How to Watch Cardfight!! Vanguard in Order (Chronological & Release Guide)

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How to Watch Cardfight!! Vanguard in Order (Chronological & Release Guide)

The Cardfight!! Vanguard anime franchise spans multiple series, timelines, and reboots, making it tricky to figure out the best watch order. Whether you’re new to the game or revisiting the series, knowing the proper sequence—both chronologically and by release date—can help you fully appreciate the world of Vanguard.

This guide breaks down how to watch every Cardfight!! Vanguard season in the correct order, including alternate timelines like G and OverDress, so you can dive in without confusion.

Key Takeaways

  • The Vanguard franchise includes three main continuities: the original timeline, the G series, and the rebooted OverDress timeline.
  • Watching in release order is great for nostalgic fans; watching in chronological order helps make better narrative sense.
  • Some arcs are essential for story and lore, while others are skippable or stand-alone.

What Is Cardfight!! Vanguard?

At its core, Cardfight!! Vanguard is a multimedia franchise based on a trading card game. The anime series blends:

  • High-stakes tournaments
  • Coming-of-age stories
  • Strategic battles using avatars from the planet Cray

Over the years, the franchise has introduced different protagonists, parallel worlds, and deep mythology, making the watch order important for both context and enjoyment.

The Chronological Watch Order (By Timeline)

Here’s how to watch the entire franchise in story order—grouped by continuity:

🔹 Original Timeline

  1. Cardfight!! Vanguard (2011–2012) – Introduces Aichi, Kai, and Misaki. Establishes the core mechanics and world of Vanguard.
  2. Cardfight!! Vanguard: Asia Circuit (2012) – Continues Aichi’s story with new rivals and the powerful Limit Break mechanic.
  3. Cardfight!! Vanguard: Link Joker (2013) – The emotional peak of the original arc, introducing darker themes and internal conflict.
  4. Cardfight!! Vanguard: Legion Mate (2014) – Wraps up Aichi’s story and sets the stage for the future.

🔹 Vanguard G Timeline

  1. Cardfight!! Vanguard G (2014–2015) – New protagonist Chrono Shindou takes center stage. Introduces the Gear Chronicle clan.
  2. Cardfight!! Vanguard G: GIRS Crisis (2015–2016) – Focuses on team battles and rivalry with TRY3.
  3. Cardfight!! Vanguard G: Stride Gate (2016) – Raises the stakes with world-threatening events.
  4. Cardfight!! Vanguard G: NEXT (2016–2017) – Follows TRY3’s new challenges and growth.
  5. Cardfight!! Vanguard G: Z (2017–2018) – The climax of the G saga, involving apocalyptic stakes and major character shifts.

🔹 OverDress Reboot Timeline

  1. Cardfight!! Vanguard: OverDress (2021) – A complete reboot with new protagonist Yu-yu. Visuals by CLAMP and Kinema Citrus.
  2. Cardfight!! Vanguard: overDress Season 2 (2021–2022) – Deepens the character dynamics and group development.
  3. Cardfight!! Vanguard: will+Dress (2022–2023) – Raises the stakes and reconnects to legacy elements while continuing Yu-yu’s journey.

🔹 Side Stories & Extras

  • Mini Vanguard – A comedic chibi-style spin-off. Optional.
  • Cardfight!! Vanguard (2018 reboot) – A retelling of the original series with updated pacing and visuals.
  • Cardfight!! Vanguard Gaiden: if – An alternate universe “what if” story. Fun but non-essential.

The Release Order (By Airing Date)

If you want to experience the series as fans did over the years, here’s the release-based watch order:

  1. Cardfight!! Vanguard (2011)
  2. Asia Circuit Chapter (2012)
  3. Link Joker Chapter (2013)
  4. Legion Mate Chapter (2014)
  5. Cardfight!! Vanguard G (2014)
  6. GIRS Crisis (2015)
  7. Stride Gate (2016)
  8. G: NEXT (2016–2017)
  9. G: Z (2017–2018)
  10. Mini Vanguard (2013–2015, scattered)
  11. Cardfight!! Vanguard Reboot (2018)
  12. OverDress (2021)
  13. OverDress Season 2 (2021–2022)
  14. will+Dress Season 1–3 (2022–2023)
  15. Gaiden if (2020)

Which Timeline Should You Watch First?

New to the series? Start with OverDress—it’s modern, beginner-friendly, and visually polished.
Want the full lore journey? Begin with the 2011 original and move forward through the G series.
Prefer the best arcs only? Watch:

  • 2011 Original Series → Link Joker
  • Skip to Vanguard G → Stride Gate
  • Then jump to OverDress and will+Dress

Conclusion

With multiple timelines and series, watching Cardfight!! Vanguard in order can seem overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re in it for intense card battles, character development, or the ever-evolving lore, following this guide ensures you get the most out of the Vanguard universe.

Choose the timeline that fits your vibe, and get ready to ride the Vanguard!