Key Takeaways:

• Vanguard class overview and unique abilities
• Weapon loadouts and strategies
• Comprehensive perk list and synergies
• Advanced gameplay tactics and team roles
• Tips for mastering the Grapnel Launcher

In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, where only war awaits, the Vanguard Space Marines stand as a beacon of hope for humanity. As member of the team and a veteran Vanguard player (My fav class), I’m thrilled to guide you through the mechanics of this remarkable class in Space Marine 2.

The Vanguard embodies the perfect fusion of precision and raw aggression, a combination that has saved my life countless times on the battlefield. Imagine soaring through the air, propelled by your Grapnel Launcher, before crashing into a horde of Tyranids with the force of a meteor.

That’s the Vanguard experience in a nutshell – dynamic, lethal, and utterly exhilarating.

Interested in other classes? Read our full guide on Space Marine 2 Classes

The Surgical Strike Specialists

Vanguard Space Marines excel at executing surgical strikes that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. Their unique combination of mobility and firepower allows them to identify key targets and eliminate them with ruthless efficiency.

Whether it’s taking down a Tyranid Warrior leading a swarm or neutralizing a heavily armored threat, the Vanguard’s ability to quickly close distances and deliver devastating blows is fantastic.

Read our full Space Marine 2 Review

The Grapnel Launcher: Your Key to Victory

The Grapnel Launcher is more than just a fancy gadget – it’s the heart and soul of the Vanguard class.

This ability allows you to hook into an enemy and perform a powerful diving kick, initiating combat, repositioning during fights, and even escaping dangerous situations. I’ve used this technique countless times to turn the tide of battle in my favor. What truly sets the Grapnel Launcher apart is its versatility.

It’s not just an offensive tool; I’ve often used it to quickly reach elevated positions or cross gaps in the battlefield, giving me a tactical advantage over my foes. Mastering the Grapnel Launcher is crucial to excelling as a Vanguard, and with practice, you’ll find it becomes an extension of your combat style.

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Vanguard Class Weapons

Vanguard Weapons: Precision Meets Firepower

As a Vanguard, you have access to a unique arsenal that perfectly complements your playstyle.

Your primary weapons include the Instigator Bolt Carbine, a balanced weapon for mid-range combat; the Occulus Bolt Carbine, a precision-focused carbine for accurate shots; and the Melta Rifle, a short-range, high-damage weapon ideal for taking down elite targets. For secondary weapons, you have the reliable Bolt Pistol, perfect for close encounters.

In melee combat, you can choose between the fast, agile Combat Knife for quick strikes or the powerful Chainsword for better crowd control. In my experience, the Melta Rifle offers the best versatility for most situations. However, don’t underestimate the Bolters – I’ve taken down many a Tyranid warrior with a well-placed headshot!

The key to success as a Vanguard is adapting your loadout to the mission at hand. For horde-heavy encounters, I prefer the Occulus Bolt Carbine for its precision, paired with a Chainsword for crowd control. When facing tougher, elite enemies, the Melta Rifle and Combat Knife combo has served me well.

View our article for a full overview of Space Marine 2

Vanguard Perks: Enhancing Your Arsenal

Vanguard Class Perks

Vanguard Perks: Enhancing Your Arsenal

The Vanguard class in Space Marine 2 offers a diverse array of perks that allow you to tailor your playstyle and enhance your combat effectiveness. These perks are divided into four categories: Combat, Mobility, Support, and Utility. Let’s explore some key perks and their potential synergies:

Combat Perks

Moving Target reduces ranged damage taken for each melee attack landed, making you more resilient in close combat. This pairs excellently with Retribution, which increases your melee damage after being grabbed or knocked back.

Together, these perks create a formidable melee combatant who becomes stronger as the fight progresses. Duellist increases your Perfect Parry window, synergizing well with Thrill of the Fight, which grants damage reduction after performing a finisher. This combination enhances your survivability in prolonged melee engagements.

Mobility Perks

Grapnel Mastery reduces your Grapnel Launcher cooldown, while Zone of Impact increases the damage of Grapnel Launcher attacks. Combine these with Tactical Prowess, which restores a Grapnel Launcher charge after performing a finisher, to become a highly mobile threat on the battlefield.

Momentum increases your movement speed after using the Grapnel Launcher, perfect for hit-and-run tactics when paired with the aforementioned Grapnel perks.

Support Perks

Battlefield Medic allows you to revive allies faster, making you an invaluable team player. Pair this with Inspiring Presence, which increases nearby allies’ damage output, to become a true force multiplier for your squad. Team Player grants damage reduction when near allies, synergizing well with the above perks to create a support-focused build that excels in team play.

Utility Perk

Consecutive Execution restores an Equipment Charge after rapidly killing multiple enemies. This perk can be a game-changer when combined with combat or mobility perks, allowing you to sustain your offensive capabilities over extended engagements.

Perk Synergy Examples

1. Melee Specialist: Combine Moving Target, Retribution, and Duellist to become a close-combat powerhouse.
2. Grapnel Master: Pair Grapnel Mastery, Zone of Impact, and Tactical Prowess for unparalleled mobility and surprise attacks.
3. Team Support: Use Battlefield Medic, Inspiring Presence, and Team Player to boost your squad’s overall effectiveness.
4. Hybrid Warrior: Mix Grapnel Mastery, Moving Target, and Consecutive Execution for a versatile build that excels in both mobility and sustained combat.

Remember, the key to mastering the Vanguard lies in experimenting with different perk combinations to find what suits your playstyle best. Don’t be afraid to switch things up based on mission types or team composition. With the right perks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the ultimate Space Marine!

Mastering Vanguard Gameplay

The art of playing a Vanguard effectively lies in balancing ranged and melee combat. I’ve found success by opening engagements with precise carbine fire, then closing the distance with the Grapnel Launcher for devastating melee combos.

This versatility allows you to adapt to various combat situations on the fly. One of my favorite techniques is the Grapnel-Melee Combo. Here’s how it works: Grapnel to an enemy, ready your melee weapon as you approach, land with a heavy attack, then immediately follow up with a light attack combo. You can then use the Grapnel again to chain to another target or retreat.

This combo allows you to deal massive damage while staying mobile and relatively safe. In team play, the Vanguard excels at supporting the squad. Use your mobility to flank enemies and create openings for your team, Grapnel to downed allies for quick revives, and focus on elite targets to take pressure off your teammates.

Vanguard vs. Other Classes

As a Vanguard, you offer unique advantages to your squad. You’re more mobile than the Heavy class, better at single-target damage than the Tactical class, and more versatile than the specialized Sniper class.

However, you lack the raw firepower of the Heavy or the extreme mobility of the Assault class, The Vanguard also only has an armor class of 2, making them less durable than the Bulwark class. Play to your strengths by being the flexible, adaptable member of your team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best primary weapon for the Vanguard class?
It depends on your playstyle, but the Instigator Bolt Carbine offers a good balance of range and damage.

Q: How do I use the Grapnel Launcher effectively?
Practice initiating combat with it, using it for mobility, and chaining attacks together. It’s also great for reaching elevated positions and crossing gaps.

Q: Which perks should I prioritize as a Vanguard?
“Moving Target” and “Retribution” are great starting perks. As you level up, consider “Tactical Prowess” for more Grapnel Launcher usage and “Melee Mastery” for increased damage against tough enemies.

Q: How does the Vanguard compare to the Assault class?
The Vanguard is more balanced between ranged and melee combat, while the Assault excels in pure close-quarters fighting. Vanguard offers more tactical flexibility.

Q: Can the Vanguard be effective in both PvE and PvP?
Absolutely! The Vanguard’s versatility makes it a strong choice in both game modes, adapting well to various combat scenarios.

Conclusion

Mastering the Vanguard class in Space Marine 2 is a rewarding journey. With its unique Grapnel Launcher, versatile weapon loadouts, and powerful perks, the Vanguard offers a playstyle that’s both challenging and immensely satisfying.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master the Grapnel-Melee Combo right away – it took me plenty of attempts before I could pull it off consistently. Keep experimenting with different loadouts, perk combinations, and tactics.

Before long, you’ll be dancing through hordes of enemies, leaving nothing but destruction in your wake. For more in-depth guides, tactics, and Warhammer 40k content, be sure to check out our YouTube channel and website. The Emperor protects, battle-brothers – now go forth and purge the xenos threat!