Re:Zero Season 3 Review and Season 4 Outlook

The Winter 2025 anime season is finally coming to an end. Among the most talked-about series this season, Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 3 has just aired its final episode. Along with the finale, the production of Season 4 was officially announced. Let’s take a look back at what made this isekai fantasy one of the hottest and most likely contenders for Best Anime of 2025, and explore what we might expect from the upcoming Season 4.

Warning: This article contains spoilers.

Overview of Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 3

Re:Zero Season 3 consists of a total of 16 episodes, divided into two distinct parts. The first half, titled the Attack Arc, spans Episodes 51 to 58 and aired during the Autumn 2024 anime season. The second half, known as the Counterattack Arc, includes Episodes 59 to 66 and was broadcast in the Winter 2025 season.

This split-cour approach allowed the story to develop with a strong narrative rhythm, giving each arc room to breathe and hit emotional and action-packed high points. Season 3 not only brought back familiar faces but also pushed the story into darker, more intense territory—setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes Season 4.

Official Website: https://re-zero-anime.jp/tv/

Key Events in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 3

Spoiler Warning: The following section contains major plot details.

Season 3 takes place in the city of Priestella, where the royal selection candidates to become the 42nd king of Lugunica have gathered. In a shocking turn of events, four Sin Archbishops of the Witch Cult appear simultaneously, launching a surprise attack on Subaru and the candidates. This marks the beginning of intense battles against each of the Archbishops.

As the story progresses into the Counterattack Arc, Subaru and his allies begin to fight back, pushing against the overwhelming forces threatening Priestella. Alongside the action, the season also delves into the important backstories of several key characters, many of which intertwine with events from previous seasons. This layered storytelling enhances the emotional impact and payoff, making Season 3 one of the most powerful arcs in the series so far.

Here are the main battle scenes.

Highlight: Subaru & Emilia vs. Regulus Corneas (the Sin Archbishop of Greed)

Emilia is kidnapped by Regulus Corneas, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, who attempts to forcibly make her his bride. Subaru rushes to her rescue, and the battle quickly escalates. The overpowered knight Reinhard joins the fight, but even he struggles against Regulus, whose ability renders him nearly invincible.

It’s Subaru’s signature intellect that ultimately turns the tide: he manages to uncover Regulus’s hidden weakness. This battle is especially moving due to the emotional teamwork between Subaru and Emilia, showcasing the deep bond they’ve built over time.

Additionally, there are significant narrative threads hinting at the lingering presence of Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, the Sin Archbishop of Sloth. His eerie connection to Subaru continues to play a role, and the deeper reason becomes clear: Petelgeuse was once Juice, a character who shared a close bond with Emilia and her mother in the past. This battle pays off storylines from Season 2, tying emotional arcs and plot twists together with powerful impact.

Priscilla & Liliana vs. Sirius Romanée-Conti (the Sin Archbishop of Wrath)

Sirius Romanée Conti, the Sin Archbishop of Wrath, had caused Subaru immense suffering during the coordinated attacks. In this battle, she is finally brought down through the combined efforts of Liliana, whose singing holds mysterious power, and the royal candidate Priscilla.

This scene highlights Priscilla’s individual strength, both in combat and presence. It also serves as a reminder that she stands in direct opposition to Emilia in the race for the throne.

What made this battle especially significant was the fact that Sirius was not just defeated but captured alive. In the world of Re:Zero, this is an extremely rare outcome when facing the Sin Archbishops, making this victory even more important.

Garfiel vs. Kurgan

Garfiel faces off against Kurgan, a powerful warrior with eight arms who is being controlled by the Sin Archbishop of Lust. At first, Garfiel seems outmatched in terms of sheer strength, struggling to hold his ground against such a fierce opponent.

However, as the battle intensifies, the support and cheers of the citizens give Garfiel the emotional strength to push beyond his limits. He awakens to new power within himself, and even Kurgan comes to acknowledge Garfiel’s strength.

Wilhelm & Reinhard vs. Theresia

Just like Kurgan, Theresia van Astrea is brought back and used by the Sin Archbishop of Lust. Theresia was once the legendary Sword Saint of a previous generation and is also the woman Wilhelm loved more than anyone. For Wilhelm, this battle is not just about survival; it is a painful confrontation with the memory of his late wife.

As the fight unfolds, three generations of the Astrea family come together: Wilhelm, his son Heinkel, and Heinkel’s son Reinhard, the current Sword Saint. Emotions run deep as each man struggles with their own regrets and responsibilities. In the end, it is Reinhard who gently puts Theresia’s spirit to rest, bringing closure to a chapter filled with sorrow, love, and legacy.

Al vs. Capella Emerada Lugunica (the Sin Archbishop of Lust)

Capella Emerada Lugunica, the Sin Archbishop of Lust, dealt a devastating blow to Crusch, one of the candidates to become the next ruler of Lugunica. Subaru was also affected, as Capella’s dragon blood infected and damaged his right leg.

The one who confronted Capella was Al, a mysterious warrior serving under Priscilla’s camp. With the unexpected help of Anastasia, another royal selection candidate, they manage to land several blows on Capella. However, they are ultimately unable to defeat her, and she escapes.

Capella’s ability to change her appearance and form makes her an especially dangerous threat to leave unchecked. While Anastasia’s true power was revealed for the first time in this battle, the focus now shifts to what will happen to Crusch’s body and whether Subaru’s leg can be healed.

Highlight: Otto vs. Roy Alphard & Lye & Rui (the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony)

One of the biggest highlights of Season 3, and a direct lead-in to the next season, centers around the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, Roy. Otto faces Roy with the help of powerful allies such as Julius and Ricardo, combining strategy and strength to take on this dangerous foe.

It is during this confrontation that a shocking truth is revealed: the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony is not just one person, but actually made up of three siblings: Roy, Lye, and Rui. They possess a terrifying ability. By “eating” a person’s name, they can steal that individual’s memories and abilities, effectively erasing their existence from the world.

And here lies the greatest shock—Roy is the very one who ate Rem’s name, making him directly responsible for her current state.

The battle heats up further when Beatrice joins the fight, adding both magical force and emotional weight to the confrontation.

In the end, Rui appears and, much like Capella, escapes Priestella, leaving many questions behind. But the most chilling moment comes at the very end. Emilia says she does not know who Julius is, a clear sign that even his name has been devoured. This moment sets the stage for even darker twists in the upcoming season.

What Will Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 4 Be About?

Alongside the final episode of Season 3, the production of Season 4 was officially announced, and this time with a special teaser trailer and a new visual.

The teaser features several striking scenes, including Julius, who has been forgotten by everyone except Subaru due to the power of Gluttony, much like Rem. It also shows members of Emilia’s camp and Anastasia’s camp in discussion, with Beatrice present as well.

But the most exciting part is clear: Rem is back on screen.

Season 4 is expected to focus heavily on the continued battle against Gluttony, the resolution of the fates of Rem and Julius, and the long-awaited confrontation with Lust, who also disappeared from Priestella at the end of Season 3.

There’s no doubt that these upcoming storylines will bring intense emotion, high-stakes battles, and some of the most anticipated moments in the entire series.

When Will Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 4 Air?

The official broadcast date for Season 4 has not yet been announced. However, we can make an educated guess based on the release pattern of previous seasons.

After Season 2 ended, the production of Season 3 was officially announced during AnimeJapan 2023, which took place in late March. Season 3 then began airing in October 2024, roughly a year and a half later.

Interestingly, the announcement for Season 4 has also come in late March, just like with Season 3. Based on this pattern, it is reasonable to expect that Season 4 may air in Autumn 2026. However, depending on production schedules, the release could happen anytime between July 2026 and January 2027.

Where to Start in the Light Novel After Watching Re:Zero Season 3?

If you want to continue the story of Re:Zero after Season 3, the light novel is the way to go. Here’s how the anime maps to the original volumes:

The Attack Arc (Episodes 51 to 58) covers Volume 16 through the first half of Volume 18.

The Counterattack Arc (Episodes 59 to 66) picks up from the second half of Volume 18 and continues into the middle of Volume 20.

Season 4 will most likely pick up from the end of Volume 20, starting with Chapter 7: Leaving Behind Ripples on the Water’s Surface.

If you’re eager to dive into what comes next, Volume 20 is the perfect place to resume reading.

A Beginner’s Guide to Watching Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

There’s no doubt among anime fans that Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 3 stands out as one of the best anime of 2025. However, for newcomers, Re:Zero might feel like a daunting series to start. After all, you’d need to watch the first 50 episodes from the previous two seasons before diving into Season 3.

But when you consider the value and quality of Re:Zero, the total of 66 episodes (including Season 3) is not overwhelming at all. In fact, compared to other long-running anime like One Piece, which has over 1,000 episodes, Re:Zero is surprisingly accessible.

Each season delivers a rich, emotionally gripping story, with an unforgettable cast of diverse and compelling characters. Whether it’s the intense plot twists, the deep character arcs, or the psychological themes that set it apart, Re:Zero has earned its place as a modern isekai masterpiece that has defined the genre throughout the 2010s and 2020s.

If you’ve been curious but hesitant, now is the perfect time to start your journey with Re:Zero. You won’t regret it.

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