Anime Vanguards Returning Player Guide (June 2026)
Returning to Anime Vanguards after a break? This comprehensive guide will get you back on track with the fastest progression path, current meta units, active codes, and proven strategies to catch up quickly. Whether you’ve been away for weeks or months, we’ll show you exactly what to do first, which units to prioritize, and how to maximize your progress in the current game state.
Quick Reference: Returning Player Priority List
| Priority | Action | Purpose | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Join Summer Event via Iscanor NPC | Fastest currency & unit acquisition | 5-10 minutes setup |
| 2 | Redeem Active Codes | Free gems, trait rerolls, resources | 2 minutes |
| 3 | Build Core Units (Iscanor, Sukono) | Early game progression foundation | Variable |
| 4 | Set Up AFK Farming | Passive resource generation | 15 minutes setup |
| 5 | Unlock Griffith → Evolve Struggler | Midgame power spike | 1-2 hours |
What’s Changed Since You’ve Been Gone?
Anime Vanguards has evolved significantly with Update 8.5, introducing new units, balance changes, and progression systems. The current meta emphasizes cost-efficient units with strong AoE capabilities, and the summer event featuring Iscanor provides the fastest progression path for returning players. The game now features improved automation support, making AFK farming more accessible than ever.
Contents
Step 1: Immediate Actions on Login
Join the Summer Event (Highest Priority)
The first thing you should do when returning to Anime Vanguards is head straight to the lobby and talk to the Iscanor NPC to join the current summer event. This event is currently the single fastest way to get currency and useful units as a returning player.
Quick Event Loop Strategy:
- Place the free event unit in the recommended spot
- Level it up and add 1-2 support cards
- Run the match up to wave 10
- Restart and repeat
This simple loop generates event currency every ~5 minutes, making it incredibly efficient for catching up. Iscanor serves as an excellent carry unit even if you don’t own him personally – the event units will carry you through most early and mid-game content.
Redeem Active Codes
Before you start grinding, redeem these active codes to get free resources:
| Code | Reward | Level Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUPOFJOE | Freebies | Level 30+ | ✅ Active |
| UnendingRage | Freebies | Level 10+ | ✅ Active |
| TheStrongest | Freebies | Level 30+ | ✅ Active |
| IAMTHEONEWHODECIDES | Freebies | Level 15+ | ✅ Active |
| SUMMER | Freebies | Level 15+ | ✅ Active |
| THEONE | Freebies | Level 10+ | ✅ Active |
How to Redeem Codes:
- Launch Anime Vanguards in Roblox
- Click the “Profile” button on the right side
- Select the “Codes” button
- Enter the code and click “Redeem Code”
Step 2: Best Units for Returning Players
Core Units to Prioritize
Based on the current meta and tier list analysis, these are the units you should focus on building first:
1. Sukono (Best Early Game Unit)
- Optimal Trait: Monarch
- Optimal Familiar: Sukono’s Finger
- Cost: 2,000¥ deployment, 98,200¥ total
- Why He’s Essential: Sukono is by far the best unit for early defense. With his familiar, he effectively has full AoE on placement as long as there’s a steady stream of enemies. His DPS on placement is around 10k, but at upgrade 3, he becomes full AoE with 47k DPS. At max upgrade, he deals around 190k DPS, making him top 5 in the game while being significantly more cost-efficient than other top-tier units.
Pro Tip: Sukono is not immune to debuffs, so pair him with The Smith (Forged) when possible. Leave him at his full AoE upgrade (upgrade 3) for cost efficiency, then max upgrade when you need the burst damage.
2. Iscanor (Event Carry)
- Role: Primary carry unit
- Acquisition: Summer event
- Why He’s Essential: Iscanor serves as the best early event carry for returning players. He provides consistent damage output and can carry you through most content while you build other units.
3. The Falcon (of Light) (Best Support)
- Optimal Trait: Monarch
- Optimal Familiar: Birb
- Cost: 1,000¥ deployment (cheapest in game)
- Why He’s Essential: The Falcon is technically the most cost-efficient unit in the game. He provides:
- Slow (30% for 10 seconds)
- Repulse effect
- 20% damage reduction debuff on enemies
- 40% buff to all units in range
- 65k+ DPS with 33% Full AoE
Strategy: Use The Falcon as a +1 to any team composition. At his ridiculously low cost, he fits into any team while providing immense utility and solid DPS.
4. Newsman (Essential Support)
- Role: Long-term team support
- Why Essential: Newsman is a top-tier support unit great for long-term team builds. He provides consistent utility that scales well into late game content.
Units to Avoid Initially
Don’t waste your early resources on:
- Trend units like “delusional-boy”
- Rift-only units (until you have core units established)
- Units that require extensive setup without immediate payoff
Step 3: Progression Roadmap
Short Term (Days 1-3)
- Primary Focus: Summer event grinding with Iscanor
- Secondary Goals:
- Build Sukono to upgrade 3 (full AoE)
- Redeem all active codes
- Set up basic AFK farming
- Resource Allocation: Save gems for core unit summons
Mid Term (Days 4-7)
- Primary Focus: Summon for Newsman and other supports
- Secondary Goals:
- Clear story modes with new units
- Unlock more content areas
- Begin Griffith acquisition process
- Resource Allocation: Start saving evolution materials
Long Term (Week 2+)
- Primary Focus: Get Griffith and evolve Struggler mythic
- Secondary Goals:
- Collect exclusive units
- Build team synergies
- Progress to higher-level content
- Resource Allocation: Invest in unit traits and ascensions
Step 4: Advanced Strategies
How to Unlock Griffith and Evolve Struggler
Griffith is essential for evolving the Struggler mythic, which represents a significant power spike. Here’s how to acquire him:
- Enable Random Events: Go to Settings > Events and toggle “Random Events” ON
- Farm for Eclipse: Play stages 1-10 repeatedly until the “Griffith Eclipse” random event occurs
- Capture Griffith: When the event appears, remove all other characters and let the event finish to collect Griffith and an egg
- Awaken Griffith: Use Griffith’s special ability and sacrifice the required units to awaken his egg
- Evolve Struggler: Combine two Griffith units following in-game evolve requirements
AFK Farming Setup
For efficient passive progression, set up AFK farming:
PC Setup:
- Use TinyTask for simple recording and looped playback
- Record the sequence: place unit → upgrade → pick cards → wait to wave 10 → restart
Mobile Setup:
- Use reliable auto clickers like Clickmate with recording/loop feature
- Follow the same sequence as PC setup
Cloud Device Option:
- Register a cloud device and install Roblox
- Install your auto clicker and record the farming sequence
- Save the macro and let it run continuously
- Close your local device while the cloud device farms
This setup allows you to generate resources and currency while focusing on other activities.
Step 5: Resource Management
Gem Allocation Priority
- Core Unit Summons: Focus on Sukono, Newsman, Griffith
- Trait Rerolls: Save for your main damage dealers
- Stat Chips: Invest in units you plan to use long-term
- Battle Pass: Consider if you play frequently
Essential Consumables
- Potions: Save for key boss fights and rebirth pushes
- Evolution Materials: Don’t use until you have target units
- Trait Rerolls: Use strategically on main units only
Step 6: Community Resources
Official Channels
- Discord Server: Join the official Anime Vanguards Discord for real-time discussions, trading, and developer insights
- Twitter: Follow @Kitawari_ for official announcements and @GomuAdventures for codes and news
- Official Website: Visit vanguards.gg for the latest updates and information
Community Resources
- Wiki: The Anime Vanguards Wiki provides detailed unit information and tier lists
- Reddit: Check the r/AnimeVanguard community for player discussions and strategies (when accessible)
FAQ: Common Questions for Returning Players
What are the best units to build first as a returning player?
Focus on Sukono for early game defense, Iscanor from the summer event, and The Falcon for support. These three units will carry you through most early and mid-game content efficiently.
How do I catch up quickly if I’ve been away for months?
Start with the summer event for fast resources, redeem all active codes, build Sukono immediately, and set up AFK farming. This combination will accelerate your progression significantly.
Are my old units still viable?
Check the current tier list, but most units received balance changes. Core units like Sukono remain top-tier, while some older units may have been power-crept. Focus on building current meta units first.
What’s the fastest way to get gems?
Redeem codes first, then focus on infinite mode for consistent gem generation. The summer event also provides excellent gem rewards for the time invested.
Should I save my gems or spend them on banners?
Save your gems for core meta units (Sukono, Newsman, Griffith). Avoid spending on limited banners unless you already have a solid foundation of essential units.
How important are traits and rerolls?
Traits are crucial for maximizing unit potential. Save trait rerolls for your main damage dealers and core units. Don’t waste them on units you won’t use long-term.
What’s the current endgame content?
Focus on worldlines, raids, and infinite mode leaderboard. The Struggler mythic evolution represents a significant power spike for tackling endgame content.
Pro Tips for Maximum Efficiency
- Daily Routine: Log in daily to collect rewards, check events, and run manual sessions even if you AFK farm
- Event Prioritization: Always prioritize limited-time events, especially those featuring meta units like the current summer event
- Team Composition: Build around 1-2 main damage dealers with support units rather than spreading resources thin
- Progression Balance: Don’t rush to endgame without proper unit investment – steady progression with solid units beats rushing with weak teams
- Community Engagement: Join Discord for trading, finding groups, and staying updated on meta changes
Final Thoughts
Returning to Anime Vanguards is easier than ever with the current event structure and improved progression systems. By following this guide, focusing on core units like Sukono and Iscanor, and utilizing AFK farming strategies, you’ll catch up to current content quickly. Remember to stay connected with the community through Discord and Twitter for the latest updates and meta shifts.
The key to success as a returning player is patience and strategic resource allocation. Don’t feel pressured to rush – build your foundation with proven units, and you’ll find yourself back at the top of the roster in no time.
Ready to dominate Anime Vanguards again? Bookmark this guide, join the official Discord, and start your comeback journey today. The world of Anime Vanguards awaits your return!
