This post contains spoilers for Solo Leveling.
Solo Leveling's first season generated a lot of hype, but it was the next installment that elevated the series to a whole different level, helping it to become one of the most popular anime series in the world.
Following the success of Season 2, Solo Leveling has become the quintessential action anime. Every anime fan who enjoys high-octane fights needs to watch Solo Leveling at least once. That's how good the series is. While the anime is the go-to in terms of action, it's severely lacking in other departments like world-building, side characters, and plot, which makes it possible for other titles to overtake it. One of the strongest contenders is Daemons of the Shadow Realm.
Fans Are No Longer Desperate For Solo Leveling Season 3, & Here's Why
Anime fans have moved on from the hype surrounding Solo Leveling Season 3.
Daemons Of The Shadow Realm Will Dethrone Solo Leveling In 2026
Daemons Of The Shadow Realm Can Overtake Solo Leveling
- Daemons of the Shadow Realm has a lot of potential
- The anime will release in April 2026
Not all fans are familiar with the name Daemons of the Shadow Realm, so it's only rational to give some premise. The story is set in a fantasy world, and it follows the lives of two siblings who get separated. The series also features supernatural creatures called Daemons. Overall, the story and the characters in Daemons of the Shadow Realm are better than Solo Leveling. A proper adaptation can certainly increase the odds of the series dethroning Solo Leveling.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm is written by Hiromu Arakawa, the author of Fullmetal Alchemist, which is one of the best manga series of all time. It has inspired two anime adaptations, one normal and another called Brotherhood. The latter is more popular within the anime community, and it is currently the second-highest rated series on MyAnimeList. It used to be first before being dethroned by Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.
Hiromu Arakawa's Daemons of the Shadow Realm began serialization in 2021, and it received an anime adaptation due to positive reception. The anime is being produced by Bones Film, a subsidiary of Studio Bones. It has already worked on My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and Gachiakuta, both of which had excellent animation. So, Daemons of the Shadow Realm will also be a high-quality adaptation.
The series has released two trailers already to give viewers an idea of what to expect from the anime. Recently, it was confirmed that Daemons of the Shadow Realm will be released in April 2026. It seems that the studio is avoiding the already hectic January 2026 window, which is a smart decision. The following anime are confirmed to be releasing in January 2026:
- Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
- Hell's Paradise
- Oshi no Ko
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Fire Force
- Trigun Stargaze
With so many big names releasing in the same month, it would be extremely difficult to stand out and get the proper level of attention. So, it's better that Daemons of the Shadow Realm will premiere in April 2026.
Solo Leveling's Throne Is In Jeopardy
Solo Leveling May Lose The Next Anime Of The Year Award
In addition to Daemons of the Shadow Realm, there are several other names that pose a threat to Solo Leveling's throne. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Jujutsu Kaisen are the obvious competitors. Both series have a massive fan following, and they have fascinating stories. Steel Ball Run is also releasing in 2026, which is based on the second-highest-rated manga on MyAnimeList. So, it is also going to pose a challenge.
Solo Leveling Season 2 was amazing, but it won't be sufficient to maintain the series' popularity. A-1 Pictures needs to announce the third season to at least ease the fears of fans, who have been waiting months for an announcement. It seems that the studio is busy with other projects and maybe doesn't have enough staff members to put on Solo Leveling, which is why there has been no official announcement. Hopefully, A-1 Pictures figures out a way to resolve this problem quickly.
Once the third season is announced, fans can expect it to release in late 2027. Solo Leveling is renowned for its high quality, which takes time. So, the studio needs to be given enough time that it doesn't feel the need to rush through the production.
Solo Leveling
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
- Tatsuya Sasaki, Toru Hamasaki
- Writers
- Shigeru Murakoshi, Shingo Irie, Fuka Ishii
Cast
-
Taito BanSung Jin-woo -
Genta NakamuraYoo Jin-ho
