The series is set in a fantastical, magical world which features a wide range of environments that are very often based on certain themes, such as "the Eraser Plains", a landscape made entirely of stationery.

The protagonist is Rayman, a magical limbless being renowned for his courage and determination who, with the help of his friends, must save his world from various villains.

[21] He can use his hair as helicopter blades for means of transportation, throw his fists to punch from a distance, and in some games, even project balls of energy from his hands.

[30] Rayman has had other appearances such as the Super Smash Bros. series as a trophy and spirit,[32][33] featuring as a playable character in a Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC expansion titled Rayman in the Phantom Show, which was released on August 30, 2023, as well as an inclusion in Astro Bot as an unlockable bot found in the game's Winter Wonder level released in a free update on December 12, 2024.

[82] Since his debut in 1995 on the Atari Jaguar, Rayman has become a well received, fan favorite and recognizable video game character by countless players and was known for his lack of limbs.

[85][86] Rayman appears as a recurring character in the 2023 animated series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, voiced by David Menkin.