Vanguards
Released Oct 2016
In this fast-paced 3 vs. 3 MOBA-styled battle, hero knights use elemental powers to gain control over a ghost that can be placed on enemy bases to lower these bases' shields and drain them of their energy.
71% positive · 101 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Vanguards is a free-to-play MOBA created by BYU animation students as a class project. It launched on October 28, 2016, received a graphics and optimization patch on November 8, 2016, and then shipped a final art and bug-fix update on May 28, 2017. In that final update post, the developers explicitly stated: "This will likely be the last update for Vanguards. It was built as a student project and we are extremely happy with the success it has found on Steam." No further updates, announcements, or content of any kind have been posted since May 28, 2017. The game is complete as-is and no additional content is planned.
Evidence
Developer explicitly stated 'This will likely be the last update for Vanguards,' confirming development is complete. The post included final art asset upgrades and bug fixes.
Post-launch patch adding graphics settings and performance optimizations, indicating active but short-lived post-launch support.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
BYU Center for Animation
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP
About this game
In this fast-paced 3 vs. 3 MOBA-styled battle, hero knights use elemental powers to gain control over a ghost that can be placed on enemy bases to lower these bases' shields and drain them of their energy.
To win, the player must destroy both enemy bases before their own are destroyed.
MOBAs generally take around a half hour or more. Vanguards introduces a fun, 8-12 minute MOBA experience, great for a quick after-dinner game with family or friends before rushing on with life.
The novelty of this MOBA comes from the draining mechanic of the ghost, because it guarantees short gameplay. Once placed on a base, it is always draining the base it was most recently placed on, even when removed.
The game focuses on map objectives and team fights more than difficult to learn mechanics or complex item systems.
Created by college students as part of the BYU Animation program.
Play with friends or play against our Bots!
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
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- While on a base, the ghost drains energy out of the base and leaves it vulnerable to additional attack by the opposing team.
- If a base is under attack by the enemy, defending players must stand in the base area to remove the ghost. The shield goes back up immediately when the ghost is released and the base can no longer be directly attacked. The defending team, however, must place the ghost on an enemy base before the ghost will stop draining power from their own base.
To win, the player must destroy both enemy bases before their own are destroyed.
MOBAs generally take around a half hour or more. Vanguards introduces a fun, 8-12 minute MOBA experience, great for a quick after-dinner game with family or friends before rushing on with life.
The novelty of this MOBA comes from the draining mechanic of the ghost, because it guarantees short gameplay. Once placed on a base, it is always draining the base it was most recently placed on, even when removed.
The game focuses on map objectives and team fights more than difficult to learn mechanics or complex item systems.
Created by college students as part of the BYU Animation program.
Play with friends or play against our Bots!
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
------------------
- While on a base, the ghost drains energy out of the base and leaves it vulnerable to additional attack by the opposing team.
- If a base is under attack by the enemy, defending players must stand in the base area to remove the ghost. The shield goes back up immediately when the ghost is released and the base can no longer be directly attacked. The defending team, however, must place the ghost on an enemy base before the ghost will stop draining power from their own base.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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