There is no denying that throughout the medium’s history, anime has produced some incredible tacticians. Characters likeCode Geass’s Lelouch Lamperouge andKakegurui’s Yumeko have shown a remarkable capacity to outwit even the most powerful opponents throughtheir clever ideasand tactics, entertaining, intriguing, and inspiring fans in the process.
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Great tacticians are identified by their ability to think speedily under pressure, make quick decisions, and develop creative and inventive action plans. These notable characters exhibit tactical prowess, intelligence, and a tendency to leave a significant impact on the stories in which they appear.
10Yumeko Jabami – Kakegurui
Yumeko Jabami’s appearance and personality might say otherwise, but she is amajor contender in the gambling field. Some characteristics that contribute to her skill at gambling include her willingness to take risks and her detachment from the outcome, be it positive or negative.
She’s quick to notice odd details about her opponents and draw conclusions based on what she senses about them. She can unravel an opponent’s strategy with her excellent memory and intuition. With this, she outsmarts her opponent, accurately predicting their moves and literally playing her cards right.
9Shiroe – Log Horizon
That Shiroe was a graduate engineering student in the real world is not surprising, considering how well he handles himself in the game city of Akiba. After the catastrophe, Shiroe leans on his 8-year experience at Elder Tale.
Shiroe possesses a specialknowledge of the game worldand the ability to manipulate the environment to his advantage using his overskill, Contract Art Ceremony. He takes full advantage of the game mechanics, using them to gain a tactical edge over his opponents, and create a better Akiba as master of his guild.
8Kongming Zhuge – Ya Boy Kongming!
Kongming Zhuge is undeniably intelligent. Although he always finds it easy to charm those around him and draw people to himself, this aspect of his personality is only a bit of what contributes to his success as a character.
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Whenhe diesin 234 A.D., Kongming wishes for a peaceful world and is given another chance at life, which he uses to the fullest. Now in a modern version of Japan, he uses his knowledge of people and battles to outwit his opponents, delighting in the process the whole time.
7Nine – Terror In Resonance
One half of the Sphinx mastermind, this teenage terroristmay lack cheerfulnessbut not strategic skill. He’s called “Sphinx #1” for a good reason, not just because he started the terrorist group with his friend Twelve, but because his tactics are necessary for their attacks to go through.
Nine is no stranger to trauma, as he was raised in an institution he escaped from due to a suspicious fire, unfortunately leaving his friend Five behind. Nine operates with a lot of this trauma and is even described as emotionally unstable.
6Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia
Izuku Midoriya lies at the center ofMy Hero Academia’s plot. This “quirkless” teenager dreamt of becoming a superhero, despite not being born with the looks or the ability. Izuku looks nothing like the strategic mastermind he is, having a short, average-looking stature.
However, Izuku is favored by All Might and given quirks. Because he has always been obsessed with heroes, he has spent a lot of time studying them—their moves, powers, weaknesses, and tactics—and he uses this knowledge when the need arises, making him an undeniable force.
5Armin – Attack On Titan
Armin is immediately relatable from the beginning ofAttack on Titan. He’s small and easy to physically overpower on a battlefield, making him seem like the average guy. But when he joins the Survey Corps with Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman, he gradually reveals just how exceptional he can be.
Armin is observant, reflective, andslow to speak. He gathers evidence from the environment and happenings around him and draws conclusions that are usually always right. Because of this, he is integral to the success of battles on more than one occasion, coming up with tactics to guarantee the upper hand.
4Toua Tokuchi – One Outs
Sports is one area where tactics are highly beneficial. Toua Tokuchi, the protagonist ofOne Outs, is a master of psychological manipulation and a tactical genius who can outsmart his rivals and triumph without underestimating them or leaving it all to chance.
Thanks to his cunning and quick wit, he can discern his opponents' thoughts and create intricate strategies that can outsmart even the most sophisticated ones. His mates and onlookers are usually left in awe of his ability to develop methods that can change the course of a game and guarantee his team’s victory.
3Yang Wen-li – Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Because ofhis simplicity and humility, Yang Wen-li might not be who one would think of when considering tactical anime characters. But those traits don’t make him less iconic, with him proving more than helpful in several battles.
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He has a solid grasp of war tactics and history, which helps him foresee his rivals' movements and come up with counterattacks. He acts quickly under pressure, skillfully improvising when the situation requires it. These qualities make Yang Wen-li a well-respected tactical leader and a valuable asset to the Free Planets Alliance.
2Shikamaru – Naruto Shippuden
InNaruto,Shikamaru Nara, a brilliant ninjafrom the Hidden Leaf Village, is known for his remarkable intelligence and keen strategic judgment. He trained his problem-solving skills with his father, a renowned shogi master while playing shogi.
He plays a pivotal role in the Fourth Great Ninja War and the Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc. He’s willing to risk his life to uphold his convictions. Shikamaru is often tasked with making decisions in critical situations because of his ability to come up with creative solutions. His tactical skills eventually lead him to the role of adviser to the Hokage.
1Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass
Lelouch Lamperouge fromCode Geassis a gifted and talented teenager with the unique ability to make others obey his commands. This power fuels his efforts to overthrow the tyrannical Britannian rule and lead his country to victory. He is known for his exceptional intelligence, charisma, and tactical skills, which he uses to his advantage to reclaim Japan’s freedom.
He takes onthe identity of “Zero"and is unwavering in his commitment to achieving his goal, even if it means making personal sacrifices. With his unmatched strategic abilities, Lelouch becomes an unstoppable force and a source of inspiration for others.
