If you're trying to turn your basic units into absolute powerhouses, you've probably realized that an anime vanguards evolution guide is exactly what you need right now. Let's be real—the jump in power between a base unit and its evolved form is night and day. If you're stuck on a difficult Nightmare stage or just can't seem to clear the latest Raid, evolution is usually the answer. It's not just about increasing a few numbers; it's about unlocking new abilities, better range, and the kind of damage that actually makes a dent in high-level bosses.
In this breakdown, we're going to go over everything you need to know about the evolution process, from where to find those pesky materials to which units you should prioritize first.
Understanding the Evolution Basics
Before you start clicking buttons in the evolve menu, you need to understand that evolution in Anime Vanguards isn't just a "level up" mechanic. It's a total transformation. When you evolve a unit, you're basically trading in their current form for a much stronger version. This usually results in a massive stat boost, but more importantly, it often changes how the unit functions. Some units get extra hits on their attacks, others gain massive AOE (Area of Effect) buffs, and some even get entirely new passives.
To get started, you'll need to head over to the Evolve NPC in the main hub. You can't miss them—they're usually surrounded by players trying to figure out if they have enough materials. When you interact with the NPC, you'll see a list of units that are eligible for evolution. If your favorite unit isn't there, it might not have an evolution path yet, or you might not actually own the base version of that character.
Gathering Your Evolution Materials
This is where the real grind begins. You can't just evolve units for free; you need specific items, often referred to as Essences or specialized crafting materials. Each unit has a "recipe" that you need to fulfill.
For most high-tier units, you're going to need a mix of standard items and rare drops. Here's a quick look at the stuff you'll usually be hunting for:
- Elemental Essences: These come in different flavors like Fire, Water, and Wind. You'll usually get these from clearing specific Challenge stages.
- Unit-Specific Items: Some of the most powerful units require a unique item that only drops from specific Raids or high-difficulty maps.
- Gold: Don't forget the currency. Evolving isn't cheap, and if you're evolving multiple Secret or Mythic units, your gold reserves are going to take a serious hit.
The best way to farm these is to keep an eye on the Challenge rotation. Different rewards are available at different times, so if you see the essence you need, drop everything and farm it until you have enough. Trust me, there's nothing worse than finally getting a rare unit and then having to wait three days for the right challenge map to cycle back in.
How the Crafting System Fits In
Sometimes, the item you need for an evolution doesn't drop directly. Instead, you have to craft it. In the same area where you evolve your units, you'll find the crafting menu. This is where you combine basic materials into the high-end stuff.
For example, if you're trying to evolve a top-tier Slayer unit, you might need a "Slayer's Essence." To get that, you might have to combine ten regular essences and a chunk of gold. It adds an extra layer to the grind, but it also gives you a clear path forward. If you aren't lucky enough to get a direct drop, you can eventually craft your way to success.
A quick tip: Always check your inventory before selling items. Some things might look like junk, but they could be the base ingredient for a legendary evolution item later on.
Which Units Should You Evolve First?
If you're playing on a budget or don't have twelve hours a day to grind, you have to be smart about who you evolve. Not all evolutions are created equal. Some units get a 20% boost, while others become five times stronger.
- The Meta DPS: If you have a Mythic unit that is currently at the top of the tier list, evolve them first. A single evolved DPS can carry you through stages that a full team of unevolved units would fail.
- The Money Makers: If your economy units have an evolution that increases their money generation, that's a huge priority. More money during a match means you can place more units and upgrade them faster.
- The Crowd Control (CC) Kings: Units that slow or freeze enemies are vital for late-game content. Their evolved forms often have wider range or longer freeze durations, which can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Don't waste your rare materials on Rare or Epic units unless you absolutely have to. Save the good stuff for the Mythics and Secrets. Those are the units that will actually help you progress in the long run.
Managing Your Resources Efficiently
The biggest mistake players make is spread-loading their resources. They try to evolve five different units at once and end up with none of them finished. Pick one unit and focus on them until the job is done.
It's also worth mentioning the Item Shop. Occasionally, you can find evolution materials for sale. If you're just one or two items short and you have the extra currency, it's often worth it just to skip the grind and get that power spike immediately. However, don't make a habit of buying everything, as the prices can be pretty steep.
The Impact on Gameplay
Once you finally hit that evolve button, the difference is immediate. You'll notice that your unit likely has a new model, new animations, and a significantly higher deployment cost. That's one thing to keep in mind: evolved units usually cost more to place.
You might need to tweak your opening strategy. If your main defender is now twice as expensive to put down, you might need to bring a cheaper early-game unit to hold the line while you save up. It's a small trade-off for the massive increase in power, but it's something that catches a lot of players off guard during their first match after an evolution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We've all been there—making a move we regret five minutes later. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Evolving the wrong version: Make sure the unit you are evolving has the Traits you want. While you can usually re-roll traits later, it's much nicer to have a "Godly" or "Unique" trait on a unit before you sink all those resources into them.
- Ignoring the passives: Sometimes a unit's evolution changes their passive in a way that might not fit your current team. Read the description carefully before you commit.
- Forgetting about the level: Some evolutions might require the unit to be at a certain level first. Don't go crazy farming materials only to realize your unit is level 1 and you have no XP food left.
Wrapping Things Up
The evolution system in Anime Vanguards is really the heart of the game's progression. It gives you a reason to keep pushing through those tough challenges and rewards you with units that look and feel incredibly powerful. It might feel like a massive mountain to climb when you first see those material requirements, but if you take it one step at a time, you'll have a team of evolved beasts in no time.
Just remember to focus on your heavy hitters first, stay on top of the challenge rotations, and don't be afraid to ask the community for help if a specific item drop is giving you trouble. The grind is a lot more fun when you know exactly what you're working toward. Good luck out there, and may your RNG be legendary!