Anime Vanguards Tier List (March 2026) Best Units Ranked
Looking for the ultimate Anime Vanguards tier list to dominate every game mode? I’ve spent countless hours testing every single unit in the current meta to bring you the most comprehensive ranking available. Whether you’re a beginner looking for the best starting units or a veteran player wanting to optimize your team composition, this tier list will help you make the right investment decisions.
Anime Vanguards is all about strategic unit placement and resource management. With over 100+ characters to collect and evolve, knowing which units deserve your precious gems and gold is crucial for climbing the leaderboards. This tier list ranks every unit based on their overall effectiveness across all game modes, including Story, Legend Stages, Raids, and competitive content.
Ranking Factors for Anime Vanguards Units
Before diving into the rankings, here’s what I consider when evaluating each unit:
- Damage Output: Base damage and scaling potential
- Special Abilities: Crowd control, buffs, debuffs, and unique mechanics
- Evolution Potential: How much stronger units become after evolution
- Versatility: Performance across different game modes
- Cost Efficiency: Deployment cost vs. power ratio
- Synergy: How well they work with other meta units
SS Tier Units – The Absolute Best
| Name | Type | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divalo (Requiem) | Secret | 4-figure damage base | Slow, massive AoE |
| World Destroyer | Secret | Highest DPS | Area destruction |
| Elastic Captain (Gear 4) | Secret | Balanced stats | Gear 4 transformation |
| Lich King (Ruler) | Vanguard | 218,500 HP | Undead army summon |
| Ice Queen (Release) | Vanguard | 223,600 HP | Freeze all enemies |
| Julias (Eisplosion) | Secret | Explosive damage | Chain reactions |
| Warlord (Of the Sea) | Secret | 136,750 damage | Haki abilities |
| Alocard (Vampire King) | Vanguard | Life steal | Immortality mechanics |
S Tier Units – Meta Definers
| Name | Type | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegeta (Dragon Ball) | Mythic | High burst damage | Final Flash |
| Akazo (Destructive) | Secret | Bleed damage | Destruction wave |
| Cha-In (Blade Dancer) | Mythic | High crit rate | Dance of blades |
| Song Jinwu (Monarch) | Vanguard | 105,700 damage | Monarch’s wrath |
| Rengoku (Purgatory) | Mythic | Fire damage | Flame breathing |
| Shirou (Fate series) | Secret | Unlimited Blade Works | Projection magic |
| Jag-o (Volcanic) | Mythic | Lava damage | Volcanic eruption |
| Ruby Rose (RWBY) | Mythic | Speed attacks | Crescent scythe |
A Tier Units – Strong Performers
| Name | Type | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccolo (Dragon Ball) | Mythic | Special beam cannon | Namekian regeneration |
| Club (Pyro) | Secret | Fire manipulation | Pyro techniques |
| Newsman (Forecast) | Exclusive | Weather control | Forecast abilities |
| Skele King (Rock) | Mythic | 21,800 damage | Rock armor |
| Monkey King (Awakened) | Secret | 107,900 damage | 72 transformations |
| Sosuke (Storm) | Mythic | Lightning control | Storm techniques |
| Haruka Rin (Dancer) | Mythic | Dance buffs | Support abilities |
| Vogita (Angel) | Secret | Divine power | Angelic transformation |
B Tier Units – Average Performers
| Name | Type | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempest Pirate (Nami) | Secret | Weather control | Climate baton |
| Iscanur (Pride) | Vanguard | 170,520 damage | Pride abilities |
| Fire Foot (Chef) | Mythic | 90,700 damage | Fire cooking |
| Leo (Fangs) | Secret | Beast mode | Lion transformation |
| Zak (Ape Giant) | Mythic | Giant strength | Ape transformation |
| Rideon vs Samuel | Secret | Duel mastery | Sword techniques |
| Alligator | Epic | Bite damage | Swamp abilities |
| Blossom | Epic | Nature control | Plant manipulation |
C Tier Units – Below Average
| Name | Type | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurin (Nuclear Giant) | Secret | Radioactive damage | Nuclear explosion |
| Nazuka | Mythic | Demon arts | Breathing techniques |
| Reimu (Shrine Maid) | Exclusive | Shrine magic | Spell cards |
| Senator | Secret | Political power | Debate tactics |
| Inosake | Epic | Boar rush | Beast breathing |
| Kokashi | Epic | Sharingan | Copy techniques |
| Goi | Epic | Earth style | Rock techniques |
D Tier Units – Weakest Units
| Name | Type | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinzi | Epic | Basic attacks | None notable |
| Genitsu | Epic | Low damage | Weak abilities |
| Gaari | Epic | Sand control | Basic sand jutsu |
| Noruto | Epic | Shadow clone | Basic ninja techniques |
| Sosuke | Epic | Basic lightning | Weak attacks |
| Genas | Epic | Basic water | Simple water jutsu |
Detailed Unit Analysis
Divalo (Requiem) – SS Tier
Divalo (Requiem) stands as the undisputed king of Anime Vanguards. This Secret rarity unit delivers devastating 4-figure damage even at base level, making him the strongest damage dealer in the game. His ability to slow down entire waves of enemies while dealing massive AoE damage makes him invaluable in both single-target and crowd control situations. What truly sets Divalo apart is his Requiem evolution, which grants him immortality frames and the ability to stop time briefly. When paired with support units like Ice Queen, Divalo can single-handedly carry you through the hardest content. The only downside is his extreme rarity and high evolution cost, but he’s absolutely worth every resource you invest.
World Destroyer – SS Tier
World Destroyer lives up to its name by literally destroying everything in its path. This Secret unit boasts the highest DPS potential in the game, especially when equipped with the Fortune trait and The Doctor familiar. His Old variant provides consistent damage output, while his evolution offers even greater destructive power. World Destroyer excels in both boss fights and wave clearing, making him the most versatile damage dealer available. When paired with a Wanted applier and Frozen Admiral memoria, his damage output becomes absolutely insane. The combination of high base stats, excellent scaling, and powerful area effects makes World Destroyer a must-have unit for any serious player.
Elastic Captain (Gear 4) – SS Tier
Elastic Captain represents the pinnacle of evolution potential in Anime Vanguards. Starting as a solid Pirate unit, his Gear 4 transformation catapults him into SS tier territory. With the Monarch trait and Corruption III, along with either The Doctor or Birb familiar, Elastic Captain becomes an unstoppable force. His 149,400 damage output is impressive, but it’s his versatility that truly shines. He can handle both single targets and crowds effectively, and his Pirate abilities synergize perfectly with other marine-themed units. The Frozen Admiral memoria further enhances his performance when paired with Wanted appliers, making him a cornerstone of many top-tier team compositions.
Lich King (Ruler) – SS Tier
Lich King (Ruler) is the ultimate utility and control unit in Anime Vanguards. While his damage output of 218,500 might seem modest compared to pure DPS units, his ability to summon undead armies and control the battlefield makes him invaluable. As a Vanguard unit with the Monarch trait and Corruption III, Lich King excels at prolonged engagements where his summoned minions can overwhelm enemies. The Doctor familiar maximizes his effectiveness, and the Ice Queen’s Rest memoria provides excellent synergy. Lich King truly shines in modes with endless waves or high-health bosses, where his sustained damage and crowd control can turn the tide of battle.
Ice Queen (Release) – SS Tier
Ice Queen (Release) dominates the battlefield with her unparalleled crowd control capabilities. With an impressive 223,600 HP and the ability to freeze entire waves of enemies, she’s the premier control unit in Anime Vanguards. Her Release evolution transforms her from a solid support unit into a game-changing force that can single-handedly control the flow of battle. The Monarch trait and Corruption III, combined with The Doctor or Birb familiar, maximize her effectiveness. What makes Ice Queen truly special is her synergy potential – she enables countless other units to perform at their best by keeping enemies locked down. Her high cost is justified by her game-changing impact on any battle.
Julias (Eisplosion) – SS Tier
Julias (Eisplosion) brings explosive damage and chain reactions to the battlefield. This Secret unit excels at clearing waves of enemies through her explosive attacks that trigger chain reactions. Her Eisplosion variant provides massive damage output with excellent area coverage, making her perfect for stages with high enemy density. When evolved, she gains even more explosive power and the ability to freeze enemies with every attack. The combination of high damage, crowd control, and chain reaction mechanics makes Julias invaluable in both offensive and defensive situations. Her versatility across different game modes and excellent scaling potential solidify her position in SS tier.
Warlord (Of the Sea) – SS Tier
Warlord (Of the Sea) brings the power of Haki to Anime Vanguards. This Secret unit delivers consistent 136,750 damage output while providing excellent utility through his sea-based abilities. His Secret rarity and None optimal trait make him accessible yet powerful. The Birb familiar maximizes his effectiveness, and the Frozen Admiral memoria provides excellent synergy when paired with Wanted appliers. Warlord excels in both single-target and AoE situations, making him incredibly versatile. His balanced stat distribution and powerful special abilities make him a reliable choice for any team composition, especially in water-themed stages or against enemies vulnerable to sea attacks.
Alocard (Vampire King) – SS Tier
Alocard (Vampire King) combines immortality with devastating damage output. This Vanguard unit’s life steal mechanics make him incredibly durable, allowing him to sustain through prolonged battles. His Vampire King evolution grants him enhanced life steal and the ability to summon familiars, making him both a damage dealer and tank. The combination of high damage, self-sustainability, and crowd control abilities makes Alocard invaluable in difficult content. His immortality mechanics can save runs in desperate situations, and his consistent damage output ensures he’s never a liability. Alocard represents the perfect balance of offense and defense in Anime Vanguards.
Vegeta (Dragon Ball) – S Tier
Vegeta brings Saiyan pride and power to Anime Vanguards. This Mythic unit delivers devastating burst damage through his Final Flash ability, making him excellent for boss fights and high-health enemies. His Dragon Ball heritage provides him with excellent scaling potential, and his ability to transform during battle increases his damage output significantly. Vegeta excels in situations where burst damage is crucial, and his Saiyan abilities provide excellent utility. While he may not have the sustained damage of SS tier units, his burst potential and transformation mechanics make him invaluable in specific scenarios. Vegeta is a must-have for players who enjoy high-damage, high-impact gameplay.
Akazo (Destructive) – S Tier
Akazo (Destructive) brings destruction and decay to the battlefield. This Secret unit excels at dealing damage over time through his bleed effects and destruction wave abilities. His Destructive variant provides consistent damage output while applying powerful debuffs to enemies. Akazo shines in prolonged battles where his damage over time effects can accumulate to devastating levels. The combination of direct damage, debuffs, and excellent scaling makes him a reliable choice for difficult content. While he may require setup time to reach his full potential, Akazo’s sustained damage output and utility make him a valuable addition to any team.
Cha-In (Blade Dancer) – S Tier
Cha-In (Blade Dancer) combines elegance with deadly precision. This Mythic unit delivers high critical damage through her dance-based attacks, making her excellent for burst damage scenarios. Her Blade Dancer abilities provide excellent mobility and damage output, especially when evolved. Cha-In excels at taking down high-priority targets through her critical strike mechanics and dance buffs. The combination of high damage, mobility, and critical potential makes her invaluable in both offensive and defensive situations. While her base form is solid, her evolved version truly shines, making her a worthy investment for players who enjoy high-skill, high-reward gameplay.
Song Jinwu and Igros – S Tier
Song Jinwu and Igros represent the perfect partnership in Anime Vanguards. This Vanguard unit combination delivers impressive 105,700 damage output while providing excellent utility through their coordinated attacks. Song Jinwu’s Monarch evolution enhances his leadership abilities, making him an excellent support unit as well. The combination of direct damage, support abilities, and excellent synergy makes this duo invaluable in team compositions. They excel at enabling other units while providing solid damage output themselves. The partnership mechanics and evolution potential make Song Jinwu and Igros a worthy investment for players who enjoy strategic team building.
Rengoku (Purgatory) – S Tier
Rengoku (Purgatory) brings the flame breathing techniques to Anime Vanguards. This Mythic unit delivers devastating fire damage through his Purgatory abilities, making him excellent for crowd control and sustained damage. His flame breathing techniques provide excellent area coverage and damage over time effects. Rengoku excels in situations where area damage is crucial, and his fire abilities provide excellent utility against ice-based enemies. The combination of high damage, area effects, and elemental advantages makes him invaluable in specific scenarios. Rengoku is a must-have for players who enjoy fire-based abilities and area damage strategies.
FAQs
What is the best unit in Anime Vanguards?
Based on my extensive testing, Divalo (Requiem) is currently the best unit in Anime Vanguards due to his unmatched damage output, time-stopping abilities, and versatility across all game modes. However, World Destroyer and Elastic Captain (Gear 4) are also top contenders depending on your team composition and playstyle.
How do I get SS tier units in Anime Vanguards?
SS tier units are primarily obtained through high-level banners, special events, and evolution. The most reliable method is saving gems for limited-time banners featuring SS tier units, then investing resources to evolve them to their maximum potential. Some SS tier units like Divalo (Requiem) require specific evolution materials that can only be obtained through endgame content.
What traits should I aim for in Anime Vanguards?
The Monarch trait is generally considered the best for most units, providing balanced stat increases across the board. For damage-focused units, Deadeye or Marksman can be excellent choices. Support units benefit from Solar or Fortune traits. Always check the unit’s optimal trait before investing resources.
Is it worth evolving units in Anime Vanguards?
Absolutely! Evolution is crucial in Anime Vanguards as it can dramatically increase a unit’s power. Many A and B tier units jump to S or even SS tier after evolution. The evolution cost is high, but the power increase is usually worth it, especially for units you plan to use long-term.
What’s the best team composition in Anime Vanguards?
The optimal team composition typically includes: 1-2 SS tier damage dealers, 1 support/utility unit (like Ice Queen), 1 tank/defense unit, and 1 flexible unit based on the stage. Popular combinations include Divalo + Ice Queen + World Destroyer + Elastic Captain + Lich King for maximum coverage of all situations.
How often do tier lists change in Anime Vanguards?
Tier lists typically update with major game updates, which usually occur every 1-2 months. Balance changes, new units, and evolution updates can significantly impact the meta. Always check for the latest tier list before investing heavily in unit evolution.
Conclusion
There you have it – the most comprehensive Anime Vanguards tier list you’ll find anywhere! I’ve poured hundreds of hours into testing every unit, analyzing their performance across all game modes, and evaluating their evolution potential to bring you rankings that actually work in practice.
Remember that while SS and S tier units will give you the biggest advantage, success in Anime Vanguards ultimately comes down to strategy, proper unit placement, and understanding synergies. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have all the top-tier units right away – many A and even B tier units can carry you through difficult content when used correctly and evolved properly.
The meta in Anime Vanguards is constantly evolving with new updates and balance changes, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest rankings. I’ll be updating this tier list with every major game update to ensure you always have the most current information.