If you’ve seen players running around with Reaper Scissors (Riyo) in Anime Vanguards, you’re probably wondering where it drops. The game doesn’t exactly explain the entire process, and it’s easy to miss one of the requirements if you’re jumping straight into the event.
The good news is that getting Riyo isn’t impossible—it just takes some progression and a bit of luck. I made the mistake of thinking I could unlock the unit after a few Zombie Mode runs, but there’s actually a progression path you need to follow first.
Here’s the complete walkthrough so you know exactly what to do.
Enter the Zombie Mode Event
Everything related to Reaper Scissors (Riyo) begins in the Zombie Mode Event.
When you load into Anime Vanguards, head over to the event area, which is usually located near the center of the main lobby. This special mode contains all of the progression needed to eventually unlock the unit.
If you haven’t played Zombie Mode before, don’t worry about farming portals immediately. Your first priority is unlocking the required content.
Progress Until You Reach Zone 4
Your next objective is reaching Zone 4 in Zombie Mode.
This is one of the most important requirements because the content needed to obtain Riyo doesn’t become available until you’ve progressed this far.
Depending on your team, this may take a little while, so focus on clearing stages consistently rather than rushing through them.
Once Zone 4 is unlocked, you’re ready for the next step.
Reach Level 15 on the Zombie Battle Pass
Simply reaching Zone 4 isn’t enough.
You’ll also need to level up the Zombie Battle Pass until you reach Level 15.
This unlock is required before you can fully access the NPC and continue with the farming process.
If you’re below Level 15, keep playing Zombie Mode to earn Battle Pass progress before moving on.
Buy Severed Ruin Portals
After meeting both requirements, you can begin purchasing Severed Ruin Portals.
These portals are the main activity you’ll be farming for Reaper Scissors (Riyo), so expect to complete them multiple times.
Don’t expect to get the unit immediately. Most players will need several runs before reaching the next stage of the process.
Upgrade Your Portal to Tier 4
As you continue clearing Severed Ruin Portals, work on upgrading them until they reach Tier 4.
This milestone is important because Tier 4 portals unlock the chance to receive a Severed Secret Portal, which is what ultimately leads to Riyo.
Without reaching Tier 4, the Secret Portal cannot appear.
Get the Severed Secret Portal
Once your portal reaches Tier 4, every completed run has a chance to reward you with a Severed Secret Portal.
This part of the grind is completely based on RNG, so some players may get lucky early while others might need significantly more attempts.
Fortunately, Anime Vanguards includes a pity system.
If you haven’t received a Secret Portal after enough attempts, you’ll automatically be guaranteed one after 30 runs, ensuring that bad luck won’t stop your progress forever.
Clear the Secret Portal to Unlock Reaper Scissors (Riyo)
After obtaining the Severed Secret Portal, enter it and successfully complete the stage.
Clearing this portal rewards you with Reaper Scissors (Riyo), finishing the entire unlock process.
At that point, the grind is over, and you’ll have the new unit added to your collection.
Tips to Farm Riyo Faster
While you can’t completely avoid the grind, these tips can make the process much smoother:
- Focus on unlocking Zone 4 before worrying about portals.
- Reach Zombie Battle Pass Level 15 as early as possible.
- Farm Severed Ruin Portals continuously instead of switching activities.
- Upgrade every portal to Tier 4 whenever possible.
- Keep track of your runs if you’re approaching the 30-run pity for the guaranteed Secret Portal.
- Playing with stronger teammates can speed up portal clears and reduce farming time.
Is Reaper Scissors (Riyo) Worth the Grind?
If you’re planning to play a lot of the current update, Riyo is definitely a unit worth chasing.
The biggest hurdle isn’t difficulty—it’s simply the amount of progression required before the Secret Portal becomes available. Thankfully, the built-in pity system means every run moves you closer to your goal, even if your RNG isn’t great.
Unlocking Reaper Scissors (Riyo) in Anime Vanguards is a multi-step process that starts in Zombie Mode. First, reach Zone 4, then level your Zombie Battle Pass to Level 15. After that, purchase and farm Severed Ruin Portals, upgrade them to Tier 4, and keep running them until you receive a Severed Secret Portal. If luck isn’t on your side, the 30-run pity system guarantees you’ll eventually get one. Complete the Secret Portal, and Reaper Scissors (Riyo) will finally be yours.