Anime Vanguards Updates: Best Units in Update 13.5

The New Meta is Here: Breaking Down Anime Vanguards Update 13.5

The latest Anime Vanguards updates have completely shaken up the game's meta. With the release of Update 13.5, players are scrambling to figure out which units are worth investing their hard-earned resources into. Based on extensive testing and community reports, we've compiled a definitive ranking of the must-have units that will carry you through the toughest content.

The Godly Ascension (13.0) update from May 31st laid the groundwork, but Update 13.5 has truly defined the current power ceiling. Whether you're a veteran player or just starting, knowing which units to prioritize is crucial for staying competitive.

A Quick History of Recent Updates

Before diving into the top units, it's helpful to see the progression of recent Anime Vanguards updates. The developers have been consistently releasing major patches, each adding powerful new characters and mechanics.

As you can see, the game is evolving rapidly. Each update builds upon the last, and Update 13.5 is no exception. The introduction of new "Familiars" has made previously good units into absolute powerhouses.

Top 6 Must-Have Units in the Current Meta

Based on extensive testing and player experience, these are the units you absolutely need to target. We've ranked them based on overall utility, damage potential, and synergy with the new Familiar system.

6. Newsman: The Ultimate Support

Newsman is a prime example of a unit that was good but has become essential thanks to the Familiar system. According to player experience, his ability to control the battlefield is unmatched.

• Core Ability: Slows non-boss enemies by 50% for 30 seconds on attack.
• Familiar Upgrade: Now allows him to slow bosses as well, making him invaluable in endgame content.
• Additional Effect: His "Bubbled" effect can now be applied alongside other damage amps, dealing a 10% burn for 8 seconds.

Newsman doesn't require a specific trait like "Monarch" to be effective. A simple "Solar" trait will suffice, making him a relatively budget-friendly option for a top-tier support unit. His high base range is the cherry on top.

5. Merleiona: Infinite Damage Scaling

Merleiona has transformed from a niche pick into a powerhouse thanks to her Familiar. The key change is that she can now infinitely stack her damage passive.

How She Works:

• Her passive previously required toggling her ability on and off, which was clunky and inefficient.
• With her Familiar, she can now stack damage infinitely as long as there are enemies in her range.
• This makes her an absolute monster in infinite game modes where enemies keep coming.

While she doesn't have a specific "Memoria" (a unique equipment slot for some units), community reports suggest using a Yamamoto Memoria on her works wonders. Her damage potential is limitless, making her a fantastic investment for long-term players.

4. Raging Oni: The Focus Master

There was some debate in the community about which version of this unit was best. Player experience confirms that Raging Oni is significantly better than Akuma.

Why Raging Oni is a Must-Have:

• Focus Meter: His meter goes up to 300%, gaining 15% focus per attack.
• X Focus Active: Consumes 100% focus to make his next attack deal 300% more damage.
• Auto-Activation: If focus reaches max, X focus activates automatically and cancels current attack animations for a new one.

To maximize his potential, you absolutely need the Black Spirit Familiar. This Familiar dramatically increases his focus generation, allowing him to spam his powerful X Focus attacks. While his base damage is impressive, the Black Spirit is what makes him truly broken.

3. Fon: The Map-Wide Nuker

Fon is a limited unit, which immediately makes him a priority for any serious player. His power comes from his unique "Flame Stack" mechanic.

Understanding Fon's Kit:

• Gains one flame stack when buffed, and one every 10 seconds per active buff.
• At 12 flame stacks, his active ability becomes available.
• His active ability deals 10% damage to all enemies on the map.

The key to using Fon is to "giga-buff" him. Pairing him with units like Armored Mage allows him to gain flame stacks incredibly fast. According to community reports, a fully optimized Fon can deal 150 million damage nukes across the entire map. He is a must-have for clearing waves of enemies quickly.

2. Escanor: The Autoplay Demon

Escanor might not have the flashiest damage numbers, but his utility is unmatched. He serves one primary purpose: autoplaying stages.

• Why He's #2: He can be placed alone and clear most of the game's content automatically.
• Shield Bypass: Pairing him with his Familiar and a unit like "Doctor 4" allows him to bypass enemy shields, a common obstacle in later stages.
• Consistency: For the majority of stages, Escanor is all you need. He is the definition of a reliable, no-fuss unit.

While he may not reach the damage peaks of the number one spot, his sheer convenience and reliability make him an essential part of any player's roster.

1. Sukuna (Gojo Versuna): The Absolute God

There is no contest for the top spot. Sukuna, often referred to as "Gojo Versuna" by the community, is in a league of his own. His damage output is not just high; it's game-breaking.

Why Sukuna is #1:

• Unmatched DPS: He can delete enemies with billions of health points in seconds.
• Scaling: His damage scales to absurd levels, making light work of bosses with 2.6 billion HP.
• Lore Accuracy: As one player put it, "Gojo is pretty weak, but Sukuna is lore-accurately strong."

In testing, a maxed-out Sukuna with a "Monarch" trait and a "Devoted Demon" buff was able to shred through a boss with 2.6 billion HP as if it were nothing. He is the undisputed king of the current meta. If you can only get one unit, make it Sukuna.

The Importance of the Monarch Trait

A recurring theme in the latest Anime Vanguards updates is the importance of the "Monarch" trait. While not mandatory for every unit, it is a massive power boost for your top damage dealers.

Player experience strongly suggests that at a minimum, you need Monarch on Sukuna and Escanor. They are simply too powerful to leave that damage on the table.

How to Prepare for Future Updates

The game's meta changes with every patch. Here are a few tips to stay ahead of the curve:

1. Save Your Resources: Don't spend everything on the current banner. New, even more powerful units are always on the horizon.
2. Farm Familiars: The Familiar system is the new backbone of unit power. Prioritize getting the Black Spirit and other key Familiars.
3. Join the Community: Follow the official wiki for the latest Anime Vanguards updates and patch notes. The Anime Vanguards Wiki is an excellent resource for tracking all changes.
4. Watch Showcases: Before investing in a unit, watch community showcases to see how they perform in real scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best unit in Anime Vanguards Update 13.5?

Based on player experience and extensive testing, Sukuna (Gojo Versuna) is the undisputed best unit in Update 13.5. His damage output is so high that he can solo content that was previously impossible.

Do I need the Monarch trait for every unit?

No. Support units like Newsman work perfectly fine without it. However, for top-tier damage dealers like Sukuna, Escanor, and Fon, the Monarch trait is highly recommended to maximize their potential.

Where can I find the official patch notes for new updates?

You can find the complete history of Anime Vanguards updates on the official game wiki. It lists every patch from the initial release to the latest Godly Ascension update.

Is the Familiar system important for the new meta?

Absolutely. The Familiar system has transformed several units. For example, Newsman became a top-tier support, and Merleiona gained infinite damage scaling thanks to her Familiar. The Black Spirit Familiar is also essential for maximizing Raging Oni's damage.