“BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.” is a popular action-adventure anime series that first debuted in the winter of 2020. Known in some regions by its original Japanese title, “Itai no wa Iya nano de Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu”, the anime is an adaptation of the light novel written by Yuumikan and illustrated by Koin. Produced by the renowned Japanese animation studio Silver Link, also known for works like Chivalry of a Failed Knight and Masamune-kun no Revenge, the series quickly became a fan favorite.
The highly anticipated second season aired from January 11 to April 19, 2023, delivering 12 episodes packed with Maple’s unique adventures and overpowered defense strategies. Now that the second season has wrapped up, fans are eagerly awaiting news about BOFURI Season 3. Will the series continue? And if so, when can we expect its release?
Bofuri Season 2 Recap
Season 2 of BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. takes fans deeper into Maple’s quirky journey in the VRMMO game NewWorld Online. However, this season faced a unique challenge: adapting five volumes of the light novel into just 12 episodes. This led to a faster-paced narrative compared to Season 1, with some condensed storylines and skipped details that drew mixed reactions from viewers.
The first few episodes covered the 4th and 5th layers, where Maple Tree encountered new adventures, gained new skills, and explored unique challenges. However, many fans felt these layers lacked the in-depth world-building and character growth present in the light novels. Memorable moments, like Maple’s battles on the 4th Layer and Kasumi’s struggle for her sword, were condensed into short sequences or montages.
The season picked up its original pacing by the 7th Layer, allowing for more character-focused developments. Maple Tree members gained powerful new pets and summons, including Maple’s dragon companion and Ignis, adding to the team’s ever-expanding arsenal. The 7th Event offered a much-needed spotlight on Sally and Payne, with epic team-ups and battles showcasing their skills.
While the condensed pacing disappointed some fans of the source material, others appreciated the anime’s focus on delivering Maple’s stress-free, fun-filled adventures. The developers of NewWorld Online also received more screen time this season, hinting at larger plans for Maple’s seemingly unstoppable progression.
Overall, Season 2 remained a lighthearted, entertaining ride with a mix of action, humor, and over-the-top moments. Though it wasn’t without its flaws, it set the stage for the exciting possibilities of Season 3.
Will there be a third season of BOFURI?
BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. aired its second season finale on April 19, 2023, almost two years ago. As of January 17, 2025, there has been no official announcement regarding a third season. Neither the manga publisher Fujimi Shobo, the animation studio Silver Link, nor any official sources tied to the anime have confirmed a renewal.
However, the gap between anime seasons can often be long, and BOFURI itself is a prime example. There was a three-year wait between the first and second seasons, so the current two-year gap is not unusual in the anime industry. What’s more important are the factors that influence whether an anime gets a new season.
Typically, these factors include the anime’s popularity and financial success, the availability of source material for adaptation, and the production schedule of the studio. Let’s take a closer look at how BOFURI measures up in these areas:
Bofuri Light Novel
As mentioned earlier, BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. is adapted from a light novel written by Yuumikan and illustrated by Koin. Originally published in Japan by Fujimi Shobo, the series has also been made available in English through Yen Press, allowing fans worldwide to dive into Maple’s adventures in greater detail.
The light novel first debuted on September 8, 2017, and as of August 9, 2024, it has reached 18 volumes. The series is still ongoing, which is excellent news for fans, as the anime serves not just as entertainment but also as a promotional medium for the light novel and manga.
The anime’s first season adapted the story from the first four volumes, while the second season covered volumes 5 through 8. With at least 10 volumes yet to be adapted, there is plenty of material available for a potential third season and even beyond. This abundance of source material is a significant advantage when it comes to the likelihood of a continuation.
However, while having sufficient content is a key factor, it doesn’t guarantee a new season. The decision to produce another season also depends on factors like the series’ popularity, profitability, and the studio’s production capabilities.
Next, let’s explore how BOFURI’s popularity influences the chances of a third season.
The Popularity of the Anime
BOFURI holds a respectable position in anime rankings, sitting at 418th on MyAnimeList’s popularity chart. This indicates that the anime has secured a place among well-known titles. However, more recent popularity metrics show a noticeable decline in interest compared to its peak during the 2023 broadcast period.
For example, search engine traffic for the anime is now roughly one-fifth of what it was during its airing. While it’s normal for most anime to experience a drop in interest after a season concludes, BOFURI’s current popularity metrics are slightly below average when compared to similar titles.
Despite this, there’s a silver lining: the anime maintains strong engagement in Japan. On X, the official account has over 100,000 followers, a significant milestone that is often considered an industry benchmark. Anime with such a follower count generally secures new season approvals without much difficulty. Additionally, the account remains active, sharing updates and interacting with fans, which helps sustain interest among its core audience.
While global interest in BOFURI has waned somewhat, the strong support it enjoys in Japan keeps the likelihood of a third season alive. The local fanbase and consistent engagement on social platforms suggest that the anime still has a solid foundation for continuation.
The Studio: Silver Link
Silver Link, the studio behind BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense., typically produces around five anime per year. While they’ve been busy with other projects, there’s been little announcement about their future lineup, leaving room for BOFURI in the coming years.
Given their history with the franchise and commitment to quality, it’s likely they would return for a third season when the timing aligns. BOFURI is one of Silver Link’s more popular works, and the studio’s strong relationship with the series makes it a priority for potential future production.
When is Bofuri Season 3?
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of a third season for BOFURI. However, a two-year gap between seasons is not unusual in the anime industry, with a three-year wait between the first and second seasons, making a future continuation still plausible. The ongoing BOFURI light novel provides ample source material, ensuring enough content for future seasons. Despite some decline in global interest, the anime still enjoys strong engagement in Japan, a key indicator of its potential for renewal. Many fans believe the season 2 finale strongly hinted at a potential season 3. This could be intentional to keep interest alive, suggesting that the creators may have future plans for the series.
In conclusion, while there has been no official confirmation yet, there are positive signs that the anime could get a new season. If a renewal comes soon, we could expect the third season around 2026. However, all of this remains speculation for now, and fans should continue to stay tuned for any official announcements. In the meantime, if you’re eager to continue the story and don’t want to wait for season 3, you can always pick up the BOFURI light novels! The anime adaptation has covered up to volume 9, so if you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of BOFURI, you can start reading from there. It’s a great way to experience the story in more detail while waiting for the next season!