Update 8.5 for Anime Vanguards has arrived, bringing new units, gameplay tweaks, and meta shifts. With the addition of fresh characters like Broly, Goetta, and Lord Friezo, the competitive landscape has changed significantly. Knowing which units perform well in the current meta is crucial for building strong teams and climbing higher in PvE and PvP content.
This Anime Vanguards Units Tier List Update 8.5 breaks down all units by tier, explaining their strengths, utility, and recommended use, while highlighting the impact of the recent update.
Anime Vanguards Units Tier List Update 8.5
Tournament Units – Collector’s Items
Units: Mechanator, Profet, Rangaku
Tournament units are primarily cosmetic or collector’s items. They offer limited competitive value and are generally not recommended for serious play. Some of these units may have niche utility, but they do not fit into the current meta.
Use Case: Display in your roster for prestige, or casual fun. Do not invest heavily for PvE or PvP.
Support Units – Buffers & Enablers
Units: Payne, Karuma, The Witch, Erin, Media, Aurin Ishtar
Support units do not carry damage themselves but significantly enhance your core damage dealers. For example:
- Erin: Provides iconic buffs that increase team efficiency.
- Payne: Offers crowd control to disrupt enemies.
- The Witch: Niche utility, strong in specific scenarios.
Use Case: Always include support units to maximize the effectiveness of meta DPS units. Their presence amplifies the overall performance of your team.
Y-Tier Units – Outdated or Situational
Units: Oito, Zion, Milin
Y-tier units are largely obsolete. They either lack competitive kits or have been outclassed by newer meta units. These units may still be fun to use casually, but they will struggle in high-level content.
Recommendation: Avoid investing resources in Y-tier units. Focus on higher-tier alternatives.
Red/Playable Units – Entry-Level Competitors
Units: Karen, Medusa, Shah Hinn, Joyfi, Gro
These units are playable but not meta-defining. They perform adequately in early-game content or for new players, but they generally fall short against stronger options in mid-to-late game.
Use Case: Solid picks for beginners, but you’ll want to replace them with higher-tier units as soon as possible.
Great Units – Strong & Reliable Picks
Units: Arcer, Gilgamesh, Saber, Goblin Killer, Chaso, Cuckoo Chain, Rom, Ram, Lord Fizo
Great-tier units are strong performers and can handle serious content effectively. They offer:
- Good damage output
- AOE potential
- Solid utility and survivability
Lord Fizo, a new addition in Update 8.5, fits comfortably here. These units are excellent choices if you don’t have access to top-tier meta units but still want reliable performance.
Use Case: Invest in these units for mid-tier progression, especially if you’re missing top-tier picks.
Meta Units – Backbone of High-Level Teams
Units: Slime, Rhyu, Rudu, Defilo, Dark Mage, Frieza, Leged, Levi, Gear Boy
Meta units define the current competitive meta. They offer:
- High damage scaling
- Unique mechanics that influence team composition
- Consistency in both PvE and PvP
Examples:
- Slime: Incredible scaling makes it a reliable carry in prolonged fights.
- Rhyu: Exceptional damage potential.
- Dark Mage: Clutch performances in challenging encounters.
Use Case: Core of endgame teams. Prioritize these units for climbing rankings and clearing high-level content efficiently.
Top-Tier Units – Absolute Powerhouses
Units: Falcon, Struggler, King, Monkey King, Figial Power Bayou, Infinity Ronin, Quits Codal
Top-tier units are the strongest characters in Anime Vanguards. They define the meta and provide:
- Extreme DPS output
- Superior scaling and survivability
- Versatile utility that can carry multiple team compositions
Update 8.5 Highlights:
- Broly: New AOE DPS with insane scaling. Perfect for clearing mobs in adventure and event content.
- Goetta: Hybrid DPS unit with extended range and high damage. Excellent for both PvE and PvP.
- Lord Friezo: Kit designed to fit the current meta perfectly. High potential as a must-have unit in competitive play.
Use Case: Build around these units for endgame content. These characters are top priority for investment and development.
Update 8.5 Impact:
The new units, particularly Broly, Goetta, and Lord Friezo, have reshaped the meta. Players are encouraged to adapt their rosters and prioritize these high-impact characters.