AWC: Challenge FAQ

<hr>~If you do not see an answer to your question here, you can talk to us on Discord or post a question as a reply to this thread.~
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#Glossary

• Challenge Post — A reply made by any challenger in any Challenge Forum Thread (such as the Sports Genre Challenge or Manga Beginner's Challenge) which contains the filled-in Challenge Code

• Challenge Code — This is the code that we provide in almost all Challenge Forum Threads for you to copy-paste in your Challenge Post. The use of the Challenge Code is required. You can usually find it linked under the Submission or Important Links headers. For example, the Challenge Code for the Sports Genre Challenge can be found here. As such, we ask that you follow the instructions in the Challenge Code.

• Submission — The response you send in the AWC Challenge Submission Form once you have completed a challenge. You can read more about the submission and review process in the AWC Challenge Submission Guide.

• List Editor - The place where you can add an anime's / manga's watching status, dates, and more. Here's an example of where to find it.

• Entry Comment — This is the Main Comment of your Challenge Post, so in this Olympic Games Challenge Post the Entry Comment contains the requirements 1-20.

• Reply Comment — This is a reply to the Main Comment of your Challenge Post, so in this Olympic Games Challenge Post you'd find requirements 21-40 there. Depending on the challenge, your Challenge Post may have more than one reply or none at all. In case of the former, those other replies should all still be replies to the Entry Comment and not to any reply as seen for Reqs. 41-60 of the Olympic Games Challenge Post above.

• Header — The Header consists of the top portion of the Challenge Post. It is separated from the Body with an <hr> line in the code. This must include the name of the challenge, your challenge start and finish dates, and the legend for any status indicators used in the Body of your Challenge Post. You can also add any additional information here, such as challenge progress, mode start and finish dates, cover art, etc. You can find an example of the Header in the Challenge Code here.

• Body — The Body is the main portion of your Challenge Code and is made up of all the requirements. As this contains the most important information, this portion of the code is restrictive. You must use the Challenge Code as provided for this section. You can read about the specifics from our Challenge Code Updates. You can find an example of the Body in the Challenge Code here.

• Footer — The Footer is the bottom portion of the Challenge Code that comes after the requirements. It is separated from the Body with an <hr> line in your code. If information in the Footer is required or optional, it will be provided in the Challenge Code. If there is no Footer in the Challenge Code, a Footer section is not required. You can find an example of the Footer in the Challenge Code here.

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Q: What is AWC?
A: AWC stands for the Anime Watching Club. We create challenges to help facilitate your anime and manga activities, and to hopefully encourage you to watch more anime, read more manga, and experience some new things you may not have before.

Q: Where can I find the challenges to participate in?
A: You can find all of our challenge release announcements on our @AWC Profile or in the #announcements channel of our Discord. Additionally, we have comments hosting all of our Anime Challenges and Manga Challenges.

Q: What do I get for completing challenges?
A: First and foremost, you've hopefully gained some enjoyment from the anime you've watched. Although, upon completion of our challenges, we award badges for you to display on your profile, and most of our challenges also award Challenge Points which will earn you additional rewards.

Q: How can I check the points I've earned?
A: You can use the search bar on our Challenge Portal to find, and then click on your AniList Username. There you can see your rank and an optimized display of all your Challenge Badges.

Q: I've submitted my first challenge, why can't I find my profile on the Challenger Portal?
A: Your profile will be added to our database once you’ve passed your first challenge.

Q: I’ve changed my Anilist username, who do I need to notify to transfer my points and badges?
A: You don’t need to notify anyone! Your username will automatically be updated in our database when your next submission is reviewed.

Q: Why should I join the AWC Discord server?
A: While we strive to keep our @AWC Profile on AniList fully up to date, our Discord always gets the first announcements. Additionally, we host many events and have a number of fun Clubs in the server. We also have our #challenge-support channel, which is the quickest and easiest way to get a hold of our Review Team in case you need help with a challenge.

Q: How can I contact an AWC staff member?
A: If you need to contact our staff for any reason, there is a full list of our staff on our [About Us Post](/forum/thread/4449). Additionally, our Discord has a #challenge-support channel that can get you in touch with our Review staff and a #development-support channel to get assistance with any AWC website or tool issue.

Q: How can I contact an AWC Staff Member?
A: If you need to contact our staff for any reason, there is a full list of our staff in our About Us Post. Additionally our Discord has a #challenge-support channel that can get you in touch with our Review Team and a #developer-support channel to get you assistance with any AWC website or tool issue. You can if needed, post a reply in this FAQ Thread about your question as well.

Q: I think I accidentally deleted my Challenge Post, what should I do?
A: Please first confirm that the Challenge Post has actually been deleted. For that go to your profile, then under the Social tab please find your Forum Comments. If you can find your Challenge Post there then it means that it was not deleted but your link just stopped working. Most often this is caused by using the link of a reply and not the Entry Comment. Here's a visual example of how you can get your Entry Comment link.

If you’ve actually deleted your Challenge Post then unfortunately all your progress on that challenge is lost unless you already passed the challenge or it is a challenge that allows previously started / completed anime (seasonals, monthlies, classics, etc). In case of the latter, you can remake your Challenge Post and continue as normal.

If you’ve actually deleted your Challenge Post then unfortunately all your progress on that challenge is lost unless you already passed the challenge or it is a challenge that allows previously started / completed anime (seasonals, monthlies, classics, etc). In case of the latter, you can remake your post and continue as normal.

Q: My Challenge Post is bugged, what should I do?
A: First of all, you should report this bug to AniList by creating a new Forum Thread under the category “Bug Reports”.

After that make a new post in the Challenge Thread. In the Header, make a note about the fact that your previous post was bugged and link to the page your bugged one is on as proof of when you started the challenge. Please make sure not to delete the bugged post, it's needed to verify your challenge start date. So, what this means is that you're able to just copy the contents of your challenge to a new one and continue like nothing happened!

If you were working on your Mastery Mode and it was your Easy / Normal / Hard Mode that was affected then please similarly link to the page your previous mode is on instead of directly linking to your bugged Challenge Post.

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#General Challenge Questions

Q: How does the challenge process work?
A: The challenge process is thoroughly explained in our [About Us Post](/forum/thread/4449).

Q: What challenges can I do right now?
A: Our @AWC Profile shows a list of all active timed challenges. All other challenges can be found on these comments that host links to all of our [Anime Challenges](/activity/26266744) and [Manga Challenges](/activity/29647185).

Q: What do I do if I don’t know the start and/or finish dates of anime/manga I’ve watched/read?
A: You should be logging these for all anime and manga you use for challenges. However, in the case that we allow previously completed anime and you do not have dates you can: 1) use your best-guess dates (e.g. 2014-MM-DD; 2014-04-DD; 2014-04-06), or 2) use your AL join or list import date. You can find your AL join date by hovering over your profile picture on your profile. You don’t have to add such dates into your List Editor.

Q: I'm using a releasing anime / manga, which should I put down as the finish date for that anime / manga?
A: In your Challenge Post, you can either 1) leave it as YYYY-MM-DD or some other placeholder, OR 2) use the date of when you last watched / read the latest episode / chapter available. In your List Editor, you shouldn't have a finish date until you've completed said anime / manga.

Q: Can I use a Producer instead of a Studio when asked for a Studio?
A: Yes, the Company may be listed as either Studio or Producer on the Anime Page, unless otherwise stated on the Challenge Thread. An example of a restriction can be seen on the Anime Expert Challenge Requirement “35) Watch an anime created by 2 studios or more” as it contains the note “Companies listed under Producers do not count.”

Q: Does this anime / manga work for a requirement that asks for something specific like a character's appearance or an anime cover?
A: You should use an anime / manga that you know for sure fits the requirement. As a general rule, if you need to ask, it's probably better to use a different anime / manga.

Q: Can I use a character that is half or partially something (half-Japanese, 1/4 human, etc) for a requirement?
A: No, half or partially somethings do not count for any side unless otherwise stated on the Challenge Thread. So, a half-European would neither be a European nor non-European. The only exception in this case would be if both halves meet the requirement, like Ash Lynx who is American-Irish would count for the Anime Intermediate Requirement #17: Watch an anime where the main character is not Japanese, as neither of the halves is Japanese.

Q: Can I use a Movie / OVA / ONA when asked to watch something with 12 episodes or less?
A: Yes, anything that has an episode count listed of 12 or less will count. For example, movies are usually considered by AniList to be 1 episode.

Q: Can I use an anime with multiple seasons or entries to fulfil different requirements on the same challenge?
A: Yes. We consider different seasons as separate entries on AL since they have their own AL pages, so you could use each individual season to fulfil their own individual requirement.

Q: Can I use an anime/manga to fulfil multiple requirements on the same challenge?
A: No. One anime means a single entry, so it can only be used on one requirement. However, there are a few exceptions, such as our Monthly Challenges, the Double Dipping Challenge and some manga challenges. Please be sure to read the challenge rules to know when and how they can be used.

Q: Can I use an anime / manga that I started before signing up for a challenge but never completed?
A: Yes, for challenges that allow previously started anime / manga, you can resume these from where you left off. For challenges that do not allow previously started anime / manga, you must start the anime / manga from episode / chapter 1. You must also reflect this restart in your watching / reading (and not rewatching / rereading!) activities and your start date.

Q: When using a rewatch in a challenge, which dates should I use?
A: You should use the rewatch dates in your Challenge Post. You can choose to keep your original dates in your List Editor or update them to reflect your rewatch.

Q: What is the challenge start date?
A: The challenge start date is the date you signed up for the challenge. To check that you can hover over the date next to your name and get the exact timestamp.

Q: What is the challenge finish date?
A: The challenge finish date is the date of your last watched anime or episode (in case of a releasing anime in the seasonal challenge for example) towards the challenge. However, if all anime used for the challenge are previously completed, your challenge finish date would be the same as your challenge start date, since you can’t finish a challenge before starting it!

Q: Why can't I use Music?
A: Please be careful about this restriction. The format “Music” is typically disallowed on challenges unless otherwise stated while the genre “Music” is allowed on all challenges unless otherwise stated.

Q: Is Hentai optional?
A: Yes, Hentai is optional for every requirement of every AWC challenge unless otherwise stated on the Challenge Thread.

Q: How do the Challenge Modes work?
A: Various challenges have different modes to them. For example, our Monthly Challenges have an Easy and a Hard Mode, our Genre Challenges have Easy, Normal, and Hard Modes, and the Studio Collection Challenges have rewards for clearing a Line and clearing the Board. In all instances that a challenge has different modes, all modes build upon each other. For the Action Genre Challenge, Easy Mode is completed after finishing any 20 requirements, Normal Mode after finishing another 20 requirements (for a total of 40 requirements), and Hard Mode after finishing the remaining 20 requirements (for a total of 60 requirements).

Q: Do Removed challengers count?
A: Removed challengers do not count as they are no longer participating in the challenge.

Q: What do I do when the anime / manga I used for a challenge has received a data change after I completed it and now has more episodes / chapters than my List Editor states?
A: You should update the episode / chapter count in your List Editor and delete any newly generated activities. Be sure to include a note as additional information stating that the anime / manga has received changes after your completion so your Reviewer is aware.

Q: Can I use a Native or Synonym Title when stating an Anime / Manga Title?
A: No, unless otherwise stated on the Challenge Thread, you must use either the English or Romaji Title.

Q: Can I use an Alternative Name when stating a Character / Staff Member's Name?
A: No, unless otherwise stated on the Challenge Thread, you must use the Main Character / Staff Member Name listed on their AniList Profiles. Native Names are not included and cannot be used.

Q: Can I provide a screenshot if I'm worried an anime / manga's stats will change?
A: You can use a screenshot to verify a mean score. However, you cannot use a screenshot to verify if a genre, tag or popularity has been updated, unless otherwise stated on the Challenge Thread.

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#Monthly Challenge Questions

Q: Do I have to only do the Easy or Hard mode, or can I do both?
A: You can do both — they build on each other. Easy Mode is requirement 1 and any additional 4 requirements completed and Hard Mode is all 10 of the requirements. Unlike the Genre Challenges, you do not need to submit Easy first to submit Hard.

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Genre Challenge Questions

Q: Do I make a different post for every mode of the challenge?
A: No, please don’t. Just split requirements into three sections — those used for Easy Mode, those used for Normal Mode, and those used for Hard Mode. Keep them in numerical order within their sections. Only the Mastery Mode is in its own post.

Q: Can I submit all modes of a Genre Challenge at the same time?
A: No, Genre Submissions should happen one mode at a time. So while you'll have your whole list in one place, please submit each time you finish one of the Modes. Please avoid submitting modes of the same challenge back to back and instead wait for the previous mode to pass before submitting the next.

Q: How does Genre Mastery work?
A: Genre Mastery is earned after completing all requirements for a second time. Mastery is considered another mode in addition to Easy / Normal / Hard, so you cannot rewatch any anime you've already used for your previous modes. You cannot start a Mastery challenge until your original genre challenge has been reviewed and passed by a member of our Review Team - do not create your post for a Genre Mastery before you receive the Hard Mode badge for the corresponding Genre Challenge.

Q: Can I use previously completed anime for Genre Mastery?
A: No. You can use previously started anime, but you cannot fill any requirements with anime that are already on your Completed list.

Q: How can I use a Bonus requirement?
A: Bonus requirements can be swapped out for any other requirement in the Genre Challenge. When you use a Bonus requirement, please put it at the end of the mode you’re using it in. If you wish to keep the text of the requirement you’re not using, please place this in the Footer of your Challenge Post.

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Seasonal Challenge Questions

Q: Do I need to watch every episode as it airs?
A: No, we provide a 16-week period for our Seasonal Challenges in which you can watch seasonal anime.

Q: Can I complete an old Seasonal Challenge?
A: No, Seasonal Challenges are timed challenges and only available during the anime season in question.

Q: Should I include all of the seasonal anime I’m watching if it’s more than 7?
A: No, we would prefer you did not. In the challenge body, you can only include the 7 anime you’re using for the challenge.

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Classic Challenge Questions

Q: If an anime is 2-cour or more, can I use it for different seasons in the challenge?
A: No, anime will only be counted for the season they have listed on their AniList page, which is their first airing season.

Q: Can I use an anime if it does not have a specified season on its AniList page?
A: No, only anime with a season specified on its AniList page will be counted for this challenge.

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Special Challenge Questions

Q: Gambler’s: I really don’t like the shows I got, can I change them?
A: Nope, that’s your list. Have fun!

Q: Gambler's: The list provided an anime with a later season or relation for something I haven't seen yet, what can I do?
A: Our Gambler's Bot is designed to minimize the possibility of receiving random sequels or relations. However, if you receive a sequel or relation and don't want to watch the prequel, feel free to swap it out with any of the other extra anime you received from your list.

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Collection Challenge Questions

Q: Franchises: Do I need to watch anime in the specific orders listed?
A: No, if we provide an order for the anime, these are suggested routes you should take based on the general anime community consensus. If you don't wish to follow these, that's okay.

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General Challenge Questions

Q: Can I use Light Novels / Manhua / Manhwa / One-Shots?
A: Yes, "Manga" all throughout MRC Challenges refer to all of the entries on AniList under the umbrella term of manga, so you can use any of these formats as long as they meet the requirements.

Q: How is the latest released chapter determined for a releasing manga?
A: Our Staff goes by the latest chapter that has been translated into English. Our Reviewers make use of MangaUpdates.

Q: Can I use an anime / manga if it's marked as finished on AniList but the translation is still releasing?
A: Yes, if you are using English translations / scanlations, then you just need to be caught up on those. Although, we recommend you provide a note for your Reviewer so they are aware what type of translation / scanlation you are using, preferably as additional information.

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Tier Challenge Questions

Q: Beginner's #01: What should I do if I've read everything from my favorites already or no anime there has a source “manga”?
A: Time to explore. Look into more anime and manga to find one you want to watch / read.

Q: Beginner's #09: Can I use a One-Shot?
A: Yes, they are only 1 chapter.

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Q: How do I properly log anime activity for challenges?
A: Our challenges require that watch activity is properly logged so our Reviewers can confirm the activity. This is especially important with any Timed Challenges. As always, the best practice is to manually update your List Editor after watching the first episode of a watch session and then increment every episode after, though batch updating an anime after you’re done watching for the time should get you the desired results as well. Here's a visual example of how to log your anime.

Q: How do I log rewatches?
A: When you rewatch an anime for our challenges, it’s required that they’re properly logged as a rewatch. When you start an anime you’re rewatching, open your List Editor and set the status of the anime to “Rewatching.” After you do this, all activity logging will be logged as rewatch activity. Please also make sure to increment the Rewatch Counter if it’s not done automatically. Here's a visual example of how to log your rewatches.

Q: What activities do I need?
A: For most challenges, we require the “Episode 1” / “Chapter 1” and “Completed” activities for anime / manga with more than one episode / chapter. For anime / manga with one episode / chapter, only the “Completed” activity is required. As such, missing any middle episodes / chapters is usually not grounds for a fail. Though the best practice is to log all episodes / chapters. If you are missing the required “Episode 1” / “Chapter 1” activity, this can be saved if you generated a “Plan to Watch” / “Plan to Read” activity after the Challenge Start Date, although you may receive a warning note to be more careful in the future.

However, when previously started anime / manga are allowed, we only require the "Completed" activity. Whereas in the case of previously completed anime / manga being allowed, no activities are required.

Q: I didn't log my activities correctly, can I relog my activities to fix my mistake?
A: No, if you are missing any required activities for your anime / manga, you can not relog your activities to fix this mistake.

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Q: Do I have to use the provided Challenge Code?
A: Yes, the use of the Challenge Code is required for all challenges.

Q: Can I edit the Challenge Code?
A: Yes, though there are restrictions in place. Generally, the Header and Footer of your Challenge Post can be customized so long as they contain the needed information, while the Body of the comment has tighter restrictions. Please read more about the specifics from our Challenge Code Updates.

Q: When should I split my Challenge Post?
A: You can find all the necessary information from this announcement. Splitting your Challenge Post generally concerns challenges with more than 20 requirements. You should check the Challenge Thread of the challenge in question to find the necessary information about how your Challenge Post should be split. If this information is not mentioned in the Challenge Thread yet, then it defaults to the 20 requirements per comment.

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Q: Can I submit more than one challenge at a time?
A: You can only submit one challenge in a single submission through our AWC Challenge Submission Form. As such, you can submit multiple challenges in a row, they must be submitted back to back unless you are trying to submit a later Challenge Mode without having passed the previous Challenge Mode like submitting a Romance Normal Mode without passing the Romance Easy Mode yet.

Q: How long does it take for my challenge to be reviewed?
A: The time to review varies depending on the Submission Queue. The wait times tend to take longer towards the end of the month or anime season as a large number of Challenge Submissions come in at once. While we aim to keep the time around 3 days or less, please understand that this be extended for the above reasons.

Q: I messed up on my challenge. Do I need to resubmit my challenge?
A: No, do not resubmit your challenge unless specifically asked to by your reviewer. Instead, after making any needed corrections, reply to your reviewer’s comment and let them know what fixes you made.

Q: I fixed my challenge but haven't heard back from my Reviewer. What should I do?
A: After you've made your corrections, reply to your Reviewer's message and let them know what you fixed. If you do not hear back from your Reviewer within a week, try replying to their message again. While our Reviewers do their best to get back to you in a reasonable amount of time, other obligations do get in the way sometimes. If you have not heard back on your corrections after 2 weeks, please visit our Discord and open a #challenge-support ticket to request assistance. At that time, we'll try to get a status update or reassign the submission as needed.

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Q: How do I add a missing tag?


Q: How do I submit a data change if the listed information in AniList is incorrect / missing?
Q: Where do I find (1) the format (i.e Movie, TV, ONA), (2) the airing year / season, (3) the mean score, (4) the Studio
Q: How do I take a full-page screenshot?
A: Please take a look at our [screenshot taking guide](/activity/180591382).