Overlord Season 5 Release Date and What to Expect Next
(Image credit: ©Madhouse | Kadokawa)
It’s been a long wait since Overlord (Japanese name: Ōbārōdo) Season 4 wrapped up in 2022, and fans are more eager than ever to see what happens next to Ainz Ooal Gown and the powerful guardians of Nazarick. The dark fantasy anime, originally based on the light novel series Overlord, has grown into a fan favorite thanks to its unique take on the isekai genre and its ever-deepening lore. With the recent release of Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom movie in Japan, questions about Season 5 are at an all-time high.
Will Season 5 Happen? Here’s What We Know
So far, neither Studio Madhouse nor Kadokawa has officially confirmed Season 5. But back in September 2024, reliable anime news insiders leaked that the next season had been quietly greenlit for production. And with how well The Sacred Kingdom movie performed in theaters, it makes perfect sense that the studio would want to continue the anime.
Still, fans might have to wait a little longer. Author Kugane Maruyama once wrote:
“We are neither omniscient nor omnipotent… The only thing we can do is keep walking.” Kugane Maruyama
Author Kugane Maruyama has stated that the Overlord light novel series will wrap up with Volume 18. At this point, only 16 volumes are out. Madhouse has always followed the source material closely, so they’re likely waiting for the final two volumes before fully diving into Season 5 production.
If we look at the past production timelines, Season 4 was announced in 2021 and released in 2022. The movie was announced in 2021 as well but didn’t come out until 2024. Based on this pace, Season 5 will likely not be released until at least 2026, with many anticipating a 2028 or later release date.
A Quick Recap of the Story So Far
Overlord begins with the end of a virtual reality game. When the servers shut down, player Suzuki Satoru finds himself still logged in - except he’s now trapped in the body of his game avatar: the undead overlord Ainz Ooal Gown. With no way out, Ainz embraces the role and sets out to explore, conquer, and possibly rule this new world.
Over the first few seasons, we watch Ainz build the Sorcerer Kingdom and defeat one rival after another. He once declared:
“Death by sword. Death by broken bones. Death by crushing. There’s not much difference, right? You die at the end.” - Ainz Ooal Gown
He surrounds himself with powerful NPCs like Albedo, Demiurge, Shalltear, and the twin dark elves Aura and Mare. Each arc has shown Ainz becoming more detached from his humanity, growing colder and more calculated.
By Season 4, things get serious. Ainz goes to war against the Re-Estize Kingdom and utterly destroys it. The message is clear: Nazarick is not just a force to be reckoned with - it’s unstoppable. But that victory raises even more questions: What does Ainz really want? Is he becoming a god… or is something darker happening behind the scenes?
What Season 5 Will Likely Cover
Season 5 is expected to adapt the final 4 volumes of the light novel series: 15 through 18. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely coming:
Volume 15
- The “Half-Elf God-Kin” arc begins
- Ainz travels to the Elf Kingdom alongside Aura and Mare
- New characters and political tensions come into play
Volume 16
- The Slane Theocracy launches a direct military invasion of the Elf Country and attacks the elven capital
- Ainz uncovers old secrets tied to past players
- Nazarick is focused on backing Ainz’s plan in the Elf Country and managing Aura and Mare’s mission
Volumes 17 and 18 (not yet released)
- These will conclude the series
- The final fate of Ainz and Nazarick will be revealed
- Big battles, twists, and moral questions will come to a head
From what’s been hinted so far, the conclusion will bring all the pieces together - including the possibility that Ainz’s original human consciousness may be fading, leaving only the in-game character behind. Some believe the last arc will explore whether Ainz can ever reclaim his humanity, or if he’s doomed to remain a ruler bound by the system forever.
Why Some Viewers Are Concerned
There’s been talk for a while that Overlord was originally planned as a much longer story - possibly up to 30 or even 50 volumes. That’s clearly changed. Over time, the author narrowed his vision, and the series will now wrap up at 18 volumes. Some feel the story is being rushed, especially given how much worldbuilding and how many subplots remain unresolved.
On the other hand, others appreciate that Maruyama wants to finish the story while it still has momentum. Unlike some creators who keep dragging their work out endlessly, he’s aiming for a strong ending while the quality is still high.
What’s clear is that Overlord still has a lot to say - and if the final season handles it right, it could become one of the best endings in anime fantasy.
Who’s expected to return?
Assuming Season 5 stays consistent, fans can expect the main cast and crew to come back:
- Satoshi Hino as Ainz Ooal Gown
- Yumi Hara as Albedo
- Masayuki Katō as Demiurge
- Emiri Katō as Aura
- Yumi Uchiyama as Mare
- Sumire Uesaka as Shalltear
Director Naoyuki Itō is also expected to return, keeping the same visual style and tone the series is known for.
Where You Can Watch and Catch Up
While you wait, you can stream all four seasons of Overlord on Crunchyroll. If you missed Season 4 or want to revisit the turning points, check out the official Season 4 trailer down below. It captures the darker, more intense shift in tone perfectly.
And if you’re hunting for other dark action anime while you wait, check out our latest writeups on Zenshu Season 2 and Blue Exorcist Season 6. They’re excellent picks to add to your watchlist.
The Final Verdict
So, will Overlord return for Season 5? All signs point to yes. While we wait for the final volumes of the light novel, the anime team is likely already laying the groundwork for production. A proper ending is on the horizon - one that fans have been waiting nearly a decade to see.
Ainz’s story isn’t over yet. Whether he ends as a god, a monster, or something entirely different… we’ll just have to wait and see.
