Isekai is one of the most popular genres in anime and manga. Tales like That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime or My Life as a Villainess are escapism about escapism, letting readers into a world where real-life problems are a literal lifetime away. Isekai protagonists start as regular Joe Nobodies, but are reborn into worlds where they can be a somebody. It's the stuff of dreams and, while you're unlikely to die and reincarnate into an RPG fantasy world, the uncertainty surrounding death means there is a chance, however slight.
However, should you hit the jackpot one-in-quintillion chance of being reborn into a cool anime world, just know that things will be far from easy. Reincarnation comes with a whole plethora of problems. You may not have a say in what you're actually reborn as, you might be born with a specific condition that makes your life way harder or you might even be born so low on the totem pole that your only means of survival is in clawing your way to the top. Reincarnation can be tough but, thanks to anime, there are plenty of examples on how to get by and thrive in your new life.
Tip #1: Create a Harem to Establish Dominance!
It's pretty obvious, but it still warrants mentioning: whether it be with smoking-hot fantasy girls or equally hot fantasy guys, anyone who's serious about surviving an isekai adventure has to have a harem following them.
By having a harem of powered-up companions, citizens of this other world will recognize your superior status. When choosing harem members, vie towards those with abilities more powerful than yours. There's no guarantee that the next form you reincarnate as will be strong, so forging bonds with powerful figures you can rely on is a must. Always be open to new additions to the harem, and don't discriminate - your own rebirth is proof that power can come from anyone, anywhere.
Tip #2: Hope For a Powerful Form!
Reincarnation, by design, doesn't give the dead a say in what they come back as. Maybe your next form is that of a spider, or a slime or maybe you're really unlucky and come back as something like a vending machine. The more fortunate will come back as something intensely powerful and nigh-unstoppable. This can be both a blessing and a curse. If nothing can defeat you, then you can just chill with your harem and enjoy life, crushing the few worthy challengers who come your way. That being said, this can become excruciatingly boring. Every obstacle is a joke and nothing at all is out of reach - the game is over before it could even begin.
If you're not into the OP lifestyle, then you'll be glad to hear that you're just as likely to come back as something weak and nonthreatening. You'll have to grind your stats and develop your skills, struggling and experiencing unfathomable pain in the process. But, you will also gain experience that will allow you to overcome future encounters, and likely reveal some unique abilities in the process.
Tip #3: Use Your Quirk to Your Advantage!
More than likely, you'll be reborn with a "quirk." Similar to your reincarnated form, this cannot be avoided most of the time and you don't get to choose what it is. It can come in the form of you dying, but waking up at another point in time, like Subaru from Re:Zero. In this case, whenever something terrible happens, like a love interest kicking the bucket, or a war breaking out, you can simply press the reset button.
Sometimes, your new form will be a quirk on its own: your form may be weak, but you have the ability to absorb abilities, such as with Rimuru Tempest from Slime, whose power increases with every technique absorbed. Your new ability might be unconventional or just straight-up weird, but it will always be useful with a little creativity. Things will be tough while you try to master it but, when you sit back, basking in the glory of your hard-earned victories, with your harem at your side, it will have been worth it.
Tip #4: Get to Know the Locals!
To survive your new isekai life, it's vital to get a new group of friends. Just like with establishing a harem, having a close-knit group of friends and companions will make your life easier. You must have your own inner circle to rely on when the going gets tough, and you bet that the going will get tough indeed.
Sometimes, the locals won't take kindly to your arrival in their world. This shouldn't be surprising, especially if they make it clear that they've experienced this kind of event before, what with outsiders literally appearing out of nowhere and stirring up trouble. But, though making friends can be tough, having buddies in high places opens doors, allowing you to wield their power and influence by proxy.
Tip #5: Be the Change You Want to See!
Less fortunate dead folk will be reincarnated into a time of strife. Raging wars, subversive sides, kingdoms falling and clans destroyed...these issues are nothing to balk at and will more than likely make your new life a living Hell. Taking a side can result in former friends turning against you and even denying you the opportunity to access certain resources. But kindness goes a long way, even when it is not paid back immediately. The more you treat people like people, the more you'll find the world changes around you for the better. Sometimes it takes more than fists to right wrongs.
Starting life in another world is something we've all dreamed of. However, for all its appeal, you'll find that there are always strings attached when it comes to reincarnation: whether it comes in an inept physical form, or suffering a curse of sorts, an isekai life is often rife with challenges. But, while reincarnating into an anime world may or may not actually be possible, it turns out the lessons learned from them are pretty handy in real life, as well.