No, 86 Season 2 has not been officially confirmed. As of September 2025, there is no official release date from A-1 Pictures or the production committee. While the first season concluded in March 2022, fans have been left waiting for news. However, credible leaks and rumors point towards a production decision having been made, with many insiders speculating a potential release in 2026. For now, this remains speculation until an official announcement is made.
It’s been a long, quiet war on the waiting front, hasn’t it? After the masterpiece that was the first season, the silence regarding the future of the 86 anime has been deafening. We all saw Lena and Shin finally meet, a perfect, gut-wrenching, and beautiful conclusion to a phenomenal arc. But the story is far from over. After countless hours diving back into the light novels and tracking production schedules, I can say the hope for a sequel is far from dead.
Is 86 Season 2 Officially Confirmed?
There has been no official confirmation. Despite high Blu-ray sales, critical acclaim, and a passionate global fanbase, A-1 Pictures has remained silent. Hints were dropped back at Anime Expo 2023 about a future for the series due to high demand, but this never materialized into a concrete announcement. Recent leaks in mid-2025 suggest a sequel has been greenlit internally, but without an official statement, fans should remain cautiously optimistic.
Why the Long Wait for a Sequel?
The production of the first season was notoriously challenging, leading to multiple delays for the final episodes. A-1 Pictures is a busy studio with a packed schedule, including major projects like Solo Leveling Season 2 and the Kaguya-sama franchise. The specific production team that handled 86 was also tied up with other projects, including Nier: Automata Ver1.1a. These factors, combined with a desire to maintain the first season’s incredible quality, are the likely culprits for the long wait.
Is There Enough Source Material for Season 2?
Absolutely. The first season of the anime, which was 23 episodes long, adapted the first three volumes of Asato Asato’s light novel series. As of late 2025, the light novel series is ongoing and has just entered its final arc with the release of Volume 14. This leaves over ten volumes of rich, unadapted content full of intense battles, political intrigue, and deep character development, more than enough for several more seasons.
What Would 86 Season 2’s Plot Be?
Season 2 would pick up with Volume 4, “Under Pressure.” Following their reunion, Lena is now a tactical commander for the Federacy of Giad, leading a new strike package unit composed of Shin and the other surviving 86. The story arc would see them deployed to the frigid territories of the United Kingdom of Roa Gracia to combat a new, more dangerous form of the Legion. This new setting introduces fresh allies, terrifying new Legion technology, and forces Shin and Lena to navigate the complexities of their new relationship on a live battlefield.
Could the Original Cast and Staff Return?
The return of the original Japanese voice actors, including Shōya Chiba (Shin) and Ikumi Hasegawa (Lena), is highly likely given their continued involvement in anniversary events and merchandise promotion over the years. The bigger question mark is the production staff. Director Toshimasa Ishii and the team at A-1 Pictures were instrumental to the first season’s success. While their schedules are tight, the passion they poured into the project gives fans hope they would return to do the story justice.
The Enduring Popularity of 86
Years after its finale, 86 remains a critical darling and fan favorite. Its mature handling of themes like racism, dehumanization, and the horrors of war resonated deeply with audiences. The series didn’t just deliver stunning mecha action; it provided a poignant and emotional character drama that has kept the light novels selling and merchandise flying off the shelves. This sustained popularity is the single biggest reason a sequel is not a matter of “if,” but “when.”
Where Can I Rewatch Season 1?
While you wait for any news, the entire 23-episode first season of 86 EIGHTY-SIX is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. This includes both cours of the series, covering the Spearhead Squadron’s brutal fight in the Republic and their subsequent journey within the Federacy of Giad. A rewatch is the perfect way to appreciate the incredible detail and foreshadowing packed into every frame.
So, Will Fans Ever Get Season 2?
All signs point to yes, eventually. The combination of massive critical acclaim, a dedicated global fanbase, and a wealth of source material makes 86 a prime candidate for a sequel. While A-1 Pictures’ busy schedule has caused a significant delay, recent leaks from credible sources suggest a 2026 release is being targeted. The wait has been painful, but the story of the Undertaker and his Handler is far too compelling—and profitable—to be left unfinished.
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