After two electrifying seasons,Solo Levelinghas solidified itself as a global anime sensation. Adapted from Chugong’s South Korean web novel and manhwa, the anime brought its monster-hunting world to life with the best animation of the season, emotional depth, and a high-octane soundtrack.
With its protagonist Sung Jin-Woo (or Shun Mizushino, in the Japanese dub) rising from the weakest hunter to a near-mythic force, fans have been hooked from the very beginning. Now, with Season 2 concluded on a dramatic cliffhanger, the question on everyone’s mind is:Will there be a Season 3, and if so, what can we expect from it?
Is Season 3 Confirmed?
What the Studio and Producers Are Saying
As of nowSolo LevelingSeason 3 hasnot been officially confirmed. In a recent Crunchyroll interview, producer Atsushi Kaneko revealed that the story would “come to an end, for now.”
When asked about future seasons, he admitted:
“It may continue, or it may not.”
Kaneko expressed hope for continuation but emphasized that fan support would be the deciding factor.
This is in contrast to Season 2’s announcement, which came immediately after Season 1’s finale. The silence now suggests internal deliberations. That said, anime insiders believe the door is wide open: if the demand is strong and schedules align, Season 3 could very well happen.
How Did Solo Leveling Season 2 Perform?
Global Popularity vs. Local Sales
Despite no renewal announcement, Season 2 was a massive success. It broke records on Crunchyroll, becoming one of the most-liked premieres in the platform’s history and surpassing 700,000 user ratings by its finale. International audiences praised the animation quality, Hiroyuki Sawano’s gripping score, and emotional high points, especially Jinwoo’s reunion with his mother.
Still, criticism lingered. Fans noted the fast pace, as major arcs like the Jeju Island raid were compressed, and character development moments trimmed. Yet, this didn’t stop the momentum. Viewers stayed invested, proving the adaptation’s power to engage even when it deviated from the source.
Solo Leveling: 10 Best Characters, Ranked
From Sung Jin-Woo to Ashborn, here are some of the best characters from Solo Leveling!
In Japan, however, physical media sales told a different story. Season 1’s Blu-ray volumes sold poorly; some volumes didn’t even chart, with under 100 copies sold in opening weeks. But in this anime economy,global streaming matters far morethan disc sales. By that measure,Solo Levelingremains a commercial hit.
Who’s Behind the Production?
The Creative Team Behind the Scenes
Solo Levelingis produced by A-1 Pictures, the studio known forSword Art OnlineandKaguya-sama: Love is War. Director Shunsuke Nakashige, writer Noboru Kimura, and composer Hiroyuki Sawano all returned for Season 2, ensuring consistency in tone and quality. Character designer Tomoko Sudo also remained onboard, faithfully translating DUBU’s manhwa art.
A-1 has a strong track record of continuing successful franchises, but its 2025 schedule is busy. With other major projects underway, scheduling could delay Solo Leveling’s return even if greenlit. Still, the studio’s commitment to quality and Kaneko’s hopeful comments suggest interest from within—what’s needed now is a green light from production partners like Aniplex and Crunchyroll.
Korean Story, Japanese Frame Tension
The Cultural Identity Issue
One of the most discussed aspects of the anime has been its localization. In the Japanese version,Korean names and locations were changed: protagonistSung Jin-WoobecameShun Mizushino, and Seoul became Tokyo. Japanese audiences saw the story as domestic, while Korean and international fans noted the erasure of the original cultural identity.
This wasn’t accidental. Industry insiders confirm the changes were made to appeal to Japanese viewers and avoid political sensitivities, especially since the original manhwa depicts Korea-Japan rivalries in arcs like the Jeju Island raid. In the anime, some of those antagonistic roles were shifted to non-Japanese characters to sidestep tension.
While the Japanese audience accepted the changes, Korean and global fans voiced concerns over identity loss. Many continue to use the Korean names online and in fan discussions. Interestingly, theKorean dub retains the original names, creating two parallel versions of the anime. The adaptation walks a tightrope between localizing for new audiences and preserving source authenticity.
How Much Has Been Covered?
Key Arcs So Far and What’s Next
Season 2 ends around chapter 110 of the 179-chapter manhwa, roughly two-thirds of the way through the story. That includes major arcs like the Red Gate, Demon Castle, and Jeju Island, with hints toward the Monarchs and Jinwoo’s mysterious father.
Here’s what’s likely on the horizon:
The anime has mostly stayed faithful to the plot while speeding up pacing. Some moments, like Jinwoo healing his mother, were expanded for emotional impact. Others, like deeper world-building, were skipped. Still, it maintains the core of the story and sets the stage for an epic finale, if it comes.
Solo Leveling: Every Monarch, Ranked
From Ashborn to Legia, here are the strongest and the most menacing Monarchs in Solo Leveling.
Narratively, the season 3 arc is darker, more political, and increasingly existential. Expectlarger-scale battles, globe-spanning conflicts, and emotional reckonings. If animated well, Season 3 could deliver the most impactful moments of the entire series, including its finale.
When Could Season 3 Release?
Expected Timeline and Possibilities
If Season 3 follows the same timeline as previous seasons, about one year of production, a premiere inearly 2026is realistic. However, the lack of immediate confirmation and A-1’s tight schedule may push it further, possibly to late 2026 or even 2027. Fans should watch for updates at events like AnimeJapan or Jump Festa later this year.
In the meantime, speculation is that a recap film (as was done after Season 1) might arrive in late 2025, keeping the franchise active while decisions are made.
