Anime Vanguards Best Units: Summer Tier List (2026)

Discover the Anime Vanguards best units after the summer update. We rank Sukuna vs Gojo, Fainol, and Raging Only in our definitive tier list.

The summer update for Anime Vanguards has dropped, and it has completely shaken up the meta. If you’re looking for the Anime Vanguards best units to invest your time and resources into, you’ve come to the right place. Based on extensive player testing and community reports, the new Vanguard units like Sukuna vs Gojo, Fainol, and Raging Only are redefining what's possible in the game. This guide breaks down every top-tier unit, their stats, and how to build them for maximum power.

The New Meta Kings: Summer 2026 Unit Breakdown

The latest update has introduced several units that are not just strong—they are game-breaking. According to player experience shared in recent showcases, the power creep is real, and these new characters can trivialize content that was once difficult. Let's dive into the standout performers.

Sukuna vs Gojo: The Undisputed Best Unit

Community consensus and in-game testing point to Sukuna vs Gojo as the single most powerful unit in Anime Vanguards right now. This Vanguard unit boasts incredible stats and a unique mechanic that allows it to dominate any game mode.

Stat / AbilityValueNotes
RoleVanguardBest in class for damage and utility.
Key MechanicForm SwitchingCan toggle between Sukuna and Gojo forms.
Damage OutputExtremely HighOutpaces all previous units by a significant margin.
RaritySummer Banner LimitedRequires luck or pity to obtain.
Best StatsDamage, Range, SpeedPrioritize these for optimal performance.

To get the most out of this unit, you need to invest in its "Monarch" evolution and roll for top-tier stats. Player reports indicate that even without perfect stats, Sukuna vs Gojo can solo most content. It is the definitive "best unit" in the current meta.

Fainol (Honkai Star Rail Crossover): The Infinite Nuke

Another top contender for the title of Anime Vanguards best units is Fainol, a crossover unit from Honkai Star Rail. This unit is unique because of its "Flame Stack" mechanic, which allows it to fire off its ultimate ability repeatedly with no cooldown.

How Fainol Works:

  • Flame Stacks: Gains stacks when buffed or over time.
  • Active Ability: When at 12 stacks, Fainol unleashes a massive nuke dealing 300% damage to all enemies.
  • No Cooldown: As long as Fainol is consistently buffed, it can spam this nuke.
  • Life Saver: Its passive can automatically save you from a game-over by nuking and rewinding time.

This makes Fainol an absolute beast for boss fights and wave clearing. To maximize his potential, pair him with a buffer like Rin and equip a Memoria that boosts damage reduction bypass.

Raging Only vs Wrath God: The Versatile Fighter

The Raging Only unit, obtained from the World Lines game mode, offers a unique dual-form mechanic. You can choose between "Raging Only" and "Wrath God" forms, each with distinct playstyles.

FeatureForm 1: Raging OnlyForm 2: Wrath God
Primary MechanicFocus Meter & Over CritRage Meter & Attack Speed
PlaystyleBurst DamageSustained DPS
Key PassiveKO Corruption (Gray Health)Stun & Knockout
Best ForBoss MeltingGeneral Wave Clearing

Both forms are incredibly strong, but player experience suggests that Wrath God is slightly better for general use due to its non-stop attacks and stun-locking capabilities. Raging Only, on the other hand, has a higher skill ceiling for burst damage.

Escanor's Comeback: The World Line Specialist

While not a new unit, Escanor has received a massive indirect buff with his new Familiar and Memoria. His new passive makes him immune to weather effects and treats him as any category for first-stage buffs. This makes him the perfect unit for the World Lines mode, which is notorious for its debilitating weather effects.

Escanor's New Build:

  • Familiar: Essential for his new passive.
  • Memoria: Boosts his damage and survivability.
  • Role: World Line solo carry.

However, community reports note that Escanor still struggles against enemies with shields. You will need a secondary unit like Mador to handle shielded foes.

Ultimate Tier List for Summer 2026

Based on current testing and community feedback, here is the definitive tier list for the Anime Vanguards best units as of July 2026.

TierUnitWhy It's There
S+Sukuna vs GojoAbsolute best unit in the game. High damage, versatile forms.
SFainolInfinite nuke potential. Requires a buffer to shine.
SRaging Only / Wrath GodTop-tier damage with unique mechanics.
A+Escanor (New Build)Best for World Lines. Struggles with shields.
AIgrisStill a solid unit for general content.
BOlder UnitsOutclassed by new releases. Only use if you lack S-tier units.

How to Build the Best Units: Stats and Memoria Guide

Once you have the Anime Vanguards best units, the next step is optimizing them. Here is a quick guide on how to roll for stats and equip Memoria.

Priority Stats for S-Tier Units

UnitStat 1Stat 2Stat 3
Sukuna vs GojoDamageRangeSpeed
FainolDamageRangeDamage Reduction Bypass
Raging OnlyDamageCrit RateAttack Speed

Memoria and Familiar Setup

  • For Fainol: Use a Memoria that increases damage reduction bypass and a Familiar that provides buffs.
  • For Raging Only: Focus on Memoria that boosts crit damage or meter gain.
  • For Escanor: Use his signature Memoria and Familiar to unlock his full potential.

Pro Tip: You can now transfer stats from one unit to another. This makes it much easier to build a perfect unit without wasting resources. Save your "Godly" stat rolls for your main DPS units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best unit in Anime Vanguards right now? A: The absolute best unit is Sukuna vs Gojo, obtained from the summer banner. It has the highest damage output and most versatile kit in the game.

Q: How do I get Fainol? A: Fainol is obtained from the Event Pass. You need to purchase the pass and grind levels to unlock him. He is a top-five unit in the game, according to community tier lists.

Q: Is Escanor still worth using? A: Yes, but only if you have his new Familiar and Memoria. With them, he becomes the best unit for the World Lines mode. Without them, he is outclassed by the new S-tier units.

Q: What are the best stats for Raging Only? A: For Raging Only, prioritize Damage, Crit Rate, and Attack Speed. For Wrath God, focus on Damage, Range, and Attack Speed. Both forms benefit from high damage rolls.