Ever dreamt of leaving the daily grind behind and forging your own sovereign nation? Well, you can crown yourself ruler from the comfort of your couch with these epic kingdom-building anime! This list curates the crème de la crème of nation-building adventures.
Witness once-desolate villages blossom into glorious empires, fueled by cunning plans, strategic decisions (a sprinkle of magic never hurts!), and the rise of kingdoms that would make even Westeros royalty envious. So, gather your court (snacks are a must!), settle in, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey of conquest, diplomacy, and maybe even a little romance – all from the perspective of the architect, the visionary leader: you, the anime ruler!
Overload
- Number of Episodes: 13 per season
- Dub: Yes
Ever heard of an anime where the villain wins from the get-go? That’s Overlord in a nutshell. Our main guy, Momonga, is obsessed with this VR game Yggdrasil. But things get weird when the game shuts down for good… except Momonga gets stuck inside! Now he’s trapped as his super powerful skeleton character, Ainz Ooal Gown, in a world that feels strangely real.
This ain’t your typical hero’s journey. Ainz is already one of the strongest beings around. The fun part is seeing how he uses his smarts, some sneaky tactics, and let’s be honest, raw magic muscle to build his own kingdom. It’s like watching a mastermind chess game, but way cooler because there are monsters and magic involved.
Overlord definitely keeps things interesting. You get epic battles, political schemes, and all the stuff you’d expect from a kingdom-building anime. But the twist is, Ainz isn’t exactly a shining beacon of good. He’s got his own way of doing things, and it can get pretty dark sometimes. That’s what makes it so thought-provoking – it forces you to think about the price of power and what it really means to be a leader.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Release Date: October 2, 2018 to March 19, 2019
- Dub: Yes
Who knew a slime could be such a leader? In “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” our not-so-average protagonist Rimuru goes from office worker to gooey monster in another world. But this ain’t your typical monster story. Rimuru uses his slime powers to befriend a strong monster and together they build a monster nation!
This anime is all about creating a safe space for everyone. Rimuru welcomes all sorts of creatures, from beastmen to goblins, who are outcasts elsewhere. His leadership and resourcefulness turn a small village into a thriving city. Watch as Rimuru’s influence grows from a lonely slime to a respected leader, all while showing the world that unity and cooperation can make anything possible.
TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy
- Number of Episodes: 12 (First Season), approximately 24 (Second Season)
- Release Date: First Season – July 7, 2021, Second Season – January 2024
- Dub Available: Yes
Bored of the same hero-summoning stuff? Try “Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-.” This anime throws a curveball. Our average dude Makoto gets dumped in another world, not to save it, but because a judgmental goddess finds him…well, unattractive. Rough break.
But Makoto’s got spunk! Lost and alone, he uses his cool power to befriend all sorts of fantasy weirdos, from orcs to slime girls (don’t ask). With his monster squad by his side, Makoto starts his own kingdom, one monster contract at a time.
What makes “Tsukimichi” so fun? It’s like mixing modern stuff with old-school fantasy. Makoto uses his real-world knowledge to build a place where humans, beast people, and even monsters can chill together. It’s not all smooth sailing though – the show gets real about the struggles of running a kingdom, from making friends with neighbors to keeping the whole thing from falling apart.
This anime’s got everything: hilarious moments, epic battles, and surprisingly sweet scenes that show how tough it is to be a leader. Plus, the animation is amazing, with gorgeous landscapes and crazy creatures. The soundtrack rocks too, perfectly capturing Makoto’s underdog journey.
So, if you want a kingdom-building anime with a fresh take and a lot of heart, “Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-” is the one for you.
Utawarerumono
- Episodes: 26 and 28
- Release Date: April 3, 2006 – September 25, 2006 & Starting July 2, 2022
- Dub Available: Yes
Dude, have you seen Utawarerumono? It’s this killer kingdom-building anime with like, fantasy, adventure, and all this political drama. Super fun!
Think amnesia dude in a crazy world – gods, monsters, society about to explode. He starts protecting this village, but next thing you know, he’s leading a rebellion against a supervillain empire. All to bring peace, obviously.
The coolest part? This anime gets real about building a kingdom. Not just battles, but the strategies, alliances, fixing the economy, and all the crazy court politics. Talk about pressure! Hakuoro goes from zero to hero, facing stuff that’ll blow your mind.
Oh, and the characters? Amazing! Each one has a backstory, their own reasons to fight, and they all grow in awesome ways. It’s not all about Hakuoro. Plus, the mix of folklore and strategy makes Utawarerumono totally unique. Like, a whole new take on kingdom-building anime. You gotta check it out!
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Legend of the Galactic Heroes
- Episodes: 110
- Release Date: December 1988 to March 1997
- Dub Available: Yes
Forget conquering planets in ten episodes, Galactic Heroes is a space opera marathon! We’re talking two superpowers, the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, locked in a brawl for galactic dominance for over 150 years. Crazy, right?
But it’s not just pew-pew spaceships. This anime gets deep into political backstabbing, insane military tactics, and the lives of a whole bunch of awesome characters. You see the leaders on both sides struggling to navigate this whole galactic mess, with the Empire all about iron fists and the Alliance fighting for democracy. Think Game of Thrones in space, but way less nudity and more spaceships.
The world-building is fantastic. They don’t just throw spaceships at each other; they show how this whole galactic war affects everything, from politics and society to the economy. It feels real, which makes every win and loss feel huge. Plus, war isn’t sunshine and rainbows. They deal with the sacrifices, the losses, and the tough decisions leaders gotta make.
Here’s the kicker though: the characters! No boring stereotypes here. Both sides have complex, well-developed people you can root for (or hate with a burning passion). The plot’s full of surprises, so you won’t get bored even with all those episodes.
So, if you’re looking for a space anime with epic battles, mind games, and characters you’ll actually care about, Galactic Heroes is your jam. Just grab some snacks, this is gonna be a long ride!
Log Horizon
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1), 25 (Season 2), 12 (Season 3)
- Release Date: Oct 5, 2013 – Mar 22, 2014 (Season 1), Jan 13, 2021 – Mar 31, 2021 (Season 3)
- Dub Available: Yes
Ever get sucked into a game so real you can practically taste the virtual pizza? That’s exactly what happens to 30,000 gamers in “Log Horizon” when their favorite fantasy RPG, Elder Tale, becomes their new reality. Forget epic boss battles (for now), this anime dives deep into the challenges of, well, living in a game world.
Our main dude, Shiroe, isn’t your average gamer. This strategic mastermind uses his knowledge of the game to build the Round Table Alliance, basically a city council for the Akihabara district. Think less slaying dragons, more establishing trade routes and negotiating with the in-game citizens who suddenly have minds of their own.
“Log Horizon” is all about the nitty-gritty of building a society. You’ll see them tackle stuff like setting up an economy, dealing with crime (gotta have laws!), and figuring out how players and NPCs can coexist. It’s a surprisingly thoughtful story about leadership, responsibility, and the power of community, even in a world filled with pixels.
I’m Quitting Heroing
Lechgo! Heard of “I’m Quitting Heroing” (aka Yuusha, Yamemasu)? It’s a breath of fresh air for kingdom-building fans. Forget the usual hero’s journey stuff, this one flips the script.
Meet Leo Demonheart, the ultimate hero who saved the world from the Demon Queen Echidna. Only problem? People are terrified of him now, fearing his power could backfire. So, Leo ditches the hero life and seeks a new gig… with the demons!
Yep, you read that right. Leo joins Echidna and her crew, going undercover as the masked knight Onyx. His mission? Fix up the demon realm and make it a less, well, demonic place. It’s a slow burn, starting off a bit generic, but trust me, it gets way more interesting around episode 9. The story takes a sharp turn, and you’ll find yourself rooting for Leo and his surprisingly charming demon pals. It’s a fun mix – charismatic hero, quirky demon sidekicks, and a story that keeps you guessing.
High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World!
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Release Date: October 3, 2019 to December 19, 2019
- Dub Available: Yes
Seven overpowered high schoolers? Isekai world? Sign me up! “High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World!” throws these brainiacs (think political whiz, doctor extraordinaire, magic master, and more) into a fantasy land stuck in the dark ages.
But these aren’t your typical lost teens. They use their modern knowledge to build a freaking utopia! We’re talking healthcare systems, better farming, even a fair government – all thanks to these super-powered students.
The coolest part? Each character brings their own unique skillset to the table. The strategist plans, the doctor heals, and everyone works together to build a civilization that blows the fantasy world away. It’s like watching a genius team-up where everyone’s pulling their weight.
If you love kingdom-building anime with a strategic twist, this one’s a must-watch. There’s problem-solving, overcoming challenges, and a ton of thought-provoking themes about leadership and progress. Buckle up and get ready to see how these high schoolers build their dream kingdom!
Dr. STONE
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Release Date: July 5 to December 13, 2019
- Dub Availability: Yes
In the famous anime Dr. STONE, Taiju Ooki and his science-loving buddy Senkuu team up to form a formidable team armed with both brains and muscle in an attempt to revive civilization from the petrification disaster that occurred thousands of years ago. They work tirelessly day and night, utilizing their scientific knowledge as a toolset to restore the society. They must not only revive everyone, but also discover the mystery of why everyone was petrified in the first place.
Throughout the story, Taiju and Senkuu face obstacles that prevent them from completing their purpose. With each setback, there is a chance to learn more about all of the variables at play and press on with a growing grasp of science-based solutions. The duo’s will to achieve in the face of adversity connects deeply with many viewers who love following their journey each week.
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
- Episodes: 12
- Release Date: April 2, 2020 to June 18, 2020
- Dub Available: Yes
Kazuya Souma, a 19-year-old realist hero, is brought to another world as an offering from Elfrieden to its allies in How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. Unsatisfied with being used in this manner, he chooses to help the kingdom in his own unique way: via economic reform and the rebuilding of the kingdom itself. With no prior experience leading or running a nation, it is clear that Kazuya will have his work cut out for him—but these obstacles do not stop him.
Kazuya’s campaign ultimately earns him the title of King, and he sets out to assemble a team of outstanding individuals with whom he will work on his goal. These individuals, as well as Kazuya himself, demonstrate the numerous factors that go into building a successful kingdom, such as developing methods to counter opponents’ tactics, reassessing financial burdens, and boosting morale among allies, among other things. The anime underlines the importance of these and other kingdom-building aspects for any ruler seeking to manage an empire justly and responsibly.
Ranking of Kings
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Release Date: October 15, 2021
- Dub Availability: Yes
Ranking of Kings tells the story of Bojji, a prince who is ridiculed and treated with disrespect by everyone around him because he cannot speak or hear. This is not to say he isn’t powerful; just the opposite! During an unexpected encounter with a shadow entity named Kage, whom most people would avoid, Bojji manages to make friends instead. This unusual friendship lays the groundwork for his path as a future king.
Bojji must overcome many anxieties and insecurities along the way while learning how to rule and build a successful kingdom. He also begins to form relationships with other characters, both rivals and allies, in order to mold the destiny of his people. All of these elements work together to explain why Bojji can be such a great ruler in Ranking of Kings: they teach him key life lessons while introducing us to some quite remarkable worldbuilding aspects.
The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Release Date: April 2, 2020 to June 18, 2020
- Dub: Yes
Forget chosen heroes and destined demon slayers, this is about building a kingdom from the ground up! Buckle up for “The 8th Son?”.
Our guy, Shingo (office worker by day, isekai hero by…well, also day), wakes up as Wendelin, the eighth kid in a dirt-poor noble family. No inheritance, no glory, just struggle. But hey, at least he finds a magic orb in the dusty library! Turns out, Wendelin’s a magic prodigy. Score!
Except, his talent brings trouble. That’s when Alfred, a super chill (undead!) ex-court wizard steps in to teach him the ropes. Wendelin gets good, really good – swordplay, magic, the whole package. He even becomes a famous adventurer! Should be smooth sailing for the family, right? Wrong. Disaster just keeps following him.
So, Wendelin decides to take matters into his own hands. With his past-life knowledge and magic mojo, he sets out to build his own kingdom, one where his skills won’t bring bad luck. This is where things get interesting. Can a former office worker become a king? You bet! If you’re looking for an underdog story with some kingdom-building action, “The 8th Son?” is your jam.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan
- Total Episodes: 33 (25 in Season 1, 8 in Season 2)
- Release Date:
- Season 1: April 5, 2015 – September 27, 2015
- Season 2: July 3, 2016 – August 21, 2016
- Dub Available: Yes
This series takes place in the fantasy land of Pars, where Prince Arslan gets thrown into a wild ride. A rival kingdom totally steamrolls his dad and steals the throne, forcing Arslan to rebuild his kingdom from the ground up.
Forget just flashy battles though, this show dives deep into war strategy, political schemes, and the tough choices leaders gotta make. Arslan assembles a cool crew of allies with all sorts of skills to help him take back his homeland. You’ll see him grow as a leader, learning that strength isn’t everything – compassion, brains, and doing what’s right for the people are just as important.
The animation is killer, with huge battles, expressive characters, and gorgeous landscapes that show both the beauty and scars of a land at war. Plus, the soundtrack is epic and totally fits the whole taking-back-the-kingdom vibe.
