Anime Vanguards Tier List: Best Units in Update 13.5

Why You Need This Anime Vanguards Tier List

Update 13.5 has shaken up the meta in Anime Vanguards. If you're wondering which units are worth your time and resources, you're in the right place. This anime vanguards tier list breaks down the top performers based on community reports and recent gameplay data. Whether you're farming, pushing endgame stages, or aiming for auto-play efficiency, knowing the best units is crucial.

The latest patch introduced new familiars and balance changes, making some units absolutely broken while others fell off. We’ve analyzed the data from top players and YouTube showcases to bring you a clear, actionable ranking. Let’s dive into the units that define the current meta.

The Top Tier: Units That Define the Meta

These are the units you absolutely need to build around. They offer unmatched damage, utility, or support, making them core to any high-level strategy. Based on player experience, these characters are the backbone of any successful team in Update 13.5.

1. Sukuna (Gojo Versuna Variant)

Sukuna is, without a doubt, the most overpowered unit in the game right now. Community reports show him dealing billions of damage, even against enemies with inflated health pools. In sandbox tests, he effortlessly deleted bosses with over 2.6 billion HP. His kit allows him to scale damage exponentially, especially when paired with a Monarch upgrade.

• Why it's S-Tier: Insane single-target and AoE damage. Can solo most content.
• Best Build: Monarch upgrade is mandatory. Pair with support units like Devoted Demon for even more damage.
• Familiar: Black Spirit is recommended for focus generation, but even without it, Sukuna dominates.

2. Escanor (Esganor Variant)

Escanor is the king of auto-play. His passive allows him to be placed alone and clear waves without any micro-management. According to the source video, he is an "auto-play demon" that makes farming a breeze. He is especially useful for stages where you want to minimize effort.

• Why it's S-Tier: Unmatched auto-play capability. Great for farming and early waves.
• Best Build: Monarch upgrade is highly recommended. Pair with Doctor 4 to bypass shields.
• Familiar: His familiar is crucial for maximizing his potential, especially against shielded enemies.

3. Fon

Fon is a limited unit that excels in burst damage. His flame stack mechanic allows him to deal massive map-wide nukes, with some players reporting over 150 million damage per activation. He requires specific team support to reach his full potential, but when he does, he is a game-changer.

• Why it's S-Tier: High burst damage with map-wide range. Excellent against groups of enemies.
• Best Build: Monarch upgrade is essential. Pair with units that provide multiple buffs (e.g., Armored Mage) to stack flames faster.
• Familiar: His familiar is necessary for the nuke mechanic.

High-Tier Units: Excellent Choices for Specific Roles

These units are incredibly strong but may require more setup or are outclassed by the top three. They are still excellent additions to any roster and can carry you through most content.

Raging Oni (Akuma Variant)

Raging Oni is a powerhouse for single-target damage. His focus mechanic allows him to deal massive damage, especially when paired with the Black Spirit familiar. According to the source, this version is significantly better than the Akuma variant.

• Best Build: Monarch upgrade recommended. Black Spirit familiar is mandatory for maximizing DPS.
• Usage: Excellent for boss fights and high-HP enemies.

Merleiona

Merleiona is a unique unit that scales infinitely in endless game modes. Her familiar allows her to stack damage without losing range, making her a top pick for long runs. She doesn't have a dedicated memoria yet, but a Yamamoto memoria works well in the interim.

• Best Build: Monarch upgrade is beneficial. Familiar is required for infinite stacking.
• Usage: Best in infinite or wave-based modes.

Newsman

Newsman is a top-tier support unit. He slows down enemies by 50% and can apply burn and bubble debuffs. His familiar allows him to slow bosses, making him invaluable for controlling the battlefield. Importantly, he doesn't require a Monarch upgrade to be effective, making him a budget-friendly option.

• Best Build: No Monarch required. Any trait like Solar works fine.
• Usage: Essential for any team needing crowd control.

Tier List Breakdown: A Quick Reference Table

To make it easier to compare, here is a comprehensive table ranking the discussed units. This anime vanguards tier list is based on current meta and community feedback.

How to Build Your Team Around This Tier List

Knowing the units is one thing; building a team is another. Here are some actionable tips based on the current meta.

Prioritize Monarch Upgrades for Top Units

As highlighted in the source video, the top three units (Sukuna, Escanor, and Fon) absolutely need Monarch upgrades to reach their full potential. The creator states, "You can't not have monarch on those two units," referring to Sukuna and Escanor. Investing in these upgrades should be your top priority.

Don't Overlook Support Units

While DPS units get the spotlight, support units like Newsman can make or break a run. His ability to slow down enemies, including bosses, provides valuable time for your DPS units to ramp up. He is a budget-friendly option that doesn't require a Monarch upgrade.

Farm Familiars Strategically

Familiars are essential for most top-tier units. The Black Spirit for Raging Oni and the specific familiars for Escanor and Fon are not optional. Focus on farming these before investing heavily in other upgrades. The source notes that Black Spirit is "thankfully really isn't that hard to get," so prioritize it.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best unit in Anime Vanguards Update 13.5?

Based on community reports and gameplay data, Sukuna is the best unit in the current meta. He can deal billions of damage and solo most content, making him the top pick in any anime vanguards tier list.

Do I need a Monarch upgrade for every unit?

No. According to player experience, only the top-tier units like Sukuna, Escanor, and Fon require Monarch upgrades to be effective. Units like Newsman can function perfectly fine with a common trait like Solar.

Is Escanor better for auto-play than other units?

Yes. Escanor is widely considered the best auto-play unit because he can be placed alone and clear waves without any input. This makes him ideal for farming and early-game stages.

What familiars should I prioritize?

You should prioritize the familiars for your top DPS units. The Black Spirit for Raging Oni, and the specific familiars for Escanor and Fon, are essential for maximizing their damage output.

Final Thoughts on the Current Meta

The meta in Anime Vanguards is currently dominated by a few incredibly powerful units. Sukuna is the undisputed king, with Escanor and Fon close behind. Building around these three will give you the best chance at clearing difficult content. Remember to invest in Monarch upgrades and essential familiars to unlock their full potential.

This anime vanguards tier list will evolve as new updates drop, but for now, these are the units you should be focusing on. For more official information, check out the Anime Vanguards Trello board for detailed unit stats and upcoming changes. Good luck, and happy grinding