Anime Vanguards True Shadow Monarch Guide – Unlock

Anime Vanguards brings a thrilling new chapter with the True Shadow Monarch, an evolved form of Sung Jin-Woo introduced in the second anniversary update. This transformation isn’t just cosmetic—it introduces a unique progression path that demands dedication but rewards with immensely customizable combat options, making it a must-have for players aiming to dominate the field.

True Shadow Monarch is a powerful evolution of Sung Jin-Woo added in the second-anniversary update of Anime Vanguards. This version comes with its own progression system, Shadow Army, class skill trees, weapons, and abilities, giving players more ways to improve their combat performance.

Unlike regular units that you obtain from banners, True Shadow Monarch requires you to complete a special Player Quest with 100 levels. You also need to clear a dedicated dungeon before completing the evolution. This guide explains how to unlock True Shadow Monarch, choose the best weapons and classes, level up its stats, and build a strong Shadow Army.

• Also check out our Anime Vanguards Tier List & Anime Vanguards Codes for more rewards!

Unlocking True Shadow Monarch isn’t your average summon from a banner; it’s an event that tests your mettle. You need to complete a lengthy Player Quest with 100 distinct levels and conquer a demanding Returned Dungeon. This journey requires both Sung Jin-Woo and Igros to be in your roster from the outset. Missing either halts your progress entirely, so prepare accordingly.

To unlock True Shadow Monarch, you must complete the Player Quest and clear the Returned Dungeon. Before starting, make sure you already have Sung Jin-Woo and Igros in your roster, as both are required to progress through the questline.

The Player Quest contains 100 levels with different objectives, including completing Story Quests, defeating bosses, and collecting materials. You will also need to return to the lobby at certain milestones to continue your progression. Follow these steps to unlock the evolution.

Starting the Player Quest is straightforward once you have the right units. Enter the lobby and accept the prompt asking, "Do you want to be a player?" This triggers the Player Quest from Level 0, setting you on a path of varied objectives designed to push your skills and strategy.

First, enter the lobby with Sung Jin-Woo and Igros available in your roster. Look for the prompt that asks, “Do you want to be a player?” and accept it to begin the special questline.

Your progression starts at Player Level 0. From there, you must complete the assigned objectives to gain levels and unlock the next stages of the quest. Make sure you have both required units before starting, as missing either one can prevent you from progressing through the evolution requirements.

2. Reach Player Level 100

Consistency is key as you push through the Player Quest. Be mindful of four critical checkpoints at Player Levels 25, 50, 75, and 100. At each milestone, you must interact with the lobby’s well to proceed. Skipping this interaction is a common pitfall that can stall your evolution progress, so don’t overlook it.

At each milestone, interact with the well in the lobby to continue the questline. Simply reaching the required level is not enough if you forget this interaction, so check the well whenever you reach one of these levels. Continue completing the next set of objectives until you reach Player Level 100 and receive the Returned Dungeon Key.

Reaching Level 100 isn’t the final step. You’ll obtain the Returned Dungeon Key, granting access to a grueling 10-wave challenge. Solid damage output is essential here. Units like Holy Deceiver (Dark) and Rogita (Super) shine in these battles, helping you clear waves quickly and prevent frustrating stalls, especially during the later waves.

Once you reach Player Level 100, check your inventory for the Returned Dungeon Key. Use the key to enter the dungeon, where you must defeat all 10 waves to complete the challenge.

Bring strong damage units to make the fight easier, especially units such as Holy Deceiver (Dark) and Rogita (Super). A team with high damage output can help you clear the waves more efficiently and reduce the risk of getting stuck during the final encounters.

4. Complete the True Shadow Monarch Evolution

With the dungeon conquered, prepare for the evolution ritual. Selling your base Sung Jin-Woo and Igros is mandatory, triggering a confirmation prompt that demands attention. This step permanently consumes these units, so double-check that you’re ready before confirming. The payoff is the arrival of True Shadow Monarch, a powerhouse ready for customization.

Select Yes to continue. You will then be transported to another dimension, where you must interact with the large glowing orb in front of you. After the following cutscene, you will receive True Shadow Monarch.

Important: Do not rush through the final confirmation. The evolution permanently consumes the selected base unit, so make sure you understand the consequences before proceeding.

How to Build True Shadow Monarch in Vanguards

Unlocking True Shadow Monarch opens a gateway to a deeper leveling system. Building it properly involves more than just grinding levels—you’ll want to strategically allocate stat points, pick the right weapons, unlock class upgrades, and compose an effective Shadow Army. Each element compounds to maximize your combat potential.

Each part of the build contributes to its overall performance. A strong weapon improves its direct damage, while the right Shadow Army and class upgrades help you deal with larger groups of enemies and tougher bosses.

True Shadow Monarch Stats and Leveling Guide

The True Shadow Monarch levels independently to 100, gaining System EXP and Gold through combat. Each level grants a stat point for you to shape the unit’s strengths. Notably, reaching higher levels unlocks additional Shadow Army slots, critical for broadening your tactical options and increasing battlefield control.

Each level also grants one stat point, allowing you to customize the unit according to your preferred build. Reaching higher levels unlocks additional Shadow Army slots, making leveling an important part of improving your overall performance.

Shadow Army Slot Unlock Levels

Shadow Army slots unlock in stages, ensuring you grow your forces alongside your own strength. The progression is as follows:

• Level 1: Shadow Slot 1
• Level 10: Shadow Slot 2
• Level 25: Shadow Slot 3
• Level 40: Shadow Slot 4
• Level 60: Shadow Slot 5
• Level 80: Shadow Slot 6

You don’t need to hit 100 to unlock all slots, but those extra levels grant important stat points.

• Level 1: Shadow Slot 1
• Level 10: Shadow Slot 2
• Level 25: Shadow Slot 3
• Level 40: Shadow Slot 4
• Level 60: Shadow Slot 5
• Level 80: Shadow Slot 6

The final slot becomes available at Level 80, so you do not need to reach Level 100 just to unlock the entire set of six slots. However, continuing to Level 100 is useful because it provides additional stat points for improving your build.

Best Stats to Upgrade

Stat investment shapes how True Shadow Monarch performs in battle. The five stats you can enhance are Damage, Range, Cost, Shadow Damage, and Shadow Cost. For straightforward damage dealers, prioritizing Damage is the safest bet. However, players leaning on their Shadow Army might find investing in Shadow Damage more rewarding.

• Damage: Increases the unit’s direct damage output.
• Range: Improves the distance at which the unit can attack.
• Cost: Adjusts the unit’s deployment cost.
• Shadow Damage: Improves the damage dealt by your shadows.
• Shadow Cost: Adjusts the cost associated with your shadows.

For a straightforward damage-focused build, prioritize Damage. Investing most or all of your available points in this stat is a recommended approach if you want to maximize the unit’s direct attack potential.

However, you can also invest in Shadow Damage if your strategy depends heavily on your Shadow Army. Consider your preferred playstyle before spending your points.

Best Weapons for True Shadow Monarch

Weapons tailor your True Shadow Monarch’s combat capabilities, especially since you control it directly in battle. Different weapons provide unique boosts—from poison effects to critical hit chances—letting you adapt to varying challenges and stages in your progression.

There are six weapon options listed for True Shadow Monarch, ranging from the free Venom Fang to the expensive Daggers of Destruction. Each weapon offers a different effect, so your choice should depend on your available Gold and progression stage.

All True Shadow Monarch Weapons and Effects

• Venom Fang — Free: Poisons enemies, dealing 30% of your damage over eight seconds with brief stuns on each tick.
• Loyalty Killer — 100 Gold: Boosts attack damage by 20%.
• Bakura’s Dagger — 1,000 Gold: Adds 5% damage per upgrade purchased.
• Monarch’s Daggers — 3,000 Gold: Increases damage by 30%, lowers SPA by 5%, and extends range by 10%.
• Dragon’s Wrath — 9,000 Gold: Attacks ignore enemy damage reduction.
• Daggers of Destruction — 15,000 Gold: Doubles critical hit rate and adds 30% damage.

Which Weapon Should You Choose?

Daggers of Destruction stands out as the ultimate weapon, offering huge critical-rate spikes and damage boosts, but its high cost means you’ll want to secure steady progression before grabbing it. Monarch’s Daggers offer a balanced mid-game option with solid enhancements that don’t break the bank. If you’re starting out on your True Shadow Monarch journey, using the free Venom Fang can both buy you time and rack up early poison damage against foes.

For early and mid-game progression, Monarch’s Daggers is a strong alternative. Its damage, SPA, and range bonuses provide a balanced improvement without requiring as much Gold as the final weapon. If you are just starting, you can use Venom Fang for its free poison and stun effects while saving for a better weapon.

Best Classes and Abilities for True Shadow Monarch

The True Shadow Monarch’s three distinct class paths—Monarch, Pugilist, and Assassin—allow you to tailor gameplay to your preferred style. Whether you want to bolster your Shadow Army or enhance personal combat abilities, each class tree offers unique upgrades that can pivot your tactics when facing different challenges.