The Most Broken Powers in Isekai Anime

The Evolution of Isekai Powers

The concept of 'isekai', which translates to 'another world' in Japanese, capitalizes on capturing satisfying moments, from portraying a massively overpowered protagonist, or fulfilling quests for redemption and revenge. What makes isekai so interesting is that there are an infinite number of paths that can be taken to reach the pinnacle of power and satisfaction. Quite often, this leads to bizarre ideas, such as reincarnating as a sword in Reincarnated as a Sword or gaining vast pharmaceutical knowledge after being transported to a fantasy world in Drugstore in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist. Evidently, such imaginative ideas are a consequence of wanting to stand out among other similar series, while striving to introduce the most interesting powers that break established worldviews.

Tsukimichi Moonlit Fantasy visual featuring two of the female leads, one with reddish eyes tied into a blue ponytail, and the other with a brown bob cut.

The Top 10 Broken Powers in Isekai Anime

Power scaling in isekai can get outlandish fast, and these series prove it. Let's take a look at the top 10 most broken powers in isekai anime that have captivated audiences with their unique and overpowered abilities. From physical prowess to divine mistakes, these characters wield unparalleled strength and abilities that defy the laws of their respective worlds. Each of these powers challenges the conventional norms of the isekai genre, pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity.

Bofuri season 2

The Advantage of Being Born on Earth

Misumi Makoto from Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy is a descendant of the race called Hyumans (pronounced the same as humans) from the Goddess’ World, but he was raised on Earth, giving him unprecedented powers when transported back to the Goddess' World. The most broken ability is his physical abilities, as the seemingly normal conditions on Earth are considered extremely harsh in the Goddess' World. Having grown up on Earth, when Makoto is transported to the Goddess’ World, he is already overpowered. He also boasts the mana talents of the Hyuman race, and has God-given as well as self-attained abilities such as poison immunity, curse immunity, creation, and more.

The two friends, Maple and Risa from Bofuri are playing around, and Risa gives Maple a piggyback ride

The advantage of being born on Earth has given Misumi Makoto an edge that transcends the limitations of the Goddess' World, showcasing the unconventional path to power and the impact of upbringing on one's abilities. This unique twist in power scaling challenges the traditional narratives of isekai and offers a refreshing take on the evolution of overpowered characters.

Bofuri new season cover art with Maple holder her shield and short sword

A Defense So Invisible It's Also the Strongest Offense

In the underrated BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt so I’ll Max Out My Defense, Honjou Kaede, a young girl with no gaming experience, is dragged into the popular VRMMO, NewWorld Online, by her friend Risa. Playing under the alias Maple, Kaede's curiosity and lack of game knowledge leads her down a peculiar, but unstoppable path. She puts all of her stats towards defense in fear of getting hurt, and her survivability allows her to defeat dungeon bosses in creative ways, such as eating. Even though she lacks attacking abilities early on in the series, Maple's recoil damage alone is capable of defeating most opponents, allowing her to grow even stronger.

Maple in season 2, episode 3

The invisible defense and the unconventional methods of combat in BOFURI challenge the traditional notions of offense and defense, highlighting the strategic and unorthodox approach to power in isekai anime. Maple's journey of discovery and growth through her seemingly unconventional abilities serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities of power scaling and the impact of individual choices on one's strength.

Bofuri cover image with every main character

A Smartphone Bestowed by God

Protagonist Mochizuki Touya is a product of a divine mistake, as God accidentally smites him with an errant bolt of lighting, but makes it up by reincarnating him with various abilities – and more importantly – his smartphone. Touya's existence is one big favor from God, attesting to the broken nature of his abilities. Not only is his body and soul constructed of materials from the world of God, the smartphone he requested to bring with him is granted significant upgrades. Through the maps' app, he is able to see all of his enemies from a God's-eye-view, and is even able to cast magic remotely.

In Another World With My Smartphone official cover art where the protagonist, Touya, takes a selfie with his smartphone.

The smartphone bestowed by God in In Another World With My Smartphone challenges the conventional means of power acquisition in isekai, emphasizing the fusion of modern technology with ancient abilities. Touya's utilization of his smartphone showcases the innovative and unexpected integration of technology into the realm of supernatural powers, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of isekai abilities.

mushoku tensei season 2

Reborn with 34 Years of Talent and Memories

The story of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation follows a 34-year-old social outcast and shut-in who dies and reincarnates in a world of magic as Rudeus Greyrat. Because his memories and soul are intact, Rudeus is granted two glaring advantages. Firstly, in this new world, magical power is derivative of the soul. In the case of Rudeus, at birth, he is endowed with a soul 34 times the magnitude of the average soul. This reflects directly on his magical prowess and ability to improve. Secondly, Rudeus' retained memories carry with it the intellect of an adult, allowing him to more easily learn powerful magic spells and solve complex problems.

Rudeus reading in Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation

The rebirth of Rudeus Greyrat in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation challenges the traditional age-based limitations of power, showcasing the impact of accumulated experience and wisdom on magical abilities. Rudeus' journey of self-discovery and redemption through his reincarnation as a powerful mage serves as a compelling narrative of personal growth and the pursuit of mastery in a world of magic.

Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation a young Rudeus with his parents, their maid, and Roxy, who was appointed as his magic teacher

Conclusion

The most broken powers in isekai anime are a testament to the evolution of the genre and its success in fantasy. These characters and their extraordinary abilities challenge the conventional norms of power scaling, offering a diverse and compelling exploration of the limitless possibilities in isekai worlds. From unconventional upbringing to divine mistakes, each character's journey reflects a unique path to power and satisfaction, captivating audiences with their extraordinary feats and unorthodox abilities.

Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation a young Rudeus showing off his magic next to Eris and others