Anime Like BOFURI: 10 Fun and Lighthearted Adventures in Gaming Worlds

BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense charmed audiences with its wholesome protagonist, Maple, and her overpowered defense skills in a VRMMO setting. If you loved its mix of humor, adventure, and game mechanics, here are 10 anime like BOFURI to keep your gaming spirit alive!

1. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Satoru Mikami’s reincarnation as the powerful slime Rimuru Tempest marks the beginning of an epic journey. Starting from humble beginnings as a basic slime, Rimuru’s intelligence, adaptability, and unique powers help him quickly rise to prominence in a fantasy world. As Rimuru builds alliances and creates his own kingdom, the anime delivers a perfect balance of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. Fans of Maple’s unexpected growth and lighthearted approach will find a lot to love in Rimuru’s adventures.

Release Date: October 2018
Studio: 8bit
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai
MyAnimeList Link: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

2. The Rising of the Shield Hero

Naofumi Iwatani begins his journey as the Shield Hero in a hostile fantasy world where he faces betrayal and mistrust. Unlike the typical hero’s journey, Naofumi must rely on his defensive skills and strategic thinking to survive and grow stronger. His resilience in the face of adversity and his steady rise to power mirror Maple’s unconventional approach to being a defender. While Shield Hero has darker undertones, its focus on growth, strategy, and relationships will resonate with BOFURI fans.

Release Date: January 2019
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Isekai
MyAnimeList Link: The Rising of the Shield Hero

3. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious

Seiya Ryuuguuin takes being prepared to absurd levels as he cautiously tackles every challenge in a dangerous fantasy world. Whether it’s buying hundreds of healing potions or training excessively before fighting weak enemies, his meticulous nature leads to hilarious and unexpected outcomes. Seiya’s over-the-top caution creates comedic moments that echo Maple’s quirky and unconventional methods in BOFURI. Both series put a humorous spin on the isekai and overpowered hero genres.

Release Date: October 2019
Studio: White Fox
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai
MyAnimeList Link: Cautious Hero

4. Log Horizon

In Log Horizon, players are unexpectedly trapped in the MMORPG Elder Tale, turning their in-game personas into their new reality. The story follows Shiroe, a brilliant strategist who leads a guild to navigate this strange new world. The anime focuses on the mechanics of living in a game, including food, economics, and combat. Like BOFURI, it captures the intricacies of gaming worlds while exploring player dynamics and the importance of teamwork.

Release Date: October 2013
Studio: Satelight
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game
MyAnimeList Link: Log Horizon

5. Endro~!

Set in a whimsical fantasy world, Endro~! follows Yusha and her group of friends as they train to defeat the Demon Lord. However, when their teacher turns out to be the Demon Lord in disguise, hilarity ensues. This anime offers a delightful mix of cute character designs, RPG-inspired elements, and lighthearted humor. Fans of BOFURI will enjoy the feel-good adventures and comedic take on traditional fantasy tropes.

Release Date: January 2019
Studio: Studio Gokumi
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Magic, Slice of Life
MyAnimeList Link: Endro~!

6. Sword Art Online

In Sword Art Online, players are trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where the stakes are life and death. Kirito, a skilled solo player, must navigate the game’s challenges and uncover its mysteries. While it has a more intense tone than BOFURI, SAO explores the bonds formed in gaming worlds, the importance of teamwork, and the thrill of adventure. Fans of immersive VRMMO settings will find SAO a classic in the genre.

Release Date: July 2012
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Romance
MyAnimeList Link: Sword Art Online

7. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!

Kazuma Satou’s untimely death leads him to a fantasy world filled with comedic misadventures and a dysfunctional party. KonoSuba parodies classic isekai tropes while delivering laugh-out-loud moments and memorable characters. Its lighthearted humor and focus on quirky relationships align with the playful tone of BOFURI.

Release Date: January 2016
Studio: Studio Deen
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai
MyAnimeList Link: KonoSuba

8. Infinite Dendrogram

Set in a VRMMO world where players experience true sensations, Infinite Dendrogram follows Ray Starling and his unique partner Embryo as they explore a vast, immersive game. The series delves into game mechanics, player relationships, and the ethical dilemmas of VR gaming. Fans of BOFURI’s attention to detail in game design will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this story.

Release Date: January 2020
Studio: NAZ
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Game
MyAnimeList Link: Infinite Dendrogram

9. Overlord

Momonga’s decision to stay logged into the MMORPG Yggdrasil after its shutdown leads to a transformation into the powerful overlord Ainz Ooal Gown. As he explores this new world, the anime examines themes of leadership, morality, and adapting to a different reality. While darker than BOFURI, its focus on game mechanics and character growth offers a fascinating contrast.

Release Date: July 2015
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Supernatural
MyAnimeList Link: Overlord

10. Isekai Quartet

This crossover series brings together chibi versions of characters from KonoSuba, Overlord, Re:Zero, and The Saga of Tanya the Evil. Placing these beloved characters in a comedic school setting, Isekai Quartet celebrates the humor and charm of the isekai genre. It’s a delightful watch for fans of lighthearted, gaming-inspired fun like BOFURI.

Release Date: April 2019
Studio: Studio PuYUKAI
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Parody
MyAnimeList Link: Isekai Quartet

Final Thoughts

Whether you love BOFURI for its humor, gaming mechanics, or overpowered protagonist, this list of anime like BOFURI will provide endless entertainment. From strategic adventures to laugh-out-loud moments, this list has something for every fan of VRMMO and isekai genres.