Roblox Anime Vanguards keeps evolving with every update, introducing fresh characters, new strategies, and constant meta shifts that test both seasoned players and newcomers. Whether you’re summoning your very first unit or fine-tuning a full squad of anime icons, knowing which heroes can carry you to victory is essential.

This September 2025 tier list combines community insights with expert analysis to help players stay on top of the ever-changing Anime Vanguards landscape.

What Is Anime Vanguards and Why Tier Lists Are Important

Anime Vanguards is a Roblox tower defense game that mixes anime fandom with tactical gameplay. Players summon, evolve, and command a massive roster of anime-inspired heroes and villains. With more than 200 unique units currently available, every update brings new characters, balance changes, and hidden synergies.

Tier lists are vital for making the most of your resources. They highlight the strongest meta units, help avoid weak investments, and allow you to adjust strategies as new characters arrive. While your personal favorites may not always rank in S-Tier, this list reflects what’s currently best in the game thanks to rigorous testing and community consensus.

September 2025 Tier List: Meta Overview & Rankings

The September update shook up the rankings, pushing some older favorites down while elevating new contenders. Units are ranked here by performance, versatility, and meta impact.

SS-Tier: Overpowered, Must-Invest Units

These are the ultimate squad-carrying heroes. If you summon one, max them out immediately—they dominate every game mode.

  • Song Jinwu and Igros – Incredible synergy and DPS; clear most content with ease.
  • Yehowach (Almighty) – Top-tier range, skills, and universal utility.
  • The Falcon (of Light), Gujo (Infinity), The King (Apostle) – Recent buffs boosted their AoE and raw damage.
  • The Struggler (Rampage) – Superb survival and clutch performance in tough scenarios.

S-Tier: Essential Meta Units

Not quite SS, but still some of the best units for both casual and high-level play. Flexible, reliable, and powerful with strong upgrades.

  • Alucard (Vampire King), Byeken (Ronin), Vogita Super (Awakened), Cha-In (Blade Dancer), Tuji (Sorcerer Killer), Gear Boy (Hungry), Ultimate Rohan, Jag-o (Volcanic).
  • Monkey King (Awakened), Zak (Ape Giant), Vigil, Rom and Ran (Fanatic), Koguro (Unsealed).
  • Ackers (Ken), Dawntay (Jackpot), Eizan (Aura), Ali (Djinn), Arc (True Ancestor), Gilgamesh (King of Heroes).
  • These shine across solo and co-op modes, scaling impressively as you evolve their abilities.

A-Tier: Dependable, Well-Rounded Picks

Great units that work well for most teams. While they might need support or evolutions, they’re strong fallback options if you don’t have S or SS units.

  • Zak (Ape Giant), LFelt (Love), Yomomata (Captain), Dark Mage (Evil), Rogita (Super 4), Divalo (Requiem), Saber (Black Tyrant), Regnaw (Rage), Dave (Cyber Psycho), Yuruicha (Raijin), Brisket (Yo-Yo).
  • Renguko (Purgatory), Dawntay (Jackpot), Rogita (Super 4), Itaduri, Lilia and Berserker, Medusa (Gorgon).

B-Tier: Niche but Useful

These units aren’t top-tier overall but excel in specific scenarios—like countering bosses or unique enemy types.

  • Chaso (Blood Curse), Tuji (Sorcerer Killer), Isdead (Romantic), Gilgamesh (King of Heroes), Soburo (Contract), Priestess (Holy), Kisake (Scientist).
  • Friran (Teacher), Archer, Rom and Ran (Fanatic), Cu Chulainn (Child of Light), Emmie (Ice Witch), Hercool and Mr Boo.
  • They’re best for situational strategies but underperform in general gameplay.

C & D-Tier: For Collectors and Challenge Runs

Units here are either outdated or lack competitive edge in the current meta.

  • Sanjo, Ichiga, Inosake, Gaari, Rukio, Joe, Jon, Luffo, Grim Wow.
  • Best suited for collectors or those wanting to attempt harder challenge runs. If you’re stuck with them, careful upgrades and strategy are required.

Update 8.5: What Changed in September 2025?

The Update 8.5 patch added new fan-favorites while shaking up the rankings:

  • Brolzi Super, Wolf (Resurrection), Rogita (Super) – Now solid S-tier thanks to strong stats and synergy effects.
  • Lord Friezo, Rogita (Super 4), Roku (Super 4), Hei – Placed in A-tier after receiving buffs that improved their versatility.
  • These changes disrupted older tier positions, forcing even veteran players to test new builds.

How Tier Lists Are Made

Tier rankings rely on a mix of player testing, performance stats, and community discussions. Factors include:

  • Raw stats and unique skills
  • Synergy with familiars and artifacts
  • Effectiveness in story, challenge, and co-op modes
  • Resilience to updates, nerfs, and buffs

The most competitive players track update notes and forum discussions, often swapping out old favorites when new, meta-breaking units arrive.

Pro Tips for Summoning & Team Building

  • Use redeem codes and daily quests: Collect gems for extra summons. Don’t forget to visit NPCs and explore ‘Evolve’ areas for free rewards.
  • Test and adapt: Try out S and SS units, even if they’re not your favorites—their power speaks for itself.
  • Leverage Familiars: Familiars can massively boost unit performance. In fact, Vanguard familiars are currently considered broken and heavily meta-defining.

The meta in Anime Vanguards is constantly shifting, so staying up-to-date is key. Tier lists highlight the strongest picks, but remember—every unit has unique charm when used creatively.