End Step

The End Step (Japanese: エンドステップ Endo Suteppu) is the last step in the Battle Phase. It is also commonly referred to in card effects as "the end of the Battle Phase".^[1]

The End Step is traditionally entered from the Battle Step, although card effects may force it to be entered from the Start Step instead (such as those of "Electromagnetic Turtle" and "Scrubbed Raid"). If the Battle Phase is skipped to another phase due to a card effect like "Flashbang" or "Neko Mane King", the End Step is never entered.^[2][3]

Breakdown of the End Step

• Fast effects and appropriate Trigger/Trigger-like Effects may be activated here, such as the effects of "Ancient Forest", "Gladiator Beast" monsters, and "Skull Conductor", as per the rules of fast effect timing.^[4]
  • Cards that would force an extra battle and make that battle proceed to damage calculation, such as "Equip Shot", cannot be activated by this point.^[5]
  • Cards/effects that would negate a future attack, such as "Necro Gardna" and "Hero Barrier", cannot be activated by this point.^[6]
  • Cards/effects that would end the Battle Phase (making the Battle Phase proceed to the End Step)^[7], such as "Black Cat-astrophe" and "Electromagnetic Turtle", cannot be activated by this point.^[8]

References