Anime Guardians Tier List (March 2026) UPD 23.5 Best Builds

Welcome to the most comprehensive Anime Guardians Tier List 2026 [UPD 23.5], your ultimate resource for dominating the battlefield in this epic Roblox tower defense game. With the massive Update 23.5 introducing game-changing units like Fleurdelys (The Martyred Maiden), Kurumi (Zafkiel) – Heaven, and Frieren (Thousand Years), the meta has shifted significantly, and knowing which units to invest in has never been more crucial.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey, this tier list will help you make informed decisions about unit investments, team compositions, and resource allocation. I’ve spent countless hours analyzing data from top players, Discord communities, and official sources to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date rankings available.

Aspect	What’s New	Impact
New Units	Fleurdelys, Kurumi (Heaven), Frieren (Limited), Cartethyia (Limited)	Meta-shifting additions
Balance Changes	Several older units nerfed/buffed	Tier repositioning
Game Modes	New challenges and raids	Different unit requirements
Rarity System	Updated drop rates	Easier access to some units

Understanding the Tier System

Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to understand how our tier system works. Units are evaluated based on multiple factors:

• Damage Output: Raw DPS and burst potential
• Utility Value: Support abilities, crowd control, and team synergy
• Versatility: Performance across different game modes
• Investment Efficiency: Power scaling with upgrades
• Meta Relevance: Current competitive viability

Our tier system ranges from SSS (god-tier, must-have units) down to D (starter units with limited late-game value). Each tier represents a significant drop in overall effectiveness, so prioritize higher-tier units for optimal progression.

SSS Tier – Game Defining Units

These units represent the absolute pinnacle of power in Anime Guardians [UPD 23.5]. They’re not just strong—they’re game-defining characters that can single-handedly carry teams through the hardest content.

Sukuna (Heian)

Role: Main DPS
Why SSS: Sukuna (Heian) stands as arguably the strongest damage dealer in the current meta. His ability to decimate entire waves with massive AoE attacks while maintaining incredible single-target damage makes him invaluable for both clearing and boss fights. What sets him apart is his consistent performance across all game modes without requiring specific team compositions.

Hu Tao (Ghostly March)

Role: Hybrid DPS/Support
Why SSS: Hu Tao brings unprecedented versatility to the table. Her ghostly abilities not only deal devastating damage but also provide crucial team support through healing and buff mechanics. She excels in prolonged battles where her sustain becomes increasingly valuable.

Death (The Scary Wolfman)

Role: Area Control Specialist
Why SSS: Death’s ability to control entire battlefields while dealing substantial damage puts him in the SSS category. His fear-inducing attacks can disrupt enemy formations, creating opportunities for your other units to capitalize on.

Featherine (Aurora)

Role: Support/Utility
Why SSS: While not a traditional damage dealer, Featherine’s utility value is so immense that she deserves SSS status. Her ability to manipulate battle conditions and provide unmatched team support makes her essential for high-level content.

Makima (Control Devil)

Role: Support/DPS Hybrid
Why SSS: Makima’s control abilities combined with respectable damage output make her a versatile powerhouse. She can single-handedly manage difficult enemy types while contributing meaningful damage.

SS Tier – Elite Powerhouses

These units are slightly below SSS but still represent elite-level power that can dominate most content with proper investment and team support.

Lofy (Gear 5)

Role: Main DPS
Why SS: Lofy (Gear 5) is a meta-defining unit with immunity to stuns and the ability to increase attack range. Her consistent damage output and survivability make her a top-tier investment for any serious player.

TIO (Over Heaven)

Role: Scaling DPS
Why SS: TIO’s unique scaling mechanic, where damage increases up to 1.5x with each attack, makes her incredibly potent in extended battles. She becomes progressively stronger as fights continue, making her ideal for raid content.

Rimosu (Demon Lord)

Why SS: Rimosu’s evolution form provides exceptional utility against shielded enemies, a crucial advantage in current endgame content where enemy shields are common.

Zid (Atomic)

Why SS: The atomic power mechanic that grants bonus damage per kill (5% for bosses) creates exponential growth potential, making Zid incredibly valuable in farming scenarios.

Rukia (Bankai)

Why SS: Rukia’s ability to apply multiple status effects while attacking provides consistent health depletion that bypasses many defensive mechanics.

S Tier – Strong Performers

These units form the backbone of most competitive teams. While not as game-breaking as higher tiers, they offer excellent value and can clear most content effectively.

Sung (Shadow Monarch)

Role: AoE DPS
Why S: Sung’s ability to summon minions while delivering massive AoE strikes makes him excellent for wave management. His versatility in handling both single targets and crowds keeps him relevant.

Guts (Berserk)

Role: Sustained DPS
Why S: Guts combines bleed mechanics, health steal, and multiple power-up modes. His berserk and true modes provide significant damage boosts when needed most.

Sai

Role: AoE Specialist
Why S: Sai’s massive AoE attacks that hit multiple enemies simultaneously make him invaluable for clearing dense waves quickly.

Ichongo (True Bankai)

Role: Multi-Hit DPS
Why S: With higher DPS than his Vasto Lorde form and multi-hit capabilities, True Bankai Ichongo excels at crowd control and sustained damage.

Void (God Hand)

Role: Summoner DPS
Why S: Void’s ability to summon demons based on waypoint numbers provides unique strategic depth and unpredictable damage patterns.

A Tier – Solid Choices

These units are above average and perform well in specific scenarios or team compositions. They’re great for filling gaps in your roster but may struggle in the highest-end content.

Kafla (Overpower)

Role: AoE DPS
Why A: Kafla’s massive arena-covering AoE attacks make her excellent for wave management, though she may fall short against single high-health targets.

Gohan (Ultra Beast)

Role: Burst DPS
Why A: While details are still emerging, Gohan shows promise as a burst damage dealer with potential for high-impact moments.

Yugi (Dark)

Role: Situational DPS
Why A: Yugi’s Exodia skill can increase damage by up to 300% and range by 50%, making him incredibly powerful when his ability conditions are met.

Aozort (Hollow Form)

Role: AoE Damage
Why A: His huge AoE attacks and high damage rate make him solid for crowd control, though he may lack the single-target focus of higher-tier units.

B Tier – Average Performers

These units are suitable for mid-game progression and early-game grinding but will likely be replaced as you access higher-tier content.

Fleeren (Full Power)

Role: Anti-Air
Why B: The ability to hit flying units while grounded provides niche utility, but overall damage output limits long-term viability.

Matsuri (Love Pillar)

Role: Debuffer
Why B: Her flower status effect that reduces enemy max health is useful, but the impact is often too situational for consistent high-level play.

Miwalk (Dracule)

Role: Damage Over Time
Why B: The burning effect application is helpful for sustained damage, but lacks the burst needed for challenging content.

Ai (Idols)

Role: Support
Why B: While she can increase team damage by up to 15% and boss damage by 50%, the limited scope holds her back from higher tiers.

C Tier – Limited Use

These units may have niche applications in very specific scenarios but are generally outclassed by alternatives in most situations.

Rom (Powerful)

Role: Long-Range DPS
Why C: While he has powerful long-range attacks, better options exist for most situations, making him a situational choice at best.

Aozort (Lord Arc)

Role: Early Game DPS
Why C: Decent SPA makes him useful for starter battles, but he quickly becomes outclassed as you progress.

Rudy (Element)

Role: Utility
Why C: Limited information suggests situational utility that doesn’t justify investment over more versatile options.

D Tier – Starter Units

These units are primarily useful for the earliest stages of the game and should be replaced as soon as better alternatives become available.

Enki (God)

Role: Basic DPS
Why D: Average damage per second with no standout abilities makes him immediately replaceable.

Bolm

Role: Economy Unit
Why D: While useful for farming money early on, his combat utility is virtually non-existent.

Ichongo (Base)

Role: Basic Attacker
Why D: Decent attack rate but completely outclassed by his evolved forms and other units.

Natshi, Kilu, Subaro, Emilian, Osto

Role: Various Basic Functions
Why D: These units serve basic functions in the tutorial and early stages but offer no long-term value for serious progression.

Team Composition Strategies

Building the perfect team requires understanding how units synergize. Here are some proven compositions for different scenarios:

Meta Wave Clear Team

• Main DPS: Sukuna (Heian) or Lofy (Gear 5)
• Secondary DPS: TIO (Over Heaven) or Sai
• Support: Featherine (Aurora) or Makima (Control Devil)
• Utility: Death (The Scary Wolfman) for crowd control

Boss Raid Team

• Main DPS: Carmilla (Witch of Lust) – if available from Update 23
• Support: Regulus for stalling
• Buffer: Subaru (Support Version)
• Secondary DPS: Reinhard or Guts (Berserk)

Balanced All-Purpose Team

• DPS: Sung (Shadow Monarch)
• AoE: Sai or Kafla (Overpower)
• Support: Ai (Idols) or Matsuri (Love Pillar)
• Utility: Void (God Hand)

Investment Priorities

With limited resources, knowing where to invest is crucial:

Priority 1 (Must-Have)

1. Sukuna (Heian) – Best overall DPS
2. Lofy (Gear 5) – Versatile and immune to stuns
3. Featherine (Aurora) – Unmatched utility

Priority 2 (High Value)

1. TIO (Over Heaven) – Excellent scaling
2. Hu Tao (Ghostly March) – Hybrid powerhouse
3. Death (The Scary Wolfman) – Great control

Priority 3 (Situational)

1. Sung (Shadow Monarch) – Great for specific content
2. Guts (Berserk) – Reliable sustained damage
3. Sai – Excellent AoE clear

Update 23.5 Specific Changes

The latest update introduced several game-changing elements:

New Units Analysis

• Fleurdelys (The Martyred Maiden): Shows promise as a support unit with unique martyrdom mechanics
• Kurumi (Zafkiel) – Heaven: Time manipulation abilities make her potentially meta-defining
• Frieren (Thousand Years): Limited unit with high damage potential
• Cartethyia (Echo Of Oblivion): Another limited unit with niche applications

Meta Shifts

• Older DPS units have been partially power-crept by new additions
• Support units have gained increased importance
• Team composition flexibility has improved with new utility options

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often is this tier list updated?

A: This tier list is updated weekly to reflect the latest meta changes, new unit releases, and balance patches. Update 23.5 brought significant changes, so expect more frequent updates as the meta stabilizes.

Q: Should I only use SSS and SS tier units?

A: While higher-tier units are generally better, team composition and synergy matter more than individual unit tiers. Sometimes a well-built A-tier team can outperform a poorly constructed SSS-tier team.

Q: How do I get the new Update 23.5 units?

A: New units are typically available through limited-time banners, special events, or as rewards for completing new content introduced in the update. Check the summon area regularly for rotating banners.

Q: Are older units still worth investing in?

A: Some older units like Sukuna and certain evolved forms remain top-tier despite new additions. However, many older units have been power-crept and should be replaced when better alternatives become available.

Q: What’s the best way to progress as a new player?

A: Focus on building a balanced team first, then gradually replace units with higher-tier alternatives. Prioritize units that work well in multiple game modes rather than specialists.

Q: How important are evolved forms?

A: Evolved forms are typically significantly stronger than base versions and often change a unit’s tier placement. Always plan for evolution when investing in units.

Conclusion

The Anime Guardians Tier List 2026 [UPD 23.5] reflects a dynamic and evolving meta where strategic unit selection and team composition are key to success. While SSS and SS tier units offer the most power, don’t underestimate the importance of building balanced teams that work well together.

Remember that the meta will continue to evolve with future updates, so stay flexible and be willing to adapt your strategies. The most successful players are those who understand not just which units are strong, but why they’re strong and how they fit into various team compositions.