Here's a quick guide and tips for Shadow Paladin Phantom Blaster Overlord (PBO) Deck users in the RPG mobile card game Vanguard ZERO. Available for Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store).
Shadow Paladin is a clan that harnesses the power of sacrificing allies! Increase your hand size with a Ride Chain or Nemain, then boost your Critical and Power with Phantom Blaster Dragon's skill or Overlord's Persona Blast for massive damage!
Shadow Paladin Phantom Blaster Deck
Notable Info
- Crit Vanguard = Can do 2 or more damage per attack.- Cross Ride Vanguard = Permanent +2000 Power when condition is met.
- Field Control = Can retire units controlled by the opponent.
- 16,000+ RG Columns = Easy to build 17,000~18,000 Power columns.
- 21,000+ RG Columns = It's possible, but this deck build will not heavily rely on building 21,000+ Power RG columns except when using Trigger Check buffs.
First Vanguard and Sentinel Cards (PG)
- Dark Shield, Mac Lir (G1) = Add at least x2, but aim for x3 or x4.
- Blaster Javelin (G1) = Add x4, recommended as Grade 1 Vanguard if possible to activate your FV's skill effect and get Blaster Dark (G2) from your deck, or place to a rear guard circle to get Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) from your deck.
- Blaster Dark (G2) = Add x1~x2, use as Grade 2 Vanguard if possible. Just add x1 or x2 because this unit's skill is very limited, especially when PBO (G3) becomes your Vanguard. Other players use x2 just in case they draw Blaster Dark (G2) after mulligan and during 1st turn's draw phase.
- Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) = Aim for x4, one of your main or sub Vanguards for this build.
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = Aim for x4, your main Vanguard for this build. 11,000 base Power Vanguard (Cross Ride: Phantom Blaster Dragon is in your Soul: +2000 Power). When it attacks a Vanguard, Persona Blast (discard a PBO (G3) from your hand), and this unit gets +10,000 Power and Critical +1 until end of turn. CB2 and retire 1 of your rear guards, to retire 1 of your opponent's rear guards.
- Witch of Nostrum, Arianrhod (G1) = Limit to x1~x2 if you want to use, to help recycle a card in hand, to get more Grade 2 Intercept cards, a Sentinel Card (PG), or any cards that you need like PBD (G3) or PBO (G3).
- Darkside Pegasus (G1) = Limit to x1 or x2, optional card used to Boost a column's Power (+2000) if needed, especially for Grade 2 units.
- Nightmare Painter (G1) = Limit to x1~x2, optional card used to place a card like PBD (G3) into your Soul to activate PBO's (G3) Cross Ride for example.
- Phantom Bringer Demon (G1) = Limit to x1~x2, CB1 and retire 2 rear guards (can also choose this card) to get PBO (G3) from your deck to your hand. A bit costly, so better add if you have 3 or less PBO (G3) cards to play.
- Knight of Nullity, Masquerade (G2) = Add x3~x4, can reach 12,000 Power if you have a "Blaster" Vanguard.
- Darkness Maiden, Macha (G2) = Limit to x1~x2, optional, possible sub for Nemain (G2) if you don't have them. CB2 to call a Grade 1 or less card from your deck to another rear guard circle in the same column as this unit. Balance with your other Counter Blast users.
- Knight of Darkness, Rugos (G2) = Add if you need more cards, nice base Power and Defense.
- Moonlight Witch, Vaha (G2) = Limit to x1~x2, optional, possible sub for Nemain (G2) if you don't have them. When attack hits, CB2 to draw a card. Balance with your other Counter Blast users.
- The Dark Dictator (G3) = Limit to x1 or x2, mainly used as a Rear Guard, SB3 to buff 2 front rear guards with +5000 Power until end of turn.
- NOTE: Feel free to try other cards not listed here, and add any Grade 3 cards you have available, just make sure to follow the recommended Trigger Set below.
- Skull Witch, Nemain (G2) = Add x3~x4, low base Power that requires a Booster, but an awesome card used to draw 2 cards (CB1 and discard a card).
- NOTE: Feel free to try other cards not listed here, and add any Grade 3 cards you have available, just make sure to follow the recommended Trigger Set below.
Recommended Cards (Must Have)
- Blaster Dark (G2) = Add x1~x2, use as Grade 2 Vanguard if possible. Just add x1 or x2 because this unit's skill is very limited, especially when PBO (G3) becomes your Vanguard. Other players use x2 just in case they draw Blaster Dark (G2) after mulligan and during 1st turn's draw phase.
- Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) = Aim for x4, one of your main or sub Vanguards for this build.
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = Aim for x4, your main Vanguard for this build. 11,000 base Power Vanguard (Cross Ride: Phantom Blaster Dragon is in your Soul: +2000 Power). When it attacks a Vanguard, Persona Blast (discard a PBO (G3) from your hand), and this unit gets +10,000 Power and Critical +1 until end of turn. CB2 and retire 1 of your rear guards, to retire 1 of your opponent's rear guards.
Suggested Cards To Add (Budget Cards)
Grade 1 Cards
- Black Sage, Charon (G1) = Add x3~x4, nice base Power and Defense.- Witch of Nostrum, Arianrhod (G1) = Limit to x1~x2 if you want to use, to help recycle a card in hand, to get more Grade 2 Intercept cards, a Sentinel Card (PG), or any cards that you need like PBD (G3) or PBO (G3).
- Nightmare Painter (G1) = Limit to x1~x2, optional card used to place a card like PBD (G3) into your Soul to activate PBO's (G3) Cross Ride for example.
- Phantom Bringer Demon (G1) = Limit to x1~x2, CB1 and retire 2 rear guards (can also choose this card) to get PBO (G3) from your deck to your hand. A bit costly, so better add if you have 3 or less PBO (G3) cards to play.
Grade 2 Cards
- Cursed Lancer (G2) = Add x3~x4, for "Counter Charge" to use more "Counter Blasts".- Knight of Nullity, Masquerade (G2) = Add x3~x4, can reach 12,000 Power if you have a "Blaster" Vanguard.
- Knight of Darkness, Rugos (G2) = Add if you need more cards, nice base Power and Defense.
- Moonlight Witch, Vaha (G2) = Limit to x1~x2, optional, possible sub for Nemain (G2) if you don't have them. When attack hits, CB2 to draw a card. Balance with your other Counter Blast users.
Grade 3 Cards
- Dark Mage, Badhabh Caar (G3) = Add x4, when placed, call the top card of your deck. Also consider placing this unit to your back row depending on your strategy.- The Dark Dictator (G3) = Limit to x1 or x2, mainly used as a Rear Guard, SB3 to buff 2 front rear guards with +5000 Power until end of turn.
- NOTE: Feel free to try other cards not listed here, and add any Grade 3 cards you have available, just make sure to follow the recommended Trigger Set below.
RRR and Other Cards (If Available)
- NOTE: Feel free to try other cards not listed here, and add any Grade 3 cards you have available, just make sure to follow the recommended Trigger Set below.
Example Deck Builds
- NOTE: For cards that you don't have, just use the guide above to add filler cards to your deck for now, but if you want to add cards to the existing ones, feel free to do so. Also note that new cards might become available in the future, so feel free to test them out as well.
(*Use as reference, feel free to remove/add cards.)
(*Replace x1 Nemain (G2) with x1 Masquerade (G2) or x1 Blaster Dark (G2) if you like.)
(*Replace x1 Nemain (G2) with x1 Masquerade (G2) or x1 Blaster Dark (G2) if you like.)
(*Use as reference, feel free to remove/add cards.)
(*Replace x1 Nemain (G2) or Blaster Dark (G2) with x1 Masquerade (G2) if you like.)
(*Replace x1 Nemain (G2) or Blaster Dark (G2) with x1 Masquerade (G2) if you like.)
Trigger Sets
Rank Fight Trigger Set
- Critical Trigger (x0), Draw Trigger (x9), Stand Trigger (x0), and Heal Trigger (x4)- Critical Trigger (x2), Draw Trigger (x7), Stand Trigger (x0), and Heal Trigger (x4)
- If you want to add Critical Triggers, replace x1 PBD (G3) with x1 The Dark Dictator (G3).
- Refer to the build above (screenshot) for example Triggers Set for specific cards. Reduce and balance Draw Triggers if you are getting "Deck Outs".
- It is best to set your Heal Triggers to your Dark Mage, Badhabh Caar (G3).
For Non Rank Fight Battles
- NOTE: Feel free to experiment with other Trigger Sets according to your preference. Add more Critical Triggers and/or Stand Triggers if you want to use this deck for certain events, like non Rank Fights that would require you to finish the battle asap.Shadow Paladin Battle Strategies
Mulligan (Starting Cards)
- Blaster Javelin (G1) = Keep x1, this card is your top priority to also ensure a Grade 2 ride! Keep any G1 card if you didn't get this card.
- Any Grade 2 Card = Keep at least x1, more if you like. Only keep Nemain (G2) if you have Blaster Javelin (G1) or other G2 card though to avoid using her as Grade 2 Vanguard.
- Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) or another Blaster Javelin (G1) = Keep x1 to ensure a Grade 3 ride.
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = Keep x1 if you have G1 and G2 rides secured.
- Dark Shield, Mac Lir (G1) = Keep at least x1.
- Black Sage, Charon (G1) or Witch of Nostrum, Arianrhod (G1) = Keep x1, good alternatives if you don't have the cards above.
- Any Grade 2 Card = Keep at least x1, more if you like. Only keep Nemain (G2) if you have Blaster Javelin (G1) or other G2 card though to avoid using her as Grade 2 Vanguard.
- Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) or another Blaster Javelin (G1) = Keep x1 to ensure a Grade 3 ride.
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = Keep x1 if you have G1 and G2 rides secured.
- Dark Shield, Mac Lir (G1) = Keep at least x1.
- Black Sage, Charon (G1) or Witch of Nostrum, Arianrhod (G1) = Keep x1, good alternatives if you don't have the cards above.
Basic Battle Strategies
- Try to ride Blaster Javelin (G1) > Blaster Dark (G2) > PBD (G3) > PBO (G3).- In case something went wrong early on, at least focus on riding PBD (G3) > PBO (G3) to pull out your FV from your Soul, then to activate Cross Ride (permanent +2000 Power to PBO (G3)).
- A 13,000 Power Vanguard would force your opponent to adjust their combos to 13k/18k/23k.
- TIP: This is optional but there is one way that you can hasten PBO's (G3) Cross Ride, by using Nightmare Painter (G1). During your 2nd turn, use Nightmare Painter (G1) to place PBD (G3) to your Soul, then ride PBO (G3) next turn and activate Cross Ride!
- In case you didn't ride PBD (G3) early on, you can still do Cross Ride by using same method.
- You can also use Darkness Maiden, Macha (G2) to call Nightmare Painter (G1) from your deck!
- If you still don't have PBD (G3) early on, use cards that would help you draw cards to get PBD (G3) or Blaster Javelin (G1). Ride PBO (G3) if you have no other choice though.
Persona Blasts
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = When PBO (G3) attacks a Vanguard, discard another PBO (G3) card in hand to activate skill (+10,000 Power and Critical +1 until the end of turn).- Opponent's Damage is Below 4 = Before using Persona Blast, better attack the Vanguard with your Rear Guards first at least once because PBO (G3) without a Booster can easily reach 21,000 Power (23,000 with Cross Ride). Use a Booster if needed vs Vanguard with higher base Power.
- Opponent's Damage is 4 = You can also use this unit to attack first to check if you can end the battle, or at least pop a Sentinel Card (PG).
- Opponent's Damage is 5 = Not recommended to use skill, unless he/she doesn't have Sentinel Cards (PG) left (4/x), no cards in hand, or if you want to gamble, to deal 2 Damage in case your opponent draws a Heal Trigger.
Counter Blasts
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = Take note that you need to wisely use your Counter Blasts, so if possible limit the others and focus more on using PBO's (G3) CB2 skill to mainly retire 1 of your opponent's Grade 2 Intercept cards, to open up more attack opportunities.
- Skull Witch, Nemain (G2) = Awesome card used to draw 2 cards (CB1 and discard a card).
- Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) = CB2, retire 3 of your rear-guards to retire 1 of your opponent's rear-guards, and this unit gets +10,000 Power and Critical +1 until end of turn. If you need more units in play, use cards that can call units from your deck for example.
- Moonlight Witch, Vaha (G2) = CB2, used to draw a card.
- Darkness Maiden, Macha (G2) = CB2, used to call a Grade 1 card like Nightmare Painter (G1) or Phantom Bringer Demon (G1).
Soul Blasts
How To Build 21,000+ Power Columns
Vanguard + Booster
- Phantom Blaster Overlord (G3) = 11,000 base Power Vanguard (Cross Ride: Phantom Blaster Dragon is in your Soul: +2000 Power), can reach 21,000 Power with Cross Ride and 8,000 Booster (can be pushed to 31,000 with Persona Blast).- Charon (G1) + PBO (G3) = 19,000 total Power (21,000 Power with Cross Ride).
- Phantom Blaster Dragon (G3) = CB2, retire 3 of your rear-guards to retire 1 of your opponent's rear-guards, and this unit gets +10,000 Power and Critical +1 until end of turn. Can reach 21,000 Power with both skills active (Blaster Dark (G2) is in your Soul).
Rear Guards + Booster
- Black Sage, Charon (G1) = 8,000 Power Booster.- Charon (G1) + Any Rear Guard with 8,000~11,000 Power = 16,000~19,000 total Power (21,000~24,000 Power with +5,000 "Trigger Check" buff).
- Darkside Pegasus (G1) = Buff a unit's Power (+2000 until the end of turn). Buff columns listed above or these example columns:
- Charon (G1) + PBO (G3) = 19,000 total Power (21,000 Power with buff).
- Charon (G1) + Masquerade (G2) = 20,000 total Power (22,000 Power with buff).
- NOTE: Other cards not included here are also OK to use but some are very situational or unsustainable, use them if you like. Also adjust the numbers above depending on your Booster's Power.
More Vanguard ZERO Tips and Guides:
- Beginner's Tips Re-Rolling Guide- Beginner's Quick Tips and Guide
- Beginner's Quick Battle Tips
- Farming Materials and Crafting Cards Tips and Guide
That's it guys, thank you for checking our Shadow Paladin Phantom Blaster Deck Build and Guide for the Card Battle RPG mobile game - Vanguard ZERO. Available for Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store).
