The Anime Vanguards Update 8.5 has completely redefined the Roblox tower defense landscape. With game-changing additions like Gogeta, Broly, and the new Gilgamesh Familiar, players are scrambling to rebuild their teams and adapt to a meta that rewards smart synergy, powerful evolutions, and the right unit choices.
S-Tier Units: The Unchallenged Dominators
These are the strongest and most essential units in Anime Vanguards Update 8.5. They dominate the current meta, excel in high-difficulty content, and perform flawlessly in Infinite modes.
Alocard (Vampire King)
Role: Primary DPS / Boss Killer
Why He’s S-Tier: Exceptional single-target damage with incredible adaptability. Boasts the highest damage ceiling in the game and stays effective even against gimmick-heavy bosses.
Song Jinwu (Monarch)
Role: Summoner / DPS
Why He’s S-Tier: The undisputed king of summoners. His synergy with support units creates durable, unstoppable team compositions that thrive in any mode.
Gogeta (NEW 8.5)
Role: Critical DPS / Wave Clear
Why He’s S-Tier: A critical-hit monster. His double-attack potential and consistent burst damage make him one of the most reliable and powerful end-game units.
Igros (Elite Knight)
Role: Versatile DPS / Frontliner
Why He’s S-Tier: Balances high durability with strong area attacks. An all-rounder who can tank major threats while clearing waves efficiently.
Haruka Rin (Dancer)
Role: Support / Buffer
Why She’s S-Tier: The must-have support of the current meta. Her buffs amplify the output of every DPS unit, making her vital for any top-tier lineup.
A-Tier Units: Core Meta Specialists
These units are key pillars of strong team compositions—just a step below S-Tier. They excel in specific setups and shine when paired with the right allies or evolved properly.
Broly (NEW 8.5)
Role: High Burst AoE
Why He’s A-Tier: A phenomenal wave-clearer with explosive burst potential, especially after evolution. His slower setup keeps him slightly behind S-Tier units.
Yehowach (Almighty)
Role: Devastating AoE
Why He’s A-Tier: A long-standing powerhouse known for immense AoE damage. Perfect for clearing dense waves and clutching late-game defenses.
Cha-In (Blade Dancer)
Role: AoE / Crowd Control
Why She’s A-Tier: One of the best at stopping enemy swarms. Excellent for managing chaos and maintaining control over large groups of enemies.
Sosuke (Storm)
Role: Versatile DPS
Why He’s A-Tier: A reliable, all-around damage dealer. Fits seamlessly into almost any team and remains effective through mid-to-late game stages.
B-Tier Units: Reliable Fillers & Niche Picks
These units are dependable for mid-game progression or as backups when your main roster isn’t complete. They perform well in most situations but may struggle in the most challenging end-game content.
B-Tier Picks: Divalo (Requiem), Robita (Super 4), Isdead (Romantic), Gujo (Infinity – strong support niche).
C-Tier and Below: Early Game & Collectors Only
Units in this range are great for beginners or collectors but offer limited value in serious, high-level play. Their damage, range, or scaling simply can’t keep up with 8.5’s demands.
Avoid for progression: Genas, Pickleo, Luffo, Gaari.
The New Familiar Meta: Gilgamesh
The biggest surprise of Update 8.5 is the introduction of Gilgamesh (Familiar) — a new companion-type system that adds passive boosts to your entire team.
Early community testing ranks Gilgamesh among the most useful familiars thanks to its universal utility. While players are still optimizing the best passive rolls, securing a strong Gilgamesh early is already considered essential for end-game progression.
Pro Tips for Dominating Update 8.5
1. Prioritize Rerolls
Top-tier units like Gogeta and Broly perform best with elite traits like Monarch or Hero. Use all available codes for free Trait Rerolls before investing premium resources.2. Build an S-Tier Core Team
An ideal composition includes at least one hyper-carry DPS (like Alocard or Gogeta) alongside Haruka Rin for support. This duo guarantees consistent high-wave clears.
