
ABF · Anima: Beyond Fantasy · Anima RPG
Anima: Beyond Fantasy
Anima: Beyond Fantasy is high fantasy viewed through an anime lens. You’ll encounter vast empires, masked villains, secret orders, and blade-on-blade duels on sky bridges. The world evokes strong emotions and a distinct style. Players appreciate the ability to customise their characters, from mystical swordsman to court sorcerer to psychic agent. A professional Game Master channels that energy into vivid scenes, character drama, and set-piece battles that feel like a season premiere.
A session alternates between fast tactical clashes and story beats that reward clever choices. Newcomers can easily join in with prebuilt heroes, while detail enthusiasts can delve deeper between sessions. It’s perfect for birthdays and team events seeking cinematic action, as well as campaigns that relish politics and power growth. Ready to find the right guide for your table? Browse Game Masters who run Anima, either in person or online.
How to play Anima: Beyond Fantasy
At the table, you act in scenes. When the outcome is uncertain, you roll percentile dice, add your skill or combat bonuses, and try to beat a difficulty or an opponent’s roll. Combat is opposed, with your attack tested against a block or dodge, then damage and critical effects resolved. Exceptional success can push you higher, and mistakes can snowball, so fights feel dynamic and cinematic.
You bring a character concept and a flair for stylish action. Choose a fighting style, spell path, or psychic focus, then describe how you look and move. A professional Game Master provides prebuilt options, cheat sheets, and clear calls so the game never stalls. For remote tables, they set up online play with shared sheets and dice.
In a one-shot, expect a self-contained mission with two to three set pieces and time to showcase signature moves. Advancement is streamlined and characters may be provided. In a campaign, you develop techniques, unlock Ki abilities, research spells, craft gear, and engage with factions and rival champions. Political arcs and long rivalries shine over multiple sessions.




Common questions
Do I need to understand Anima’s rules before we play?
No. You bring a hero concept and some anime inspiration. A professional Game Master provides you with a simple starting sheet and the few actions you need to kick off. They call for rolls, interpret results, and maintain the pace. New players can use pre-generated characters or a quick-build template. You learn the rules as they become relevant, rather than all at once. If you enjoy the depth, your GM can introduce options between sessions, such as new techniques or spells, without slowing down the game.
Which edition do you run, Core Exxet or the 1st Edition?
Many Game Masters prefer Core Exxet, the Revised Core, as it streamlines skills and combat options. Some can run 1st Edition upon request. If you bring a 1e character, the conversion is typically minimal, involving adjustments to development costs, secondary abilities, or a technique’s prerequisites. Check a GM’s listing for their edition, or inquire during booking. You can browse available Game Masters here: find a GM for Anima.
How does Anima differ from D&D in gameplay?
Characters use point buy with professions instead of fixed classes, allowing for highly customised builds. You can mix martial techniques, magic, and psychic powers right from the beginning. Defence is an action, so deciding whether to parry or evade is significant. Armour reduces damage rather than just making you harder to hit. The tone leans towards anime, emphasising signature moves, rival duels, and secret orders. If you enjoy dramatic set pieces and personalised characters, Anima offers a unique take compared to traditional dungeon-focused fantasy.
What group size and session length are ideal for Anima?
Anima is designed for 2 to 6 players, with the ideal group size being 3 to 5 to ensure each hero gets their moment in the spotlight. A typical session lasts between 3 to 4 hours. The initial battle for a new group may take longer as everyone familiarises themselves with their options, but it tends to speed up thereafter. One-shots usually consist of two to three scenes, allowing time for players to showcase their signature moves. For groups of 5 or 6 players, using pregenerated characters can help the game flow more smoothly. Campaigns benefit from regular sessions lasting 3 to 4 hours.
Is Anima appropriate for children or teenagers?
Yes, with the right setup. The rules are detailed, so it works best for ages 12 and up who enjoy anime action and can manage a few options. A professional Game Master can simplify choices, provide pregens, and keep scenes clear. Content can be set to teen-friendly, with stylised combat and fade-to-black for sensitive topics. Safety tools and boundaries are used on request. For younger kids, consider a lighter system or plan a shorter Anima one-shot with streamlined choices.
What do I need to bring, and how do you run it online?
In person, two ten-sided dice for percentile rolls are useful, along with a pencil and your character sheet. Miniatures are optional. Your Game Master can provide sheets, reference cards, and maps or tokens. Online play is seamless with shared sheets, integrated dice, and voice or video. Many GMs run Anima on popular virtual tabletops. See what online setups they use here: how online play works.
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