"Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage-Tier Settings" is a mega-popular isekai fantasy from "Shosetsuka ni Narou."
As of June 2020, it achieved #1 in the annual overall rankings on "Shosetsuka ni Narou"—a super trending work.
Series cumulative circulation has surpassed 2.5 million copies, with TV anime broadcasting starting January 2026!
The original is written by "Hamuo-sensei," character design by "Mo-sensei," and manga by "Tetsuda Enji-sensei."
Animation production by "Yokohama Animation Lab," directed by "Makoto Tamagawa."
A story of a 35-year-old single salaryman reincarnating into a "maximum difficulty" other world and rising up with his hardcore gamer knowledge and guts!
A work whose charm is "true grinding"—not being strongest from the start, but steadily leveling up to become strong 🎮
① Fresh Setting of Maximum Difficulty "Hell Mode"
The protagonist deliberately chooses maximum difficulty "Hell Mode" when reincarnating.
Starting from the lowest status as a serf, in a harsh environment with no walkthrough sites or companions.
This choice unique to a hardcore gamer who hates "easy games" creates thrills throughout the story 🔥
② The One-and-Only Talent: "Summoner"
Protagonist Allen possesses the one-and-only talent in this world: "Summoner."
Creating summon beasts from cards as materials, enabling diverse deployment for combat, support, reconnaissance, and more.
His repeated testing and raising of summon beasts is exactly a gamer's "grinding" 🃏
③ Steady Effort and Growth Process
Rather than becoming strongest instantly, steadily leveling up to grow stronger.
Continuously hunting goblins and orcs, accumulating experience points feels like nostalgic RPG gameplay.
A work where you can taste the exhilaration of "effort paying off" 📈
④ Charming Party Members
Unique companions including childhood friend Kurena with "Sword Saint" talent, weapon shop son Dogora the "Axe Wielder," noble lady Cecil, and more.
Watching each of them grow is also a highlight.
The party name is "Hardcore Gamers"—a very Allen-like naming 👥
⑤ A Story of Family Love and Bonds
The bonds with family born as serfs, and affection for little brother Mash are carefully depicted.
Not just adventure, but warm family portrayals are also charming.
Having heartwarming moments within a harsh worldview is nice 💗
① From Serf to Noble's Servant
Allen changes position from serf in a pioneer village to servant of the Granvelle Baron family.
While serving Lady Cecil, he gains freedom to go outside and begins serious leveling.
This status change becomes a major turning point in the story 📜
② Summon Beast Rank-Up System
Summon beasts rank up from G, F, E, D, C, B, A, to S.
The process of gathering materials, synthesizing, and creating more powerful summon beasts is the essence of "grinding."
Excitement never stops whenever new summon beasts appear 🌟
③ Academy City and Heroes
As the story progresses, school life at the academy city begins.
Interactions with other parties like "Sacred" led by Hero Hermios are highlights.
Hot developments like dungeon raids and martial arts tournaments await 🏫
④ Battle Against the Demon King's Army
As the story advances, battles against the Demon King and army executives intensify.
S-rank dungeon raids and large-scale battles involving multiple nations unfold.
Pay attention to how far the hardcore gamer's strategies work ⚔️
⑤ Visual Beauty Expected from Anime Adaptation
Looking forward to how the summon beasts' battle scenes will be animated.
High expectations for Yokohama Animation Lab's skills.
Mutsumi Tamura's role as Allen is also a must-check 🎬
① The Beginning of Reincarnation
Yamada Kenichi, a 35-year-old single salaryman, lamented an era full of easy games.
One day he finds a mysterious site "For You Who Love Grinding" and selects maximum difficulty "Hell Mode."
He realizes he's reincarnated as serf boy "Allen" in another world 👶
② Talent Discovery and Secret Growth
Allen discovers he possesses the only talent in the world: "Summoner."
However, as a serf he can't reveal his talent, secretly starting to level up.
While protecting his family, he steadily builds his power 🔍
③ Meeting Childhood Friend Kurena
Fellow serf Kurena is a genius girl with "Sword Saint" talent.
Allen and Kurena grew up as childhood friends, often playing knight games.
Their bond plays an important role in later adventures ⚔️
④ Becoming a Servant of the Granvelle Family
Kurena's talent is recognized, leading to service at Lord Granvelle Baron's family.
Allen accompanies as a servant, coming to serve Lady Cecil.
Gaining freedom to go outside the town, serious monster hunting begins 🏠
⑤ Meeting Companions and Party Formation
Unique companions gather—weapon shop son Dogora, noble lady Cecil, healer Kiel, and more.
They form party "Hardcore Gamers" and challenge dungeon raids.
Teamwork utilizing each person's talent is a highlight 👥
⑥ New Adventures at Academy City
Allen and friends advance to academy city, beginning new adventures.
The stage of challenges expands to A-rank and S-rank dungeons.
Interactions with hero parties and elites from various nations also begin 🏫
📺 TV Broadcast
Premiere: January 2026~
Broadcasting Stations: TOKYO MX, MBS, BS Nittele
Broadcasting as a Winter 2026 anime 📺
🌐 Streaming Services (Early Streaming)
Early Streaming Start: From January 9 (Fri), every Friday at 25:35~
• ABEMA
• d Anime Store
Watch earliest via early streaming 📱
🌐 Streaming Services (Sequential Streaming)
Sequential Streaming Start: From January 12 (Mon), every Monday at 25:35~
• U-NEXT
• Prime Video
• Hulu
• DMM TV
• FOD
• Lemino
Sequential streaming begins on these and more 📲
🎬 Theme Song Information
Opening Theme: Atarayo "Haku"
Ending Theme: Kaya "Sanctuary"
Kaya is the 2018 "NHK Nodo Jiman" champion, a promising new artist 🎶