Here's a breakdown of how it works, and some key examples:
What "Cannot be Negated" Means:
* It means the card's effect cannot be prevented from happening. This is usually a result of the card's wording specifically stating "cannot be negated" or a similar phrase.
* It does not mean the card is immune to all effects. Other effects might still apply to the card, even if it's activation cannot be negated. For example, a card that says "cannot be negated" can still be destroyed by a card that destroys all monsters.
* It does not necessarily mean the card is immune to other "cannot be negated" effects. The game doesn't prevent multiple "cannot be negated" effects from interacting, and sometimes the order they are applied in matters.
Examples of Cards with "Cannot be Negated" Effects:
1. "Cannot be negated" in the effect:
* "Solemn Judgement": This trap card states "If an effect of a monster is activated...negate its activation and destroy it." This effect cannot be negated itself.
* "Solemn Strike": This trap card states "If a monster is Special Summoned: negate its Special Summon and destroy it." The effect of this trap cannot be negated.
* "Dimensional Barrier": This trap card states "When a monster is Special Summoned: negate its Special Summon and destroy it." This effect cannot be negated by Spell/Trap cards.
2. "Cannot be negated" in the monster's effect:
* "Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End": "This card cannot be negated by card effects." This monster's effect cannot be negated, but it can be targeted by cards like "Torrential Tribute".
3. Specific cards with "cannot be negated" effects:
* "Mirror Force": This trap card destroys all monsters on the field when an opponent Special Summons a monster. This effect cannot be negated, even by monster effects.
* "Skill Drain": This continuous trap card prevents monsters on the field from activating their effects. This card's effect cannot be negated, but it can be destroyed by card effects.
Important Notes:
* Read the card carefully: The exact wording of a card is very important. Even if it sounds similar to "cannot be negated", if the wording is different, the effect may not be truly negated.
* Be aware of the context: The context of the card's activation can also play a role in whether it can be negated.
* "Cannot be negated" is not an absolute defense: Even cards with "cannot be negated" effects can be targeted and affected by other card effects.
Remember, Yu-Gi-Oh! is a complex game with many interactions. Always read the cards carefully and understand the effects fully before making decisions.