Record of Ragnarok Season 3: Netflix’s Biggest Anime Comeback Delivers Three Epic Battles and a Visual Upgrade

Quick Read

• Record of Ragnarok Season 3 dropped all 15 episodes on Netflix worldwide on December 10, 2025.
• The season features three epic battles: Qin Shi Huang vs. Hades, Nikola Tesla vs. Beelzebub, and King Leonidas vs. Apollo.
• Humanity takes the lead 4-3 after Qin Shi Huang’s victory over Hades.
• Animation quality improved significantly with Maru Animation and Yumeta Company taking over production.
• Both English dub and Japanese audio with subtitles are available for global streaming.

Record of Ragnarok Season 3: A Long-Awaited Return with High Stakes

After a two-year hiatus, Record of Ragnarok returns to Netflix, unleashing all 15 episodes of its third season in one go. For fans of the dark fantasy martial arts anime, the wait has been both agonizing and exhilarating, but Season 3 rewards their patience with its most ambitious outing yet. This time, the fate of humanity hangs on a razor’s edge, with gods and mortals tied 3-3 in the apocalyptic tournament that has become the series’ signature spectacle (Netflix, Anime News Network).

The new season marks a significant turning point. Not only does it pack three of the manga’s most anticipated battles into its episodic run, but it also features a much-needed upgrade in animation and storytelling. Maru Animation and Yumeta Company have taken over production, and the improvement is palpable: from more dynamic fight choreography to richer character expressions, Season 3 is easily the best-animated chapter so far (ComicBook.com).

Three Battles That Redefine the Tournament

At the heart of Season 3 are three legendary matchups, each raising the emotional and physical stakes. The season opens with Round 7: Qin Shi Huang vs. Hades. On the surface, it’s a king versus a god, but this fight is layered with history, vengeance, and empathy.

Hades, ruler of Helheim, was never meant to enter the Ragnarok arena. But after his brother Poseidon’s death in Round 3, and Buddha’s betrayal of the gods in Round 6, Hades steps forward—not just as a god, but as a grieving sibling seeking retribution. He forges his weapon by combining his bident with Poseidon’s shattered trident, carrying both their legacies into battle (SoapCentral).

Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, brings his own burden. Known for his confidence and audacity—he walks into the gods’ VIP section and throws Ares around before the match—Qin’s secret pain is revealed: he suffers from Mirror-Touch Synesthesia, feeling every wound he witnesses as if it were his own. This curse, given meaning by his adoptive mother Chunyan, ultimately transforms into his greatest strength. It allows him to understand the suffering of others, making him a king who truly feels the pain of his people (SoapCentral).

The duel is as much a battle of wills as of skill. Hades unleashes devastating attacks, empowered by his blood (Pluto Ichor), while Qin adapts with ingenious martial arts, using his Qi vision to spot weak points and his Valkyrie partner Alvitr’s divine armor for protection. The fight escalates into a brutal exchange, with Qin losing fingers and an arm, yet refusing to yield. In the end, Qin finds a crux in Hades’ ultimate weapon, shattering the god’s assault and delivering a mortal blow. What makes this climax resonate isn’t just the violence, but the mutual respect: Hades calls Qin “magnificent,” and Qin, in his moment of victory, calls Hades a friend. With this, humanity finally leads 4-3 (SoapCentral).

The momentum continues in Round 8, where Nikola Tesla faces Beelzebub. This isn’t just a battle of brute strength; it’s a clash of intellect and innovation versus demonic might. Tesla, voiced by Makoto Furukawa, is portrayed as the visionary inventor, wielding electrifying technology against Beelzebub’s dark powers. This fight delves deep into character development, with both combatants forced to confront their own philosophies about progress, morality, and the cost of survival (Red94.net).

Round 9 delivers a classic showdown: King Leonidas vs. Apollo. Here, the legendary Spartan king’s ferocity meets the radiant power of the sun god. It’s a collision of ancient valor and divine arrogance, executed with a flair that honors the manga’s iconic artwork while exploring what it means to stand against overwhelming odds. Each fight is given four to five episodes, allowing the series to explore not just the action, but the motivations and backstories that make these battles matter (SSBCrack News).

Production Upgrades and Fan Reception

Season 3’s production overhaul is impossible to ignore. The switch to Maru Animation and Yumeta Company, and the departure of Graphinica, has finally brought the anime closer to matching the manga’s visual spectacle. While minor animation flaws persist, the improvement is dramatic: fluid movements, expressive faces, and more visceral impacts make the fights more immersive than ever. The opening theme, “Dead Or Alive” by GLAY, punctuates the season’s high-stakes atmosphere and immediately hooks viewers (Anime News Network).

The casting upgrades also shine. Notably, Daisuke Namikawa gives a nuanced performance as Beelzebub, while Hiroshi Shirokuma’s King Leonidas and Kenichi Suzumura’s Apollo bring gravitas and charisma to the screen. Shiori Mikami returns as Alvitr, and Shun Horie as Michel Nostradamus, expanding the ensemble’s depth.

Critics and longtime fans have noticed the shift in quality. The early seasons of Record of Ragnarok drew criticism for lackluster animation and controversial depictions—most notably the portrayal of Shiva, which led to a ban in India (ComicBook.com). Season 3 doesn’t entirely escape its past, but the consensus is clear: it’s the most watchable and engaging chapter yet.

What’s Next for Ragnarok—and Why Season 3 Matters

With humanity now leading 4-3 in the tournament, the stakes are higher than ever. The structure remains: the first side to reach seven victories wins everything. For humanity, it’s survival; for the gods, it’s absolute dominion. Every fight is now a potential turning point, with no room for error.

Beyond the battles, Season 3 stands out for exploring deeper themes—grief, empathy, redemption, and the blurred lines between gods and mortals. The series isn’t just about fists and weapons; it’s about what it means to be human, and whether divinity is truly so different from flawed humanity after all.

All 15 episodes are available worldwide on Netflix, with both English and Japanese audio options and proper subtitles. Fans have praised the ability to binge-watch the entire season, immersing themselves in nearly seven hours of relentless, mythological action.

Assessment: Season 3 of Record of Ragnarok is a rare example of an anime learning from its missteps and finally delivering on its promises. While not perfect, the animation upgrade, richer character arcs, and emotional storytelling elevate the series to new heights. By focusing on both the spectacle and the humanity within its battles, the show finally finds its stride—proving that, sometimes, the third time really is the charm.