Vanguard is a thrilling and strategic card game that has captured the hearts of players across the globe. This dynamic trading card game requires players to build decks, strategize, and compete against others in intense battles. If you’re new to Vanguard or looking to improve your gameplay, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing Vanguard efficiently.

1. Understand the Basics of Vanguard:

Vanguard is a two-player card game where each participant controls a deck of cards known as their Main Deck. The goal of the game is to defeat your opponent by dealing six damage points before they do the same to you. Players mostly utilize units and special cards called “triggers” that can change the flow of battle in various ways.

2. Assemble Your Deck:

A standard Vanguard deck consists of 50 cards and must include 16 trigger units. You’ll notice that Vanguard cards are divided into different clans; make sure all the cards in your deck belong to the same clan for consistency and synergy in your strategies. Additionally, cards are split into four grades (0-3), with each grade possessing its own unique abilities.

3. Grasp the Game Concepts:

Before diving into matches, ensure you familiarize yourself with these primary game concepts:

– Rearguard Circle positions: In Vanguard, there are five Rearguard Circle positions on your board where you can place your unit cards (one for each row on both sides and three at the back).

– Ride: In every turn, you have the option to “ride” a unit card from your hand onto your current Vanguard for an upgrade or exchange, provided it’s equal or higher grade.

– Call: To place a unit from your hand onto one of your available Rearguard Circles, use the “call” action.

– Attack: Declaring an attack activates an opportunity to deal damage to your opponent’s Vanguard.

– Guard: Opponents can use a card from their hand to “guard” against an incoming attack and prevent damage.

4. Learn the Turn Structure

Each player’s turn consists of the following phases:

– Stand Phase: All your cards in the rest state return to the stand state (upright position).

– Draw Phase: Draw one card from your deck.

– Ride Phase: You may ride a unit card from your hand onto your current Vanguard.

– Main Phase: In this phase, you can call units to Rearguard Circles or use their abilities.

– Battle Phase: Engage in battles by attacking with your units and defending against your opponent’s attacks.

– End Phase: Resolve any remaining effects and end your turn.

5. Utilize Triggers

Triggers are powerful tools that can influence the outcome of battles. There are four types:

– Critical Trigger: Increases the damage inflicted by one point.

– Draw Trigger: Enables you to draw an additional card from your deck.

– Stand Trigger: Allows one of your rested Rearguards to stand up.

– Heal Trigger: Heals one damage if you have equal or more damage than your opponent.

Triggers activate when a player checks the top card of their deck during a Drive Check (attacker) or Damage Check (defender). Make sure to use these triggers wisely for maximum impact on the battlefield!

6. Practice and Refine Your Strategies

As with any game, practice is crucial to improving your skills and understanding of Vanguard’s gameplay mechanics. Test different decks, strategies, and tactics against other players or online simulators. As you play more matches, you’ll develop a deeper comprehension of the intricacies and secrets of Vanguard.

In conclusion, learning how to play Vanguard requires understanding game concepts, assembling a robust deck, mastering the turn structure.