The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Most Resourceful Anime Characters Ever

Resourceful anime characters can stimulate fascinating discussions as they differ from simply intelligent characters. Intelligence involves strategic thinking and planning, whereas resourcefulness entails effectively navigating circumstances and either acquiring necessary resources or making the most of available ones.

Fans often find resourcefulness exceptionally captivating, as it allows characters to discover solutions amidst the chaotic realm of battles.

Shikamaru Nara and nine other resourceful anime characters

1. Joseph Joestar (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

When discussing resourceful anime characters, Joseph Joestar stands out as a prime example. Renowned for his intelligence, a trait treasured within the realm of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Joseph demonstrates exceptional resourcefulness.

In Battle Tendency, Joseph stands out as one of the weaker characters in terms of raw strength compared to others. However, his ability to utilize his surroundings and outsmart his adversaries is what sets him apart. It is remarkable that he was able to outsmart a version of Kars, the ultimate life form, even if it involved a certain amount of luck.

2. Shikamaru Nara (Naruto)

One of the most popular and resourceful anime characters (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Shikamaru from the Naruto series stands out as one of the most resourceful anime characters. Unlike other characters, Shikamaru's strength lies in his intelligence and strategic thinking rather than pure power. Masashi Kishimoto's storytelling often emphasized who was stronger, but Shikamaru managed to overcome this flaw by using his wit and manipulating his surroundings effectively. A prime example of this was his impressive victory over Hidan, an Akatsuki member who was theoretically much stronger than him.

3. L Lawliet (Death Note)

One of anime's greatest detectives (Image via Madhouse).

The smartest character in Death Note has always been a subject of debate between L and Light Yagami. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that L stands out as one of the most resourceful anime characters, mainly due to the fact that he faced numerous challenges and setbacks. On the other hand, Light had the advantage of possessing the Death Note, a powerful supernatural tool that granted him the ability to effortlessly eliminate others, as well as the insights and understanding of the Shinigami realm through Ryuk.

L had to rely on conventional human resources to uncover Kira's identity and eventually unearthed the presence of a paranormal force, demonstrating the depth of his investigative abilities.

4. Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)

When it comes to resourceful anime characters, Lelouch from Code Geass immediately comes to mind. Known for his exceptional tactical and leadership abilities, he also possesses the unique talent of equalizing any situation, an attribute that significantly influenced the progression of the series.

5. Kenjaku (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Even though Lelouch was born into nobility, he began with nothing in the series and gradually climbed to the pinnacle of power in Britannia and globally by utilizing his tactical expertise and resourcefulness. He faced numerous challenges along the way, but he managed to overcome them all due to his exceptional leadership abilities.

One character who stands out in terms of resourcefulness is Kenjaku from the popular anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. While he may not possess the same level of power as Ryomen Sukuna and Satoru Gojo, Kenjaku's resourceful abilities are especially noteworthy. He is considered as one of the strongest characters in the show, making his resourcefulness all the more impressive.

Kenjaku, having lived for centuries, possesses a wealth of experience that showcases his adaptability in various situations. Realizing his inability to defeat Gojo head-on, he devised a plan to seal him, significantly advancing his strategy. This ingenuity is further evident in his ability to create a vessel for Sukuna in Yuji Itadori, among countless other instances that solidify Kenjaku's resourcefulness.

6. Jack the Ripper (Record of Ragnarok)

An often overlooked instance (Image via Yumeta Company).

This particular case stands out as one of the most astonishing examples of resourceful anime characters, primarily due to the comparatively lower level of recognition enjoyed by Record of Ragnarok. Nonetheless, there exists a strong argument for including this rendition of Jack the Ripper in this compilation, thanks to his extraordinary confrontation with Heracles.

Just the mere fact that Jack orchestrated the battle in a rendition of nineteenth-century London showcased his impressive resourcefulness. While he may not have prevailed against Heracles in a face-to-face confrontation, the Englishman leveraged every available asset to secure triumph, underscoring his remarkable capabilities.

7. Hisoka Morow (Hunter X Hunter)

An often overlooked illustration (Image via Madhouse).

Hisoka, akin to Jack the Ripper in Record of Ragnarok, may not be widely recognized as a resourceful anime character, yet he exemplifies adeptly improvising with the tools at hand. While not adhering to conventional methods, he has showcased remarkable combat prowess.

8. Yoichi Isagi (Blue Lock)

Hisoka, although strong, is not the ultimate power in Hunter X Hunter. There are numerous characters who surpass him in terms of strength. Nevertheless, what sets Hisoka apart is his exceptional strategic prowess and ability to meticulously analyze situations. This remarkable skill has consistently allowed him to emerge victorious in battles, a trait that is repeatedly demonstrated throughout the series.

An often overlooked yet incredibly resourceful anime character (Image via Bandai).

It's not just about winning physical fights for resourceful anime characters, but also conquering different challenges in life. Yoichi Isagi from Blue Lock, the protagonist of this football series, exemplifies the true essence of resourcefulness within a sports setting. This noteworthy quality deserves recognition.

9. Kurama (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Throughout the majority of the Blue Lock project, Isagi lacks any exceptional technical or physical attributes. However, he compensates for this with his astute understanding of the game's context. Isagi possesses the ability to interpret a variety of situations and adapt accordingly, resulting in him consistently bringing out the best in his teammates throughout the series.

9. Kurama (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Kurama, the resourceful man from Yu Yu Hakusho (Image via Studio Pierrot), exemplifies the diversity of resourceful anime characters. While not always the strongest in combat, Kurama's tactical expertise and merciless mindset consistently secure his victories in nearly every battle he encounters.

The Dark Tournament arc showcased Kurama's exceptional strategizing abilities, as he consistently found himself in tight spots during multiple battles but managed to emerge victorious through his sharp intellect. He possesses a keen understanding of warfare and is not afraid to engage in ruthless tactics when the situation demands it.

10. Sunraku (Shangri-La Frontier)

Sunraku, the main character of the relatively new anime series Shangri-La Frontier, is a prime example of an underrated and resourceful character. Despite the show's recent debut, Sunraku embodies all the qualities that fans seek in resourceful anime characters, making him a surprising yet fitting addition to this list. His entire identity is rooted in his remarkable ability to adapt and find inventive solutions to any challenge he faces.

Final thoughts

Resourceful characters like Sunraku from the Shangri-La Frontier series add an extra layer of intrigue to their stories by relying on their knowledge of junk games to survive and succeed in the video game. Despite being an underdog, Sunraku's extensive experience as a gamer allows him to punch above his weight, making him a captivating protagonist. This unique character trait not only enhances the narrative but also provides readers or viewers with entertaining and unconventional resolutions.

Editor's P/S

In the realm of anime, resourceful characters captivate audiences with their ability to navigate complex situations and overcome challenges with cunning and adaptability. Among the many resourceful anime characters, Joseph Joestar from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure stands out as a prime example. Despite not possessing raw strength, Joseph's exceptional resourcefulness allows him to outsmart even the most formidable opponents, such as the ultimate life form, Kars. His ability to utilize his surroundings and think on his feet makes him a fan favorite.

Another remarkable resourceful anime character is Shikamaru Nara from Naruto. Despite lacking overwhelming power, Shikamaru relies on his intelligence and strategic thinking to overcome obstacles. His impressive victory over the Akatsuki member Hidan showcases his ability to manipulate his surroundings and outwit stronger opponents. Shikamaru's resourcefulness and tactical prowess make him a valuable asset to the Hidden Leaf Village and a beloved character among fans.