Of course! It can be quite confusing to figure out the correct order to watch the "Vanguard" series, as there are multiple franchises and reboots. Let's get you on the right track. This guide will cover the popular anime series, as well as the live-action movie and even touch upon the video games, as the name "Vanguard" is used for many different things!
Let's Dive In! Finding Your Path to "Vanguard"
Before we start, let's figure out what you're looking for. Are you interested in the Cardfight!! Vanguard anime series, the Jackie Chan action-comedy film, or the video games? Each has its own distinct storyline and no connection to the others. So, let's narrow it down. Think about what kind of "Vanguard" experience you're hoping for!
Once you have your answer, follow the steps below to find the perfect watch order for you.
 |
| How To Watch Vanguard In Order |
Step 1: The Anime Series - The Epic Saga of Cardfight!! Vanguard
This is the most extensive and popular franchise under the "Vanguard" name. It's a massive anime series centered around the trading card game "Cardfight!! Vanguard." There are multiple seasons and reboots, which can be very confusing. Don't worry, we'll break it down into two main timelines.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Timeline A: The Original Series (OG) and G Series
This is the original timeline that follows the story of protagonist Aichi Sendou. If you want to experience the classic story from the beginning, this is the way to go.
-
Sub-heading: The Original Series Arc
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard (Season 1): This is where it all begins. We are introduced to the shy and timid Aichi Sendou, who finds confidence and friendship through the card game. This is a must-watch to understand the characters and the world of Vanguard.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Asia Circuit (Season 2): Aichi and his friends compete in a huge international tournament. This season expands on the world and introduces new rivals.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Link Joker (Season 3): A new, sinister force threatens the world of Vanguard. The stakes are raised, and character development is key here.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Legion Mate (Season 4): This season is a direct continuation of the Link Joker arc and is crucial for the conclusion of the original story.
-
Movie: Cardfight!! Vanguard: The Movie - Neon Messiah (Optional): This movie takes place after the Legion Mate arc and offers a side story. You can watch it after completing the original series.
-
-
Sub-heading: The "G" Series Arc
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard G (Season 5): This season introduces a new protagonist, Chrono Shindou, and a new generation of fighters. It's a soft reboot of sorts, taking place several years after the original series. While you could technically start here, watching the OG series first gives you a better appreciation for the returning characters.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard G: GIRS Crisis (Season 6): Chrono and his team face new challenges and a mysterious organization.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard G: Stride Gate (Season 7): The story intensifies with a focus on powerful new abilities and high-stakes battles.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard G: NEXT (Season 8): This season continues the G storyline, building towards its climax.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard G: Z (Season 9): The final season of the G series, bringing the Chrono arc to a conclusion.
-
Timeline B: The Reboot (V and D Series)
In 2018, the anime was rebooted to be a closer adaptation of the manga. This is a great starting point for new viewers who don't want to watch all the earlier seasons.
-
Sub-heading: The Reboot Arc
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard (2018 Reboot): This is the first season of the reboot, re-telling the story of Aichi Sendou from the beginning. It's a much more condensed version of the original series.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Shinemon Arc: This prequel series is set before the 2018 reboot and focuses on the character of Shinemon Nitta. You can watch this before or after the 2018 reboot.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard: IF (Optional): This is a spin-off series with an alternate universe story. It's not essential to the main plot but is a fun watch for fans.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress: This is the beginning of the "D Series" and a new timeline. It introduces a new cast of characters and a new card game mechanic.
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress: This is the continuation of the overDress storyline.
-
-
So, which anime timeline should you watch?
-
For the complete, original experience, start with the Original Series and then move to the G Series.
-
For a more modern and streamlined entry point, start with the 2018 Reboot and then move to the D Series.
-
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Step 2: The Live-Action Movie - Jackie Chan's 'Vanguard'
If you're here for the action-packed film, you're in luck! There is no "watch order" for this. It's a standalone film with no connection to any other "Vanguard" media.
-
Vanguard (2020 film): This is a Chinese action-comedy film starring Jackie Chan. The plot revolves around a covert security company called "Vanguard" protecting a wealthy businessman from a mercenary organization. Just find it on a streaming service or buy it and enjoy the ride!
Step 3: The Video Games - A Different Kind of "Vanguard"
There are multiple video games with "Vanguard" in the title, and they are also entirely separate from each other and the anime/film.
-
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021): This is a first-person shooter video game. The campaign has a linear story. You can play the missions in the order they are presented:
-
Phoenix
-
Operation Tonga
-
Stalingrad
-
The Battle of Midway
-
Numa Numa Trail
-
The Rats of Tobruk
-
The Battle of El Alamein
-
The Fourth Reich
-
-
Vanguard (1981): This is a classic arcade game. There's no story to follow in order, just gameplay!
-
Cardfight!! Vanguard video games: These are often adaptations of the anime storyline or have their own original stories. You can generally play them in any order, but if you want to follow the anime's plot, you should play the games based on the corresponding season of the anime.
Step 4: Now, get ready to watch!
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
Once you've decided which "Vanguard" you want to watch, it's time to find a place to stream or purchase it. Services like Crunchyroll often have the anime series, while the movies and games are available on various platforms. So, grab some popcorn and get ready for your "Vanguard" adventure!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to watch Cardfight!! Vanguard anime for free? You can often find the "Cardfight!! Vanguard" anime series on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, which offers a free, ad-supported tier.
How to know if a "Vanguard" series is a reboot or a continuation? Check the year of release! The original series started in 2011, while the reboot started in 2018. The rebooted seasons will often have "V" or "D" in their titles, such as "Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress."
How to watch the "Vanguard" movie starring Jackie Chan? The Jackie Chan movie, simply titled "Vanguard," is a standalone film. You can rent or purchase it on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or Google Play, or find it on a streaming service that has a catalog of action films.
How to play the "Call of Duty: Vanguard" campaign in order? The campaign is designed to be played in a linear fashion. Just follow the missions as they appear in the game menu: Phoenix, Operation Tonga, Stalingrad, The Battle of Midway, Numa Numa Trail, Lady Nightingale, The Rats of Tobruk, The Battle of El Alamein, and The Fourth Reich.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to find the "Cardfight!! Vanguard" movie "Neon Messiah"? This movie is part of the original anime timeline. It can be a little harder to find than the series, but you might be able to stream it on platforms that host anime films or purchase it on DVD/Blu-ray.
How to understand the different "Vanguard" card game mechanics? The anime series is a great way to learn about the card game, as it often explains the rules and new mechanics as they are introduced. Watching the series in order is the best way to see the evolution of the game.
How to tell the difference between the "G" series and the "D" series? The "G" series is a direct sequel to the original anime timeline with a new protagonist, Chrono. The "D" series, starting with "overDress," is a completely new timeline with a new cast and a different storyline from the previous series.
How to watch the prequel series "Shinemon Arc"? The "Shinemon Arc" is a prequel to the 2018 anime reboot. You can watch it either before or after the 2018 reboot season to get a better understanding of the character Shinemon Nitta's backstory.
How to watch the anime series with English dubs? Many seasons of "Cardfight!! Vanguard" have been dubbed in English. You can check streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or YouTube for official English dub releases.
How to know which "Vanguard" is which? The easiest way is to pay attention to the title. If it's a TV series and mentions "Cardfight!!", it's the anime. If it's a film starring Jackie Chan, it's the 2020 action film. If it's a video game, it will be clearly labeled as such (e.g., "Call of Duty: Vanguard").
 |
