Anime Vanguards Zombies Mode: Winter LTM Strategy Guide 2026

Master the Anime Vanguards zombies mode with our complete guide. Learn strategies, rewards, Takordas locations, and AFK farming tips for the winter LTM.

If you are a fan of anime-themed tower defense games, you have probably heard about the Anime Vanguards zombies mode. This limited-time mode (LTM) arrived with the winter season and has quickly become one of the most exciting content drops in the game. Unlike traditional modes, here you face endless hordes of the Lich King's minions in a style inspired by Plants vs. Zombies, but with your favorite anime characters.

The big twist is that Anime Vanguards zombies mode offers two gameplay variants: Event Mode and Infinite Mode. In Event Mode, you enter without any of your inventory and use borrowed units, which levels the playing field for everyone. In Infinite Mode, you bring your own units and the challenge scales without limit. This duality makes it perfect for both beginners and veterans looking to squeeze every round for loot.

What makes this Anime Vanguards zombies mode unique is its winter setting and the need for cooperative team play with up to 4 players. Matches can stretch for hours, but there are also strategies for efficient farming. Read on for all the secrets, from finding the 5 hidden Takordas to the easiest method for AFK farming winter gifts.

Game Modes: Event vs. Infinite

One of the most important decisions when starting a match is choosing between the two available modes. Both share the same map, but the experience changes dramatically.

Event Mode: The Entry Point

In Event Mode, you do not need to own any units. The game lends you a limited set of heroes so you can try the mode without pressure. It is ideal for learning the basic mechanics: zombie waves, bosses that appear every set number of rounds, and the location of gift chests.

Feature	Event Mode	Infinite Mode
Units	Borrowed from the game	Your own units
Difficulty	Progressive, fixed cap	Scales without limit
Max duration	~30 rounds	Unlimited
Rewards	Winter gifts	Gifts + EXP
Target audience	Novices and casuals	Veterans and farmers

Infinite Mode: The True Challenge

The Anime Vanguards zombies mode in Infinite Mode is where experienced players test their strategies. Here you can use your upgraded units, but the difficulty increases nonstop. Community reports indicate that starting from round 50, zombies start having absurd stats.

"In my experience, the key is rotating units with area damage and not neglecting crowd control," comments a veteran player on forums. "If you reach round 70 without a good stunner, you are dead."

Strategies for Surviving Zombies Mode

To dominate this mode, you need more than just powerful units. Placement and timing are crucial. Here is a step-by-step guide based on the most effective community strategies.

Initial Preparation

Unit placement: Place main DPS units at the curves of the path to maximize area of effect.
Upgrade priority: Upgrade the range of area damage (AOE) units first. Enemies come in large groups.
Resource management: Do not spend all your gold in the early rounds. Save for emergencies.

Unit Type	Example	Function in Zombies Mode
Main DPS	Rukia (with skin)	Taking down bosses
Crowd Control	Zenitsu with stun	Slowing waves
Support	Units that grant health or shields	Keeping the team alive
Farmer	Low-rank but fast units	Generating extra gold

How to Find the 5 Takordas

One of the most sought-after side objectives in Anime Vanguards zombies mode are the 5 Takordas hidden across the map. These objects unlock a secret song and possibly an exclusive skin. According to TikTok and YouTube guides, the locations are:

Takorda 1: Behind the snowy tree in the northwest corner.
Takorda 2: Under the ice bridge, right in the center.
Takorda 3: Inside the cave lit with torches.
Takorda 4: On the roof of the tallest cabin.
Takorda 5: At the altar with candles, at the end of the main path.

"I got all 5 on my third match. The secret song is a banger, worth the search," shares a player on social media.

Rewards and How to Farm Efficiently

The Anime Vanguards zombies mode is the primary source of winter gifts during the event. These gifts contain limited units, skins, and other collectible items. The community has developed several methods to maximize the acquisition of these prizes.

AFK Method for Winter Gifts

One of the most popular videos shows a method for leaving the game AFK (away from keyboard) while farming gifts. It consists of:

Choose Infinite Mode on low difficulty.
Place units with high survivability capabilities.
Use a simple macro to restart the match whenever the team dies.

Warning: Some players report that using macros may go against the terms of service. Use at your own risk.

Reward Table by Wave

Round	Base Reward	Gift Probability	Notes
1-10	10 EXP	5%	Easy, ideal for warming up
11-20	25 EXP	15%	First bosses appear
21-30	50 EXP	30%	Medium difficulty
31-40	75 EXP	45%	Zombies gain speed
41-50	100 EXP	60%	Bosses with more health
50+	150 EXP	80%	Experts only

Secrets and Easter Eggs

Beyond the Takordas, the Anime Vanguards zombies mode hides several secrets that the most dedicated players have discovered.

The Secret Song

Upon collecting all 5 Takordas, an animation activates in the center of the map and a hidden musical track begins playing. There is no official confirmation, but the community believes this song could be linked to a future character or event.

The Hidden Anthem

In addition to the Takordas song, there is a second secret: the "Anthem Song." To unlock it, you must complete the full LTM questline, which includes:

Surviving 20 rounds in Event Mode.
Defeating the special boss on round 15 in Infinite Mode.
Finding at least 3 of the 5 Takordas.

"Completing the questline took me about 4 hours, but the reward was a unique title and the song as a menu background," states a player on Discord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the zombies mode permanent?

No. Anime Vanguards zombies mode is a limited-time mode (LTM) associated with the winter season. There is no exact end date, but the community expects it to last until late January 2027.

Can I play solo?

Yes, although it is designed for 4 players. The difficulty adjusts automatically if you play solo, but waves can become overwhelming more quickly.

Can winter gifts be redeemed after the event ends?

No. All gifts obtained during the Anime Vanguards zombies mode must be opened before the event ends. Items they contain will transfer to your permanent inventory.

What is the best unit for this mode?

According to YouTube guides, Rukia (with her winter skin) is considered the best DPS unit. However, Zenitsu with stun is essential for crowd control in high rounds.

This article is based on community experience and official sources. For more information, visit the official Anime Vanguards Wiki for updated data on units and events.