By the Grace of the Gods first premiered as an anime series in 2020, quickly winning over fans with its captivating mix of adventure and fantasy. Based on the well-loved light novel and manga series by Roy, this anime has become a fan favorite. Directed by Takeyuki Yanase and produced by the up-and-coming Japanese animation studio Maho Film, By the Grace of the Gods stands out as a remarkable title in the fantasy genre. The series is licensed by the popular streaming platform Funimation, where it has built a dedicated following.
Though Maho Film is relatively new to the anime scene, it has earned recognition for its successful adaptations, including I’m Standing on a Million Lives and By the Grace of the Gods. The first season of By the Grace of the Gods aired from October 4, 2020, to December 20, 2020. Fans had to wait nearly three years for the highly anticipated second season, which aired from January 9, 2023, to March 27, 2023, further cementing the series’ popularity.
Now, with the conclusion of Season 2, excitement is building across the anime community as fans eagerly await By the Grace of the Gods Season 3. As the anticipation grows, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect from the upcoming season.
Recap: Season 2 of By the Grace of Gods?
By the Grace of the Gods Season 2, which aired from January to March 2023, marks a noticeable shift in tone and focus compared to the first season. Where Season 1 captured hearts with its gentle world-building and character-driven moments, Season 2 leans heavily into the business aspect of Ryoma’s new life, particularly his ventures into running a laundromat. While this offers a change of pace, it also feels disconnected from the magical adventures that initially drew viewers in.
The pacing of the second season is much slower, with the story often meandering through Ryoma’s entrepreneurial endeavors rather than advancing a larger plot. This slower progression, combined with fewer action-packed moments, may leave some viewers feeling disengaged. Additionally, the absence of key characters like the Jamil family, who brought warmth and emotional depth to the first season, creates a noticeable gap in the narrative.
Despite these drawbacks, Season 2 offers a more intimate, character-driven experience. Ryoma’s growth as a business owner and his interactions with new characters bring a quieter charm to the series. For those seeking a low-stakes, slice-of-life take on isekai, this direction may be appreciated.
Will there be a third season of By the Grace of the Gods?
As of January 16, 2025, there has been no official confirmation regarding a third season of By the Grace of the Gods. Fans of the series are left to speculate, with some optimistic but cautious discussions circulating online. Given the trends surrounding anime adaptations and production timelines, it’s important to understand the factors that might influence a potential Season 3. In the anime industry, the decision for a new season typically depends on factors such as popularity, studio capacity, and the status of the manga. Evaluating these elements allows us to make reasonably accurate speculations about whether a new season is likely. Let’s delve into these factors together.
Studio Behind the Anime
By the Grace of the Gods has seen a significant gap between its seasons. Season 1 aired in 2020, while Season 2 was released in 2023, a delay of almost three years. This extended break is partly due to the small studio behind the series, Maho Film, which typically produces a limited number of projects each year. In fact, they’ve released a second season for two of their shows, with By the Grace of the Gods being the most promising project in terms of long-term potential. Maho Film’s relatively small scale means they can only focus on a few series at a time, and while that limits the speed at which projects can move forward, it also means that their successful shows, such as this one, hold a higher chance of returning.
Light novel status
As mentioned earlier in this article, By the Grace of the Gods is not an original anime; it is based on a light novel series. Written by Roy and illustrated by Ririnra, the light novel has been serialized since 2017. The series has now reached 16 volumes, with the most recent volume published on December 19, 2024.
The first two seasons of the anime have adapted the story up to volume 10. With this in mind, there is enough source material for a potential By the Grace of the Gods Season 3 based on a straightforward calculation. However, it’s important to note that the creators might choose to include additional content or expand on certain arcs in the upcoming season. This could lead to the decision to wait for more volumes to be released, ensuring that there is an ample amount of material to work with. Moreover, the process of adapting the story, including scriptwriting and production, can be quite time-consuming, further adding to the potential delay.
On a more positive note, the fact that the light novel is still ongoing and that there is now sufficient source material for a new season greatly increases the likelihood of a third season being produced. As more volumes of the light novel are published, the chances of a new season continue to rise.
The popularity of the anime
By the Grace of the Gods was one of the notable anime of 2020, but its global and domestic popularity has not reached a level that would guarantee its future. While it’s true that sometimes less popular anime can still get approved for a second season, later seasons often depend on consistent or growing popularity. As of now, the official X account of the series has only around 30,000 followers, which is significantly lower compared to other anime that have received second seasons. Typically, anime that make it to a second season have at least 100,000 followers on the X platform.
According to data from MyAnimeList and Google search trends, the anime’s worldwide popularity remains relatively modest. Despite this, the fact that By the Grace of the Gods managed to secure a second season suggests that its current level of popularity may have been sufficient for the producers to greenlight the continuation. This implies that while the anime’s reach may not be overwhelming, it still holds a level of support that makes it a viable candidate for future seasons.
In conclusion, although the anime’s popularity is not among the highest in the industry, the fact that it was given a second season despite its moderate fanbase indicates that there is enough interest to potentially continue the series. Whether this is enough to secure a third season remains to be seen, but it does show that the anime has maintained a steady presence in the industry.
When is the second season of By the Grace of the Gods?
At present, the prospects for a third season of By the Grace of the Gods remain speculative but promising. The ongoing light novel series, alongside the anime’s multi-season continuity, indicates that there is potential for future seasons. However, the anime’s moderate popularity may reduce its chances for a quick renewal. Considering the existing amount of content, the time-consuming production process, and the studio’s capacity, it may still be a few years before we hear any official announcements regarding a third season. As things stand, a likely release window for the next season could be in 2026 or 2027, depending on the factors mentioned above.
In the meantime, fans who can’t wait for the next season may want to continue the story through the light novel series. The anime adaptation has covered the first 10 volumes so for those eager to see what happens next, picking up from volume 11 would be an excellent way to dive deeper into the world of By the Grace of the Gods while waiting for the official continuation. Stay tuned for more updates!