True Shadow Monarch is the evolution of Song Jinwu and Igros in Anime Vanguards, a Roblox tower defense game built around anime-inspired units. You can't pull it from a banner. You earn it by finishing a 100-level Player Quest and clearing the Returned Dungeon, then selling your Song Jinwu and Igros to complete the evolution.
| Stage | Where | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Roster check | Your roster | Keep Song Jinwu and Igros on your roster |
| Player Quest | Lobby | Accept "Do you want to be a player?" and reach Player Level 100 |
| Milestone checks | Lobby well | Interact with the well at Levels 25, 50, 75, and 100 |
| Returned Dungeon | Player Level 100 | Activate the Returned Dungeon Key and clear all 10 waves |
| Evolution | Lobby, then glowing orb | Check your copy, sell it, confirm the prompt, and interact with the orb |
Start the Anime Vanguards Player Quest With Song Jinwu and Igros
The Player Quest depends on your roster. Song Jinwu and Igros has to be on it, because without that unit the "Do you want to be a player?" prompt won't show up in the lobby. Once the unit is in your roster, accept the prompt to start the quest.
Keep Song Jinwu and Igros until the final step. The evolution is permanent and needs this unit at the very end, so don't sell it early.
The quest moves forward through Story Quests, boss defeats, and material collection. At Player Levels 25, 50, 75, and 100, return to the lobby and interact with the well. Each visit registers that milestone, and skipping one stops your progress, so check the well every time you reach one of those levels.
Clear the Returned Dungeon at Player Level 100
Reaching Player Level 100 gives you the Returned Dungeon Key. Activate the key and clear all 10 waves. The evolution comes after this dungeon, so you need to finish it before you sell anything.
Evolve Into True Shadow Monarch at the Glowing Orb
Once the Returned Dungeon is clear, return to the lobby and follow these steps:
- Select the Song Jinwu and Igros unit you want to sell. Check that exact copy before you confirm anything, because the evolution uses it up.
- Confirm the sale and select Yes on the "Delete the Shadow Monarch?" prompt. This is the point of no return, and the copy you selected can't be brought back.
- You're moved to a separate dimension. Interact with the large glowing orb.
- Watch the cutscene. True Shadow Monarch is added to your roster.
Put All 100 System Points Into Damage on True Shadow Monarch
True Shadow Monarch has its own System Level track. Takedowns earn System EXP and System Gold, and the track runs up to Level 100. Each System Level gives one stat point to spread across Damage, Range, Cost, Shadow Damage, and Shadow Cost.
Shadow slots open at set System Levels, and each one lets you bring another shadow into your army:
| System Level | Shadow slots |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 25 | 3 |
| 40 | 4 |
| 60 | 5 |
| 80 | 6 |
For this build, put all 100 points into Damage. Keeping every point in one stat keeps the build focused, and Damage is the stat that makes the unit hit harder.
Choose the Monarch Class and Abilities for a Shadow Build
There are three class trees: Monarch, Pugilist, and Assassin. Monarch is the pick for a shadow build because it buffs your whole Shadow Army. Pugilist suits hands-on play, while Assassin boosts your unit's own combat performance.
The Job Change Quest is the step that sets up a shadow build. It opens at Level 25 and requires A-Rank Hunter status. Head to the Charge Gate, fight through the Throne Room Knights, and defeat Igros the Bloodred. That switches your class to Necromancer, adds Igros to your Shadow Army, and unlocks Shadow Exchange and Monarch's Domain.
You can equip up to three active abilities at a time through the Song Jinwu and Igros NPC. The options are Stealth, Quick Silver, Dagger Rush, Dragon's Fear, Bloodlust, Mutilation, and Ruler's Authority. For this build, equip Ruler's Authority, Mutilation, and Bloodlust.
Best Weapons for True Shadow Monarch and When to Use Each
| Weapon | Effect |
|---|---|
| Venom Fang | Poison and stuns |
| Loyalty Killer | +20% attack damage |
| Bakura's Dagger | +5% damage per upgrade |
| Monarch's Daggers | +30% damage, -5% seconds per attack, +10% range |
| Dragon's Wrath | Bypasses enemy damage reduction |
| Daggers of Destruction | +100% critical rate, +30% damage |
Start with Venom Fang, which adds poison and stuns. Monarch's Daggers are a strong step up for the middle of your run. Daggers of Destruction is the endgame goal, so aim for it whenever it's available because of its large boost to critical hit chance.
If you're fighting enemies with high damage reduction, keep Dragon's Wrath in mind, since it bypasses that reduction.
Build a Shadow Army and Pick the Right Orbs
Shadows come from defeating specific bosses. Once a boss is down, use Arise to recruit its shadow.
The recommended lineup is Shadow Fang, Shadow Dragon, Shadow Fishman, Ant King, Shadow Healer, and Shadow Commander. Each one fills a different role:
- Shadow Fang: Damage and crowd control
- Shadow Dragon: Burn and damage
- Shadow Fishman: Stuns and control
- Ant King: Heavy damage that scales
- Shadow Healer: Economy support
- Shadow Commander: Army-wide buffs
Orbs give one shadow a specific boost, so match each orb to the shadow it helps most:
- Orb of Power: +50% damage. It suits your main damage shadows, such as Shadow Fang, Shadow Dragon, and Ant King.
- Orb of Speed: -20% seconds per attack
- Orb of Sight: +30% range
- Orb of Cost: -10% upgrade costs. It pairs well with Shadow Healer.
- Orb of Retainment: Keeps a shadow's upgrades when you replace it
