Anime Guardians Update 21 (March 2026) Re Zero Units & God Shield Strategy

The holiday season has brought a massive content drop to Anime Guardians with Update 21. This update combines the festive spirit of the Christmas Event with the dark fantasy world of Re:Zero, introducing a meta-shifting roster of units and challenging new game modes that will test even the most experienced players.
Tower defense games like Anime Guardians can become extremely resource-intensive during high-wave runs, especially with the new visual effects from the Re:Zero units. To prevent crashing during a crucial Infinite Mode run, playing on a gaming laptop with high RAM or a powerful smartphone is highly recommended to handle the entity count lag.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Update 21, including how to get the new Secret Units (like Reinhard and Subaru), how to counter the annoying “God Shield” mechanic, the best strategies for the new event modes, and all the latest working codes to give you a massive advantage.
Quick Overview: Update 21 Key Features
| Feature | Details | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| New Re:Zero Units | 11 new units including Reinhard, Subaru variants, Witches | ★★★★★ |
| God Shield Mechanic | 70% damage reduction, regenerates when hit | ★★★★★ |
| Christmas Event | Limited-time modes and currency | ★★★★☆ |
| New Game Modes | City of Shattered Forest, Priestella, Roswaal Mansion | ★★★★☆ |
| Quality of Life Updates | Artifact equip improvements, better visuals | ★★★☆☆ |
How to Get the New Re:Zero Units
Update 21 introduces 11 new units, focusing heavily on the Re:Zero cast. Most of these are locked behind the new Christmas Capsules and Event Shop, making this update a must-play for collectors and competitive players alike.
Top Tier Units to Look For:
- Reinhard (Strongest Human): A Limited unit with an extremely low drop rate. He is the main prize of this event and arguably the most powerful unit added in this update.
- Subaru (Secret): Comes in three forms: Greed, Pride, and Gluttony. Each variant offers unique abilities and playstyles.
- Regulus (Alpha Leonis): Another powerful Secret unit that can dominate late-game content.
- The Witches: Including Minerva, Typhon, and others – these support units can turn the tide of battle.
Gacha Strategy:
Since these units are time-limited, you need to farm Event Currency efficiently. Avoid spending on standard banners for now. If you are struggling to pull Reinhard and want to speed up the process, you can use Robux to buy extra capsule spins, but we recommend grinding the “City of Shattered Forest” mode first to save money.
Pro Tip: Focus on getting Reinhard first, as he’s limited and won’t be available after the event ends. The Subaru variants can be farmed more easily through regular gameplay.
New Game Modes and Mechanics
This update adds three distinct modes that require different strategies and team compositions. Understanding each mode is crucial for maximizing your rewards and progress.
1. City of Shattered Forest (Infinite Mode)
This is your main farming spot. It features a unique Modifier Card Shop where you can buy buffs using in-game cash.
Best Modifiers:
- Prioritize Golden Tribute (increases Yen gain) early on
- Then stack Power Surge and Saiya for late-game damage
- Consider Area Damage modifiers for wave clearing
Pro Tip: Infinite runs can last hours. Ensure your device is plugged into a charger or use a power bank if you are on mobile so you don’t disconnect at Wave 50+.
2. Priestella & Roswaal Mansion
- Priestella (30 Waves): You must protect Reinhard. If he dies, you lose. This mode requires strategic unit placement and timing.
- Roswaal Mansion (30 Waves): Features a complex 3-lane map. This mode is the hardest because all enemies have the God Shield buff.
How to Counter “God Shield” Enemies
The new God Shield mechanic is a nightmare for new players and even challenges veterans. Understanding how to counter this mechanic is essential for progressing in the new content.
The Effect:
- Reduces incoming damage by 70%
- Regenerates 10% of the shield when hit
- Makes traditional high-damage, slow-attack units ineffective
The Counter:
- Do NOT rely solely on slow, high-burst units
- You need units with High Fire Rate (Attack Speed) to overwhelm the shield’s regeneration
- Team Composition: Bring units that deal sustained damage or have multi-hit skills to break the shield faster
Best Units Against God Shield:
| Unit Type | Reason | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| High Fire Rate | Overwhelms shield regeneration | Subaru (Greed), Minerva |
| Multi-hit Skills | Break shield faster | Regulus, Typhon |
| DOT Effects | Continuous damage bypasses shield | Certain Witch units |
| Support Buffs | Increase team attack speed | Satella, Echidna |
Advanced Strategy: Use a combination of high-fire-rate units to break the shield quickly, then follow up with burst damage units to finish off enemies once the shield is down.
Quality of Life Changes
Update 21 isn’t just about content; it also makes the game smoother and more enjoyable:
- Artifacts: You can now equip artifacts directly from the inventory, saving time and improving workflow
- Visuals: New map images and capsule animations enhance the overall experience
- Daily Rewards: Better rewards to help Free-to-Play players progress faster
- Performance: Optimizations to reduce lag during intense battles
Anime Guardians Codes (December 2026)
Redeem these codes immediately before they expire to get free Gems, Christmas Tokens, and other valuable resources. I’ve verified all codes from multiple authoritative sources to ensure they’re working.
Active Codes Table
| Code | Rewards | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UPD21 | 1 Limit Breaker | ✅ Active |
| REINHARDTO | 10000 Christmas Coins | ✅ Active |
| CHRISTMAS | 1000 Trait Reroll + 5 Christmas Capsule | ✅ Active |
| REZERO_PART2 | 500 SuperStat Reroll + 500 Stat Reroll | ✅ Active |
| NEW_WORLDLINE! | 1 Limit Breaker | ✅ Active |
| 3Route_Subaru | 500 Artifacts Trait Reroll | ✅ Active |
| Satella_Evo | 10000 Cursed Coins | ✅ Active |
| ReZeroP1 | 1000 Trait Reroll | ✅ Active |
| BUFF_GAROU_SLIDE | 1000 Trait Reroll | ✅ Active |
| ONE_FRAME_MAN | 1000 Trait Reroll | ✅ Active |
| OPM_PART2 | 100 Mystic Coins + 10000 Alien Coins | ✅ Active |
| DELAY_GUARDIANS_2025 | 2000 Trait Reroll + 10000 Alien Coins | ✅ Active |
| UPD_18 | 20000 Alien Coins | ✅ Active |
| OPM_PART1 | 20000 Alien Coins | ✅ Active |
| TOURNAMENT | 250 SuperStat Reroll + 250 Stat Reroll | ✅ Active |
Expired Codes
- YUGISNEAKS
- 3_ROUTES_SNEAKS_x
- FINAL_FATE_PART2_x
- COG_DIMENSION_x
- DIO_HEAVEN_x
- ValentineDay
- Update6.5
- Hungry
- GoblinSneak
- And many more…
How to Redeem Codes:
- Launch Anime Guardians in the Roblox Launcher
- Reach level 5 to unlock the code-redeeming option
- Click the Codes button in the bottom-right area of the screen
- Copy and paste a code into the ‘Enter Code Here’ text box
- Press Redeem to claim your rewards
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and check back regularly, as new codes are released frequently during events and updates.
Advanced Strategies for Update 21
Team Composition for God Shield Maps
When facing enemies with God Shield, your traditional team composition won’t work. Here’s what I recommend:
Early Game Setup:
- 2x High Fire Rate units (Subaru variants work great)
- 1x Support unit (for attack speed buffs)
- 1x Area Damage unit (for crowd control)
Late Game Setup:
- 3x High Fire Rate units
- 2x Burst Damage units (for after shield breaks)
- 1x Healing/Support unit
Resource Management
Update 21 introduces new currencies that you need to manage wisely:
- Christmas Coins: Used for Christmas Capsules and event shop items
- Cursed Coins: Used for evolving certain Re:Zero units
- Tournament Cups: Used for special tournament-related content
Priority Spending:
- Save Christmas Coins for Reinhard pulls (he’s limited!)
- Use Cursed Coins for evolving your best Re:Zero units
- Tournament Cups should be saved for tournament-exclusive items
Device Optimization
With the new visual effects and higher entity counts in Update 21, you might experience performance issues. Here’s how to optimize:
- Lower graphics settings if you’re experiencing lag
- Close background apps to free up RAM
- Play on PC if possible, as mobile devices may struggle with late-game waves
- Use a stable internet connection to prevent disconnects during long runs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on my experience and community feedback, here are the most common mistakes players make in Update 21:
1. Ignoring God Shield Mechanics
Many players try to use their old team compositions and wonder why they’re failing. You MUST adapt your strategy for God Shield enemies.
2. Wasting Resources on Wrong Units
Don’t spend your Christmas Coins on regular capsule pulls. Focus on the limited units first, especially Reinhard.
3. Not Preparing for Long Runs
Infinite Mode can last for hours. Make sure you have enough time, a stable device, and proper preparation before starting.
4. Forgetting to Redeem Codes
Codes expire quickly and can give you significant advantages. Redeem them as soon as you see them.
FAQ: Anime Guardians Update 21
Q: How do I get the Christmas Capsules?
A: You can buy them using the new Christmas Event currency earned from playing the new modes (Shattered Forest, Priestella, Roswaal Mansion).
Q: Is Reinhard a permanent unit?
A: No, Reinhard is a Limited Unit. Once the event ends, he will likely become unobtainable or trade-only. Get him while you can!
Q: Can I beat God Shield enemies with starter units?
A: It is very difficult. You should grind for better units or ask for a “carry” in public lobbies. You might need to top up for a starter pack if you are brand new and want to catch up quickly.
Q: What’s the best way to farm Christmas Coins?
A: City of Shattered Forest (Infinite Mode) is the most efficient farming spot. Use Golden Tribute modifiers to maximize your coin gains.
Q: How often are new codes released?
A: New codes are typically released during major updates, events, and when the game reaches milestones. Check the official Discord server or bookmark this page for the latest codes.
Q: Will my progress carry over after the event?
A: Yes, all your units, resources, and progress will carry over. Only the event-specific modes and limited-time unit availability will end.
Conclusion
Anime Guardians Update 21 is a paradise for grinders and collectors alike. The combination of Re:Zero units and the Infinite Mode offers endless replayability, while the new God Shield mechanic adds a fresh challenge that requires strategic thinking.
Remember to plan your team carefully for the God Shield maps, redeem all the codes before they expire, and maybe grab a Roblox Gift Card if you want to secure those Limited units before they vanish.
For more Anime Guardians content, check out our Anime Guardians Tier List to see how the new units rank, or visit our Anime Guardians Codes page for the most up-to-date code list.
Good luck defending, and may your gacha pulls be blessed!
