Worldbuilding is an essential aspect of creating an engaging and immersive experience in any form of media, including anime. It serves as the foundation that establishes the tone, rules, and boundaries of the story’s universe.
This is particularly true for isekai anime, where the entire plot revolves around a protagonist being transported to a new world. In these cases, the quality of worldbuilding can make or break the series, as it plays a crucial role in establishing the setting, characters, and overall plot development.
Let’s take a look at 11 isekai anime that are known for their rich and immersive worldbuilding.
1. Jobless Reincarnation:
Jobless Reincarnation follows the story of a hopeless person who is given a second chance in life and decides to make the most of it. The protagonist, a 34-year-old unemployed otaku, dies while saving some teens from a car accident. He is then reborn as a baby named Rudeus Greyrat in a new world filled with magic and creatures. With his memories intact, he resolves to live a life with no regrets and becomes a prodigy in magic.
2. Re: Zero:
Re: Zero is a massive isekai franchise created by Tappei Nagatsuki. The story follows Subaru Natsuki, who is suddenly transported to another world on his way home from the convenience store. He discovers that he has the ability to return back in time whenever he dies. Subaru uses this power to protect Emilia and help her become the next queen while facing numerous challenges and mysteries in the world.
3. Overlord:
In Overlord, a powerful wizard named Momonga finds himself trapped in a fantasy world along with his NPCs after the popular virtual reality game Yggdrasil shuts down. Momonga takes on various roles in this new world, including an adventurer and an overlord, as he tries to uncover the mystery behind his situation and take control of the world.
4. Ascendance of a Bookworm:
Ascendance of a Bookworm follows the story of Urano Motosu, a book-loving university student who dies and is reborn in a world where books are scarce. She resolves to create her own books and live surrounded by them, facing challenges and obstacles along the way.
5. That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime:
In That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime, a man named Mikami Satoru is killed and reincarnates as a weak slime monster in a fantasy world. He gains the ability to absorb other creatures and takes on various roles to build a place where monsters and humans can coexist peacefully.
6. Log Horizon:
Log Horizon follows the story of veteran gamer Shiroe, who, along with his friends, is suddenly trapped in the online game world of Elder Tale. They must navigate this new world, uncover its mysteries, and change it for the better.
7. No Game No Life:
The story of No Game No Life centers on two reclusive siblings who are called to a realm where disputes are settled through games. Utilizing their expertise in gaming, they engage in battles against different species and aspire to confront the deity who governs the entire world.
8. The Twelve Kingdoms:
The Twelve Kingdoms is set in a world with thirteen lands, each with its own ruler and divine creature called Kirin. The story follows Yoko Nakajima, who is transported to this world and must navigate its complex hierarchy and power struggles.
9. The Rising of the Shield Hero:
The Rising of the Shield Hero follows Naofumi Iwatani, who is summoned to another world as the Shield Hero. He faces betrayal and discrimination but must rise to become a legendary hero and uncover the mystery behind the Waves threatening the world.
10. The Eminence in Shadow:
The Eminence in Shadow follows Cid Kagenou, a high school student who believes he is playing at being a chuunibyou but is actually involved in a complicated power struggle in a fantasy world.
These isekai anime series are known for their intricate and immersive worldbuilding, which adds depth and realism to the stories. Each series presents unique worlds, characters, and challenges that keep viewers engaged and invested in the narrative.
