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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’sVanguard class is designed for players who thrive in the heat of battle. Vanguard Marines are aggressive; they charge face-first into the battlefield and can be absolutely lethal. Their main strength lies in close-quarters combat, but their unique abilities allow them to be effective at various ranges.
Vanguards are also highly agile and can move around the battlefield quickly, making them difficult to pin down. In the hands of the right player and with the right build, the Vanguard class can be a total game-changer. For those who want to make the most of what thisclass has to offer inSpace Marine 2, here’s a high-level build using the Vanguard’s best perks and weapons.
Updated on December 19th, 2024 By Joshua Leeds:There are multiple weapons available to the Vanguard class which are very powerful when fighting up close and personal with the Tyranid swarm. This article has been updated to include additional options for your primary and secondary weapon, along with information on the recently added pistol.
How Does The Vanguard Class Work?
Although Vanguards specialize inmelee-focused combat, their defining ability is theGrapnel Launcher. With this hook, players can close the distance between their enemies by latching on to them and then deliver a devastatingDiving Kickto finish them off. The Grapnel Launcher also helps the Vanguard get to places quickly, including those that are hard to reach from other classes.
While both the Vanguard andAssault classesare focused on close-quarters combat, Vanguards are better suited for taking down high-level enemies. They can efficiently deal with single targets using their grappling and melee abilities. Another difference is that Vanguards can equip a primary weapon, which gives them more options for dealing with enemies at range if needed.
Best Vanguard Perks
Like all otherClasses inSpace Marine 2, Vanguards can have three Core perks, one Team perk, three Gear perks, and one Signature perk. With the right combination of perks, the Vanguard can become a force to be reckoned with.
Since Vanguards excel in melee combat and use their Grapnel Launcher to take down distant targets, most of the perks mentioned below focus on increasing the recharge rate of their abilities and enhancing their melee attacks.
Effect
Duelist
Increases the Perfect Parry window by 50%, giving you more time to plan.
Boosts Melee Damage by 10% against Majoris-level enemies and above.
Honed Reactions
Doubles your Perfect Parry window when Health is less than 50%.
Inner Fire
Lets all Squad Members restore their Ability Charge by 15% with every successful Finisher.
Zone of Impact
Performing a Finisher using the Grapnel Launcher deals a small amount of Damage to all nearby enemies.
Performing a Finisherusing the Grapnel Launcher restores its Charge.
Best Vanguard Class Weapons
Even though Vanguards are more focused on melee combat, they can equip three different weapons. For the best endgame weapon build, we’ll be going with the following options:
Best Melta Rifle Perks
Stats
The Melta Rifle’s intense heat beam can quickly eliminate enemies, especially those withheavy armor, making it useful for taking down elite Tyranid swarms. TheGathalamor CrusadeRelic version increases the range of the Melta Rifle, letting Vanguards shoot down enemies from a safer distance.
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Perks
Since the Melta Rifle has a relatively low ammo count, the main focus is on perks that increase damage and improve ammo economy. This will let you fire more shots without needing to reload frequently. Here are some of the best perks for the Melta Rifle:
The Rifle’s Magazine Size increases by 15% of the maximum.
Magazine Restoration
When your Health drops under 30%, your Ammo Reserve fully refills with one magazine.
Increases damage by 10% against Terminus enemies
Increases damage by 10%
The first shot after reloading inflicts 10% increased damage.
Adamant Reload
When your Health drops below 30%, the equipped Weapon instantly reloads.
Elusive Fire
A well-timed dodge boosts Fire Rate by 25% for 5 seconds.
Increases Fire Rate by 10%
Best Occulus Bolt Carbine Perks
The Occulus Bolt Carbine is a great option for jumping in close on enemies and unloading many rounds into them quickly. The higher rate of fire makes this weapon ideal for a close-range class such as the Vanguard.
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The ideal perks for this gun make it even better at shredding enemies up close. You’ll want to focus on overall damage while also upgrading its piercing ability, making it much more useful when jumping into swarms of gaunts or cultists.
Best Bolt Pistol Perks
As a secondary weapon, the Bolt Pistol is a reliable backup option when the Vanguard’s primary weapon is not ideal for the situation. While you’ll not be using the Bolt Pistol as much as your melee or primary weapon, it’s still effective at both short and medium ranges. The Gathalamor Crusade variant of the Bolt Pistol has improved stats, focusing on high damage, faster firing rates, and enough ammo reserves to make sure you’re always ready for action.
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For those who want to maximize their Bolt Pistol’s effectiveness, the following eight perks focus on improving the pistol’s damage, accuracy, and ammo economy. These would help you get through missions quickly, especially in situations that do not call for the Melta Rifle.
Iron Grip
After a Gun Strike, Recoil is reduced by 35% for 5 seconds.
Retaliation
After a perfectly timed Dodge, you deal 25% more Damage for 5 seconds.
The Pistol’s Magazine Size increases by 15% of the maximum
Rapid Health
When your Health drops below 30%, eliminating 10 enemies quickly restores 5% Health for 30 seconds.
Headshots deal 10% more Damage
Honed Precision
The Pistol’s Maximum Spread decreases by 25% when firing without aiming.
Best Neo-Volkite Pistol Perks
The Neo-Volkite Pistol excels in targeting one enemy to deal consistent damage. As that enemy heats up, they will eventually explode, dealing heavy damage to themselves and those around them. This play style makes this an ideal weapon when facing Terminus enemies.
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This pistol is great for wearing down even the toughest of enemies, and building up your heat is key to using this weapon at its fullest potential. The best perks to focus on are those that heat up enemies faster, while also increasing your ammo to build up heat repeatedly.
Volkite Discharge area is 20% wider.
Volkite Blitz
Discharge damage increases by 25% and the area affected increases 25%.
Distributed Deflagration
25% of heat from enemies that discharge is transferred to other nearby enemies.
Best Chainsword Perks
Since the Vanguards are all about melee combat, the Chainsword is hands down the best melee weapon for this class. Its powerful, serrated blade is capable of tearing through enemies with ease. The Aquilan Dedication variant of the Chainsword deals a lot more damage than the standard Chainsword and comes with a faster attack speed.
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As amelee-focused class, the Vanguard can fully capitalize on the Aquilan Dedication Chainsword’s increased power and speed. Here are some of the best perks that complement this relic-type Chainsword.
Increases melee Damage by 5%
Increases melee Damage against Tyranid enemies by 10%
Increases melee Damage against Minoris-level enemies by 20%
Increases Light Combo length from 4 to 5 strikes
Full Throttle
Boosts Punch with Full Throttle. Hold the attack button to charge it up, increasing Damage by 100% for each second of preparation.
Increases melee Damage against Majoris-level enemies by 10%
Increases melee Damage against Extremis-level enemies by 15%
