Introduction
With its epic storyline, complex characters, and innovative animation, “Attack on Titan” has become one of the most popular and influential anime series of the past decade. But with four seasons and numerous spinoff material, figuring out how many seasons of Attack on Titan there are can be a bit overwhelming, especially for new fans who want to dive into the series. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the series, from its themes and plot points to its creative choices and impact on the anime landscape. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this guide will help you better understand the story of “Attack on Titan” and appreciate its many strengths.
Exploring the Epic Story of Attack on Titan Across Four Seasons
At its core, “Attack on Titan” is a story about humanity’s struggle for survival in a world overrun by monstrous creatures known as Titans. The series takes place in a fictional world where humanity is confined to a city surrounded by giant walls, protecting them from the Titans that roam the outside world. But when the Titans breach the walls, protagonist Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa and Armin join the military to fight back and uncover the truth behind the Titans and their origins.
Each season of “Attack on Titan” builds on this core concept, expanding the series’ mythology and exploring new themes and characters. Here is a brief overview of each season:
Season One
The first season of “Attack on Titan” sets up the show’s premise and introduces viewers to its main characters. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the military and are assigned to the Survey Corps, a branch dedicated to exploring the lands beyond the walls and uncovering the secrets of the Titans. Along the way, they face numerous threats, both from the Titans themselves and from within their own ranks.
Season one is known for its intense action scenes and pulse-pounding suspense, as well as its exploration of themes such as trauma, hopelessness, and the nature of power. It also sets up many of the series’ long-term mysteries, such as the true origins of the Titans and the secrets of the world beyond the walls.
Season Two
The second season of “Attack on Titan” expands on the world-building of the first season, revealing more about the Titans and their relationship to the humans who fight them. The season also delves deeper into the characters’ backstories, particularly that of fan-favorite Levi, and introduces new mysteries and plot twists that set up the rest of the series.
One of the standout themes of season two is the idea of humanity’s cyclical patterns of violence and trauma, as characters struggle to deal with the fallout of their pasts and their fears for the future. The season also delivers some of the most emotionally charged and shocking moments of the series, setting the tone for what’s to come.
Season Three
The third season of “Attack on Titan” is divided into two parts, with the first half focusing on the aftermath of a major revelation at the end of season two. As the characters continue to grapple with the truth about the Titans and their past, they must also confront new threats both within and outside of the walls.
The second half of season three is perhaps the most ambitious and thematically rich section of the entire series, encompassing complex political intrigues, character explorations, and explosive action set-pieces. The season explores ideas of trauma, revolution, power, and the potential for hope amid darkness and despair.
Season Four
The fourth and final season of “Attack on Titan” is set to debut later this year, and details about its plot and direction have been kept tightly under wraps. Based on the manga of the same name, the final season is expected to wrap up the series’ many plot threads and provide a satisfying conclusion to the story. Fans can expect more thrilling action, stunning animation, and heart-wrenching character moments as the story comes to a close.
A Comprehensive Guide to Every Episode of Attack on Titan, from Season One to Season Four
While the overarching story of “Attack on Titan” is certainly impressive, it’s the individual episodes and scenes that really make the series shine. Here is a breakdown of each season, episode-by-episode, highlighting the most important plot points, character arcs, and themes:
Season One
- Episode 1: “To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1”
- Episode 2: “That Day: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 2”
- Episode 3: “A Dim Light Amid Despair: Humanity’s Comeback, Part 1”
- Episode 4: “The Night of the Closing Ceremony: Humanity’s Comeback, Part 2”
- Episode 5: “First Battle: The Struggle for Trost, Part 1”
- Episode 6: “The World the Girl Saw: The Struggle for Trost, Part 2”
- Episode 7: “Small Blade: The Struggle for Trost, Part 3”
- Episode 8: “I Can Hear His Heartbeat: The Struggle for Trost, Part 4”
- Episode 9: “Whereabouts of His Left Arm: The Struggle for Trost, Part 5”
- Episode 10: “Response: The Struggle for Trost, Part 6”
- Episode 11: “Idol: The Struggle for Trost, Part 7”
- Episode 12: “Wound: The Stylishness of a Lady’s Armor, Part 1”
- Episode 13: “Primal Desire: The Struggle for Trost, Part 9”
- Episode 14: “Can’t Look Into His Eyes Yet: Eve of the Counterattack, Part 1”
- Episode 15: “Special Operations Squad: Eve of the Counterattack, Part 2”
- Episode 16: “What Needs to Be Done Now: Eve of the Counterattack, Part 3”
- Episode 17: “Female Titan: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 1”
- Episode 18: “Forest of Giant Trees: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 2”
- Episode 19: “Bite: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 3”
- Episode 20: “Erwin Smith: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 4”
- Episode 21: “Crushing Blow: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 5”
- Episode 22: “The Defeated: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 6”
- Episode 23: “Smile: Assault on Stohess, Part 1”
- Episode 24: “Mercy: Assault on Stohess, Part 2”
Season Two
- Episode 1: “Beast Titans”
- Episode 2: “I’m Home”
- Episode 3: “Southwestward”
- Episode 4: “Sacred Texts”
- Episode 5: “Historia”
- Episode 6: “Warrior”
- Episode 7: “Close Combat”
- Episode 8: “The Hunters”
- Episode 9: “Opening”
- Episode 10: “Children”
- Episode 11: “Charge”
- Episode 12: “Scream”
Season Three (Part One)
- Episode 1: “Smoke Signal”
- Episode 2: “Pain”
- Episode 3: “Old Story”
- Episode 4: “Trust”
- Episode 5: “Reply”
- Episode 6: “Sin”
- Episode 7: “Wish”
- Episode 8: “Outside the Walls of Orvud District”
- Episode 9: “Ruler of the Walls”
Season Three (Part Two)
- Episode 10: “Friends”
- Episode 11: “Bystander”
- Episode 12: “Night of the Battle to Retake the Wall”
- Episode 13: “The Town Where Everything Began”
- Episode 14: “Thunder Spears”
- Episode 15: “Descent”
- Episode 16: “Perfect Game”
- Episode 17: “Hero”
- Episode 18: “Midnight Sun”
- Episode 19: “The Basement”
Season Four (TBD)
Episodes for season four are yet to be released as of writing this article. Fans of the anime can expect a new season that will be just as action-packed and thrilling as the previous seasons, perhaps more so, as Attack on Titan season four will be the show’s final season.
Why Attack on Titan’s Four Seasons are some of the Most Creative and Ambitious Anime Ever
At its core, “Attack on Titan” stands out for its unique storytelling approach, innovative animation, and willingness to tackle complex themes and ideas. Here are just a few reasons why the series stands out in the crowded anime landscape:
Innovative storytelling techniques
Throughout its four seasons, “Attack on Titan” has used a variety of storytelling techniques to keep viewers engaged and invested in its world and characters. From flashbacks and non-linear narratives to the use of unreliable narrators and subtle foreshadowing, the series constantly keeps viewers guessing and engaged with its twists and turns. This has helped make the show feel fresh and exciting, even as it tackles many of the tropes and conventions of the action and fantasy genres.
Incredible animation and fight scenes
One of the standout features of “Attack on Titan” is its animation quality, particularly in the series’ thrilling fight scenes.