The 10 Isekai Anime Featuring Experience Levels For Gamers
Yorozuya
Tops & Rankings
Experience levels can add a unique appeal to an isekai anime.
Incorporating this concept adds a reference to videogames, making the story more interesting and original. MMORPG lovers won’t have any problem enjoying this type of show.
To make things easier for you, we have put together a list of the best isekai anime with experience levels, all in one place for your viewing pleasure. You just have to grab a snack and enjoy one of these series.
Note that this list is based on our personal preferences and experiences.
Table of Contents
10. So I’m a Spider, So What?
So I’m a Spider, So What? is a unique but intriguing isekai anime that was released in 2021.
The story revolves around a group of students who were reincarnated in an alternate world after being caught in the crossfire caused by the battle between the Hero and the Demon King in another dimension.
And much to everyone’s surprise, the protagonist is reincarnated as a spider and must quickly adapt to her new life.
While the premise may seem interesting, the anime kinda falls short in terms of innovation. The beginning of the show is super slow-paced, so you will need to be patient to fully appreciate the plot.
However, if you are willing to wait, the story becomes more interesting as it progresses.
Regarding the topic at hand, So I’m a Spider, So What? features an interesting level-up system, where the protagonist evolves and changes class after reaching certain levels, similar to the way Pokémon does.
9. Arifureta – From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest is a 2019 anime that consists of 13 enjoyable episodes.
A group of high school students is transported to a parallel world as heroes, tasked with saving it from destruction.
While all of the students seem to have gained powerful abilities, the main character, Nagumo Hajime, is reincarnated with poor statistics.
His peers discriminate against him and abandon him in a seemingly endless dungeon, but when he meets a 300-year-old vampire in that cave, things change.
Arifureta takes a unique and interesting turn away from the typical isekai tropes. Instead of focusing on fighting or saving a kingdom, the anime explores the psychology and romance of its characters.
If you’re looking for a more serious and unique isekai experience focused on Nagumo’s rise, with a leveling system similar to video games, then Arifureta is worth checking out.
8. BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense.
BOFURI is a unique take on the typical isekai anime, released in 2020 with just 12 episodes.
The protagonist, Kaede Honjou, is invited by her friend to play a virtual reality MMORPG game. As a beginner, she chooses a large shield as her weapon, levels it extensively, and her tactic proves surprisingly effective.
That’s how Kaede soon becomes a legend with her unmatched defense tactics, grinding a lot of levels with her unique combat style.
BOFURI is a fun and lighthearted anime that offers a refreshing twist on traditional isekai anime with a strong focus on humor.
Despite its comedic elements, the anime still provides plenty of action-packed scenes and a unique strong female protagonist which is not the average skilled swordsman.
7. King’s Avatar
King’s Avatar is a 2017 anime series that showcases a perfect combination of action and character development. The show features 12 captivating episodes from a Chinese production and is sure to keep you entertained.
The story revolves around Ye Xiu, who was once regarded as the top player in the popular online video game Glory.
After getting dismissed from his team, Ye Xiu returns to the game when the developer launches a new server.
Armed with 10 years of experience and memories, he sets out to reclaim what’s his by grinding for experience levels and quickly becoming a legendary player.
What sets King’s Avatar apart is the quality of its animation and well-characterized cast of characters.
If you’re a fan of the gaming world mixed with anime, this anime is for sure a great choice. Moreover, the main character Ye Xiu is both cool and brilliant and is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
6. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online, for better or for worse, is one of the most talked about isekai anime.
It consists of multiple seasons, each set in a different alternate world, all with exp systems. The protagonist, Kirito, is one of the most overpowered MC in the isekai anime genre, and he must navigate different challenges in different MMORPG worlds.
It’s difficult to discuss Sword Art Online as a whole, as the first two seasons are quite bad for their cliché situations, poorly written characters, and weak plotlines.
However, the third season, Alicization, has received praise for its improvement and is a super good product.
If you have the patience to stick through the first two seasons, then watching Sword Art Online could be worth it. But if you’re looking for a more consistent experience, you might consider reading the light novel instead.
5. Overlord
Overlord is one of the best isekai anime in recent years, bringing a fresh take on the genre with a cool dark-fantasy setting.
Momonga is the strongest player in Yggdrasil, an online MMORPG that’s about to shut down its servers.
Momonga decides to log in one last time before saying goodbye to the game, but he’s surprised to find himself trapped in the game world.
But the protagonist isn’t intimidated and decides to become the ultimate king of the world by out-leveling everyone.
The rawness of Momonga’s actions and their real impact on the people of the world is what makes Overlord stand out. And that’s exactly why we consider this show as one of the best isekai anime with an anti-hero MC.
This is not the typical show with a weak and generous protagonist, but instead one with a more complex and interesting anti-hero MC that stands out from the crowd.
4. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is a 2016 anime that takes its inspiration from the light novel of the same name.
The protagonist, Haruhiro, finds himself mysteriously transported to a fantasy world that he is unfamiliar with. He only has memories of his name, and he soon discovers that others are in the same condition.
However, the arrival of monsters with the intention to kill them creates a sense of panic. Haruhiro realizes that to survive, he must fight, explore dungeons and grow stronger by leveling up with each victory.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is a well-executed and underrated isekai anime. The animators have put a lot of effort into making this anime unique, despite the not innovative premise.
It’s an immersive experience with great settings that sets itself apart from other similar anime, which we recommend checking out.
3. The Rising of the Shield Hero
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a super successful anime that’s won viewers’ hearts with its captivating story and for being one of the best isekai anime with experience level, adding that extra touch.
It’s based on a light novel of the same name and there are 25 episodes so far, with a second season recently released.
Naofumi is a regular Japanese guy who loves reading fantasy books and light novels. One day, he comes across a mysterious white-page book at the library, which takes him to a fantasy world with videogames elements like exp levels.
He soon finds out that he’s one of four heroes chosen to save the world and he’s the Shield Hero, the weakest and most discriminated against.
But, he’s determined to rise up and become a strong and respected hero.
The Rising of the Shield Hero stands out as one of the best isekai of recent years, boasting well-written characters, a smooth plot, epic action scenes, and one of the most overpowered isekai MCs ever.
2. .hack//Sign
.hack//Sign is a classic anime that is part of the larger .hack project, and undoubtely one of the best early isekai anime, if not the best.
It takes place in an MMORPG world and is known for its realistic representation of the game world, including the use of popular videogame terminologies like bugs, servers, PG, and skills or level-up.
The main character, Tsukasa, is a mage-class player who becomes trapped in the game and can’t log out. This raises questions about the reality of the game world.
Despite its slightly dated animation, .hack//Sign is a must-watch for fans of the isekai set in an MMORPG genre and is considered one of the pioneers of the genre’s conventions that are still used today.
.hack//Sign is one of the most underrated isekai anime out there and if you want to watch something different, look no further.
1. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is a 2013 anime series, currently available on Hulu, that has 25 episodes. We consider it one of the best isekai anime set in a MMORPG world you can find.
The story revolves around the fantasy world of Elder’s Tale, where all the players get trapped and unable to log out for mysterious reasons.
The main character, Shiroe, along with Naotsugu and Akatsuki, decides to form a guild called Log Horizon to survive in this new world.
Log Horizon is an excellent isekai anime that features an evocative fantasy world and mature and realistic themes, compared to the typical isekai genre.
Passionate about Japanese culture for years, serial devourer of manga, anime, and videogames that have now become part of my routine.
My favorite series? Goodnight Punpun and One Piece.
