Top 6 Must-Have Anime Vanguards Vanguard Units in Update 13.5

Anime Vanguards Update 13.5 has shaken up the meta with new familiars, buffed passives, and game-changing synergies. If you want to dominate every stage, from story mode to infinite game modes, you need to know which anime vanguards vanguard units are worth your time and resources. This guide breaks down the top six must-have units, including their optimal traits, familiars, and how to use them effectively. Whether you're a new player or a veteran, these picks will elevate your team to the next level.

Why Update 13.5 Changed the Meta

The latest update introduced powerful familiars that can transform a unit's performance. Many anime vanguards vanguard units now have access to game-changing abilities like infinite damage stacking, boss slowing, and map-wide nukes. Community reports and player experiences highlight that the right combination of unit, trait, and familiar can make even the toughest bosses trivial. The key is knowing which units to prioritize and how to build them for maximum impact.

The Top 6 Must-Have Vanguard Units

Here is the definitive ranking of the best anime vanguards vanguard units in Update 13.5, based on their damage output, utility, and synergy with the new familiars.

1. Sukuna (Gojo Versuna) – The Absolute Best

Sukuna is currently the most overpowered unit in the game. According to player experience, he can solo bosses with billions of HP, making him the top priority for any serious player. His damage output is so high that he trivializes content that was previously considered impossible.

Key Features:

• Deletes enemies with billions of HP in seconds
• Does not require complex setups; works well even alone
• Monarch trait is essential for maximizing his potential

Optimal Build:

• Trait: Monarch
• Familiar: Any that boosts damage or attack speed
• Memoria: Focus on crit rate and damage

2. Esconor – The Autoplay Champion

Esconor is the best unit for autoplay and farming. His ability to bypass shields with doctor 4 makes him invaluable for stages with shielded enemies. He is also a great choice for players who want to AFK farm resources.

Key Features:

• Handles most stages on autoplay
• Shield bypass with doctor 4
• Reliable and easy to use

Optimal Build:

• Trait: Monarch
• Familiar: Ice Queen (for slow) or any damage booster
• Memoria: Yamamoto memoria for extra damage

3. Fon – The Map-Wide Nuker

Fon is a limited unit that can deal massive map-wide damage when properly buffed. His passive allows him to gain flame stacks from buffs, and at 12 stacks, he can activate a nuke that deals 10% of all enemies' HP as damage. With gigabuffers like Armored Mage, he can reach 150 million damage per nuke.

Key Features:

• Map-wide nuke potential
• Scales with buffs from support units
• Limited unit – obtain him now

Optimal Build:

• Trait: Monarch
• Familiar: Any that provides buffs or attack speed
• Memoria: Focus on buff duration and damage

4. Raging Oni (Akuma) – The Focus Master

Raging Oni is a powerful DPS unit that relies on focus to deal massive burst damage. With the Black Spirit familiar, he can generate focus quickly and activate X focus for 300% more damage. His crit rate buff after using X focus makes him even more deadly.

Key Features:

• High burst damage with focus mechanics
• Black Spirit familiar is essential for optimal performance
• Good for boss fights

Optimal Build:

• Trait: Monarch
• Familiar: Black Spirit (boosts focus generation)
• Memoria: Discipline memoria for extra damage

5. Merleiona – Infinite Scaling

Merleiona's familiar allows her to stack damage infinitely as long as enemies are in her range. This makes her a top choice for infinite game modes where enemies spawn continuously. She does not need a memoria yet, but a Yamamoto memoria can provide a nice boost.

Key Features:

• Infinite damage stacking
• Excellent for endless modes
• Easy to use with familiar

Optimal Build:

• Trait: Any (Monarch not required but helpful)
• Familiar: Required for infinite stacking
• Memoria: Yamamoto memoria (optional)

6. Newsman – The Ultimate Support

Newsman is a traitless support unit that slows enemies by 50% for 30 seconds. With his familiar, he can also slow bosses and apply a burn effect. He is a must-have for any team that needs crowd control.

Key Features:

• Slows non-boss enemies by 50%
• With familiar, slows bosses and applies burn
• No trait required; any trait like Solar works

Optimal Build:

• Trait: Any (Solar recommended)
• Familiar: Required for boss slowing
• Memoria: Not needed

How to Build Your Team

Building a team around these anime vanguards vanguard units requires careful consideration of roles and synergies. Here is a recommended team composition for endgame content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best anime vanguards vanguard unit in Update 13.5?

Sukuna (Gojo Versuna) is widely considered the best unit due to his ability to deal billions of damage and solo bosses. He is a must-have for any player looking to clear endgame content.

Do I need Monarch on every unit?

According to player experience, Monarch is essential for top-tier DPS units like Sukuna, Esconor, and Fon. However, support units like Newsman can function well without it. Focus on getting Monarch for your main damage dealers first.

How do I get the Black Spirit familiar for Raging Oni?

The Black Spirit familiar can be obtained through events or in-game shops. It is not extremely rare, so you should be able to get it with some effort. It is highly recommended for maximizing Raging Oni's damage.

Are these units good for infinite game modes?

Yes, units like Merleiona and Newsman are excellent for infinite modes. Merleiona's infinite damage stacking and Newsman's crowd control make them invaluable for surviving endless waves of enemies.

For more detailed guides and updates, check out the official Anime Vanguards Steam page for the latest news and patch notes.