The story takes place in the distant future and focuses on a boy named Yuma Tsukumo, the number one bad boy at his school. Something unexpected happens when Ryouga challenges him to a Duel as the mysterious ghost of Astral appears before them, a new legend begins.

Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Zexal was published in English by VIZ Media under the Shonen Jump imprint from June 5, 2012 to September 6, 2016.