Flexibility ensures victory in the combo-heavy fights of For Honor, and the Vanguards have the right skillset to adapt to rapid changes in the battlefield. This well-balanced class boasts just enough offense, decent defense, and workable speed, allowing them to stay on par with their more specialized counterparts. However, just because Vanguards are straightforward doesn’t mean they’re not viable for high-level play.
The Vanguard's uncomplicated moveset leaves a lot of openings for advanced play. In the right hands, a Vanguard can devastate enemy ranks with straightforward strikes that enemies can’t always anticipate. Fitting the traditional fighter role, Vanguards prove that classics are timeless for a reason.
10 They're Geared Towards Dueling
When using any Vanguard Hero, players need to remember that they specialize in straightforward fights. This means Vanguard Heroes often possess abilities that encourage enemies to fight "square" instead of relying too much on their gimmicks. In turn, players can capitalize on forcing non-variation in playstyle to combat situations.
For instance, the Warmonger has a Corruption mechanic, which spreads damage in opponent clusters. This encourages enemies to isolate themselves. Likewise, the Kensei has a mid-range kit that combines better reach with soft-feint chains. This discourages enemies from retreating, given the Kensei can extend their melee range much more easily.
9 Moveset Adjustments Affect Flow
Granted, most Heroes more or less follow the same rules in combat. However, all Heroes – especially Vanguards – get minor moveset adjustments that can radically change their combat flow. This will be especially important for players who depend on chain setups to obliterate foes.
A good example is the Tiandi, as their Dodge-reliant kit gives them more teching (cancellation) opportunities within their chains. Likewise, the Raider has combos that specialize in throwing opponents or knocking them down. Additionally, the Kensei capitalizes on mid-range melee to provide better defense in duels.
8 The Gimmick Declares The Approach
Despite being straightforward duelists, Vanguards work best if they follow the "flow" their abilities dictate. While Vanguards usually work best in one-on-one combat, they excel when their gimmicks get to declare the conditions in combat.
As an example, the Warmonger specializes in aggressive play by pressuring opponents with powerful light attacks. Combined with their Corruption, isolated enemies become perfect targets for a lethal dose of the Warmonger's charged bashes and heavy combos. Meanwhile, the Tiandi's toolkit punishes opponents with their swift Dodges. They can quickly get out of disadvantaged team fights with combo cancellations, easier guard-breaking, and punishing Dodge Attacks.
7 Assume Leadership Via Buffs
Unlike other Heroes, Vanguards have abilities that make them more suitable for team play. Players who pick Vanguards as their primary Hero Class shouldn't hesitate capitalizing on these buffs to encourage allies to get more technical with their combat approach. In turn, players should maximize their Vanguard's buffing options.
The Kensei, Raiden, and Warden have Inspire, which boosts the attack speed of soldiers and buffs damage for nearby allies. This encourages more cooperative play, instead of the gang splitting up to cover various points. Further encouragement could be provided by Stalwart Banner. Thanks to this Feat, a Vanguard's nearby allies will continuously regenerate Health.
6 Always Check Passives
All Heroes have Self Passive Feats, which often have minor benefits. However, Vanguards should always consider the impact of these "general" Passives and how they can adjust their approach to combat based on their impact.
For instance, the Warden, Raider, and Kensei have Body Count, which grants Health and Stamina when killing soldiers. This suggests less PVP and more goal securement, perfect when fighting large numbers of foes. Meanwhile, the Raider and Tiandi have Tireless, which lowers their Stamina consumption and opens up opportunities for complex maneuvers and attacks.
5 Always Check Debuffs
Despite their combative approach, Vanguards lean more towards the support role in For Honor due to their debuffing options. With the right debuffs, a Vanguard can further encourage allies to stay close while they maintain pressure. For example, the Kensei's Chilling Stare (T2) lowers the attack and defense of nearby enemies. Meanwhile, the Tiandi's Doom Banner (T2) decreases the more powerful attacks and defense of nearby opponents.
Some debuffs also apply to single targets. The Raider and Tiandi have Marked For Death, which not only marks a target but also lowers their defense and Stamina. Meanwhile, the Warden's Takedown will force Throws to knock down enemies.
4 Passives Can Declare Playstyles
While most Passives have minor benefits, certain Passives affect Vanguards to the point of declaring their playstyles. This is more prevalent with Vanguards who have Passives that complement their specific gimmicks.
For instance, the Tiandi's Vital Leech (T3) triggers Life Leech at low Health. This improves when they reach critical Health, which then triggers the Indomitable passive (T4) that also gives them Shield. If these aren't incentive enough for riskier play, then the Last Laugh (T4) – triggered at non-executed death – will drop a high-damage grenade.
Meanwhile, the Warden has Punch Through (T3) that doubles chip damage, and Conqueror (T1) increases zone capture speed. This encourages more goal control play for the Warden, as they get incentives for protecting points through their AOE bombs.
3 Open Up Movement Options
Straightforward as they may be, Vanguards still need room to maneuver to transform a setback into an advantage. The best way for them to do this is to capitalize some movement-focused Feats and Moves. These mobility options give Vanguard just enough wiggle room to reposition in the middle of combat.
The Tiandi specialize in these situations, as their kit maximizes their Dodge option. Their Dodge Attacks become Chain Starters (Dodge Openers), they can follow-up Dodges with Palm Strikes, and unbalance opponents with Dragon Kick. More straightforward movement options include a speed boost from the Warmonger and Raider's Rush Feat. Additionally, the Kensei gets a decent emergency maneuver via Iron Lungs (T3) which gives them Stamina-free sprints.
2 Check Unblockables, Uninterruptible Opportunities
Taking a cue from Heavies, the Vanguards also feature special unblockable and uninterruptible attacks. When added to their arsenal of combos and chains, a Vanguard easily becomes an indomitable force in the battlefield.
These devastating finishers still offer enough room for Vanguards to leverage on a bit of mobility. Each Vanguard Hero has a variation of these special attacks. For instance, the Warden incorporates an unblockable shoulder-bash within its combo chain. The Kensei, meanwhile, can employ certain unblockable and uninterruptible special finishers in their toolkit.
1 Consider Crowd Control Options
Unlike other Heroes, most Vanguards possess a Feat that functions as a crowd control (CC) mechanic. These CC options, while mostly non-lethal, become great assets for Vanguards to control the flow of battle. A straightforward example is the Kensei's Long Bow (T3), which gives them partial control over long range. The Kensei and Warmonger also share Arrow Strike, a moderate burst AOE.
The Warden has perhaps the most options for CC given their grenade samplers. Fiat Flux (T2) is a flash grenade, Pugno Mortis (T3) deals damage-over-time in an area, and Catapult (T4) is another standard burst AOE. But perhaps most extreme is the Tiandi's Last Laugh (T4), a high-damage grenade that triggers upon death. It's a great punishment to opponents who counter their dodge-reliant moveset.