Nothing beats a good adventure story and there were plenty of good adventure anime in 2018. Adventure anime is usually narrative driven and deals with the protagonist exploring an immersive environment, often a fantasy world.

Here are the top 5 adventure anime of 2018:

 5. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

Genre: Fantasy, Shounen

Studio: 8bit

Season: Fall 2018

Episodes: 24

Introduction

Thirty-seven-year-old Satoru Mikami is a typical corporate worker, who is perfectly content with his monotonous lifestyle in Tokyo, other than failing to nail down a girlfriend even once throughout his life. In the midst of a casual encounter with his colleague, he falls victim to a random assailant on the streets and is stabbed. However, while succumbing to his injuries, a peculiar voice echoes in his mind, and recites a bunch of commands which the dying man cannot make sense of.

When Satoru regains consciousness, he discovers that he has reincarnated as a goop of slime in an unfamiliar realm. In doing so, he acquires newfound skills—notably, the power to devour anything and mimic its appearance and abilities. He then stumbles upon the sealed Catastrophe-level monster “Storm Dragon” Verudora who had been sealed away for the past 300 years for devastating a town to ashes. Sympathetic to his predicament, Satoru befriends him, promising to assist in destroying the seal. In return, Verudora bestows upon him the name Rimuru Tempest to grant him divine protection.

Now, liberated from the mundanities of his past life, Rimuru embarks on a fresh journey with a distinct goal in mind. As he grows accustomed to his new physique, his gooey antics ripple throughout the world, gradually altering his fate.

via MyAnimeList

Thoughts

Coming in at #5 is Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken (That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime). That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime is an isekai anime (revolving around a normal person from Earth being transported to, reborn, or trapped in a parallel universe) with an interesting premise. Being reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world would seem lame but not in the That Time I Got Reincarnated as A Slime universe.

Rimuru, as a slime, is able to store what he eats and he can reproduce it as long as he has the resources in storage. He uses this ability mostly to store potions that help heal him and his allies. He has a unique skill called predator that allows him to eat almost anything and obtain the skills or properties of whatever he consumes (which is how he gets stronger over time).

Rimuru can be seen as a OP character. However, how OP is he? check out Is Rimuru Tempest Too OP?

Rimuru learns alot about this new world and he meets many allies (and enemies) as he goes on an exciting adventure.

Conclusion

That Time I Got Reincarnated as Slime was a good adventure anime in 2018. Despite the premise, it is a good reminder that you can’t always judge a book by it’s cover.

4.  Sword Art Online Alicization

Genre: Action, Game, Adventure, Romance, Fantasy

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Season: Spring 2018

Episodes: 24 – ?

Introduction

“Where…am I…?” Before he knows it, Kirito has made a full-dive into an epic, fantasy-like virtual world. With only a murky recollection of what happened right before he logged in, he starts to wander around, searching for clues.

He comes upon an enormous, pitch dark tree (the Gigas Cedar), where he encounters a boy. “My name is Eugeo. Nice to meet you, Kirito.” Although he is supposedly a resident of the virtual world – an NPC – the boy shows the same array of emotions as any human being.

As Kirito bonds with Eugeo, he continues to search for a way to log out of this world. Meanwhile, he remembers a certain memory deep down within him. He remembers racing through the mountains with Eugeo as a child… A memory that he should not have in the first place.

And in this memory, he sees someone other than Eugeo, a young blond girl. Her name is Alice. And it is a name that must never be forgotten...

via MyAnimeList

Thoughts

The Alicization Arc in Sword Art Online is the best arc so far and it’s good as an adventure anime. The world-building in Sword Art Online Alicization is much better than previous arcs. The premise is very interesting and related to artificial intelligence for military use.

Kirito is sent to a virtual reality by an experimental FullDive machine called the Soul Translator (STL). The virtual reality world is called the Underworld and it is even more realistic and complex than previous virtual reality worlds Kirito’s been in. The Underworld seems like the ideal fantasy world. It is a beautiful and quiet place where one can live peacefully and without worry. However, not everything is what it seems.

One question that arises for many who have not seen this arc is how OP is Kirito? Check out Is Kirito OP in Sword Art Online Alicization?

Conclusion

The RPG and MMORPG video-game elements have been more fleshed out in Sword Art Online Alicization and it is a good adventure anime to watch if you are a fan of these elements.

3. Golden Kamuy

Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen

Studio: Geno Studio

Season: Spring 2018

Episodes: 12 (season 1) + 12 (season 2)

Introduction

In Hokkaido, the far northern lands of Japan, Sugimoto survived the Russo-Japanese war of the Meiji era. Nicknamed “Sugimoto the Immortal” during the war, he now seeks the riches promised by the gold rush in hopes of saving the widowed wife of his now deceased comrade from the war. During his hunt of gold, he finds hints of a hidden stash of gold by corrupt criminals. Partnering with an Ainu girl that saves his life from the harsh climates of the north, they venture into a survival adventure to race against the criminals that seek the hidden stash.

via MyAnimeList

Thoughts

Golden Kamuy was one of the most underrated anime to drop in 2018. It is also a top 3 adventure anime. If your not sure if it’s worth watching, check out Why You Should Watch Golden Kamuy

Sugimoto and Asirpa go on a huge adventure searching for a stash of gold. Golden Kamuy has a very unique setting and takes place in the northern snowy wilds of Hokkaido. The setting takes a life on it’s own as characters have to deal with avoiding hypothermia, wild bears, and unsafe areas.

Conclusion

Golden Kamuy is very fast paced and is filled with action and drama. It is a great adventure anime and deserving of the #3 spot.

2. Yuru Camp

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Adventure

Studio: C-Nation

Season: Winter 2018

Episodes: 12

Introduction

While the perfect getaway for most girls her age might be a fancy vacation with their loved ones, Rin Shima’s ideal way of spending her days off is camping alone at the base of Mount Fuji. From pitching her tent to gathering firewood, she has always done everything by herself, and has no plans of leaving her little solitary world.

However, what starts off as one of Rin’s usual camping sessions somehow ends up as a surprise get-together for two when the lost Nadeshiko Kagamihara is forced to take refuge at her campsite. Originally intending to see the picturesque view of Mount Fuji for herself, Nadeshiko’s plans are disrupted when she ends up falling asleep partway to her destination. Alone and with no other choice, she seeks help from the only other person nearby.

Despite their hasty introductions, the two girls nevertheless enjoy the chilly night together, eating ramen and conversing while the campfire keeps them warm. And even after Nadeshiko’s sister finally picks her up later that night, both girls silently ponder the possibility of another camping trip together.

via MyAnimeList

Thoughts

Sometimes it’s not always about the anime with the crazy setting, action, or explosions. Yuru Camp shows that an outdoor activity such as camping can be fun, enjoyable, and refreshing.

Seeing Nadeshiko and her friends travelling to all these beautiful landscapes, going out on adventures and just admiring the little things was a very gratifying experience.

The color palette and art in Yuru Camp is very vivid and catches the viewers attention instantly.

Conclusion

Yuru Camp was one of the best adventure anime to drop in 2018.  There were enough sublime landscapes and exploration for Yuru Camp to land #2.

1. Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further Than The Universe)

Genre: Adventure, Comedy

Studio: Madhouse

Season: Winter 2018

Episodes: 13

Introduction

Filled with an overwhelming sense of wonder for the world around her, Mari Tamaki has always dreamt of what lies beyond the reaches of the universe. However, despite harboring such large aspirations on the inside, her fear of the unknown and anxiety over her own possible limitations have always held her back from chasing them. But now, in her second year of high school, Mari is more determined than ever to not let any more of her youth go to waste. Still, her fear continues to prevent her from taking that ambitious step forward—that is, until she has a chance encounter with a girl who has grand dreams of her own.

Spurred by her mother’s disappearance, Shirase Kobuchizawa has been working hard to fund her trip to Antarctica. Despite facing doubt and ridicule from virtually everyone, Shirase is determined to embark on this expedition to search for her mother in a place further than the universe itself. Inspired by Shirase’s resolve, Mari jumps at the chance to join her. Soon, their efforts attract the attention of the bubbly Hinata Miyake, who is eager to stand out, and Yuzuki Shiraishi, a polite girl from a high class background. Together, they set sail toward the frozen south.

Sora yori mo Tooi Basho follows the captivating journey of four spirited girls, all in search of something great.

via MyAnimeList

Thoughts

A Place Further Than The Universe encapsulates everything you want from an adventure anime. Watching this series makes you want to go out on a journey to an exotic place. Moreover,  you feel like your actually going on an adventure with the four main girls each episode.

A Place Further Than The Universe is a great story and Shirase’s strength and resolve made the journey ten times better.

Conclusion

A Place Further Than The Universe was the best adventure anime of 2018. It’s a series that shows the fun and hardships of youth and what it means to overcome the obstacles life might hold. Truly deserving of the #1 spot.