How to Clear New Raid Act 1 & 2 in Anime Vanguards (March 2026) Full Guide

Update 10 Part 2 has shaken up the meta in Anime Vanguards, introducing a challenging new raid that has players scratching their heads. If you’ve been banging your head against a wall trying to beat the new Raid Act 1 and Act 2, you aren’t alone. These raids are designed to test your unit composition, your understanding of game mechanics, and your patience.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to break down everything you need to know to clear both Act 1 and Act 2. We’ll cover the best units to use, the specific strategies for each act, and the hidden mechanics that most players miss. Whether you are a free-to-play player or a whale, this guide has the insights you need to secure those wins and loot in March 2026.
Quick Overview: What You Need to Know?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty strategies, here is a quick overview of what you are facing in this new raid.
| Feature | Act 1 | Act 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Medium (Entry-level Challenge) | Nightmare (Requires High DPS) |
| Recommended Level | Level 50+ | Level 80+ |
| Key Mechanic | AoE Crowd Control | Single Target Burst DPS |
| Meta Unit Type | Hybrid Damage/Support | Pure Mythic DPS |
| Main Reward | Trait Crystals, Evolution Items | Exclusive Mythic Shards, Huge Gems |
Understanding the New Raid Mechanics
The raid introduced in Update 10 Part 2 isn’t just about having high damage numbers; it’s about mechanical execution. Unlike previous story modes, this raid features specific enemy types that resist certain damage sources and bosses with enrage timers.
- Enemy Resistance: In Act 2 specifically, you’ll notice that some enemies take reduced damage from ground-type units. This means you must diversify your range. If you rely solely on units like Zenitsu or Tanjiro without varying your placement, you will hit a wall.
- The Enrage Timer: The boss in Act 2 gains a massive damage buff after a certain time limit. You need to have your DPS “ramp up” ready before that timer hits, or your wipes will be instant.
- Lane Management: The map features multiple lanes where enemies flank your position. Ignoring the side lanes to focus on the boss is the #1 mistake I see players making.
Best Units for the Raid (Update 10 Part 2 Meta)
To clear this content, you need the right tools. Based on the current meta in 2026, here are the units that are performing exceptionally well in this specific raid.
Top-Tier DPS (Must-Haves)
- Sozun (Final Form): Still the king of AoE damage. His ability to clear waves of mobs in Act 1 is unmatched.
- Yusuke (Spirit Detective): The new star of Update 10. His spirit gun charges up massive damage, perfect for bursting down the Act 2 boss.
- Kokushibo: If you managed to pull him, his moon slash attacks hit multiple enemies and deal incredible single-target damage to bosses.
Essential Support Units
- Magatsu: You need a unit that can slow enemies down. Magatsu does this while providing decent hybrid damage.
- Hoshino: If you have her, she is invaluable for her AoE stun and defense debuff.
Free-to-Play (F2P) Friendly Options
Don’t worry if you don’t have the mythics. These units can carry you through if upgraded:
- Luffy (Gear 5): Even though he is harder to get now, he is still viable.
- Ichigo (Bankai): A solid hybrid DPS that is accessible to most players.
Related Article: Check out our Anime Vanguards Tier List to see where your favorite units rank.
General Strategy for Update 10 Part 2 Raid
Before we split into Act 1 and Act 2, let’s establish the core strategy that applies to both.
- Economy is King: Do not spend all your currency early. Wait for the interest to kick in. If you spam units in the first wave, you won’t have the money to upgrade them for the boss waves in wave 5 and 10.
- Placement Matters: Don’t just place units randomly. You want your ranged units on elevated ground (if available) to maximize range. Place your AoE units near corners or bends in the path to maximize their coverage.
- Upgrade Priority: It is almost always better to have one fully upgraded (Tier 3 or 4) unit than three Tier 1 units. Focus your resources on your main DPS carriers first.
How to Clear Act 1? (Step-by-Step Process)
Act 1 serves as the introductory challenge. It tests whether you have a functional team composition.
Prerequisites
- Units: At least 2 Mythic or 5 Legendary units.
- Traits: Having at least one “King Crimson” or “Zenith” trait on your main DPS helps significantly.
Step 1: The Early Game (Waves 1-3)
- Spawn: Start with a cheap hybrid unit like Ichigo or a generic ground unit to handle the first few fodder enemies.
- Save: Do not spawn more than 2 units. Let your money build up.
- Upgrade: Upgrade your starting unit to Tier 2 once you reach the cost threshold.
Step 2: The Mid Game (Waves 4-6)
- Expand: Spawn your main AoE DPS (e.g., Sozun).
- Placement: Place your AoE unit centrally so it can hit both lanes.
- Support: Add a buffer or stunner (like Magatsu) behind your front line.
- Economy Check: By wave 6, you should have a solid income stream. Ensure you aren’t falling below the unit cost threshold.
Step 3: The Boss Wave (Wave 7)
- Burst: Sell any fodder units that aren’t contributing to DPS.
- Focus: Spawn your single-target DPS units if you haven’t already.
- Ability Usage: Time your unit abilities. Wait until the boss is within range of all your towers before triggering “Skill” to ensure every hit lands.
Troubleshooting: If you are dying here, check if your units are targeting the mobs instead of the boss. You may need to pause and manually retarget or adjust placement.
How to Clear Act 2? (Step-by-Step Process)
Act 2 is where the real difficulty spikes. The enemies have more HP, the boss has more mechanics, and the map is trickier.
Prerequisites
- Units: Full team of evolved Mythics is highly recommended.
- Orbs: You will need specific orbs (like the Burning Orb or Pure Heart Orb) to boost your unit stats past the limit.
Step 1: The Setup (Waves 1-4)
- Delay: In Act 2, you can afford to delay spawning. Wait until enemies are close to the base to maximize “kill range” efficiency, allowing your towers to reset faster.
- Core Team: Place your King Crimson unit or your strongest crowd control unit first. You need to lock down the fast-moving enemies immediately.
Step 2: The Economy Grind (Waves 5-8)
- This is the “danger zone.” You will feel pressured to spend, but don’t.
- Strategy: Use one high-tier unit to solo the waves if possible. This saves money for the late-game spike.
- Upgrade Path: Rush your Yusuke (Spirit Detective) to Tier 4/5 as fast as possible. He is your win condition here.
Step 3: The Checkpoint (Wave 9)
- Preparation: Before the boss spawns, ensure all your support units are at least Tier 3.
- Positioning: Cluster your units. The Act 2 boss has an attack that knocks back units. Clustering them ensures they stay in range of your healers and buffers.
Step 4: The Final Boss (Wave 10)
- Mechanic Watch: The boss will charge a “One Shot” move. You must stun them during this charge or use a unit with invincibility frames to survive it.
- The Burn: Once the boss is below 50% HP, spam all your remaining money on your cheapest high-DPS units. It’s a race against their enrage timer.
- Ability Spam: Do not hold back. Use every ability available as soon as it comes off cooldown.
Advanced Tips: Traits and Orbs
To truly dominate the leaderboards in March 2026, you need to optimize your units beyond just leveling them up.
Traits
Traits can make or break a run in this raid.
- Zenith: Increases damage and range significantly. This is the best trait for DPS units in the raid.
- King Crimson: Great for tanks and supports, as it provides a defensive layer and speed boost.
- How to get them: You farm them in the new story missions or buy them from theTrait Shop using the currency earned from Act 1 clears.
Orbs
Orbs are equippable items that boost stats.
- Burning Orb: Adds a burn effect. This is crucial for the Act 2 boss because it deals percentage-based damage over time, bypassing some of the boss’s defense.
- Cost Orb: Reduces unit placement cost. Helpful in the early game to get your economy rolling faster.
Related Article: Need more resources? Read our guide on Anime Vanguards Codes for free gems and boosts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid In 2026
I’ve watched hundreds of players attempt this raid, and these are the three most common reasons why they fail:
- Over-reliance on one unit type: If you bring only ground units, and the raid boss flies, you lose. Always bring a balanced team of Ground, Air, and Hybrid units.
- Ignoring Unit Synergies: Some units buff others. For example, Speedwagon buffs Human-type units. Placing him without Human units on the field is a waste of a slot.
- Upgrading Too Slowly: Holding onto 5,000 gold while your Tier 1 units get wiped is bad strategy. Spend your money to reach the power spikes of Tier 3 and Tier 4.
Platform-Specific Information
Are you playing on Mobile or PC?
- PC Players: You have the advantage of precise keyboard controls. Use hotkeys to upgrade units quickly without taking your cursor off the action.
- Mobile Players: The UI can get cluttered during the boss fights. I recommend playing with “Camera Follow” turned off to keep a tactical view of the entire map, allowing you to see flankers earlier.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the minimum level to enter the new raid?
You typically need to be around Level 50 for Act 1 and Level 80 for Act 2. However, level isn’t everything; having strong units is more important than your player level.
Q: Can I solo the raid, or do I need a team?
You can solo the raid if you have strong enough Mythic units. However, matchmaking with a team is generally easier for the average player as you can combine different unit types to cover weaknesses.
Q: How often does the raid reset?
The raid resets daily, allowing you to farm for rewards and Trait Crystals. Make sure to clear it every day in March to maximize your progress.
Q: Which unit is best for the Act 2 Boss?
Yusuke (Spirit Detective) is currently the best unit for the Act 2 Boss due to his massive single-target burst damage and ability to hit flying enemies if positioned correctly.
Q: Why do I keep dying at wave 4 in Act 2?
You are likely spending your money too early. Try to delay placing units until the last possible second to build up interest, allowing you to afford a Tier 3 unit by wave 4 instead of several Tier 1 units.
Conclusion
Clearing the new Raid Act 1 and Act 2 in Anime Vanguards Update 10 Part 2 is a test of skill and strategy. By optimizing your economy, choosing the right units like Yusuke and Sozun, and utilizing Traits and Orbs effectively, you can overcome these challenges. Don’t get discouraged by initial failures—adjust your composition, check your placement, and try again.
