Top Anime Vanguards New Units in Update 13.5 (2026 Tier List)

Introduction

Anime Vanguards Update 13.5 has arrived, and it brings a wave of game-changing anime vanguards new units that can completely reshape your team composition. Whether you are a veteran player looking to optimize your endgame loadout or a newcomer trying to figure out which characters to invest in, this update has something for everyone. Based on extensive community testing and in-game performance analysis, we have compiled a definitive tier list of the must-have units you need to prioritize right now.

The meta has shifted significantly, with some units becoming absolute powerhouses while others have received crucial buffs through their new Vanguard Familiars. In this guide, we will break down the top performers, explain why they deserve a spot on your team, and provide actionable advice on which traits to pursue. If you want to dominate the hardest stages and farm efficiently, these anime vanguards new units should be at the top of your wishlist.

Top 6 Must-Have Units in Update 13.5

The following list represents the consensus among top players and content creators regarding the most impactful anime vanguards new units in the current patch. We have expanded the original top 5 to include an essential support unit that many initially overlooked.

6. Newsman – The Ultimate Support Unit

Newsman might not be a damage dealer, but his crowd control capabilities make him indispensable for any serious team composition. According to player experience reports, this unit excels at slowing down enemies to a crawl, giving your damage dealers precious time to eliminate threats.

Key Features:

• Snail Effect: Attacks turn non-boss enemies into snails, reducing their speed by 50% for 30 seconds.
• Bubbled Mechanic: With his Vanguard Familiar, Newsman can also slow bosses and apply a 10% burn for 8 seconds when bubbled is removed.
• Range: His attack range is exceptionally high and can be further increased with proper equipment.

You do not need to invest heavily in traits for Newsman, but acquiring his Vanguard Familiar is non-negotiable. Community reports suggest that even without Monarch, he performs admirably in most content.

5. Merleiona – Infinite Damage Stacking

Merleiona has received a massive quality-of-life improvement thanks to her new Familiar. Previously, players had to toggle her ability on and off to avoid losing range, which was clunky and inefficient. Now, she can stack damage infinitely as long as enemies remain within her range.

Why She Stands Out:

• Infinite Scaling: Her passive allows her to gain damage per second against enemies in range, with no cap.
• Familiar Upgrade: Eliminates the need to toggle abilities, making her much easier to use.
• Synergy: Works exceptionally well in infinite game modes where enemies keep coming.

Merleiona currently lacks a dedicated Memoria, but the Yamamoto Memoria serves as an excellent placeholder. She is one of the anime vanguards new units that benefits most from the Familiar system.

4. Raging Oni – The Focus Mechanic Master

While many players initially favored Akuma, the community has since identified Raging Oni as the superior version of this unit. His unique Focus mechanic allows him to unleash devastating attacks when properly built.

How Focus Works:

• Focus meter caps at 300%.
• Gains 15% focus per attack.
• X Focus consumes 100% focus for a 200% damage boost on the next attack.
• After consuming meter, crit rate increases by 50% for 60 seconds.

Optimal Build:

The Black Spirit Familiar is crucial because it accelerates focus generation, allowing Raging Oni to spam his X Focus ability. Without it, his damage output drops significantly. Fortunately, Black Spirit is relatively easy to obtain.

3. Fon – The Map-Wide Nuker

Fon is a limited unit that has quickly become a staple in high-level play. His ability to deal massive damage to all enemies on the map makes him invaluable for clearing waves quickly.

Core Mechanics:

• Gains flame stacks when buffed (1 stack per buff every 10 seconds).
• At 12 stacks, his active ability becomes available.
• Active ability deals 10% damage to all enemies map-wide.
• Destruction passive: Deals 100% more damage to solidified enemies and bypasses 70% damage reduction.

To maximize Fon, you need units that apply multiple buffs rapidly. Armored Mage is the top recommendation for this role. According to community tests, a fully optimized Fon can one-shot most enemies in the game, making him one of the most powerful anime vanguards new units available.

2. Esconor – The Autoplay Demon

Esconor earns the number two spot because of his incredible utility in automating difficult stages. He is designed to be placed alone and handle content without manual intervention.

Why He Is Essential:

• Autoplay Specialist: Clears stages without requiring constant attention.
• Shield Bypass: When paired with Doctor 4 or Moira, he ignores enemy shields.
• Consistency: Works for the majority of stages in the game.

Esconor is particularly useful for farming and grinding, as he reduces the need for active gameplay. Many players consider him the best all-around unit for general content.

1. Sukuna (Gojo Versuna) – The Absolute Powerhouse

There is no contest for the top spot. Sukuna is overwhelmingly the strongest unit in Update 13.5, dealing damage numbers that were previously thought impossible. In community showcases, he has been observed deleting enemies with billions of health in seconds.

Performance Metrics:

• Can eliminate 83 million HP bosses instantly.
• Handles 470 million HP enemies with ease.
• Capable of dealing with 2.6 billion HP targets without breaking a sweat.

Build Recommendations:

Sukuna is so far ahead of every other unit that using Gojo alongside him is considered unnecessary. If you can only invest in one unit this patch, make it Sukuna.

Monarch Trait Priority

Not all units require the Monarch trait, but for the top performers, it is essential. Here is a quick reference table for trait priority:

Community consensus indicates that at minimum, you should aim for Monarch on Sukuna, Esconor, and Fon. These three units form the core of any competitive endgame team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best Anime Vanguards new units for beginners? A: For new players, focus on obtaining Newsman for support and Esconor for autoplay farming. These units are versatile and do not require extensive investment to be effective.

Q: Do I need the Vanguard Familiar for every unit? A: No, but for units like Newsman and Merleiona, the Familiar is mandatory to unlock their full potential. Check each unit's Familiar effects before skipping.

Q: How do I get the Monarch trait on my units? A: Monarch is obtained through trait rerolling using in-game currency or special items. Prioritize rolling for Monarch on Sukuna, Esconor, and Fon first.

Q: Are there any other Anime Vanguards new units worth considering? A: While the top six listed are the most impactful, units like Armored Mage and Kafka serve as excellent supports for your main damage dealers.

Conclusion

Update 13.5 has introduced several anime vanguards new units that dramatically change the game's meta. Sukuna stands head and shoulders above the rest, but units like Fon, Esconor, and Merleiona offer unique strengths that complement any team composition. By focusing your resources on these top-tier units and their required traits, you will be well-equipped to tackle the hardest content the game has to offer.

For more detailed information on unit stats and mechanics, check out the official Anime Vanguards Trello board for real-time updates and community resources. Start building your dream team today and dominate the battlefield!