I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills Season 1: A Quirky Blend of Farming and Fantasy

“I just wanted to grow carrots, not slay dragons!” If that sentiment resonates, then I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills (or Noumin Kanren no Skill Bakka Agetetara Nazeka Tsuyoku Natta) Season 1 might just be the anime you didn’t know you needed. This 12-episode series, which aired from October to December 2022, is a curious concoction of fantasy, action, and agricultural absurdity. Produced by Studio A-Cat and based on Shobonnu’s light novel series, it follows Al Wayne, a farmer whose passion for plowing fields accidentally turns him into an overpowered hero. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this anime a unique, if flawed, addition to the 2022 anime season.

---

The Premise: Farming Meets Overpowered Protagonist

At its core, I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger is built on a delightfully ridiculous premise: what if mastering mundane farming skills made you a god-tier warrior? Al Wayne is a young man with a singular dream—to live a peaceful life as a top-class farmer. He’s not chasing glory, romance, or adventure; he just wants to perfect his crops and tend his fields. But in a world where everyone is aware of their RPG-like stats, Al’s relentless focus on agriculture—planting, harvesting, and soil management—somehow maxes out his strength, speed, and combat abilities. Before he knows it, he’s felling dragons with carrots and rescuing princesses between watering his fields.

This setup is both the show’s greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. The humor and charm stem from Al’s earnest desire to avoid heroics, only to be dragged into battles because of his absurd power. Yet, the premise also feels like a one-trick pony, struggling to sustain a full season without deeper narrative stakes.

---

What Works: A Refreshing Take on Fantasy Tropes

1. A Non-Isekai Fantasy with Heart
   Unlike many anime in its genre, I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger isn’t an isekai. Al is a native of his world, not a reincarnated or transported hero, which gives the story a grounded feel despite its fantastical elements. His love for farming is genuine, and the show’s early episodes shine when they lean into his agricultural obsession. Scenes of Al fretting over crop yields or experimenting with new planting techniques are oddly endearing, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by sword-swinging protagonists.
2. A Likeable Cast
   The supporting characters add surprising depth to the series. Al’s mother, Lucica, a former intelligence commander with an overprotective streak, steals scenes with her jealous outbursts and comedic devotion to her son. His father, equally smitten with Lucica, provides slapstick humor, especially when misjudging Al as a romantic rival. Characters like Helen, a practical adventurer, and Ruri, a kind-hearted dragon girl, form a loose harem around Al, but their interactions feel more playful than forced. Even minor characters like Reaks and Testa are memorable for their camaraderie, making the ensemble a highlight.
3. Lighthearted Humor and Visual Charm
   The show’s comedy, while not always a home run, lands some solid laughs. Al’s deadpan reactions to his own overpowered feats—like defeating a dragon with a vegetable—are chuckle-worthy. Studio A-Cat’s animation is serviceable, with vibrant rural landscapes and colorful character designs by Masami Sueoka that capture the idyllic vibe Al craves. The opening theme, “Growing Up” by 7ORDER, is catchy and sets an upbeat tone, while the ending, “Rolling Soul Happy Days” by Pop Shinanaide, is a fun, quirky closer.
4. A Unique Hook
   The concept of gaining superhuman strength through farming is undeniably original. It’s a playful satire of RPG mechanics, where leveling up mundane skills like “weeding” or “irrigation” translates to combat prowess. This twist keeps the early episodes engaging, especially for fans of genre parodies like Konosuba.

---

What Falls Short: A Harvest of Missed Opportunities

1. Lack of Narrative Depth
   While the premise is fun, the story struggles to evolve beyond its initial gag. The 12 episodes rush through major plot points, adapting up to Volume 4 of the light novel series, which leaves little room for character development or world-building. Al’s motivations remain static—he wants to farm, gets roped into heroics, rinse, repeat. The villains, from demons to evil gods, feel generic and lack the menace to make Al’s battles compelling. Many viewers noted the show feels like a promotional vehicle for the source material rather than a standalone story.
2. Pacing and Structure Issues
   The series suffers from uneven pacing. Early episodes establish Al’s farming life and accidental heroism, but later ones cram in too many subplots—princess rescues, dragon battles, and ghost encounters—without tying them together cohesively. The season ends on a cliffhanger, with unresolved arcs that may never see closure, as Season 2 remains unconfirmed due to the show’s lukewarm reception.
3. Cringeworthy Moments
   Some viewers found the humor “lame” and the dialogue “cringy,” particularly in scenes involving Al’s interactions with his harem or the cartoonish villains. The comedy often leans on repetitive gags, like Al’s mother’s jealousy or his obliviousness to his own strength, which grow stale. For every clever moment, there’s a clunky one that feels like filler.
4. Mediocre Reception and Limited Appeal
   With an IMDb rating of 5.7/10 and mixed fan reviews, the anime didn’t capture a wide audience. Critics and viewers alike noted its lack of originality beyond the farming gimmick, with some calling it forgettable compared to other 2022 fantasy series like Farming Life in Another World. The rushed adaptation and lack of a strong narrative arc made it hard for fans to stay invested.

---

Standout Episodes and Moments

• Episode 1: The Farmer and the New Beginning
  The premiere sets the tone with Al’s accidental dragon-slaying and his horrified reaction to being hailed as a hero. It’s a strong introduction to the show’s humor and premise.
• Episode 4: The Farmer and the Dragon
  Al’s encounter with Ruri, a dragon girl, is a highlight, blending action with heartfelt moments as he helps her without expecting rewards. The carrot-throwing combat is peak absurdity.
• Episode 12: The Farmer and The New Resolution
  The season finale, while inconclusive, showcases Al’s growth as he reluctantly accepts his role as a protector, hinting at untapped potential for deeper storytelling.

---

The Verdict: A Fun but Flawed Crop

I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills Season 1 is a mixed bag—a charming, lighthearted romp that doesn’t quite live up to its creative premise. Its strengths lie in its unique concept, likeable characters, and moments of genuine humor, but it’s held back by a lack of narrative depth, uneven pacing, and a sense that it’s more a teaser for the light novels than a complete story. For fans of quirky fantasy or farming-themed anime, it’s worth a watch, especially if you enjoy shows like Farming Life in Another World or The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest. However, those seeking a tightly plotted epic might find it as underwhelming as a drought-stricken harvest.

Rating: 6.5/10
If you’re curious, you can stream Season 1 on platforms like Hulu, HiDive, or Amazon Prime Video. For those hooked on Al’s story, the light novels (starting at Volume 5) or manga offer more content, as a second season seems unlikely given the lack of renewal news as of July 2025.

---

Why Watch It?

• You love absurd premises and RPG-style worlds.
• You’re a fan of lighthearted fantasy with minimal stakes.
• You want a break from heavy isekai tropes.

Skip It If:

• You prefer complex plots and deep character development.
• You’re tired of overpowered protagonists with little growth.
• You want a complete story without cliffhangers.

---

Fun Fact

Did you know the light novel series wrapped up in 2018 with five volumes, but the manga adaptation continued until December 2024? If the anime’s rushed pacing left you wanting more, the manga might be a better bet for a fuller experience.

---

I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills is like a quirky heirloom vegetable—unique, a bit odd, and not for everyone, but delightful for those who appreciate its flavor. Have you watched it? Let me know your thoughts, or if you’d like recommendations for similar anime!