While not a recent invention, isekai has grown especially popular in manga and anime over the last decade. The success of series like Sword Art Online helped usher in a new era when everyone and, occasionally, their mother is being sent to alternate worlds defined by RPG mechanics. As tired as the formula can get at times, isekai has produced some gems that serve as fantastic wish-fulfillment series.
Which are the best isekai game anime? Synonymous as the theme might be with RPGs, only a handful of shows state that they take place within games, even though plenty of shows are set in fantasy worlds built upon traditional gaming conventions. Therefore, let’s explore those shows that specifically send their protagonists into video games.
Updated November 2, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As 2025 is almost over, we’ve updated this article to include isekai trapped in a game anime that aired this year.
19]. Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts with the Civilization of Ruin
Nearly every isekai anime set in a game focuses on MMORPGs or otome, to the point that dozens of series seem like they take place in the same world. Consequently, Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra deserves praise for shifting to another genre: Grand strategy. Yes, Takuto Ira reincarnates as the ruler of a dark civilization in a strategy game he used to play, and he must use his knowledge to gradually build a haven for himself and his followers. The anime emphasizes the strategy aspect quite a bit, and it incorporates more gaming mechanics than most of its peers.
That said, Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra is somewhat dull. The story moves at a glacial pace, and most sequences just amount to characters talking to each other about lore in bland environments. It does not make for a very interesting watch, and a lot of episodes drag. Ultimately, this series is worth a watch if you want to see something a bit different.
18]. Skeleton Knight In Another World
The Spring 2022 season was stacked with isekai anime, quite a few of which were happy to directly state they occur within game worlds. Skeleton Knight in Another World follows Arc, a gamer stuck as their reasonably powered character in a fantasy world defined by discrimination. Also, as the title suggests, Arc has a skeleton avatar, which is not a common sight in this universe.
Skeleton Knight in Another World’s strength lies in the relationships that form between the main characters. Arc, Ariane, and the adorable Ponta have a charming rapport that brings out the best in each of their personalities. As the story allows all the heroes to shine rather than just Arc, they come across as a genuine party whose members are equally vital in their own ways. For all its positives, Skeleton Knight in Another World’s tone is all over the place, and the story often struggles to balance its mature themes and lighthearted banter.
17]. In The Land Of Leadale
In the Land of Leadale is an enjoyable slow-life show about a woman who is reincarnated in a world based on a virtual reality MMORPG she used to escape to during her life. Not everything about Leadale is exactly as Keina, or Cayna in-game, remembers, but the one thing that has remained the same is the world’s fantastical elements.
Putting aside the occasional action sequence, In the Land of Leadale is predominantly happy to allow Cayna to exist peacefully in her new home. The protagonist (and audience) is not on a mission to defeat some huge threat, even though she is quite powerful, but she primarily focuses on crafting a quiet and peaceful place in this universe. This premise makes for a relaxing isekai anime.
16]. The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior
Based on Tenichi’s light novel series, The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior is among the better examples of the villainess isekai trend. As is often the case, the female protagonist is reincarnated as the antagonist of an otome game who is destined for a rough end; consequently, she must work tirelessly to change her new life’s trajectory.
Last Boss Queen shakes things up by putting its lead in the shoes of a genuinely horrible villainess, rather than one who kind of becomes evil after being rejected. Pride, the character in question, is also powerful, which is not all that common in these sorts of stories.
15].Quality Assurance in Another World
A seemingly divisive series, going by MyAnimeList, Quality Assurance in Another World flew under the radar throughout Summer 2024. While nothing amazing, this anime provides a unique take on the “trapped in a video game” format by focusing on a protagonist who was hired as a quality tester. As normal, a company assigned a group of QAs to investigate an in-development game’s bugs; however, abnormally, the employees found themselves incapable of logging out. A year later, most of the testers have lost the plot and are constantly using their debugger privileges to spread chaos across the world, acting as mini-gods to the NPCs. Haga is one of the exceptions, as he not only refuses to abuse his powers but has also continued to work diligently to test and report bugs.
For the most part, Quality Assurance in Another World is an adventure anime that follows Haga and a young NPC girl, Nikola, as they travel, investigate bugs, make friends, and try to undermine the other testers who are causing nothing but harm. Visually, the show is pleasant to the eyes, and there are quite a few creative monster designs. The characters are likable enough to not be off-putting, although they are admittedly quite forgettable.
Quality Assurance in Another World is mildly entertaining, which sounds harsher than it is meant to be. This is a standard 5/10 anime that does most things “fine” without really excelling at anything. Its biggest weakness is that the story can be a bit aimless at times.
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