Anime Vanguards has officially dropped Update 8, and this patch brings some of the most hyped units we’ve seen so far. With the long-awaited Berserk collaboration, players finally get access to Guts, Griffith, and Zodd, alongside balance changes and meta shifts. Let’s break down how the new roster ranks in the current meta.
Anime Vanguards Tier List Update 8 – Best Units Ranked 2025
Meta Tier
Guts (Berserker Armor)
Guts is easily one of the most exciting units added in Update 8. His unique -100% SPA mechanic means he can unleash devastating attacks at insane speed. The Berserker Armor model looks incredible, and combined with his lightning aura effects, he feels like a true boss-tier character. Expect him to sit comfortably in Meta thanks to his sheer damage output.
Escanor
Even with new competition, Escanor remains one of the safest picks in the game. He can wipe waves effortlessly, solo challenges, and his burn scaling continues to make him a go-to carry. While Guts may rival him, Escanor is still the AFK farming king.
Zodd
Another Berserk powerhouse, Zodd brings massive AoE destruction and raw strength. He doesn’t bring utility like Griffith, but his brute force is enough to place him in Meta.
Yhwach (Yuhaba)
Still one of the strongest overall units. His 136 range, high DPS, and self-cleansing ability make him irreplaceable in competitive and world-line modes. Nobody else fills his niche as effectively.
Great Tier
Griffith (Light Form)
Light Griffith leans into support utility, offering buffs and battlefield control. He isn’t as overwhelming as Guts or Zodd, but in the right setups, he elevates team performance significantly.
Griffith (Dark Form)
Dark Griffith plays the opposite role, delivering more raw offensive power. While visually one of the best designs in the update, his role is less game-changing compared to the top-tier Meta units.
Merleona
Returning from Update 7.5, Merleona is still a burn-focused AoE monster. However, her damage-boosting skill comes at the cost of her range, holding her back slightly in Update 8.
Monkey King (Jin Mori)
Monkey King can dish out insane damage with clones, especially when buffed. However, the high setup requirements and lack of immunities prevent him from keeping pace with the Meta tier.
Alright Tier
Units like Hei and Ali Jin still provide strong DPS, but their burn-absorbing mechanic works against many of the fire-based units in the current roster. This drawback makes them much harder to justify over newer units. They can still shine in specific comps but are no longer reliable all-rounders.
Why Tier – Outclassed and Outdated
Many of the older units from past updates have now slipped into irrelevance. With the sheer power of the Berserk collab and other recent additions, most of these characters no longer hold a competitive edge. If you’re still investing in them, you’re likely missing out on far stronger options.
Anime Vanguards Update 8 is a turning point for the game. Guts, Escanor, Zodd, and Yhwach dominate the Meta, while Griffith adds more versatility with his dual forms. Older burn-absorbing units and outdated carries are finally being left behind.