High-Rise Invasion is a popular horror and survival anime series released on Netflix in 2021. While many viewers discovered the series through its gripping anime adaptation, the story originates from the manga series written by Tsuina Miura, which began serialization in 2013. The first season of the anime was produced by the renowned studio Zero-G, known for other successful adaptations like Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It, and Grand Blue.
Directed by Masahiro Takata, the anime debuted on February 25, 2021, with all 12 episodes released simultaneously on Netflix. Fans were captivated by the high-stakes action and psychological elements, leading to widespread speculation about a potential second season. As the anticipation grows, the question remains: will Netflix and Zero-G bring back this thrilling series for another installment?
Will There Be a Second Season of High-Rise Invasion?
As of December 28, 2024, neither Zero-G, Netflix, nor any other associated company has officially renewed High-Rise Invasion for a second season. While the lack of an announcement may disappoint fans, it’s important to note that anime renewals can take several years, depending on various parameters. Unlike TV dramas, a delay in renewal does not highly diminish the likelihood of a new season. Fans remain hopeful for a continuation, especially to uncover mysteries like the true identity of the masked sniper. So, what are the chances of a renewal? Let’s evaluate the main criteria decision-makers often consider.
Source Material Availability
Sufficient source material is essential for any anime continuation, and High-Rise Invasion has a solid foundation to build upon. The series is adapted from the manga written by Tsuina Miura. It ran in Manga Box magazine from December 5, 2013, to April 10, 2019. The manga is also available for English-speaking fans thanks to Seven Seas Entertainment.
The manga consists of 21 volumes and 257 chapters in total. The first season of the anime adapted the initial 12 volumes, or approximately 150 chapters, leaving 9 volumes (107 chapters) still available for a potential second season. While this remaining content is not enough to produce multiple seasons, it provides ample material for at least one more season.
Additionally, the spin-off series High-Rise Invasion Arrive comprises 7 volumes and could offer further content for adaptation. Although this spin-off concluded in April 2021, its storyline might have supported a potential third season. However, source material availability does not appear to be the primary obstacle to renewal. The only drawback is that both manga series have concluded, which typically leads producers to reduce promotional activities for the franchise. Since anime adaptations often serve as a form of advertisement for the original manga, this can negatively impact the likelihood of a new season.
Now, let’s explore other factors influencing a potential renewal.
Popularity and Other Parameters
One advantage for High-Rise Invasion is its availability on Netflix. As the largest financial supporter of anime globally, Netflix’s involvement generally boosts the likelihood of a second season. However, renewal decisions often depend on a combination of factors such as popularity and profitability. The downside is that while anime renewals can sometimes take over five years, Netflix-licensed anime typically follow shorter renewal cycles, usually within one to two years. As of today, more than four years have passed since the series’ debut. However, looking at past examples from studio site (Zero-G), such as the 2018 series Grand Blue Dreaming, which received a new season confirmation in September 2024 after a six-year wait, it’s clear that hope for a High-Rise Invasion renewal is not lost.
Based on MyAnimeList rankings, High-Rise Invasion currently holds the 718th spot in popularity. Additionally, its official X page has been inactive since 2022, with only around 4,000 followers—quite low compared to other anime series. While the series hasn’t achieved significant popularity in Japan, its global success, especially on Netflix, keeps its chances for a renewal. Netflix-anime collaborations often prioritize international audiences over the local Japanese market, making global appeal a crucial factor in renewal decisions.
High-Rise Invasion is one of the standout projects from the Zero-G studio, but the studio’s upcoming year appears quite packed with other projects. These include new light novel adaptations such as Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat Is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster! and the second season of Grand Blue Dreaming. From the studio’s perspective, it seems that a second season of High-Rise Invasion is not currently on the agenda.
When is the Second Season of High-Rise Invasion?
While there is no official confirmation yet regarding a second season of High-Rise Invasion, fans can still hold onto hope. The series’ streaming on Netflix remains a major advantage, as the platform’s involvement often increases the chances for renewal. However, with no official renewal news and the lack of recent activity on its promotional channels, the waiting game continues. That said, the anime’s global success on Netflix, combined with the availability of source material, keeps the possibility of a second season alive. But this possibility is no more than our speculation above.
In the world of anime, renewals can be unpredictable, and while delays of several years are not uncommon, recent examples like Grand Blue Dreaming from the same studio demonstrate that even long gaps can lead to a new season. If there will be a renewal soon we can expect the 2nd season earliest somewhere in 2026 since the studio’s plan is looking set for next year. Stay tuned for updates.
What Happened So Far in the Anime and What Is Next?
Warning: This section contains spoilers for the potential next season of High-Rise Invasion.
When Yuri enters the High-Rise world, she narrowly escapes death and forms an alliance with Mayuko, a high school student armed with a knife. Throughout the first season, Yuri strives to reunite with her brother, Rika, while evading the deadly masked individuals who wield mind control powers. As she befriends others trapped in the world and defeats several mask-wearers, Yuri uncovers a startling revelation: the world lacks a god, and gaining power and influence could allow her to ascend to this divine status.
Meanwhile, Rika is also searching for Yuri. However, after a series of events, Rika is captured by Mamoru Aikawa, one of the most formidable enemies the group has faced. Using his ability to control the masks, Aikawa manipulates the Great Angel Mask to attack Yuri and her allies, resulting in the deaths of Kuzuma Aohara and the Swimmer Mask.
Kuon Shinzaki, another prominent candidate for godhood, has the ability to control a giant railgun within the city. By the season’s end, Kuon allies with Sniper Mask. Their bond deepens as Sniper Mask, who later learns his true identity as Yu Makoto, begins rediscovering his past. He also discovers that he is closely connected to Rika, and he hopes their next meeting will unveil more about his own history.
What’s Next for the Second Season?
With Rika held captive by Aikawa, she faces grave danger. Yuri and her friends must defeat the powerful god-candidate, Aikawa, and his army of mask-wearers, to have any hope of rescuing her. If Yuri succeeds in defeating Aikawa, it could lead to a reunion with Rika in the twisted High-Rise world.
Sniper Mask and Kuon
Throughout the first season, Sniper Mask and Kuon developed a deep bond. Kuon fell in love with Sniper Mask, and in turn, Sniper Mask began to care deeply for Kuon. The big question remains: will Kuon confess her feelings to Sniper Mask, or will the chaotic circumstances tear apart their budding romance before it even truly begins?
More Candidates for Godhood
Aikawa, with his ability to control up to 30 mask-wearers, has proven to be one of the most significant threats to the group. With him out of the way, the heroes are likely to face even more formidable god candidates with abilities on par with the Great Angel Mask. Yuri and Kuon have demonstrated they are powerful candidates for godhood. Now that Yuri can also control the Great Angel Mask, their potential for ascension seems undeniable.