and then play something else to end the chain, or play a 3rd to chain into a backrow assist or yet another card! I have included the other 3/2 Nina as she can on play, for a stock, get two abilities. If her damage sticks, she deals an additional damage. If her damage cancels, she searches the deck for 3 Music characters and sends 1 to hand, 1 to stock, and discard the rest. Similar to Subaru, she can replenish resources for the Nana Experience 4 clock kick on reverse cost, or she can just deal an extra damage.



Deck 2 Code: 6A3QK



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 2:


*Notes: 

  1. This may be a far more accessible version of the deck, because swapping to the 1/0 Momoka combo who is just synergized around Music trait allows for more favorable band mixing. It’s hard to tell as of the writing of this article if the English audience will consider the 1/0 Momoka combo for the competitive build. As of now, it doesn’t seem to be in as much contention (especially with the TD+ releasing alongside the Premium Booster instead of 2 months later), so it should be fairly affordable for most players.

  2. I’ve paired the 2/0 Subaru with the Momoka combo in this build to totally just keep the deck mostly on Music trait and to open up the addition of the Diamond Dust Rin brainstormer. It is, however, possible to stick with the 2/1 Nina combo and judge what is the best play option. If you do, swap the 2/0 Subaru and her climax for the 2/1 Nina, and put the 0/0 Rupa TD+ brainstormer back into the build instead of Rin. Remember! Nina only works if your board is all Togenashi Togeari and only can grab Togenashi Togeari.*


This build swaps in the Level 1 Momoka combo in place of the Nina combo. It makes the build a lot easier to pilot as her combo is tied to Music trait, opening up the option of the Rin Level 0 brainstormer and reducing the stress of not leaving a Diamond Dust Level 0 on stage at Level 1. Downside of her combo is that it, like the Nina 2/1, doesn’t help you mill through the first deck. However, her hand filtering means that you can hold off on brainstorming or other stock cost abilities to preserve stock for your end game. Nana helps you also with this. Level 3 plays out the same as the deck version above.



Budget Swap-Ins for both decks:


Tomo is a repeatable brainstormer that can hand filter on climax hit of her ability to check the top 3 cards of your deck for anything. She also can help with an extra bit of mill on play to get you closer to potentially hitting a climax for her brainstorm effect. She is a valuable tech one card that can also attack, if necessary.
Tomo is a repeatable brainstormer that can hand filter on climax hit of her ability to check the top 3 cards of your deck for anything. She also can help with an extra bit of mill on play to get you closer to potentially hitting a climax for her brainstorm effect. She is a valuable tech one card that can also attack, if necessary.

This Tomo is a strong hand filter and draw tool for this and many decks. May be worth considering as a 1 or a 2 of in some lists since she doesn’t cost stock.
This Tomo is a strong hand filter and draw tool for this and many decks. May be worth considering as a 1 or a 2 of in some lists since she doesn’t cost stock.

This Subaru can help power up a Music character and can pay a stock/hand filter to search your deck for a Music character to further your game.
This Subaru can help power up a Music character and can pay a stock/hand filter to search your deck for a Music character to further your game.

This Rupa can bounce an opponent’s Level 0 character back to hand (useful for denying on reverse or on stage to waiting room effects), as well as pay a stock and discard a card either on play or on stage to waiting room to salvage a character. This means, if you’re short stock, you can use her to attack with and then still get her salvage filter ability when she goes to waiting room.
This Rupa can bounce an opponent’s Level 0 character back to hand (useful for denying on reverse or on stage to waiting room effects), as well as pay a stock and discard a card either on play or on stage to waiting room to salvage a character. This means, if you’re short stock, you can use her to attack with and then still get her salvage filter ability when she goes to waiting room.

This Rupa global +500 Assist on climax placement can give a character on attack, look at up to 2 cards, choose 1, leave it on top, and discard the rest to the waiting room. This set up can be helpful for attempting to trigger (or not trigger!) Comeback (Door) triggers.
This Rupa global +500 Assist on climax placement can give a character on attack, look at up to 2 cards, choose 1, leave it on top, and discard the rest to the waiting room. This set up can be helpful for attempting to trigger (or not trigger!) Comeback (Door) triggers.

This Nina is a very strong going first, first turn, attacker that has great defensive power and a level if you have 1 or less other characters. If you feel like you need a powerhouse at Level 0 this maybe it!
This Nina is a very strong going first, first turn, attacker that has great defensive power and a level if you have 1 or less other characters. If you feel like you need a powerhouse at Level 0 this maybe it!

This 1/0 Subaru has a very interesting ability. She allows you, for discarding a card from hand and having a full field, manipulate your opponent’s stage. She also is a  Level Reverser, so even if her first ability is unnecessary, the second may prove helpful.
This 1/0 Subaru has a very interesting ability. She allows you, for discarding a card from hand and having a full field, manipulate your opponent’s stage. She also is a  Level Reverser, so even if her first ability is unnecessary, the second may prove helpful.


These two come as a packaged pair, but this Tomo and Rupa bond team are a great alternative to the 1/0 Tomo to help get out a pair of utility attackers to fulfill Nina’s 4 or more on board requirement.


This 1/0 Rupa is a great answer if you have a lot of standby in decks you keep encountering. The 11500 power against a Level 2 may be enough to get around or challenge some early play or standby targets.
This 1/0 Rupa is a great answer if you have a lot of standby in decks you keep encountering. The 11500 power against a Level 2 may be enough to get around or challenge some early play or standby targets.

This 1/1 Nina enjoyed some popularity in deck variants over in Japan as a tech card that can possibly recoup its stock cost and challenge the power levels of cost 2 cards. Downside is she’s pretty weak on defense, so unlikely to stick around an additional turn to recoup an additional stock.
This 1/1 Nina enjoyed some popularity in deck variants over in Japan as a tech card that can possibly recoup its stock cost and challenge the power levels of cost 2 cards. Downside is she’s pretty weak on defense, so unlikely to stick around an additional turn to recoup an additional stock.

Momoka is a solid set staple: a 3000 power back-up that can give the defending character in battle the option to send a reversed battle opponent to memory.
Momoka is a solid set staple: a 3000 power back-up that can give the defending character in battle the option to send a reversed battle opponent to memory.

Subaru is an atypical early play anti-change counter. For a bit less cost (1 additional stock and a card from hand), she bounces an early-play battle opponent back to hand.
Subaru is an atypical early play anti-change counter. For a bit less cost (1 additional stock and a card from hand), she bounces an early-play battle opponent back to hand.

Momoka can level down one of your opponent’s characters for playing this and a card in hand, as well as double as an early play level reverser that doesn’t zone change. Worth adding in as a one of in some instances to get rid of anti-burn lanes for your Level 3 game.
Momoka can level down one of your opponent’s characters for playing this and a card in hand, as well as double as an early play level reverser that doesn’t zone change. Worth adding in as a one of in some instances to get rid of anti-burn lanes for your Level 3 game.

Tomo is a 13000 power attacker that, when she reverses her battle opponent, you can choose a Music character to get bounce back to hand when front attacked. Note: This Tomo doesn’t have a soul trigger.
Tomo is a 13000 power attacker that, when she reverses her battle opponent, you can choose a Music character to get bounce back to hand when front attacked. Note: This Tomo doesn’t have a soul trigger.

Subaru is a powerful 12500 attacker that, for an additional stock on play, can send all of your opponent’s stock to the waiting room and put the same number of cards from the top of their deck into stock. This is a good solution in niche gameplay scenarios to deal with stacked or super compressed deck states your opponent may present.
Subaru is a powerful 12500 attacker that, for an additional stock on play, can send all of your opponent’s stock to the waiting room and put the same number of cards from the top of their deck into stock. This is a good solution in niche gameplay scenarios to deal with stacked or super compressed deck states your opponent may present.

This free fresh Nana counter may be a good fit for some builds, especially if you’re running the 2/1 Nina combo since you may have extra stock and may need to pay out climax triggers. Though her ability is quite pricey, it may be a good fit in the deck for some. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo. Also remember the Nina can’t grab her on salvage or stock charge because Nana’s is a Diamond Dust member.
This free fresh Nana counter may be a good fit for some builds, especially if you’re running the 2/1 Nina combo since you may have extra stock and may need to pay out climax triggers. Though her ability is quite pricey, it may be a good fit in the deck for some. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo. Also remember the Nina can’t grab her on salvage or stock charge because Nana’s is a Diamond Dust member.
This Rin may fit the playstyle needs of some players. She creates a scenario, on reverse, for a pitched card from hand, that gives character across from this minus 2 soul. If you’re looking for a bit more experience or a different Blue strategy in the deck, a split between her and Ai may fit your playstyle better. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 1, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo. Also remember that Nina can’t grab her on salvage or stock charge because Nana’s is a Diamond Dust member.
This Rin may fit the playstyle needs of some players. She creates a scenario, on reverse, for a pitched card from hand, that gives character across from this minus 2 soul. If you’re looking for a bit more experience or a different Blue strategy in the deck, a split between her and Ai may fit your playstyle better. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 1, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo. Also remember that Nina can’t grab her on salvage or stock charge because Nana’s is a Diamond Dust member.

This Subaru is a powerful Level 0 attacker during your turn that can help payout climax triggers from stock in the early game to prevent them from getting stuck there. While less of a concern after Level 1 in this deck with Nana’s climax combo, if you don’t have the combo in hand this is a decent attacker to help with that potential problem.
This Subaru is a powerful Level 0 attacker during your turn that can help payout climax triggers from stock in the early game to prevent them from getting stuck there. While less of a concern after Level 1 in this deck with Nana’s climax combo, if you don’t have the combo in hand this is a decent attacker to help with that potential problem.

Momoka is a great way to, on attack, power up another Music character. Her run away from combat ability can either help send you to Level 1 first, cause your opponent to over swing into cancels, and gives her a chance to survive a turn to attack again.
Momoka is a great way to, on attack, power up another Music character. Her run away from combat ability can either help send you to Level 1 first, cause your opponent to over swing into cancels, and gives her a chance to survive a turn to attack again.

 

This 1/0 Subaru can be a helpful attacker if you would like to generate a bit of extra stock with any climax combo out in play. I recommend almost always attacking with her last so that the stock you didn’t see can be immediately paid out in case it is a climax or a tech card you don’t want buried in stock for the rest of the game.
This 1/0 Subaru can be a helpful attacker if you would like to generate a bit of extra stock with any climax combo out in play. I recommend almost always attacking with her last so that the stock you didn’t see can be immediately paid out in case it is a climax or a tech card you don’t want buried in stock for the rest of the game.
Tomo is a powerful 2/1 attacker that, if you play her and have 4 or more other Music characters, you can choose a Music character in the waiting room and send it to stock. She can help clear out climax triggers for a clean stock to be used later while hitting decent power levels.
Tomo is a powerful 2/1 attacker that, if you play her and have 4 or more other Music characters, you can choose a Music character in the waiting room and send it to stock. She can help clear out climax triggers for a clean stock to be used later while hitting decent power levels.
This Subaru can help with getting on reverse targets for Nana, or help with powering up Nana for her ability. May be worth swapping out with the 1/1 Tomo assist if you are having issues with your opponent crashing front row slots on their board to get around your finisher’s ability.
This Subaru can help with getting on reverse targets for Nana, or help with powering up Nana for her ability. May be worth swapping out with the 1/1 Tomo assist if you are having issues with your opponent crashing front row slots on their board to get around your finisher’s ability.

The set doesn’t have many off finishers, and while Nana is probably just the go to here, if you’re splashing enough red, then you could run 1 or 2 of this Rupa. She can help dig for a climax combo or another attacker, and her on attack ability can mill your own deck for a chance to deal some extra damage to your opponent.
The set doesn’t have many off finishers, and while Nana is probably just the go to here, if you’re splashing enough red, then you could run 1 or 2 of this Rupa. She can help dig for a climax combo or another attacker, and her on attack ability can mill your own deck for a chance to deal some extra damage to your opponent.

If you find yourself struggling to get your climax combo in hand, this event may be worth it as a 1 or a 2 of. While the deck doesn’t give you any way to get this consistently in hand other than drawing and hanging on to it, it can help out in niche situations from Level 1 onwards to guarantee a climax combo for the turn.
If you find yourself struggling to get your climax combo in hand, this event may be worth it as a 1 or a 2 of. While the deck doesn’t give you any way to get this consistently in hand other than drawing and hanging on to it, it can help out in niche situations from Level 1 onwards to guarantee a climax combo for the turn.

Upgrades for when there’s some extra change in the wallet after payday:


This series may be very affordable for some players to upgrade due to its premium booster format so long as you aren’t chasing foil versions of cards. You will likely be able to find even popular cards at a lower price nearer to the release period due to this. Here are some of the pricier upgrades you may consider incorporating when it makes financial sense. On top of that, because the Blue cards and Diamond Dust is a very small section of the main set with no PR support, all of the cards you need to build with are in the budget category for the most part. It’s only when you lean into the Red card color splash for better consistency and utility that you need to start saving.


Note: I’m also avoiding any PR cards in his section for now, even though there are some very powerful ones that have seen a lot of play in Japanese competitive lists (The "Avoid Note" PRs, for example). As of the publication date of this article around release week in January of 2026 we don’t know when or how they’ll be released. Depending on how the PRs are released for this set, they could be easy or difficult to obtain for players.


This 0/0 Nina on your turn is a 3500 power attacker that gives you a choice of abilities when she reverses a battle opponent. She can either rest a character in your front row and move it to an empty backrow slot -OR- you can pay a stock and put the top card of your deck into your clock to salvage a character. She’s a very versatile card that allows you to either attack with your backrow cards if you’re not using their abilities or, if she’s in your opening hand you can discard things that you would typically hold onto with the intent of salvaging them back.
This 0/0 Nina on your turn is a 3500 power attacker that gives you a choice of abilities when she reverses a battle opponent. She can either rest a character in your front row and move it to an empty backrow slot -OR- you can pay a stock and put the top card of your deck into your clock to salvage a character. She’s a very versatile card that allows you to either attack with your backrow cards if you’re not using their abilities or, if she’s in your opening hand you can discard things that you would typically hold onto with the intent of salvaging them back.

If you are running 8 Comeback (Door), then this Subaru 0/0 Brainstormer is a powerful addition to the deck. She has a filter ability that pays out triggered Comeback (Door) climaxes and mills your deck a bit to add a card to hand and one to stock. She loses her secondary ability in a Diamond Dust deck, but if you still want a salvage over a search brainstormer she might fit your deck building needs.
If you are running 8 Comeback (Door), then this Subaru 0/0 Brainstormer is a powerful addition to the deck. She has a filter ability that pays out triggered Comeback (Door) climaxes and mills your deck a bit to add a card to hand and one to stock. She loses her secondary ability in a Diamond Dust deck, but if you still want a salvage over a search brainstormer she might fit your deck building needs.

This 0/0 Tomo can on play power up a Momoko or a Nina, then be played over for her hand filter and dig for a Music trait character when she goes from stage to the waiting room (or when she goes there on your opponent’s turn after losing a battle!). A very versatile way to mill and filter through your deck to hand sculpt. 
This 0/0 Tomo can on play power up a Momoko or a Nina, then be played over for her hand filter and dig for a Music trait character when she goes from stage to the waiting room (or when she goes there on your opponent’s turn after losing a battle!). A very versatile way to mill and filter through your deck to hand sculpt. 

This 3/2 early play healer Rupa has a much more consistent early play condition than Diamond Dust’s Ai does above. She also can free up a slot on stage when played for a chance to salvage a different card in the waiting room. 
This 3/2 early play healer Rupa has a much more consistent early play condition than Diamond Dust’s Ai does above. She also can free up a slot on stage when played for a chance to salvage a different card in the waiting room. 


This is another, possibly not too expensive, Level 1 combo for this deck build and its variants. It does provide the deck with its missing 1st deck mill as well as a way to pay out triggered climaxes. When paired with the 1/0 Rupa counter, if you meet the Experience 2 requirement, she can be an 8500 on defense with a full board.



Be sure to check out this and other Budget Remix Series possibilities at: https://level4weissschwarz.wixsite.com/lvl4ws  


 
 
 

Rupa and Tomo’s Turn to Shine! (Budget Remix Girls Band Cry Series: 2)

  • Writer: Melanie Lynette
    Melanie Lynette
  • Jan 28
  • 11 min read

Girls Band Cry is a very powerful Premium Booster and TD+ release that has an amazingly deep combination of experimental and powerful card effects. If sticking to non-foil cards, the entire set becomes very affordable, even to upgrade. (As of the writing of this article in January 2026, there is only one card in the Japanese main set and TD+ over 1000 yen, and it’s the 0/0 Nina due to her widespread use in decks.) While the English version of the set may have a slightly different price point due to print run size, I still feel like this set will be very easy for players to upgrade outside of some PRs that we’re not sure how they’ll be released yet exactly as of the timing of this article.


Let’s continue the series with a look at a deck that features Rupa and Tomo! Their Level 0 and 3 combos that share a climax combo often get overshadowed by the powerhouse that is Momoka and Nina, but are actually very playable.



Deck 1 Code: 48RZ9 



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 1:


Note: There is one card in this list that, at least in English, may push the definition of a budget deck. The 3/2 Early Play Rupa is essential for this list as she’s the only target for the Level 3 Tomo combo. As of the time of writing this article around the time of English release in January 2026, the non-foil Rupa 3/2 is only a 500 yen card in Japanese. Hopefully print run levels will allow her non-foil in English to be around that comparable price point and be accessible. If not, it’s definitely a must have for the Level 3 game of this deck list to work!


This fun budget list celebrates Rupa and Tomo’s partnership prior to Togenashi Togeari’s creation, so an attempt has been made to keep as close to the theme as possible by sticking with Rupa and Tomo’s cards. Downside? They only share one climax combo! So I decided to fill in with the Level 1 Momoka’s TD+ combo since both of them are at least featured on the climax art. If you find this Level 1 combo not working, feel free to swap it for some other Level 1 or 2 combo that better fits your needs.


From Level 0, if it makes sense, you can start using the 0/0 Rupa (15) climax combo to start building extra stock and possibly triggering extra Comeback (Door) triggers to replenish your hand. You can also use some of the other utility in the deck to set up for the Level 1 Momoka combo (the 0/0 Rupa (15) gives her a nice extra power boost with her rest ability for the on reverse effect). While you do have an early play healer in the 3/2 Rupa, play her sparingly at Level 2 so to preserve resources and have her for the Level 3 Tomo combo. At Level 3, depending on the amount of resources that have been built up, the idea is to light at least two of the Level 3 Tomo so that she and Rupa combined get 5 attacks. You may be able to carefully manage resources to get off 3, especially since the Level 3 also combos with the 0/0 that returns to hand to give trigger check twice to someone alongside the fact that Tomo draws up to 1 card on play to replenish herself in hand. I’ve included a one copy of the TD+ Rupa in the list in case you feel like you need some extra mill, dig for a climax, and possibly a chance at a different type of finisher. Also, be very careful about attack order and take advantage of side attacks if you suspect that your opponent has rest counters. Tomo’s swap into Rupa happens at the end of attack, so if something prevents the attack from happening that can make it hard to push enough damage to close out the game.



Deck 2 Code: 5MB0P



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 2:


This deck is going to run very similar to Version 1, but it notably swaps the 1/0 Tomo and Rupa for the pair of 1/0’s that can bond one another. This helps to relieve hand issues somewhat, as the Level 0 utility for this deck doesn’t really plus to hand outside of brainstormers (it’s more filter than anything). Rupa can pay a stock to bond a Tomo, who can pitch to bond a Rupa. Ideally, you have a copy of each in hand so you can get their power buffs and on attack abilities. If you find yourself in game scenarios where an on reverse combo isn’t happening, or it’s only happening in one lane, this combo can help keep the game going with some decent power levels. Level 3 plays the same. Be sure to try to preserve hand resources throughout so you can at least get two of the Tomo/Rupa change off!


Deck Code 3: 5QG11



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 3:


This version of the deck takes a page from one of the competitive variants of the deck, but uses the 2/1 Nina combo instead of the TD+ Momoka combo. You can only use one of the 2/1 Nina’s ability per turn, since she has to send the climax in the climax zone to waiting room as part of her cost, but the 1/0 Rupa/Tomo bond partners actually make it slightly easier to get the 4 of band members on board to early play Nina. With NIna sitting at 8000 power, if you can protect her with a 1/0 Rupa counter that hits 2500 power with a full board to last an extra turn to redo her climax combo you should have plenty of stock to help keep hand up (even if you can’t, you’re up one from the cost of the Nina). Just be careful with your hand so you can set up the Level 3 game!


Note: There is a variant of this deck that can also run an empty Comeback (Door) climax trigger and just focus on the Tomo/Rupa 1/0 bond pair to maintain board state, with the climax combo of choice being the 0/0 Rupa combo early game to recoup extra stock with the trigger step twice and power up characters. This does free up some deck slots to increase the Level 0 counts and to increase copies of some decent Level 2 utility cards for consistency purposes. Feel free to experiment with this if you find the other deck variants with Level 1 combos hindering your game play.



Budget Swap-Ins for both decks:


Because I kept the deck Rupa x Tomo themed, here are some budget swap ins of their cards and the other girls to help increase deck consistency!


This 0/0 Momoka doubles as a way to deal with some power level hitting Level 0s as well as a way to dig for a climax or an event to grab a climax. She can also, in a pinch, keep you from getting stuck at Level 2 with 6 damage when you’re ready to go to Level 3 and push for the end game.
This 0/0 Momoka doubles as a way to deal with some power level hitting Level 0s as well as a way to dig for a climax or an event to grab a climax. She can also, in a pinch, keep you from getting stuck at Level 2 with 6 damage when you’re ready to go to Level 3 and push for the end game.

Tomo is a repeatable brainstormer that can hand filter on climax hit of her ability to check the top 3 cards of your deck for anything. She also can help with an extra bit of mill on play to get you closer to potentially hitting a climax for her brainstorm effect. She is a valuable tech one card that can also attack, if necessary.
Tomo is a repeatable brainstormer that can hand filter on climax hit of her ability to check the top 3 cards of your deck for anything. She also can help with an extra bit of mill on play to get you closer to potentially hitting a climax for her brainstorm effect. She is a valuable tech one card that can also attack, if necessary.

This Momoka is an exact clone to an Akane Oshi no Ko set 1 card. She is continuously at 3500 power if you have 5 or more cards in hand, and, so long as you have 4 or less stock, she can send reversed battle opponents to the bottom of your opponent’s deck. This can help put more damage back in your opponent’s deck, deny on reverse effects on your turn, and/or deny some on stage to waiting room effects your opponent may wish to use.
This Momoka is an exact clone to an Akane Oshi no Ko set 1 card. She is continuously at 3500 power if you have 5 or more cards in hand, and, so long as you have 4 or less stock, she can send reversed battle opponents to the bottom of your opponent’s deck. This can help put more damage back in your opponent’s deck, deny on reverse effects on your turn, and/or deny some on stage to waiting room effects your opponent may wish to use.

This Subaru can help power up a Music character and can pay a stock/hand filter to search your deck for a Music character to further your game.
This Subaru can help power up a Music character and can pay a stock/hand filter to search your deck for a Music character to further your game.

This Rupa global +500 Assist on climax placement can give a character on attack, look at up to 2 cards, choose 1, leave it on top, and discard the rest to the waiting room. This set up can be helpful for attempting to trigger (or not trigger!) Comeback (Door) triggers.
This Rupa global +500 Assist on climax placement can give a character on attack, look at up to 2 cards, choose 1, leave it on top, and discard the rest to the waiting room. This set up can be helpful for attempting to trigger (or not trigger!) Comeback (Door) triggers.

This Nina is a very strong going first, first turn, attacker that has great defensive power and a level if you have 1 or less other characters. If you feel like you need a powerhouse at Level 0 this maybe it!
This Nina is a very strong going first, first turn, attacker that has great defensive power and a level if you have 1 or less other characters. If you feel like you need a powerhouse at Level 0 this maybe it!

This 1/0 Subaru has a very interesting ability. She allows you, for discarding a card from hand and having a full field, manipulate your opponent’s stage. She also is a  Level Reverser, so even if her first ability is unnecessary, the second may prove helpful.
This 1/0 Subaru has a very interesting ability. She allows you, for discarding a card from hand and having a full field, manipulate your opponent’s stage. She also is a  Level Reverser, so even if her first ability is unnecessary, the second may prove helpful.

This 1/1 Nina enjoyed some popularity in deck variants over in Japan as a tech card that can possibly recoup its stock cost and challenge the power levels of cost 2 cards. Downside is she’s pretty weak on defense, so unlikely to stick around an additional turn to recoup an additional stock.
This 1/1 Nina enjoyed some popularity in deck variants over in Japan as a tech card that can possibly recoup its stock cost and challenge the power levels of cost 2 cards. Downside is she’s pretty weak on defense, so unlikely to stick around an additional turn to recoup an additional stock.

Momoka is a solid set staple: a 3000 power back-up that can give the defending character in battle the option to send a reversed battle opponent to memory.
Momoka is a solid set staple: a 3000 power back-up that can give the defending character in battle the option to send a reversed battle opponent to memory.

Subaru is an atypical early play anti-change counter. For a bit less cost (1 additional stock and a card from hand), she bounces an early-play battle opponent back to hand.
Subaru is an atypical early play anti-change counter. For a bit less cost (1 additional stock and a card from hand), she bounces an early-play battle opponent back to hand.

Momoka can level down one of your opponent’s characters for playing this and a card in hand, as well as double as an early play level reverser that doesn’t zone change. Worth adding in as a one of in some instances to get rid of anti-burn lanes for your Level 3 game.
Momoka can level down one of your opponent’s characters for playing this and a card in hand, as well as double as an early play level reverser that doesn’t zone change. Worth adding in as a one of in some instances to get rid of anti-burn lanes for your Level 3 game.

Subaru is a powerful 12500 attacker that, for an additional stock on play, can send all of your opponent’s stock to the waiting room and put the same number of cards from the top of their deck into stock. This is a good solution in niche gameplay scenarios to deal with stacked or super compressed deck states your opponent may present.
Subaru is a powerful 12500 attacker that, for an additional stock on play, can send all of your opponent’s stock to the waiting room and put the same number of cards from the top of their deck into stock. This is a good solution in niche gameplay scenarios to deal with stacked or super compressed deck states your opponent may present.

If you find yourself wanting a brainstormer in Deck Versions 1 and 2 that is more traditional and can grab whatever you would like from your deck, then this Rin may be a good fit. Note: Not a great fit for Deck Version 3. She doesn’t work with the 2/1 Nina combo version of the deck because if she’s on board you can’t early play the Nina or activate Nina’s combo.
If you find yourself wanting a brainstormer in Deck Versions 1 and 2 that is more traditional and can grab whatever you would like from your deck, then this Rin may be a good fit. Note: Not a great fit for Deck Version 3. She doesn’t work with the 2/1 Nina combo version of the deck because if she’s on board you can’t early play the Nina or activate Nina’s combo.

While we really don’t need the Level swap in the deck, the second ability can help pull a character you really need from the waiting room. It may be a good tech one in some builds. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo.
While we really don’t need the Level swap in the deck, the second ability can help pull a character you really need from the waiting room. It may be a good tech one in some builds. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo.

This Hina’s on attack ability can help you grab a Level 1 or lower character from your deck to help you set up a bond pair engine or to grab a utility piece you’re needing from your board set up. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo.
This Hina’s on attack ability can help you grab a Level 1 or lower character from your deck to help you set up a bond pair engine or to grab a utility piece you’re needing from your board set up. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo.

This free fresh Nana counter may be a good fit for some builds, especially if you’re running the 2/1 Nina combo since you may have extra stock and may need to pay out climax triggers. Though her ability is quite pricey, it may be a good fit in the deck for some. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo. Also remember the Nina can’t grab her on salvage or stock charge because Nana’s is a Diamond Dust member.
This free fresh Nana counter may be a good fit for some builds, especially if you’re running the 2/1 Nina combo since you may have extra stock and may need to pay out climax triggers. Though her ability is quite pricey, it may be a good fit in the deck for some. Note: If mixing in Deck Version 3, be sure she isn’t on the stage if you want to early play or use the Nina 2/1’s climax combo. Also remember the Nina can’t grab her on salvage or stock charge because Nana’s is a Diamond Dust member.

This Subaru is a powerful Level 0 attacker during your turn that can help payout climax triggers from stock in the early game to prevent them from getting stuck there. While less of a concern after Level 1 in this deck with Nana’s climax combo, if you don’t have the combo in hand this is a decent attacker to help with that potential problem.
This Subaru is a powerful Level 0 attacker during your turn that can help payout climax triggers from stock in the early game to prevent them from getting stuck there. While less of a concern after Level 1 in this deck with Nana’s climax combo, if you don’t have the combo in hand this is a decent attacker to help with that potential problem.

This Nina has a different profile than the Beni-Shouga Rupa, but it may be a better fit for some play styles. The fact she can go to stock also can help the deck recuperate those resources for the Tomo/Rupa bond pair.
This Nina has a different profile than the Beni-Shouga Rupa, but it may be a better fit for some play styles. The fact she can go to stock also can help the deck recuperate those resources for the Tomo/Rupa bond pair.

Momoka is a great way to, on attack, power up another Music character. Her run away from combat ability can either help send you to Level 1 first, cause your opponent to over swing into cancels, and gives her a chance to survive a turn to attack again.
Momoka is a great way to, on attack, power up another Music character. Her run away from combat ability can either help send you to Level 1 first, cause your opponent to over swing into cancels, and gives her a chance to survive a turn to attack again.

 

This 1/0 Subaru can be a helpful attacker if you would like to generate a bit of extra stock with any climax combo out in play. I recommend almost always attacking with her last so that the stock you didn’t see can be immediately paid out in case it is a climax or a tech card you don’t want buried in stock for the rest of the game.
This 1/0 Subaru can be a helpful attacker if you would like to generate a bit of extra stock with any climax combo out in play. I recommend almost always attacking with her last so that the stock you didn’t see can be immediately paid out in case it is a climax or a tech card you don’t want buried in stock for the rest of the game.

Upgrades for when there’s some extra change in the wallet after payday:


This series may be very affordable for some players to upgrade due to its premium booster format so long as you aren’t chasing foil versions of cards. You will likely be able to find even popular cards at a lower price nearer to the release period due to this. Here are some of the pricier upgrades you may consider incorporating when it makes financial sense. On top of that, because the Blue cards and Diamond Dust is a very small section of the main set with no PR support, all of the cards you need to build with are in the budget category for the most part. It’s only when you lean into the Red card color splash for better consistency and utility that you need to start saving.


Note: I’m also avoiding any PR cards in his section for now, even though there are some very powerful ones that have seen a lot of play in Japanese competitive lists (The "Avoid Note" PRs, for example). As of the publication date of this article around release week in January of 2026 we don’t know when or how they’ll be released. Depending on how the PRs are released for this set, they could be easy or difficult to obtain for players.


This 0/0 Nina on your turn is a 3500 power attacker that gives you a choice of abilities when she reverses a battle opponent. She can either rest a character in your front row and move it to an empty backrow slot -OR- you can pay a stock and put the top card of your deck into your clock to salvage a character. She’s a very versatile card that allows you to either attack with your backrow cards if you’re not using their abilities or, if she’s in your opening hand you can discard things that you would typically hold onto with the intent of salvaging them back.
This 0/0 Nina on your turn is a 3500 power attacker that gives you a choice of abilities when she reverses a battle opponent. She can either rest a character in your front row and move it to an empty backrow slot -OR- you can pay a stock and put the top card of your deck into your clock to salvage a character. She’s a very versatile card that allows you to either attack with your backrow cards if you’re not using their abilities or, if she’s in your opening hand you can discard things that you would typically hold onto with the intent of salvaging them back.

If you are running 8 Comeback (Door), then this Subaru 0/0 Brainstormer is a powerful addition to the deck. She has a filter ability that pays out triggered Comeback (Door) climaxes and mills your deck a bit to add a card to hand and one to stock. She loses her secondary ability in a Diamond Dust deck, but if you still want a salvage over a search brainstormer she might fit your deck building needs.
If you are running 8 Comeback (Door), then this Subaru 0/0 Brainstormer is a powerful addition to the deck. She has a filter ability that pays out triggered Comeback (Door) climaxes and mills your deck a bit to add a card to hand and one to stock. She loses her secondary ability in a Diamond Dust deck, but if you still want a salvage over a search brainstormer she might fit your deck building needs.

This 0/0 Tomo can on play power up a Momoko or a Nina, then be played over for her hand filter and dig for a Music trait character when she goes from stage to the waiting room (or when she goes there on your opponent’s turn after losing a battle!). A very versatile way to mill and filter through your deck to hand sculpt. 
This 0/0 Tomo can on play power up a Momoko or a Nina, then be played over for her hand filter and dig for a Music trait character when she goes from stage to the waiting room (or when she goes there on your opponent’s turn after losing a battle!). A very versatile way to mill and filter through your deck to hand sculpt. 

I actually don’t expect this 1/0 Momoka combo to be very expensive since, while it’s a very solid on attack handfilter/plus combo, it doesn’t help the deck necessarily recoup all of the stock resources you need to accomplish multiple Nina 3/2 finishers. It also doesn’t mill through the first deck, so it can result in some difficult game state situations from time to time. Still, this may be a better fit upgrade 2nd comb for this deck over the TD+ Momoka or the 2/1 Nina. Definitely worth considering if you’d like to try it out in a build.



Be sure to check out this and other Budget Remix Series possibilities at: https://level4weissschwarz.wixsite.com/lvl4ws  


 
 
 

Diamond Dust (Budget Remix Girls Band Cry Series: 1)

  • Writer: Melanie Lynette
    Melanie Lynette
  • Jan 27
  • 10 min read

Girls Band Cry is a very powerful Premium Booster and TD+ release that has an amazingly deep combination of experimental and powerful card effects. If sticking to non-foil cards, the entire set becomes very affordable, even to upgrade. (As of the writing of this article in January 2026, there is only one card in the Japanese main set and TD+ over 1000 yen, and it’s the 0/0 Nina due to her widespread use in decks.) While the English version of the set may have a slightly different price point due to print run size, I still feel like this set will be very easy for players to upgrade outside of some PRs that we’re not sure how they’ll be released yet exactly as of the timing of this article.


Let’s start out with our antagonist band, Diamond Dust! Almost all of these cards should be very affordable for most players, so feel free to explore the mono-band and splashing red versions of these two decks!



Deck 1 Code: 5XXB9



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 1:


The series only has two colors, red and blue, and the design has all of the red cards going to Togenashi Togeari and the blue cards going to Diamond Dust. For the most part, the two bands have cards that work fine together to be mixed given the main Music trait of the set. This version of the deck is only focused on using the Diamond Dust cards to stay completely on theme, but in doing so sacrifices a bit of utility to do so (especially at Level 0).


Be sure to pay attention to the level of cards in your level zone throughout the game. The deck has a limited way to swap this, but it’s just easier to Level up a Level 3 at Level 1 and 2 to get your Experience requirement off. (The deck needs Experience Level 2 at Level 1, 4 at Level 2, and Experience 6 at Level 3.) At Level 0 you’ll want to use the 0/0 Hina (after you have some stock) and other utility cards to get set up for the Level 1 Nana combo. Nana has some defensive power when compared to other Level 1 combos, so sitting at 6000 power means she may be able to survive. You’ll want to loop this combo as much as possible until you’re at Level 3, with the Level 2 assist Ai to help with power levels and the Level 2 Hina or early play 3/2 Ai with some different skills to help with paying out climax triggers or healing damage. The free deck refresh counter Nana may also be helpful in paying out stuck in stock Gate (Pants) triggers and avoiding an extra point of refresh damage, just be careful to watch stock levels for Level 3. 


Level 3 is focused on the 3/2 Hina. Be sure to have something else on stage you can sacrifice to make the most of her on play ability. It does help that it recuperates a stock of your choice from the top of her deck, but keep in mind you do need a stock left over to use 3 of her finisher. If you’re short on stock, remember that the 3/2 Nana can chain out into one copy of Hina, and that you don’t have to pay Nana’s on reverse cost unless she does reverse something. It should be noted that Hina has some defensive power for your opponent’s turn, so being able to use the counter at 3 can also be worth it.



Deck 2 Code: 6J5UT



Quick Pilot Guide Deck 2:


This version of the deck keeps the same Level 1 Nana and Level 3 Hina Diamond Dust combos, but evens out the Level 0 game with some additional utility from the red Togenashi Togeari cards. We also gain access to some nice Level 1/0 Rupa counters that, if you have full board, are 1/0 +2500 counters and can keep either the 1/0 Nana or 3/2 Hina around for additional turns.


Piloting this deck is almost identical to the above deck. Just make sure you meet your Experience requirements at the right levels and build enough stock resources for your end game. The Level 0s give you some access to salvage in the deck, which can help with looping the 1/0 Nana combo, as well as some additional hand filter to avoid Gate (Pants) trigger climaxes from getting stuck in hand. Use the 1/0 Rupa counters to preserve stock and help to keep the Level 1 Nana or Level 3 Hina around for another turn to reuse their abilities.



Budget Swap-Ins for both decks:


Note: There are very few Blue Diamond Dust cards in the set as a whole. Any Budget Swap-Ins are going to have you splashing Red into the deck. More than likely, the most helpful cards are going to be Level 0 or Level 2 counters for these decks. I’ve included some of the other higher level cards in case you decide to swing the deck more into Red for various playstyle or local meta needs, but keep in mind you do need to be at Experience Level 4 at Level 2 and 6 at Level 3 to activate some of the Diamond Dust members’ effects.




This 0/0 Momoka doubles as a way to deal with some power level hitting Level 0s as well as a way to dig for a climax or an event to grab a climax. She can also, in a pinch, keep you from getting stuck at Level 2 with 6 damage when you’re ready to go to Level 3 and push for the end game.
This 0/0 Momoka doubles as a way to deal with some power level hitting Level 0s as well as a way to dig for a climax or an event to grab a climax. She can also, in a pinch, keep you from getting stuck at Level 2 with 6 damage when you’re ready to go to Level 3 and push for the end game.

Tomo is a repeatable brainstormer that can hand filter on climax hit of her ability to check the top 3 cards of your deck for anything. She also can help with an extra bit of mill on play to get you closer to potentially hitting a climax for her brainstorm effect. She is a valuable tech one card that can also attack, if necessary.
Tomo is a repeatable brainstormer that can hand filter on climax hit of her ability to check the top 3 cards of your deck for anything. She also can help with an extra bit of mill on play to get you closer to potentially hitting a climax for her brainstorm effect. She is a valuable tech one card that can also attack, if necessary.

This Momoka is an exact clone to an Akane Oshi no Ko set 1 card. She is continuously at 3500 power if you have 5 or more cards in hand, and, so long as you have 4 or less stock, she can send reversed battle opponents to the bottom of your opponent’s deck. This can help put more damage back in your opponent’s deck, deny on reverse effects on your turn, and/or deny some on stage to waiting room effects your opponent may wish to use.
This Momoka is an exact clone to an Akane Oshi no Ko set 1 card. She is continuously at 3500 power if you have 5 or more cards in hand, and, so long as you have 4 or less stock, she can send reversed battle opponents to the bottom of your opponent’s deck. This can help put more damage back in your opponent’s deck, deny on reverse effects on your turn, and/or deny some on stage to waiting room effects your opponent may wish to use.

This Subaru can help power up a Music character and can pay a stock/hand filter to search your deck for a Music character to further your game.
This Subaru can help power up a Music character and can pay a stock/hand filter to search your deck for a Music character to further your game.

This Rupa can bounce an opponent’s Level 0 character back to hand (useful for denying on reverse or on stage to waiting room effects), as well as pay a stock and discard a card either on play or on stage to waiting room to salvage a character. This means, if you’re short stock, you can use her to attack with and then still get her salvage filter ability when she goes to waiting room.
This Rupa can bounce an opponent’s Level 0 character back to hand (useful for denying on reverse or on stage to waiting room effects), as well as pay a stock and discard a card either on play or on stage to waiting room to salvage a character. This means, if you’re short stock, you can use her to attack with and then still get her salvage filter ability when she goes to waiting room.

This Rupa global +500 Assist on climax placement can give a character on attack, look at up to 2 cards, choose 1, leave it on top, and discard the rest to the waiting room. This set up can be helpful for attempting to trigger (or not trigger!) Comeback (Door) triggers.
This Rupa global +500 Assist on climax placement can give a character on attack, look at up to 2 cards, choose 1, leave it on top, and discard the rest to the waiting room. This set up can be helpful for attempting to trigger (or not trigger!) Comeback (Door) triggers.

This Nina is a very strong going first, first turn, attacker that has great defensive power and a level if you have 1 or less other characters. If you feel like you need a powerhouse at Level 0 this maybe it!
This Nina is a very strong going first, first turn, attacker that has great defensive power and a level if you have 1 or less other characters. If you feel like you need a powerhouse at Level 0 this maybe it!

This 1/0 Subaru has a very interesting ability. She allows you, for discarding a card from hand and having a full field, manipulate your opponent’s stage. She also is a  Level Reverser, so even if her first ability is unnecessary, the second may prove helpful.
This 1/0 Subaru has a very interesting ability. She allows you, for discarding a card from hand and having a full field, manipulate your opponent’s stage. She also is a  Level Reverser, so even if her first ability is unnecessary, the second may prove helpful.

This Tomo is a 1/0 6000 power attacker, that when she goes from stage to waiting room you may discard a card from hand to look at up to top 4 for a Level 1 or higher card. With a climax out she’s a 1/0 7000 power attacker, and when she loses her battle she can provide us with some strategic discard and deck mill.
This Tomo is a 1/0 6000 power attacker, that when she goes from stage to waiting room you may discard a card from hand to look at up to top 4 for a Level 1 or higher card. With a climax out she’s a 1/0 7000 power attacker, and when she loses her battle she can provide us with some strategic discard and deck mill.

 

This 1/0 Rupa is a great answer if you have a lot of standby in decks you keep encountering. The 11500 power against a Level 2 may be enough to get around or challenge some early play or standby targets.
This 1/0 Rupa is a great answer if you have a lot of standby in decks you keep encountering. The 11500 power against a Level 2 may be enough to get around or challenge some early play or standby targets.

This 1/1 Nina enjoyed some popularity in deck variants over in Japan as a tech card that can possibly recoup its stock cost and challenge the power levels of cost 2 cards. Downside is she’s pretty weak on defense, so unlikely to stick around an additional turn to recoup an additional stock.
This 1/1 Nina enjoyed some popularity in deck variants over in Japan as a tech card that can possibly recoup its stock cost and challenge the power levels of cost 2 cards. Downside is she’s pretty weak on defense, so unlikely to stick around an additional turn to recoup an additional stock.

Momoka is a solid set staple: a 3000 power back-up that can give the defending character in battle the option to send a reversed battle opponent to memory.
Momoka is a solid set staple: a 3000 power back-up that can give the defending character in battle the option to send a reversed battle opponent to memory.

Subaru is an atypical early play anti-change counter. For a bit less cost (1 additional stock and a card from hand), she bounces an early-play battle opponent back to hand.
Subaru is an atypical early play anti-change counter. For a bit less cost (1 additional stock and a card from hand), she bounces an early-play battle opponent back to hand.

Momoka can level down one of your opponent’s characters for playing this and a card in hand, as well as double as an early play level reverser that doesn’t zone change. Worth adding in as a one of in some instances to get rid of anti-burn lanes for your Level 3 game.
Momoka can level down one of your opponent’s characters for playing this and a card in hand, as well as double as an early play level reverser that doesn’t zone change. Worth adding in as a one of in some instances to get rid of anti-burn lanes for your Level 3 game.

Tomo is a 13000 power attacker that, when she reverses her battle opponent, you can choose a Music character to get bounce back to hand when front attacked. Note: This Tomo doesn’t have a soul trigger.
Tomo is a 13000 power attacker that, when she reverses her battle opponent, you can choose a Music character to get bounce back to hand when front attacked. Note: This Tomo doesn’t have a soul trigger.

Subaru is a powerful 12500 attacker that, for an additional stock on play, can send all of your opponent’s stock to the waiting room and put the same number of cards from the top of their deck into stock. This is a good solution in niche gameplay scenarios to deal with stacked or super compressed deck states your opponent may present.
Subaru is a powerful 12500 attacker that, for an additional stock on play, can send all of your opponent’s stock to the waiting room and put the same number of cards from the top of their deck into stock. This is a good solution in niche gameplay scenarios to deal with stacked or super compressed deck states your opponent may present.

This Rupa TD brainstormer not only can help you draw into the cards you need, but also can help you filter unwanted cards out of hand for a card from the top of your deck when you play a climax. She’s a decent mill, draw, and filter engine if the search brainstormer isn’t working out.
This Rupa TD brainstormer not only can help you draw into the cards you need, but also can help you filter unwanted cards out of hand for a card from the top of your deck when you play a climax. She’s a decent mill, draw, and filter engine if the search brainstormer isn’t working out.

This Subaru is a powerful Level 0 attacker during your turn that can help payout climax triggers from stock in the early game to prevent them from getting stuck there. While less of a concern after Level 1 in this deck with Nana’s climax combo, if you don’t have the combo in hand this is a decent attacker to help with that potential problem.
This Subaru is a powerful Level 0 attacker during your turn that can help payout climax triggers from stock in the early game to prevent them from getting stuck there. While less of a concern after Level 1 in this deck with Nana’s climax combo, if you don’t have the combo in hand this is a decent attacker to help with that potential problem.

This Tomo is a strong handfilter and draw engine all on the same card. A popular tech if you need a bit more help getting climax combos or working through your deck for no stock cost. 
This Tomo is a strong handfilter and draw engine all on the same card. A popular tech if you need a bit more help getting climax combos or working through your deck for no stock cost. 

Momoka is a great way to, on attack, power up another Music character. Her run away from combat ability can either help send you to Level 1 first, cause your opponent to over swing into cancels, and gives her a chance to survive a turn to attack again.
Momoka is a great way to, on attack, power up another Music character. Her run away from combat ability can either help send you to Level 1 first, cause your opponent to over swing into cancels, and gives her a chance to survive a turn to attack again.

Tomo is a powerful 2/1 attacker that, if you play her and have 4 or more other Music characters, you can choose a Music character in the waiting room and send it to stock. She can help clear out climax triggers for a clean stock to be used later while hitting decent power levels.
Tomo is a powerful 2/1 attacker that, if you play her and have 4 or more other Music characters, you can choose a Music character in the waiting room and send it to stock. She can help clear out climax triggers for a clean stock to be used later while hitting decent power levels.

 

The set doesn’t have many off finishers, and while Nana is probably just the go to here, if you’re splashing enough red, then you could run 1 or 2 of this Rupa. She can help dig for a climax combo or another attacker, and her on attack ability can mill your own deck for a chance to deal some extra damage to your opponent.
The set doesn’t have many off finishers, and while Nana is probably just the go to here, if you’re splashing enough red, then you could run 1 or 2 of this Rupa. She can help dig for a climax combo or another attacker, and her on attack ability can mill your own deck for a chance to deal some extra damage to your opponent.

If you find yourself struggling to get your climax combo in hand, this event may be worth it as a 1 or a 2 of. While the deck doesn’t give you anyway to get this consistently in hand other than drawing and hanging on to it, it can help out in niche situations from Level 1 onwards to guarantee a climax combo for the turn.
If you find yourself struggling to get your climax combo in hand, this event may be worth it as a 1 or a 2 of. While the deck doesn’t give you anyway to get this consistently in hand other than drawing and hanging on to it, it can help out in niche situations from Level 1 onwards to guarantee a climax combo for the turn.

Upgrades for when there’s some extra change in the wallet after payday:


This series may be very affordable for some players to upgrade due to its premium booster format so long as you aren’t chasing foil versions of cards. You will likely be able to find even popular cards at a lower price nearer to the release period due to this. Here are some of the pricier upgrades you may consider incorporating when it makes financial sense. On top of that, because the Blue cards and Diamond Dust is a very small section of the main set with no PR support, all of the cards you need to build with are in the budget category for the most part. It’s only when you lean into the Red card color splash for better consistency and utility that you need to start saving.


Note: I’m also avoiding any PR cards in his section for now, even though there are some very powerful ones that have seen a lot of play in Japanese competitive lists (The "Avoid Note" PRs, for example). As of the publication date of this article around release week in January of 2026 we don’t know when or how they’ll be released. Depending on how the PRs are released for this set, they could be easy or difficult to obtain for players.


This 0/0 Nina on your turn is a 3500 power attacker that gives you a choice of abilities when she reverses a battle opponent. She can either rest a character in your front row and move it to an empty backrow slot -OR- you can pay a stock and put the top card of your deck into your clock to salvage a character. She’s a very versatile card that allows you to either attack with your backrow cards if you’re not using their abilities or, if she’s in your opening hand you can discard things that you would typically hold onto with the intent of salvaging them back.
This 0/0 Nina on your turn is a 3500 power attacker that gives you a choice of abilities when she reverses a battle opponent. She can either rest a character in your front row and move it to an empty backrow slot -OR- you can pay a stock and put the top card of your deck into your clock to salvage a character. She’s a very versatile card that allows you to either attack with your backrow cards if you’re not using their abilities or, if she’s in your opening hand you can discard things that you would typically hold onto with the intent of salvaging them back.

If you are running 8 Comeback (Door), then this Subaru 0/0 Brainstormer is a powerful addition to the deck. She has a filter ability that pays out triggered Comeback (Door) climaxes and mills your deck a bit to add a card to hand and one to stock. She loses her secondary ability in a Diamond Dust deck, but if you still want a salvage over a search brainstormer she might fit your deck building needs.
If you are running 8 Comeback (Door), then this Subaru 0/0 Brainstormer is a powerful addition to the deck. She has a filter ability that pays out triggered Comeback (Door) climaxes and mills your deck a bit to add a card to hand and one to stock. She loses her secondary ability in a Diamond Dust deck, but if you still want a salvage over a search brainstormer she might fit your deck building needs.

This 0/0 Tomo can on play power up a Momoko or a Nina, then be played over for her hand filter and dig for a Music trait character when she goes from stage to the waiting room (or when she goes there on your opponent’s turn after losing a battle!). A very versatile way to mill and filter through your deck to hand sculpt. 
This 0/0 Tomo can on play power up a Momoko or a Nina, then be played over for her hand filter and dig for a Music trait character when she goes from stage to the waiting room (or when she goes there on your opponent’s turn after losing a battle!). A very versatile way to mill and filter through your deck to hand sculpt. 

This 3/2 early play healer Rupa has a much more consistent early play condition than Diamond Dust’s Ai does above. She also can free up a slot on stage when played for a chance to salvage a different card in the waiting room.
This 3/2 early play healer Rupa has a much more consistent early play condition than Diamond Dust’s Ai does above. She also can free up a slot on stage when played for a chance to salvage a different card in the waiting room.

Be sure to check out this and other Budget Remix Series possibilities at: https://level4weissschwarz.wixsite.com/lvl4ws  


 
 
 

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