Best Anime Vanguard Series Ranked from Worst to Best: A Guide to the Card Game Saga

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Best Anime Vanguard Series Ranked from Worst to Best: A Guide to the Card Game Saga

The Cardfight!! Vanguard anime franchise has become a beloved part of the card game anime genre, offering dramatic rivalries, deep lore, and evolving gameplay mechanics. With multiple seasons, reboots, and alternate timelines, the Vanguard series can be both exciting—and a little overwhelming.

If you’re wondering where to start or which arcs are worth your time, this ranked guide breaks down the major Vanguard anime series from worst to best. Whether you’re here for the card battles, character development, or lore, these shows offer something for every fan of strategy and competition.

Key Takeaways

  • The Vanguard anime franchise includes multiple arcs, spin-offs, and reboots with varying tone and quality.
  • The best seasons balance intense battles with meaningful character growth.
  • Watching in the right order helps you fully appreciate the overarching story and card game evolution.

What Is Cardfight!! Vanguard About?

Cardfight!! Vanguard is centered around a trading card game that determines fate, friendship, and personal growth. Players engage in strategic matches using avatars from the planet Cray, a world with its own deep mythology and history.

At its core, the anime blends:

  • High-stakes competitions
  • Coming-of-age narratives
  • Fantasy world-building tied to card lore

With multiple seasons and reboots, the franchise offers a lot to explore.

Ranking the Vanguard Anime Series from Worst to Best

From uneven early arcs to polished reboots, here’s how the major Vanguard anime seasons stack up.

#8 – Cardfight!! Vanguard G: NEXT

Pros:
Introduces dynamic new characters and continues Chrono’s journey. Some solid cardfights.

Cons:
The pacing feels off, with plotlines that drag or fizzle out. Character arcs lose focus, and side characters are underused.

Why It’s Ranked Low:
While it had potential, G: NEXT suffers from too many subplots and lacks the emotional depth found in other arcs.

#7 – Cardfight!! Vanguard G: Z

Pros:
Introduces dark, intense themes and raises the stakes with world-ending threats.

Cons:
Feels rushed due to fewer episodes. Character development takes a backseat to action-heavy pacing.

Why It’s Ranked Low:
Despite cool moments and strong visuals, G: Z struggles to connect emotionally, making it feel like a rushed finale.

#6 – Cardfight!! Vanguard GIRS Crisis

Pros:
Explores team-based cardfighting and rivalry with Team TRY3. Adds some interesting character moments.

Cons:
Repetitive match structure and uneven plot progression.

Why It’s Mid-Tier:
Solid in concept but lacks narrative punch. Fans of Chrono may still enjoy it, but it doesn’t reach franchise highs.

#5 – Cardfight!! Vanguard (2011–2014)

Pros:
The original arc introduces Aichi, Kai, and the world of Vanguard with great energy. Strong foundational world-building.

Cons:
Some filler episodes and inconsistent animation quality. Slower pacing in early episodes.

Why It’s Worth Watching:
Despite its flaws, the OG Vanguard is nostalgic and essential. It set the tone for everything that followed and delivers a satisfying payoff by the Link Joker arc.

#4 – Cardfight!! Vanguard G

Pros:
Introduces a fresh protagonist (Chrono Shindou) and a more mature storytelling tone. Expands the world of Cray meaningfully.

Cons:
Takes time to gain momentum. Some early episodes feel disconnected.

Why It’s Ranked High:
A strong new direction with deeper storytelling, G redefined the series and matured the franchise’s tone.

#3 – Cardfight!! Vanguard OverDress

Pros:
Gorgeous animation by CLAMP and Kinema Citrus. Introduces Yu-yu and a new generation of fighters with emotional storylines.

Cons:
Slower pacing and a more laid-back vibe may not suit action-focused fans.

Why It’s Ranked High:
Visually stunning and emotionally rich, OverDress modernized the franchise while staying true to its roots.

#2 – Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress

Pros:
Builds on OverDress with higher stakes, refined pacing, and character-driven battles. Expands on lore and ties threads together.

Cons:
Still slightly uneven in its middle arc.

Why It’s Almost the Best:
will+Dress balances character development and battle intensity, making it a near-perfect Vanguard experience for both new and old fans.

Pros:
Peak drama, psychological stakes, and emotional payoffs. Explores Aichi’s journey in depth and introduces the mysterious Link Joker clan.

Cons:
Requires knowledge of earlier seasons to fully appreciate.

Why It’s #1:
This arc represents everything Vanguard does best—friendship tested by conflict, strategic duels with cosmic consequences, and gripping emotional development. It’s the most impactful and iconic part of the entire series.

What Order Should You Watch Vanguard In?

For the best experience, follow this basic order:

  1. Cardfight!! Vanguard (2011 original series)
  2. Cardfight!! Vanguard: Link Joker
  3. Cardfight!! Vanguard G
  4. Cardfight!! Vanguard GIRS Crisis
  5. Cardfight!! Vanguard G: NEXT
  6. Cardfight!! Vanguard G: Z
  7. Cardfight!! Vanguard OverDress
  8. Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress

You can also jump into OverDress if you’re new—it’s beginner-friendly and visually updated.

Conclusion

The Vanguard anime franchise is filled with highs and lows, but when it works, it delivers powerful rivalries, emotional arcs, and card battles that feel like fate itself is on the line. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this ranked list can help guide your next binge session.

Start with the best—and don’t be afraid to explore the rest. After all, every season has something unique to offer