The wait is over—Update 8: Berserk is live in Anime Vanguards, and it’s one of the most ambitious updates yet. Fans have been anticipating this patch for weeks, and it delivers with new Berserk characters, cinematic abilities, a new map mechanic, and meta-defining buffs. Here’s the full breakdown of what just dropped.
Anime Vanguards Update 8 Berserk Release Guide – Codes
New Units in Update 8
Guts (Berserker Armor)
Role: Heavy DPS (potentially top-tier burst unit).
Unique Mechanic – SPA Manipulation:
Sneaks showed a “-100% SPA” tag, suggesting he can cancel or reduce cooldown between attacks.
Guts likely starts with a drawback (slower SPA under certain conditions), but activating his Berserker Armor passive flips it into insane attack speed.
When he enters “Berserk Mode,” he chains massive damage with almost no downtime.
Visuals: Surrounded by lightning and aura effects, symbolizing his destructive state.
Meta Outlook: Guts is expected to sit high in the DPS meta. Even if he doesn’t rival Escanor or Vanguard Sjw, he should be one of the strongest attackers in the game.
Griffith
Role: Support / Dimension Controller
Unique Mechanic – Map Transformation:
Griffith doesn’t just place an ability—he reshapes the entire map into a Berserk-inspired realm.
This works similarly to Kaga’s domain, but appears to overlay existing maps (like Namek) with Godhand visuals.
Buffs & Support Role:
The icon above Griffith’s model matches buff units like Harukarin and Orihime.
This means Griffith may deal no direct damage but instead provides insane team buffs.
Possible buffs include damage amplification, defense scaling, or orb/resource boosts.
Meta Outlook: Expect Griffith to become a must-pull support unit. Even if he doesn’t attack, his buffs will be so strong that he rivals Kaga in importance.
Nosferatu Zodd
Role: Likely a bruiser/tank with huge AoE.
Visuals: Large intimidating model with heavy-hitting animations.
Speculation: Zodd may fill a frontline role, complementing Griffith’s support and Guts’ burst DPS.
Multiple Versions of Griffith
Update 8 introduces different forms of Griffith.
There appears to be an early (human) Griffith and a dark Godhand version.
Similar to ARX’s “light and dark” split, these versions may have different roles (one as support, one as a hybrid damage dealer).
New Map & Environment Changes
Griffith’s dimension ability can alter existing maps with Berserk visuals.
This includes turning Namek into a Godhand arena.
Expect cinematic changes mid-match when Griffith’s skills are triggered.
Release Date & Timing
Update 8 dropped immediately after the August events ended.
The patch lines up with the devs’ update schedule:
.5 Updates every 2 weeks.
Main Updates (like this) every 3 weeks.
This puts Update 8 in late August, perfectly timed before the Anniversary Update (8.5) in mid-September.
How Guts & Griffith Affect the Meta
Guts (Berserker Armor): A high DPS frontline who can rival Escanor and Super Vegito in raw damage output. Expect him to shine in boss waves and late floors.
Griffith (Godhand Form): A meta-defining support, possibly replacing Orihime/Harukarin in top comps due to insane buffs.
Team Synergy: Running Guts + Griffith together could create one of the strongest combos in the game—Griffith buffs + Guts unleashed = devastating.
Tips Before You Summon
Save Rerolls: Guts and Griffith are both reroll-worthy.
Check Buff Units: Griffith may become mandatory for high-end floors. Don’t skip him even if he doesn’t deal damage.
Anniversary Awareness: Update 8.5 (Anniversary) is only a few weeks away and will also feature broken units like Dio Over Heaven. Plan rerolls carefully.
Update 8 finally delivers Guts and Griffith, two of the most hyped characters in Anime Vanguards. With SPA manipulation mechanics, map transformations, and powerful buffs, this is the update that changes how the game is played.
If you only do two things today:
- Summon Guts if you need raw DPS.
- Summon Griffith if you want unmatched support and buffs.
Both are must-haves for anyone pushing high floors or preparing for the Anniversary.