Japan’s most-watched sci-fi drama series, Alice in Borderland, is finally making its long-awaited return with Season 3. Nearly three years after the jaw-dropping finale of Season 2 that ended with more questions than answers, fans are finally set to discover what happens next in this parallel, dystopian version of Tokyo, where survival is the only thing at stake.

Ahead of its global release, Alice in Borderland 3 has already received significant praise from early viewers and critics in preview screenings. If the early reviews are to be believed, the creators have aced the game, with some critics calling it the ‘boldest’ and the ‘most haunting’ season yet. So, better start rewatching the last season as we tell you everything about the highly anticipated new season.

What is Season 3 about?

Alice in Borderland Season 2 probably had one of the most shocking cliffhangers with the ominous appearance of the Joker card, and Season 3 picks up in the aftermath. ‘Arisu’ (Kento Yamazaki) and ‘Usagi’ (Tao Tsuchiya), now returned to the real world and happily married, find themselves once again pulled back into Borderland. 

As ‘Usagi’ struggles with the haunting visions of her father and fights to overcome the lingering trauma, she is abducted by a mysterious scholar obsessed with the afterlife. Meanwhile, ‘Arisu’, desperate to save his wife, re-enters the twisted world. This time, he has to confront even more sinister and unpredictable changes than ever before.

According to the show’s director, Shinsuke Sato, the new season of the story delves deeper into the psychological aspects of Borderland than the physical realm. With ‘Arisu’ at its centre, the narrative explores the dynamics between existence and mortality, merit and luck, and purpose and politeness. 

Who is in the new cast?

The new season will reprise some of the original cast, along with several fresh faces in the twisted world of Borderland. Kento Yamazaki returns as the show’s leading man, ‘Arisu’, alongside Tao Tsuchiya as ‘Usagi’. Hayato Isomura reprises his role as ‘Banda’, Katsuya Maiguma returns as ‘Yaba’, and Ayaka Miyoshi once again plays ‘Ann’.

Among the new faces, House of Ninjas star Kento Kaku is joining the cast as ‘Ryuji’, Risa Sudou as ‘Sachiko’, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi as ‘Kazuya’, Tina Tamashiro as ‘Rei’, and Kotaro Daigo as ‘Nobu’. Mistresses star Hyunri appears in the show as ‘Shion’, while Sakura Kiryu plays ‘Natsu’. Additionally, Koji Ohkura, Yugo Mikawa, Joey Iwanaga and Akana Ikeda have been cast in mysterious roles yet to be revealed.

Season 3’s Early reviews indicate an intense drama with the stakes higher than ever, and a lot of tears

It’s only a matter of days until Alice in Borderland Season 3 officially drops on Netflix, and critics who previewed the much-anticipated final season are already impressed. Being one of the most-watched survival thrillers worldwide, the stakes are high, and it seems the latest season did deliver! You should probably keep the tissue box ready, as it will make you cry over and over.

Critics are praising Season 3’s darker psychological angle, calling it a haunting yet emotional ride. Comic Book has praised this instalment as ‘the best finale seen for a Netflix original in years’, while Radio Times has praised it for being ‘close to perfect’. While some noted the shorter six-episode run feels rushed, most agreed the high-stakes storytelling and striking visuals more than make up for it. 

Release date, episode count, and what to expect next

The highly anticipated Season 3 of Alice in Borderland is set for a worldwide premiere on Netflix on Thursday, September 25, 2025, perfectly timed for fans to binge-watch over the weekend. However, unlike the previous two seasons, this instalment will feature only six episodes instead of eight, making every moment even more crucial.

While Netflix has yet to confirm if the story will continue beyond this chapter, promotional material has strongly hinted that Season 3 will feature the ‘final game’. As ‘Arisu’ and ‘Usagi’ navigate new alliances, brutal challenges and existential dilemmas, be prepared for a thrilling, bloody and poignant exploration of what it truly means to survive.

Are you excited for the latest season?

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