Attention, aspiring Vanguard! Do you want to become a swift and deadly force on the battlefield of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PvP? Are you ready to master the art of flanking, disrupting, and eliminating key targets with your Grapnel Launcher? Then read on, for this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tactics to dominate the Eternal War.
Let's begin, shall we? Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, tell me: what's the one thing that has you most excited about playing as a Vanguard? Is it the high-flying mobility, the disruptive grappling hook, or the thrill of outmaneuvering your opponents? Your answer will help you focus on the aspects of this class that you'll enjoy the most.
Step 1: Understanding the Vanguard's Role and Strengths
The Vanguard is not your average front-line brawler. You're an assassin and a disruptor. Your primary strength lies in your unparalleled mobility, allowing you to traverse the map and exploit flanking opportunities that other classes can only dream of.
High Mobility: Your Grapnel Launcher is your best friend. Use it to zip onto rooftops, through windows, and across chasms. This allows you to get the drop on enemies, escape from sticky situations, and quickly reposition to support your teammates.
Disruption and Control: The Grapnel Launcher isn't just for movement; it's a powerful tool for disrupting enemy formations. A well-timed hook can stun an opponent, interrupt a Heavy's Iron Halo, or pull a foe out of cover, leaving them vulnerable to you and your allies.
Hit-and-Run Tactics: You are not built to absorb a lot of damage. Your armor is relatively light compared to the Bulwark or Heavy. Your strategy should be to engage, do damage, and get out before the enemy can react.
Step 2: Choosing Your Loadout: The Tools of the Hunter
Your loadout is critical to your success. Here’s a breakdown of recommended gear for the Vanguard in PvP.
Primary Weapon: The Occulus Bolt Carbine. While the Melta Rifle is a powerful option for PvE, in PvP, the Occulus Bolt Carbine provides the versatility and accuracy you need to engage at various ranges. It's a reliable burst-fire weapon that can quickly shred enemy armor.
Secondary Weapon: The Bolt Pistol. A classic for a reason. It's a solid backup weapon for when your primary runs dry.
Melee Weapon: The Chainsword. While the Combat Knife is designed for dueling, the Chainsword's superior damage output makes it the better choice for general combat and securing quick kills.
Grenade: The Krak Grenade or Shock Grenade.
Krak Grenade: This is your go-to for sticking to and damaging heavily armored targets or clustered enemies. Throw it, then grapple away.
Shock Grenade: A defensive and offensive powerhouse. It blinds and slows enemies, giving you a chance to escape or secure a kill. Throw it at your feet if you get ambushed by a melee attacker, then roll away and shoot them while they're disoriented.
Step 3: Mastering Movement and Positioning
This is where you separate yourself from the other classes. Your movement is your ultimate weapon.
Sub-heading: Grapple to Gain the High Ground. The Grapnel Launcher is not just for horizontal movement. Always look up. There are many ledges, rooftops, and windows that you can grapple to, giving you a vantage point to survey the battlefield, spot enemy snipers, and launch surprise attacks.
Sub-heading: Learn the Flank. A lone Vanguard charging the front line is a dead Vanguard. Instead, use your grapple to move around the enemy team's flanks. Catch them from the side or behind while they are focused on your teammates.
Sub-heading: Mind Your Grapple Cooldown. Your Grapnel Launcher has limited charges. Don't waste them. Use them to make decisive movements and save one charge for a quick escape if things go south. Knowing when to disengage is a key skill.
Step 4: Engaging in Combat: The Art of the Kill
Now that you're in position, it's time to strike.
Sub-heading: Pick Your Fights. You are not a tank. Avoid direct 1v1 duels against a full-health Heavy or Bulwark unless you have a clear advantage or the element of surprise. Instead, target weakened or less armored enemies like Snipers, Assaults, or Tactical Marines.
Sub-heading: Use Your Hook as an Opener. Grappling an enemy not only closes the distance but also stuns them, giving you a precious second to unleash a full clip of your Occulus Bolt Carbine into their head and chest. This is especially effective against Heavies, as it can interrupt their Iron Halo.
Sub-heading: The Power of the Ping. Bind and use your ping button! It's an underrated tool that can give your team crucial information. Tagging enemies, objectives, or even a general location can make all the difference, especially if you're not on voice chat.
Sub-heading: Don't Be Afraid to Parry. While it's a risky move, a perfectly timed parry can deflect a light melee attack, negating all damage. This can be a game-changer in a melee duel.
Step 5: Teamwork and Objective Play
Even as a lone-wolf class, you are still part of a team.
Sub-heading: Support Your Teammates. Use your Grapnel Launcher to get to a teammate who is being overwhelmed and use your hook to stun their attacker. This gives your ally a chance to recover or finish off the enemy.
Sub-heading: Focus Fire on Threats. If you see a Heavy or a Bulwark pushing your team, focus your fire on them. Your grapple can interrupt their abilities, and your Occulus can do consistent damage.
Sub-heading: Play the Objective. In modes like "Seize Ground," your mobility is a huge asset. Use your grapple to quickly move between capture points. You can be the first to a newly spawned point or the last to contest one, buying your team valuable time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to outplay a Heavy as a Vanguard? You can use your Grapnel Launcher to interrupt a Heavy's Iron Halo or heavy stance, leaving them vulnerable. Grapple in, stun them, and unload your Occulus Bolt Carbine into their head. Then, grapple out if you need to.
How to deal with a Sniper as a Vanguard? Use your mobility to flank them. Snipers often set up in predictable locations. Use your Grapnel Launcher to get into their blind spots or onto the rooftops they're camping on. Once you're close, they are at a severe disadvantage.
How to escape a melee fight as a Vanguard? Throw a Shock Grenade at your feet to blind your opponent, then immediately roll away and use your Grapnel Launcher to escape to a safe distance.
How to use the Grapnel Launcher for aggressive plays? Grapple directly to an enemy to stun them, then follow up with a devastating close-range attack. This is an excellent way to initiate a duel against a lone opponent.
How to improve my map knowledge for Vanguard? Play the game and experiment with your Grapnel Launcher on every map. Find all the vertical and flanking routes. Look for windows, ledges, and other grapple points that other players might not notice.
How to find the best loadout for my playstyle? While the Occulus Bolt Carbine is recommended, don't be afraid to try the Melta Rifle if you prefer a more CQC-focused approach. Similarly, experiment with the Combat Knife to see if its faster attack speed suits you better.
How to tell if a Sniper is cloaked? Look for a faint shimmer or distortion in the air, similar to a bit of moving water. This is the visual cue for a cloaked Sniper. Throw a Shock Grenade in that direction and fire.
How to effectively use grenades as a Vanguard? Use them for area denial, to disorient enemies, or to secure a kill on a low-health opponent. A well-placed Shock Grenade can turn the tide of a fight.
How to counter a Bulwark's shield? Your Grapnel Launcher can interrupt their block, giving you an opening to attack. Alternatively, use your mobility to get behind them and attack their unshielded back.
How to quickly regenerate armor and health? Disengage from the fight, take cover, and let your armor and health regenerate. You are a hit-and-run specialist, so don't be afraid to back off and regroup.
