Top 6 Must-Have Anime Vanguards Units in Update 13.5

Anime Vanguards Update 13.5 has shaken up the meta with new familiars, balance changes, and game modes. If you want to dominate the hardest stages, you need to know which anime vanguards units are worth your resources. Based on extensive player testing and community reports, we’ve ranked the top six units you absolutely need to build around.

This guide covers everything from infinite-scaling damage dealers to game-changing supports. We’ll also tell you which units deserve the precious Monarch trait and why. Let’s dive into the new tier list.

1. Newsman: The Ultimate Support Unit

Newsman might not be a damage carry, but he is arguably the most important support in Update 13.5. His ability to slow enemies is unmatched, and his new familiar has pushed him into must-have territory.

Why Newsman is essential:

• Snail Effect: On non-boss enemies, attacks slow by 50% for 30 seconds.
• Familiar Upgrade: Now applies a slow to bosses as well, making every fight more manageable.
• Bubbled Synergy: Removes bubbled debuffs in range, applying a 10% burn for 8 seconds and reapplying bubbled. This debuff stacks alongside other damage amps at half value.
• High Range: His base range is solid and can be increased further.

Player experience: According to top-tier players, Newsman’s familiar is non-negotiable. Without it, he loses the ability to slow bosses. With it, he becomes the backbone of any team tackling high-wave content.

2. Merleiona: Infinite Damage Scaling

Merleiona has always been strong, but Update 13.5 made her a true late-game monster. Her familiar rework allows her to stack damage infinitely, making her one of the best anime vanguards units for endless game modes.

How she works:

• Passive: Gains damage per second as long as enemies are in range.
• Familiar Change: No longer requires toggling her ability on/off, which previously caused range loss.
• No Memoria Yet: Players can use Yamamoto’s memoria as a placeholder for extra stats.

Community reports: Players have seen Merleiona reach over 6 million damage at max upgrade in sandbox tests. Her potential only grows the longer a wave lasts.

3. Raging Oni (Legion Oni vs Rat God)

The debate between Akuma and Raging Oni is settled—Raging Oni is the superior version. With the right setup, he becomes a top-tier damage dealer.

Why Raging Oni dominates:

• Focus Meter: Gains 15% focus per attack, up to 300%.
• X Focus Active: Consumes 100% focus, making the next attack deal 300% more damage.
• Black Spirit Familiar: Generates focus faster and allows manual activation of X Focus, leading to massive DPS spikes.

Pro tip: The Black Spirit familiar is relatively easy to obtain and is mandatory for maximizing Raging Oni’s damage. Without it, his DPS drops significantly.

4. Fon: Map-Wide Nuke Potential

Fon is a limited unit, and his power is absolutely insane. With the right buffs, he can deal map-wide nukes that one-shot entire waves.

Fon’s mechanics:

• Flame Stacks: Gains one stack per active buff every 10 seconds.
• 12 Stacks: Unlocks an active ability that deals 10% damage to all enemies.
• Destruction: Attacks deal 100% more damage to solidified enemies and bypass 70% damage reduction.
• Oblivion Shield: Enemies with this shield take double damage and have reduced debuff duration.

Player experience: With a gigabuffer like Armored Mage, Fon can hit 150 million damage nukes. He is a limited unit, so prioritize getting him now.

5. Esconor (Esganor): The Auto-Play Demon

Esconor is the king of auto-play. His ability to solo stages without micro-management makes him invaluable for farming.

What makes Esconor special:

• Shield Bypass: With his familiar and Doctor 4, he ignores shields entirely.
• Autoplay Master: Place him down, upgrade him, and watch him clear waves alone.
• Versatility: Works in most stages without needing a complex team.

Community reports: Esconor is often the first unit players invest in for farming. He is not the strongest, but he is the most convenient.

6. Gojo / Sukuna (Versuna): The Absolute Best

There is no contest. Gojo (Versuna) is the most broken unit in Update 13.5. His damage output is so high that he trivializes even the hardest bosses.

Why Sukuna is number one:

• Insane DPS: In sandbox tests, he killed a boss with 2.6 billion HP in seconds.
• No Support Needed: He can solo content that requires full teams.
• Monarch Essential: You absolutely need Monarch on him for maximum damage.

Player experience: According to the video source, Sukuna alone can handle 716 billion HP enemies with ease. He is so far ahead of every other unit that he is in his own tier.

Comparison Table: Top Anime Vanguards Units in Update 13.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Anime Vanguards units need Monarch the most? A: According to community reports, Gojo/Sukuna and Esconor are must-have Monarch units. Fon and Raging Oni also benefit greatly. Newsman can function without it.

Q: Is the Black Spirit familiar hard to get? A: No. Players report that it is relatively easy to obtain and is essential for Raging Oni’s maximum damage output.

Q: Can I use Gojo without Monarch? A: You can, but his damage will be significantly lower. Monarch is considered mandatory for him to reach his full potential.

Q: What is the best game mode for Merleiona? A: She excels in endless or infinite game modes where she can stack damage over time. She is less effective in short, burst-heavy stages.

Q: Where can I find more information about Anime Vanguards? A: Check the official Anime Vanguards Trello board (placeholder link) for the latest updates, unit stats, and patch notes.

Final Thoughts

Update 13.5 has redefined the meta for anime vanguards units. Whether you need a support like Newsman or a game-breaking carry like Gojo, this tier list will help you invest wisely. Prioritize limited units like Fon and always aim for Monarch on your top damage dealers.

Remember, the key to success is building a balanced team. Use supports to enable your carries, and never underestimate the power of a good familiar. Good luck out there, and happy grinding!