Anime Vanguards Next Update: Must-Have Units Guide for 13.5

Introduction: Why the Next Update Matters for Your Roster

The Anime Vanguards community is buzzing with excitement and strategy as we look ahead to the Anime Vanguards next update. Recent video content from prominent creators has already started dissecting the top-tier units that will define the meta in Update 13.5. Based on community reports and detailed gameplay showcases, this patch is bringing significant power shifts, particularly with the introduction of new Vanguard Familiars and the importance of the Monarch trait.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and ensure you're investing your resources wisely, you need to know which units are worth the grind. This guide breaks down the absolute must-have units for the Anime Vanguards next update, based on extensive sandbox testing and player experience. We'll cover their abilities, optimal builds, and why they deserve a spot on your team.

The Meta-Defining Units of Update 13.5

The upcoming patch isn't just about new faces; it's about existing units reaching their full potential through new Familiars and Memoria. Below is a breakdown of the top performers, ranked by their impact and necessity.

1. Sukuna (Gojo Versuna): The Absolute Powerhouse

Without question, the single most dominant unit in the Anime Vanguards next update is Sukuna, often referred to as Gojo Versuna. According to player experience shared in recent showcases, this unit is operating on a completely different level from the rest of the roster.

Why He's #1:

• Unmatched DPS: In sandbox tests, a maxed-out Sukuna with Monarch was deleting enemies with billions of HP in seconds. A boss with 2.6 billion health was eliminated almost instantly.
• Versatility: He doesn't just handle regular waves; he melts boss-level threats with the same ease. One community video showed him soloing a 716 million HP enemy without breaking a sweat.
• Synergy: While he can function alone, pairing him with a buffer like Devoted Demon pushes his damage into the stratosphere.

Optimal Build:

Verdict: If you can only get the Monarch trait on one unit, make it Sukuna. He is the undisputed king of the meta for the Anime Vanguards next update.

2. Esconor: The Autoplay Demon

Esconor might not have the flashy, billion-damage nukes of Sukuna, but his utility is unmatched. He is the ultimate "set it and forget it" unit, making him a must-have for farming and autoplay strategies.

Why He's #2:

• Autoplay King: His main purpose is to be placed alone and handle entire stages automatically. This is invaluable for grinding resources.
• Shield Bypass: When paired with his Familiar and Moira, he can easily bypass shields, a common and frustrating enemy mechanic.
• Consistency: He provides reliable damage without requiring constant micromanagement.

Optimal Build:

Verdict: For players who value efficiency and farming, Esconor with Monarch is arguably as important as Sukuna. He's the backbone of an effective autoplay team.

3. Fon: The Map-Wide Nuke

Fon is a limited unit that, when properly built, can unleash devastating map-wide nukes. He is a high-skill, high-reward character that requires specific team support to shine.

Why He's #3:

• Infinite Scaling Nuke: By stacking "Flame Stacks," Fon can activate an ability that deals 10% damage to all enemies on the map. With enough buffs, this can hit for 150 million damage.
• Buff Dependency: He needs a "gigabuffer" like Armored Mage to maximize his stack generation.
• Unique Mechanic: His "Destruction" debuff bypasses 70% of enemy damage reduction and deals double damage to enemies with an "oble shield."

Optimal Build:

Verdict: If you're willing to invest in the necessary support units, Fon becomes one of the most powerful and satisfying units in the game.

Top Support and Specialist Units

While the top three are the game-changers, a few other units are essential for a well-rounded roster in the Anime Vanguards next update.

4. Newsman: The Ultimate Crowd Control Support

Newsman is a traitless unit that provides unparalleled crowd control. His role is less about raw damage and more about making the entire game easier for your other units.

Why He's Essential:

• 50% Slow: His basic attack turns non-boss enemies into snails, slowing them by 50%.
• Boss Slow: With his Vanguard Familiar, he can also slow bosses, a game-changer for difficult encounters.
• Bubbled Synergy: His Familiar also applies a "Bubbled" debuff that can be combined with other damage sources for extra damage.

Optimal Build:

Verdict: Newsman is the best support unit in the game. He doesn't need Monarch, but his Familiar is absolutely mandatory.

5. Merleiona: The Infinite Stacking DPS

Merleiona is a top-tier damage dealer whose power grows over time. Her Vanguard Familiar fixed a major flaw in her kit, making her a much more viable option.

Why She's Powerful:

• Infinite Damage Stacking: Her passive allows her to stack damage infinitely as long as there are enemies in her range. This makes her scale incredibly well in longer game modes.
• Familiar Fix: Previously, she had to toggle her ability on and off to avoid losing range. Her Familiar now auto-manages this, allowing her to stack damage uninterrupted.

Optimal Build:

Verdict: For long, drawn-out fights, Merleiona is a top-tier choice. Her infinite scaling makes her a must-have for players who enjoy high-wave content.

Quick Comparison Table: Top 5 Must-Have Units

Building Your Team for Update 13.5

When preparing for the Anime Vanguards next update, your resource management is key. Based on the current meta analysis, here is a priority list for where to spend your Trait Rerolls and upgrade materials.

1. Get Monarch on Sukuna: This is your single most important goal. He is the centerpiece of any top-tier team.
2. Get Monarch on Esconor: This will supercharge your farming efficiency and allow you to progress through content faster.
3. Acquire Key Familiars: The Vanguard Familiars for Newsman, Merleiona, and Fon are not optional; they are core components of the unit's kit.
4. Build a Buffer: Units like Armored Mage or Devoted Demon are essential for maximizing the potential of your top DPS units like Sukuna and Fon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the exact release date for the Anime Vanguards next update? A: While an official release date hasn't been confirmed, based on the update history from the official Update Log, major updates often arrive in the latter half of the month. The community is currently anticipating the patch based on the "Update 13.5" designation from recent content.

Q: Is the Monarch trait absolutely required for every unit on this list? A: No. While it is highly recommended for top-tier DPS units like Sukuna, Fon, and Esconor, support units like Newsman function perfectly well without it. For him, getting his Vanguard Familiar is far more important.

Q: I don't have the resources to get Monarch on everyone. Who should I prioritize? A: Focus your resources on Sukuna and Esconor. These two units provide the most value for a single investment. Sukuna is your ultimate boss killer, while Esconor will dramatically speed up your farming.

Q: Will older units become obsolete with this update? A: Not entirely. While the top 5 units listed are the new meta-defining standards, many older units remain situationally useful. However, units like Sukuna and Esconor are so powerful that they will likely become the new standard for clearing the hardest content.