Starting out can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you’ll save valuable resources, avoid costly mistakes, and build a team that carries you intothe late game. This Grandline Vanguard Beginner Guide covers hero choices, lineup strategies, star-up requirements, and permanent perks worth buying.
Grandline Vanguard Beginner Guide, Tier List & Line Ups (Plunder Wave)
Recommended SSR+ Heroes
Early Game Team Building
Your first priority is to build a strong foundation with SSR+ heroes. The best early picks are:
- Law – versatile support
- Akainu – strong DPS
- Kizaru – reliable DPS
- Whitebeard – tanky frontliner with damage
- Hancock – crowd control
Zoro can be used early as a DPS option, but do not build him beyond 10 stars. Since he belongs to the Doom faction, his upgrades consume valuable Doom units better reserved for future UR heroes.
Tip: Always use SSR or upgraded SR heroes as “food” for evolving your SSR+. Avoid using SSR+ cores as food because you’ll need them later for multiple team modes.
Food Hero Reminder
Not all SSR heroes can be upgraded to 10 stars. Before using a hero as food, double-check their potential to avoid wasting resources.
Grandline Vanguard Tier List
Tactics & Dials
- Bladers: Combo, Pierce, Berserk, Divine Power
- Mages: Chain, Pierce, Berserk, Meditation
- Support: Speed, DMG Reduction, Crit Resistance / Reflection
Note: Tactics and dials do not stack.
- Never reforge golden dials – save them until you can craft red dials.
- If you’re short on dials, you can risk crafting green dials with a 70% success rate, but avoid gambling with blue or purple ones.
Building Your Lineup
Formation
- Start with 2 DPS + 3 Supports.
- Place DPS in the front row early on to avoid back-row stun from heroes like Hancock.
- Later, switch formation: DPS in the back, supports in the front for better protection.
Supports are not just healers – they boost damage, revive allies, and provide team-wide buffs.
Best Support Picks
- Uta – top-tier support with buffs, damage share, and reduction.
- Law – strong alternative if Uta isn’t available.
Supports should always be faster than DPS so they can cast buffs before damage skills.
Choosing a Team Type
When moving into UR heroes, decide early: Physical (Bladers) or Magic (Mages). Avoid mixing both.
- Heroes like Nika, Uta, and Ace can fit well into either type.
Sixth Hero Unlock
At level 91, a 6th backup slot unlocks.
- This hero only joins after one of your main five is defeated.
- Buffs and debuffs only activate once the backup enters the battle.
Star-Up Requirements
Here’s the path for evolving your heroes:
- 6★: 2 hero copies + 4× 5★
- 7★: 4× 5★
- 8★: 6★ + 3× 5★
- 9★: 1 copy + 6★ + 2× 5★
- 10★: 2 copies + 6★ + 9★ (any faction)
- 11★: 6★ + 9★ (any faction)
- 12★: 6★ + 10★ (any faction) + 20 rumble balls
- 13★: 6★ + 9★ (same faction) + 10★ (any faction) + 40 rumble balls
- 14★: 6★ + 2× 9★ (any faction) + 9★ (same faction) + 40 rumble balls
- 15★: 2× 6★ + 2× 9★ (any faction) + 9★ (same faction) + 50 rumble balls
Nika’s Blessing
Unlocks at level 25.
- Nika is the first UR you must focus on.
- You can do 10 pulls + 1 free daily (cost: 3k diamonds). Guaranteed copy every 70 pulls.
Rules:
- Only pull Nika until he reaches 13★ minimum.
- Never waste on other UR from blessing unless Nika is fully built.
- If switching blessing hero, always go for 100 UR pool, not the 70 UR.
Permanent Perks & Funds Worth Buying
- Faction Perk – Gives 1 red log per day + backlog since server launch. Excellent long-term value.
- Nika Perk – Provides Time Crystals (for UR summons) daily + backlog.
- Phone Bug (Den Den) Perk – Grants daily Den Dens for Creation or Doom faction summons. If both needed, buy separately.
- Alternative: Monthly Telephone Bug Fund (44 Den Dens in 30 days, choice between Creation/Doom). Requires Golden Monthly Pass (980 diamonds).
- Far Seas Perk – 2 golden logs per day + backlog.
- Seas Adventure – Optional. Rewards from daily tasks (logs, shards, fish). Also unlocks special title and frame.
- Quick Farm – More stamina runs (3 free + 8 purchasable daily).
- Soul Heart Fund – Affordable option for swap hearts. 21 hearts in 12 days.
Final Thoughts
- Build only the best SSR+ heroes early – don’t waste resources on temporary picks.
- Prioritize supports with speed to control the flow of battle.
- Pick a clear path – physical or mage – when you reach UR heroes.
- Always invest in Nika first, he’s your cornerstone UR unit.
- Permanent perks like Faction, Nika, and Den Den perks give the best long-term value for consistent progression.
Following these tips ensures you’ll have a strong start and a team that scales smoothly into late game.
Do you want me to also create a tiered resource investment priority list (like what to buy first if you’re F2P, low-spender, or whale)? That would make this guide even more practical for different types of players.