Raids: The Ultimate Guide to Beating the Cid Raid in Ruin...

Master the Cid Raid in Anime Vanguards with our complete guide. Learn boss phases, HP thresholds, pillar mechanics, and best strategies for Ruined City in...

Introduction: Why the Cid Raid Matters

Anime Vanguards raids are the pinnacle of cooperative PvE challenges, and the new Cid Raid in Ruined City (Update 5.5) has quickly become the toughest content yet. If you’ve been wiped by the shrinking cage or the confusing pillar puzzle, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every phase of this Anime Vanguards raid, covering HP thresholds, boss transformations, and the exact mechanics you need to survive. By the end, you’ll have a clear, step‑by‑step plan to clear the Raid and claim your rewards.

Phase 1: John Smith and the Caged Timer

The Cid Raid begins with the boss John Smith spawning right in Wave 1. Despite his early arrival, he remains passive until his health drops to approximately 2.83 million HP. That gives you time to set up your units without panic.

Once you damage him below this threshold, the real fight begins. A glowing cage slowly grows around the arena, and a one‑minute timer appears. You must reduce John Smith’s HP to 1.9 million before the cage closes completely. If the cage reaches him, it’s an instant loss.

HP Thresholds and Timers

The following table summarises the critical health points and the time limit for each phase:

Phase	Starting HP	Target HP	Time Limit	Failure Consequence
Cage Phase 1	2.83M	1.9M	~60 seconds	Cage kills entire team
Cage Phase 2	1.9M	900k	~60 seconds	Cage kills entire team
Transformation	900k	–	Automatic	Boss becomes Lord of Shadows

After you hit the 1.9M threshold, the cage resets, and a second timer begins. Now you must push his health from 1.9M down to 900k within another minute. This is a tight DPS check, so having strong damage dealers is essential.

Phase 2: The Lord of Shadows and the Pillar Sequence

Once John Smith reaches 900k HP, he transforms into his true form, Z, the Lord of Shadows. The cage disappears, but a new threat appears: a set of numbered pillars scattered around the arena.

The boss will announce a random four‑digit sequence. You must run to the pillars in the correct order and activate them before he finishes his iconic line “I am atomic”. According to player experience reports, you have only about three to four seconds to complete the sequence. If you fail, the boss wipes the entire team immediately.

Example Pillar Sequence

The exact numbers change every attempt. Here’s an example of how a sequence might look based on community reports:

Step	Pillar Number	Action
1	3	Run to pillar labeled “3” and press the interact key
2	1	Run to pillar “1” and press interact
3	4	Run to pillar “4” and press interact
4	–	Sequence complete – boss is stunned briefly

Pro tip: Use a fast movement unit or a mount (if available in the game mode) to cut down travel time. Many experienced players recommend having one teammate dedicated solely to pillar duty while the rest focus on dealing damage.

The Lord of Shadows will repeat this pillar puzzle several times, each time with a new random order, until his health reaches zero. Because the puzzle resets after each successful completion, you need consistent DPS to chip him down between stun windows.

Recommended Units for the Cid Raid

Choosing the right lineup is critical for both the cage phases and the pillar phase. Below is a table of unit roles that have proven effective in this Anime Vanguards raid:

Unit Role	Why It Works	Example Units
Burst DPS	Safe damage while staying mobile	High‑damage ranged units
Crowd Control (Slow/Freeze)	Slows boss movement & attack speed	Ice‑themed units
Area‑of‑Effect (AoE)	Clears small mobs that appear	Explosive or beam‑type units
Mobility Support	Helps teammates reach pillars faster	Speed‑buffing units
Tank	Absorbs boss aggro during cage phases	High‑HP melee units

Note: Units that can attack while moving are especially valuable because you often need to reposition during the pillar sequences.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Even with the right strategy, the Cid Raid punishes small errors. Here are key points to remember, gathered from community guides and video walkthroughs.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Communicate which teammate will handle the pillars before the fight starts.
Keep your DPS units upgraded to at least level 150 (or the update’s current cap).
Use healing or shield abilities if available – the boss’s attacks hit hard after transformation.

Don’t:

Do not attack John Smith before all units are placed. Triggering the cage early leaves you vulnerable.
Do not ignore the second timer – many teams fail because they relax after the first threshold.
Do not stand near the center when the pillar puzzle starts; you need to see all four pillars.

Mistake Analysis Table

Common Mistake	Consequence	Solution
Triggering cage before setup	Insufficient DPS to beat timers	Wait until all units are deployed
Missing a pillar during puzzle	Instant wipe	Designate one player to memorize sequence
Using slow, stationary units	Cannot reach pillars in time	Include at least one mobile damage dealer
Not upgrading units	Low damage output fails DPS checks	Grind upgrade materials before attempting

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Anime Vanguards Raids

Q: What is the easiest way to beat the Cid Raid in Anime Vanguards?
A: Focus on fast DPS units and assign one teammate to handle the pillar sequence. Build your lineup around two or three solid damage dealers and one support that provides movement speed. Practice the pillar puzzle in a private server first.

Q: How many players do I need for this raid?
A: The Cid Raid can be completed with 3–4 players. With a full team of four, you have more flexibility to assign roles. However, experienced duos have cleared it, but it requires near‑perfect execution.

Q: Does the Lord of Shadows always use the same pillar numbers?
A: No, the sequence is randomized each time. You must react quickly. Some players write down the order as the boss announces it, or use voice chat to call out numbers.

Q: Are there other Anime Vanguards raids besides the Cid Raid?
A: Yes, the game features several raids with different bosses and mechanics. The Cid Raid is currently the hardest in Update 5.5. For an overview of all raid content, visit the official Anime Vanguards game page on Roblox.

Mastering the Cid Raid takes both preparation and teamwork. Follow the HP thresholds, assign a pillar runner, and keep your DPS high. With practice, you’ll be clearing this challenging Anime Vanguards raid consistently. Good luck, and may your pillars be swift!