Anime Like Black★★Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall

An alchemy experiment gone horribly wrong shatters the lives of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric. Defying the fundamental alchemical law that forbids human transmutation, they try to revive their deceased mother. The attempt backfires catastrophically: Alphonse loses his entire body, while Edward sacrifices a leg and then an arm to anchor his brother's soul to a massive suit of armor. Their neighbor Pinako Rockbell and her granddaughter Winry take them in. Winry, a gifted engineer specializing in biomechanics, crafts prosthetic limbs for Edward using "automail"—a durable, versatile metal found in robots and battle armor. After years of intense training, the Elric brothers embark on a mission to recover their original bodies by finding the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary gem capable of bypassing the law of Equivalent Exchange. As Edward earns fame as an alchemist and the moniker "Fullmetal," their quest pulls them into a far-reaching conspiracy that could determine the fate of the world.

The Four Cardinal Heroes are a group of regular guys from present-day Japan called to the kingdom of Melromarc to serve as its saviors. Melromarc is a country suffering from the Waves of Catastrophe, which have repeatedly devastated the land and brought disaster to its citizens for centuries. The four heroes are each given a sword, spear, bow, and shield to defeat these Waves. Naofumi Iwatani, an otaku, is cursed with the role of the "Shield Hero." With nothing but a weak shield, Naofumi is looked down upon and mocked by the other heroes and the kingdom's citizens because of his poor offensive power and unimpressive personality. After the heroes receive supplies and companions to train alongside, Naofumi begins his journey with the sole person who agrees to join him, Malty Melromarc. However, she soon betrays him, and he is wrongly accused of assaulting her. As a result, Naofumi faces severe discrimination and hatred from the people of Melromarc for a crime he never committed. With deep hurt and distrust burning inside him, Naofumi sets out to build his own strength and repair his reputation. But as he goes on, the hardship of traveling alone becomes too great, so Naofumi purchases a dying demi-human slave named Raphtalia to join him. As the Waves draw closer to the kingdom, Naofumi and Raphtalia must battle to ensure the kingdom's survival and shield its people from their doomed destiny.

Edward Elric is a gifted young alchemist who, at age twelve, suffers devastating losses. When he and his brother Alphonse attempt to bring their deceased mother back using the forbidden technique of human transmutation, Edward loses both his brother and two of his own limbs. Using his exceptional alchemical abilities, Edward manages to anchor Alphonse's soul to a massive suit of armor. One year later, Edward has become a state alchemist with the title of Fullmetal. Together with his younger brother, he sets out in search of the Philosopher's Stone. This legendary artifact is said to greatly amplify an alchemist's power, allowing them to bypass alchemy's core principle: equivalent exchange, where one must sacrifice something of equal value to gain something. Edward intends to use the military's resources to locate the stone and restore his and Alphonse's bodies to their original state. But as the Elric brothers delve deeper, they realize the stone holds secrets far beyond their expectations, drawing them into the heart of a conflict much darker and more vast than they ever anticipated.

A deadly virus suddenly appears, wiping out everyone over the age of 13. In its wake, vampires who had long remained hidden emerge to seize control of humanity. They offer protection to the survivors in exchange for regular blood donations, effectively turning them into livestock. Among those taken captive are Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya, two young boys from an orphanage, along with other children they regard as family. Unwilling to live as mere blood sources under the vampires' oppressive rule, Mikaela devises a plan to escape. However, the attempt fails catastrophically, leaving Yuuichirou as the sole survivor. He is later discovered by the Moon Demon Company, a military organization dedicated to exterminating vampires in Japan. Years pass, and Yuuichirou becomes a member of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. He is driven by a single goal: to exact revenge on the creatures that murdered his family. But the price of his vengeance remains uncertain.

A tower exists that summons selected individuals, referred to as Regulars, with the promise of fulfilling their deepest desires. Whether those desires are wealth, fame, power, or something beyond all of that—everything awaits those who reach its summit. Twenty-Fifth Bam had spent his entire life knowing only a dark cave, a ragged cloth, and a distant, unreachable light. Then a girl named Rachel appeared to him through that light, and his whole world changed. They became close friends, and Rachel taught him many things about the world outside. But when she told him she had to leave to climb the Tower, his world fell apart. Vowing to pursue her no matter the cost, he fixed his gaze upon the Tower—and a miracle took place. This is how the journey of Bam begins: a boy not chosen by the Tower, but who opened its doors on his own. Such beings are called Irregulars—entities that have shaken the very foundations of the Tower every time they have entered it.

With only a week left until the next Wave, Naofumi Iwatani and his party feel the pressure mounting. The urgency heightens after bat-like familiars assault Lurolona Village, which causes the Wave countdown to halt. In response, the Four Cardinal Heroes convene with Queen Mirelia Q Melromarc for an urgent meeting. She believes that these unusual occurrences may be linked to the Spirit Tortoise, a perilous creature that has awakened and started causing destruction once again. As plans are drawn up to defeat the Spirit Tortoise, among the four heroes, only the disparaged Shield Hero steps forward to offer his assistance.

Yuuichirou Hyakuya has finally been reunited with his childhood friend Mikaela Hyakuya, whom he believed to be dead for a long time. However, upon meeting again, he learns that Mikaela has become a vampire. Determined to aid his friend, Yuuichirou swears to grow stronger so he can protect Mikaela and the members of the Moon Demon Company. Kureto Hiiragi receives intelligence that a large gathering of vampires is forming in Nagoya, preparing for an attack on the Imperial Demon Army's main forces in Tokyo. Under the command of Guren Ichinose, Yuuichirou's squad is among those chosen to intercept and defeat the vampire nobles. With the Nagoya operation drawing near, the members of Shinoa squad continue working to master their Cursed Gear and improve their teamwork. Yuuichirou must acquire the strength needed to slay the nobles and save his best friend before the demon inside his weapon consumes him.

Fear, survival, instinct. Cast into an unfamiliar world with only faint recollections and the awareness of their own names, a group of strangers can sense nothing but these three emotions echoing deep within them. They have no choice but to accept the sole paying occupation in this game-like realm—serving as soldiers in the Reserve Army—and destroy any threats to peace in their new world, Grimgar. When all the stronger candidates band together, those left behind must form a party to endure: Manato, a charismatic leader and priest; Haruhiro, a nervous thief; Yume, a cheerful hunter; Shihoru, a shy mage; Moguzo, a kind warrior; and Ranta, a rowdy dark knight. Though it may look like one, this is no game—there are no do-overs or respawns; it is kill or be killed. Now this unlikely band of fighters must learn to survive together in a world where the boundary between life and death is razor-thin.

Guts, who will later be known as the Black Swordsman, is a young mercenary traveling from place to place, recognizable by the enormous greatsword he carries. He takes on jobs that pay the most, but never stays with any group for long—until he comes across the Band of the Falcon. After completing a job, Guts is ambushed and defeats many members of the band in combat. Griffith, the founder and leader of the Band of the Falcon, becomes interested in Guts and challenges him to a duel. Though the other members are no match for Guts, Griffith defeats him with a single blow. Incapacitated and brought to the Band of the Falcon's camp to recover, Guts awakens two days later. He confronts Griffith, and they duel again, this time under a condition: if Guts loses, he must join the Band of the Falcon. Because of his still-healing injuries, Guts loses the fight and is inducted by Griffith. Over the next three years, Guts rises to become one of the Band of the Falcon's commanders. On the battlefield, his combat skill is second only to Griffith's, as he takes on large groups of enemies by himself. With Guts' immense strength and Griffith's leadership, the Band of the Falcon dominate every battle they fight. But something sinister lurks in the shadows, threatening to change Guts' life forever.

The world’s greatest assassin, who devoted his life to the organization that raised him, is betrayed and killed by that very group. Haunted by lingering regrets, he meets a goddess impressed by his skills. She offers him a new life in a fantasy world of magic and steel, charging him with a crucial mission: kill the hero destined to destroy that world. Reborn as Lugh Tuatha Dé, heir to a noble family of assassins serving the Alvan Kingdom, he learns from his father techniques that differ from his earlier ruthless style. As he hones his other talents and forges new connections, Lugh remains painfully aware that his present abilities fall short. To fulfill his divine task, he must attain absolute perfection to defeat such a formidable opponent.

Yoshino Takigawa, a typical high school student, is secretly in a relationship with Aika, the younger sister of his best friend Mahiro Fuwa. Following Aika's mysterious death, Mahiro vanishes, determined to hunt down and punish her murderer. Yoshino resumes his normal routine, having had no contact with Mahiro for a month, until a strange girl holds him at gunpoint. Mahiro arrives just in time to rescue him. Yoshino discovers that Mahiro has recruited a witch named Hakaze Kusaribe to assist in the investigation. However, Hakaze has been exiled to a deserted island because of conflicts within her clan. Her brother, Samon, selfishly seeks to exploit the power of the Tree of Exodus, ignoring both Hakaze's objections and the looming threat to the world. With Hakaze unavailable, Yoshino and Mahiro must aid her in saving the globe, while gradually uncovering the secrets surrounding Aika's death.

The world has been transformed into a hunting ground for the Crimson Denizens, enigmatic entities from a parallel dimension that feed on human life energy. These ruthless killers leave behind only faint remnants of souls known as "Torches," which are mere residues destined to be destroyed, erasing the victims' existence from the memories of the living. To halt this silent, voracious slaughter, warriors known as Flame Hazes engage in an endless battle against these monsters. One day, Yuuji Sakai’s life changes drastically when he finds himself trapped in a time distortion and attacked by a Denizen. He is saved at the last moment by a nameless hunter who appears to be an ordinary girl, save for her fiery crimson hair and intense eyes. Before Yuuji can fully understand what is happening, he realizes he has already been reduced to a Torch—a fragment of memory poised for extinction.

Despite stopping the latest Wave of Catastrophe, Naofumi Iwatani, the Shield Hero, cannot let his guard down. Queen Mirelia Q Melromarc reactivates his responsibilities by notifying him that the other three Cardinal Heroes have vanished without a trace and commanding him to track them down. With no clues regarding their whereabouts, Naofumi redirects his attention to a more pressing issue: the growing demi-human slave trade. Determined to fix this injustice, he and his companions travel to Zeltoble, a nation of mercenaries where the illegal trafficking of demi-humans has become very profitable. To raise the money needed to free the enslaved, Naofumi and his allies wear disguises and participate in underground coliseum matches, deliberately throwing fights to manipulate the betting odds and secure a huge reward. Yet, as the threat of another Wave of Catastrophe looms, the Shield Hero must stay devoted to his mission to find the missing heroes in order to protect the people he holds dear.

In a distant future, a world shattered by six meteor impacts is inhabited by crystalline lifeforms called Gems. Every Gem is given a specific duty to defend against the Lunarians, a species that attacks them to shatter their bodies and use the pieces as decorations. Phosphophyllite, commonly known as Phos, is a fragile young Gem who longs to contribute to the war effort alongside their friends. However, due to their delicate nature, they are instructed to compile an encyclopedia instead. Resentfully beginning this task, Phos meets Cinnabar, a clever Gem relegated to nighttime patrol on an isolated island because of the corrosive poison their body produces. Seeing Cinnabar's misery, Phos resolves to find a role that both rejected Gems can take pleasure in. Houseki no Kuni follows Phos' quest to become useful and shield their fellow Gems.

In the year 320, the Kingdom of Pars, led by the aggressive King Andragoras III, is locked in conflict with the neighboring Lusitanian Empire. Prince Arslan, who differs greatly from his father, takes to the battlefield for the first time, hoping to prove his courage. But when the king is betrayed by a trusted official, the Parsian army is crushed, and the capital Ecbatana falls under siege. With the army shattered and the Lusitanians hunting him, Arslan is forced to flee. Accompanied by the loyal general Daryun, he begins a quest to gather allies who can help him reclaim his homeland. Yet the prince's enemies extend beyond those occupying his kingdom. Other nations' armies are poised to seize Ecbatana, and the mysterious figure behind Lusitania's triumph—a man concealed behind a silver mask—poses a grave danger to Arslan and his group. This masked individual holds a secret that could threaten Arslan's claim to the throne. Facing overwhelming odds, Arslan must summon the strength and resolve to overcome these challenges and find allies who will stand by him on the journey that will prepare him for his future role as king.

Marked for death and doomed to be pursued by demons until his last breath, Guts resolves to challenge this terrifying fate as endless waves of monsters chase after him. With his resolve steeled, he brandishes the enormous Dragonslayer and vows vengeance against the man he once admired and considered a friend. Along his journey, he encounters unexpected allies such as the tiny elf Puck and Isidro, a young thief eager to learn the art of the sword from the former mercenary. As this unlikely band comes together to accompany Guts on his mission, they must face threats more horrifying than any they have encountered before.

Every millennium, the gods of Greek, Norse, and Hindu mythology gather to judge humanity. Repulsed by human selfishness, the divine council votes unanimously to annihilate the species. As the execution order is about to be enacted, Brunhilde, one of Valhalla's 13 Valkyries, steps in to give mankind a final chance. She proposes a Ragnarök tournament where the 13 mightiest human warriors face off against 13 gods in one-on-one battles. Despite the gods' initial ridicule, Brunhilde exploits their pride to secure a binding agreement. Her mission is to recruit the most powerful heroes from the past thousand years of human history and guide them to victory before they are slain.

On her first day of junior high, Mato Kuroi feels an immediate pull toward the quiet Yomi Takanashi and makes sincere attempts to start a conversation, hoping to become friends. Though Yomi initially keeps her distance, their connection changes when she notices a decorative blue bird on Mato’s phone—a charm from the book "Li'l Birds At Play." Realizing they share the same interest, the two girls form a deep bond. In a parallel world, these girls exist as counterparts: Mato is the warrior Black★Rock Shooter, and Yomi is Dead Master. Events in one realm seem to affect the other, and though they remain unaware of this link, fate intertwines their lives in unforeseen ways.

In a world on the verge of collapse, an old legend tells that when the end arrives, the path to paradise will open. This perfect world offers the only hope for the few living things left in this desolate land, but the myth says only wolves can discover the way to this fabled place. Although they were believed to have vanished long ago, wolves still exist, hiding among humans by using complex illusions. A lone wolf named Kiba is pulled by an irresistible scent to Freeze City, a poor settlement ruled by the cruel Lord Orkham. There, Kiba finds that wolves Hige, Tsume, and Toboe have also been lured by the same smell. Chasing the fragrance of "Lunar Flowers," which are rumored to unlock the door to their perfect world, the wolves travel across barren lands and decaying cities in search of their legendary paradise. But they are not the only ones hunting for this haven, and others with darker motives will stop at nothing to get there before them.

The continent of Atlatan has fallen into turmoil after the Great Hall Tragedy, a catastrophic incident that destroyed the fragile peace between the Fantasia Union and the Factory Alliance. The wedding of Sir Alexis Douse and Lady Marrine Kreische, meant to unite the two factions, was overtaken by a surge of "Chaos," a dark dimensional energy that summons monsters and demons. From this corruption emerged the Demon Lord of Diabolos, who killed the archdukes of both sides, crushing all hope for reconciliation. Siluca Meletes, a mage from the Alliance, journeys through the ravaged countryside to study under a master magician. On her way, she is rescued from Federation soldiers by Theo Cornaro, a young warrior wielding a mysterious "Crest" that can repel Chaos. Sworn to no particular domain, Theo aspires to become a Lord and liberate his hometown, Sistina, from its tyrant and the spreading corruption. Inspired by his noble ambition, Siluca enters a magical pact with Theo, and together they set out to restore balance to their fractured world.

Desperate to save his brother Alphonse, Edward Elric gave up his own body and soul, only to find himself stranded in Munich, Germany. Adrift in a world utterly unlike his own, he struggles to cope amid the economic turmoil following World War I. Cut off from home and unable to use his alchemy, Edward searches for alternative ways to escape this prison, aided by associates who mirror the faces of those he left behind. As unrest grows among the German people, the nation's humiliated state also stirs tension among its neighbors. Back in his own world, Alphonse delves deeper into the study of alchemy, investigating the mystery behind Edward's disappearance in the hope of finally being reunited with his older brother.

Yuusuke Yotsuya has always disliked Tokyo, but he holds a particular resentment for the people living there. He would rather thrive in a virtual world than attempt to get along with those around him. One day after school, he notices the popular athlete Iu Shindou talking to Kusue Hakozaki, a girl who rarely attends school due to illness. However, when he looks away from the pair and then back, they have seemingly vanished. Moments later, Yotsuya finds himself falling through the air, and the world around him starts to transform. Plunging into a vast pool of water, the first thing he sees upon regaining his senses is an array of enormous monsters. He soon learns that Shindou and Hakozaki have pulled him into a game world, and he must complete a quest within 14 days. One key difference sets this world apart from the real one: as long as one party member remains alive, any dead member will be resurrected after 30 seconds. Faced with a series of quests that grow progressively harder over time, Yotsuya, Shindou, and Hakozaki struggle to uncover the mystery behind this baffling game world.

Denizens from the Crimson Realm keep slipping into Misaki City, draining life energy from humans. To counter this threat, Flame Hazes are deployed to rescue people from having their existences erased. However, though protecting humans is a Flame Haze's mission, Shana—known as the "Flame-Haired Burning-Eyed Hunter"—appears to be directing her attention toward a single individual: Yuuji Sakai, a teenage boy caught in the conflict between Crimson Denizens and Flame Hazes without his consent. Ever since their first meeting, Shana has begun to see Yuuji as more than just a companion. In fact, Yuuji suspects that Shana may have confessed her emotions to him at one point, but her erratic temperament makes it hard for him to be certain. Still, their everyday life continues as usual, until a new transfer student appears at their school—someone who looks uncannily like a former foe. Yuuji and Shana cannot afford to tiptoe around their relationship; as their enemies within the Bal Masqué organization prepare their next move, the pair must remain vigilant while probing the mystery behind the treasured artifact inside Yuuji, the "Midnight Lost Child."

On the 20th floor of the Tower, the "Regulars" allowed entry must undergo grueling and highly costly tests to move up. Most give up hope and settle where they are—but Ja Wangnan is different. Wangnan is determined to reach the summit and become the king of the Tower. Yet he is weak, has repeatedly failed the exam, and is pursued by debt collectors. In desperation, he tries the exam once more, only to come across a mysterious and formidable figure: Jyu Viole Grace, a member of the criminal organization FUG. Cursing his bad luck, Wangnan has no choice but to build alliances with strong individuals, including Viole—who still refuses to join any team. In a critical situation, Wangnan must find a way to change Viole's mind to finally move beyond the 20th floor, or he will never have a chance to forge his legacy.