The Unparalleled Brilliance of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime's Orc War Arc

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime's anime has traversed numerous story arcs, but one in particular stands out as one of the series' finest: the Orc War arc. Introducing new characters, presenting Rimuru with their first significant challenge, and fundamentally altering the series' status quo, the Orc War arc defined the narrative.

Prior to the Orc War, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime primarily focused on Rimuru and the goblin village. Under Rimuru's guidance, the goblin village flourished rapidly. However, everything was put to the ultimate test when the Ogres sought refuge, having been displaced by a massive army of Orcs. Confronted with an immense threat, Rimuru had to hastily secure alliances and make agreements with neighboring forces, thrusting the small village into the regional politics of the area. As a result, an exhilarating war arc unfolded, and numerous characters who would go on to become series regulars were introduced.

The Orc War Brought Rimuru onto the World Stage

In this arc, significant characters were introduced, including Shuna and Shion, who would later accompany Rimuru at all times, along with other Ogres/Kijin, Gabiru, and Geld, among others. The introduction of Demon Lords added major players to the series, while also laying the groundwork for Rimuru's rise to power. As a result of the war, the Orcs became a part of Rimuru's village, greatly increasing their population and establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. This eventually led to the formation of the Jura Forest Alliance and solidified Rimuru's territory as a significant political entity.

The Orc threat marked the first time in the series when Rimuru faced a problem that couldn't be solved alone. They had to seek allies or risk destruction due to the overwhelming number of Orcs. Rimuru's talent for converting enemies into friends was evident, starting with the Ogres and eventually extending to the entire Orc army. Although Rimuru had the opportunity to eliminate the Orcs after defeating the Orc Disaster, they chose to include them instead, recognizing their humanity just like the other monsters had shown.

The significance of the Orc War for the series cannot be emphasized enough. The storyline takes a major shift as it delves into politics and other relevant issues that were previously irrelevant when the focus was on a small village. Many elements introduced during this period resurface later in a significant manner, and beloved characters are also introduced. Although That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime experiences numerous notable moments following the Orc War, it never quite manages to surpass that pinnacle. However, with the anticipation of Slime season 3, there is a possibility for a change in this trend.