The best Vanguard build makes the most of the class’ single target damage and precision-heavy playstyle in Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2. They rely a fair bit on melee combat like the Assault class, however, unlike Assault Marines, they have access to certain primary weapons as well.
The combination of Primary, Secondary, and Melee weapons gives them a fair bit of playstyle versatility, allowing them to be one of the more balanced options for beginners.
Here is an amazing build option that you can try if you are looking to main the Vanguard class in Space Marine 2.
Best Perks for the Vanguard class in Space Marine 2
When picking the best Perks for the Vanguard class you will need to focus on those skills which will let you increase its single-target damage. Pick the Perks that let you maximize the Grapel Launcher ability which will let you propel to an enemy and perform a Diving Kick.
Here are some of the Perks that you should be focusing on for the Vanguard class in Space Marine 2:
Core Perks:
| Perk | Description | Unlock Level |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Target | Each Melee Attack you land reduces the Ranged Damage you take by 1% (up to 15%). If you do not land a Melee Attack for 3 seconds, the effect ends. | Level 2 |
| Duelist | Perfect Parry window increases by 50%. | Level 3 |
| Retribution | After you are grabbed or knocked back, you deal 20% more Melee Damage for 10 seconds. | Level 4 |
Team Perks:
| Perk | Description | Unlock Level |
|---|---|---|
| Unmatched Zeal | Melee Finishers of Extremis enemies additionally restore a small amount of Health for any Squad Member. | Level 13 |
Gear Perks:
| Perks | Description | Unlock Level |
|---|---|---|
| Restless Fortitude | After a Diving Kick, you take 10% less Ranged Damage for 10 seconds. | Level 6 |
| Zone of Impact | Performing a Finisher with the Grapnel Launcher deals a small amount of Damage to nearby enemies. | Level 7 |
| Combat Readiness | Grapnel Launcher recharges 20% faster. | Level 24 |
Team Perks:
| Perks | Description | Unlock Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tactical Prowess | Performing a Finisher with the Grapnel Launcher restores its Charge | Unlock Level 9 |
Best weapons and weapon perks for Vanguard class in Space Marine 2
The best weapons to pick for the Vanguard class will be those armament that allow the class to make the most of its mid-to-close range combat. Here are the weapons that you should be running:
- Heavy Bolt Rifle (Primary Weapon)
- Plasma Pistol (Secondary Weapon)
- Chainsword (Melee Weapon)
Best Heavy Bolt Rifle (Primary Weapon) Vanguard build
| Best Perks | Description |
|---|---|
| Great Might | Damage increases by 10% against Terminus enemies |
| Able Reload | After using a Class Ability, the equipped Weapon instantly reloads |
| Perpetual Precision | Maximum Spread decreases by 10% |
| Tyranid Eliminator | Damage against Tyranid enemies increases by 10% |
| Head Hunter | Headshots deal 10% more Damage |
| Rampage | After killing 10 enemies in rapid succession, you deal 25% more Damage for 5 seconds. Cooldown is 30 seconds |
| Rapid Health | When your Health is below 30%, killing 10 enemies in rapid succession restores Health by 5%. Cooldown is 30 seconds |
The Heavy Bolt Rifle will be a great pick for mid-ranged combat, and you will be relying on this quite a bit when you are not too keen on closing the gap with the enemy.
Best Plasma Pistol (Secondary Weapon) Vanguard build
| Best Perks | Description |
|---|---|
| Great Might | Damage increases by 10% against Terminus enemies |
| Retaliation | After a perfectly timed Dodge, you deal 25% more Damage for 5 seconds |
| Perpetual Precision | Maximum Spread decreases by 10% |
| Blast Radius | Damage radius of a Charged Shot increases by 5% |
| Supercharged Shot | Damage from a Charged Shot increases by 10% |
| Head Hunter | Headshots deal 10% more Damage |
| Perfect Radius | After a perfectly timed Dodge, the Damage radius of a Charged Shot increases by 10% for 5 seconds |
| Fast Venting | Weapons cool 15% faster |
The Plasma Pistol has one of the best burst damage in close-range combat. It will be the perfect pick for the Vanguard class.
Best Chainsword (Melee Weapon) Vanguard class
| Best Perks | Effect |
|---|---|
| Perpetual Strength | Melee Damage increases by 5% |
| Fast Preparation | Majoris or higher level enemy kills with a Melee Weapon increases damage by +25% for 5 seconds |
| Kill Streak | After killing 10 enemies in rapid succession with a Light Combo, you do not lose control upon taking Heavy Hits and you cannot be knocked back for 5 seconds. Cooldown is 10 seconds |
| Armoured Strength | When you have full Armour, Melee Damage increases by 10% |
| Full Throttle | Switches Punch with Full Throttle. Hold the attack button to prepare the attack Damage increases by 100% per 1 second while preparing |
| Chaos Slayer | Melee Damage against Chaos enemies increases by 10% |
| Tyranid Slayer | Melee Damage against Tyranid enemies increases by 10% |
| Swift Recovery | Heavy Attacks restore 100% more Contested Health. This applies to the following attacks: Quick Punch, Front Kick, Shoulder Bash, Stomp |
You will be relying on this weapon a lot after using the Grapel Launcher on enemies. It has incredible DPS potential and will let you cleave through enemies with ease.
How to play the Vanguard class in Space Marine 2
As mentioned, the Vanguard is one of the easier classes to pick up in Space Marine 2. To master its playstyle you will need to get used to ranged and melee combat.
You will need to alternate between the styles and make the most of the Grapel Launcher to execute enemies. Additionally, as Vanguards have one of the highest single-target damage like the Sniper class, you will likely want to focus on the key targets and strong enemies as soon as you spot them.
Your goal is to be a DPS powerhouse for your team and make completing missions significantly easier.
