Swarm of Locusts

Swarm of Locusts was originally released as an effect monster in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, appearing as part of the Astral Pack series. Astral Packs were curated promotional sets distributed primarily to tournament-sanctioned hobby stores, designed to provide players with accessible versions of previously sought-after cards. The inclusion of this card in Astral Pack Three, released around 2012, reflected the game's shift toward rewarding consistent competitive participation.

The card’s design features a classic insect-type aesthetic typical of the game's early mechanical expansions, emphasizing disruptive board control through its flip-effect ability. Illustrated with the signature fantasy art style found throughout the Konami catalog, it was intended to serve as a tactical niche card rather than a centerpiece of the meta-game. Its reception was largely centered on its utility in casual or budget-oriented insect-themed decks, where its ability to destroy face-up spells or traps provided incremental value during duel exchanges.