Log Horizon is a popular science fiction and action anime series that first aired in the fall of 2013. Based on a light novel series that preceded the anime, the show quickly gained a strong global following. The anime was produced by Satelight, the same studio behind Cannon Busters, and earned a place on major streaming platforms such as Funimation and Crunchyroll. The third season, produced by Studio Deen (also responsible for the second season), concluded on March 31, 2021. While this season was shorter than its predecessors, many fans felt it wasn’t enough, and anticipation for a fourth season has been growing. So, has Log Horizon been renewed for another season? Let’s revisit the series and explore the potential for a new season in detail.
What is the plotline of Log Horizon?
The story of Log Horizon revolves around the adaptation of new players (called “Adventurers”) to the virtual game world of Elder Tale, a massively popular online multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG). When the game’s twelfth major update, titled “Cultivate the Noosphere,” is released, 30,000 players in Japan find themselves trapped inside the game. As these players discover they are now inhabiting the avatars they once controlled, they experience shock and confusion.
To make matters more complicated, the game world undergoes significant changes with the new update. Non-player characters (NPCs), once controlled by the game’s AI, now exhibit real emotions, blurring the line between NPCs and players. The players, now called “Adventurers,” must quickly adapt to these changes.
The central character, Shiroe, is a graduate student who is relatively introverted and lacks strong social connections. He remains calm and logical in contrast to many other Elder Tale players. After reconnecting with his friend Naotsugu in the game, Shiroe meets a new ally, a ninja named Akatsuki. Together, they form an alliance called “Log Horizon” in an effort to survive in this new, monster-infested world.
As the story unfolds, Shiroe takes on the role of a leader, striving to bring stability to the virtual city of Akihabara by negotiating with the NPCs, known as the “natives.” The Adventurers must figure out what is happening to the game world and learn to survive, adapting to the complex challenges of this new reality.
Will there be a fourth season of Log Horizon?
Log Horizon’s third season aired between January 13, 2021, and March 31, 2021. As of December 20, 2024, there has still been no official confirmation for the fourth season. The renewal process for anime can sometimes take years, as we saw with the long gap between the second season, which aired in 2015, and the third season in 2021—approximately a six-year wait.
While neither the licensees nor the creators have provided any direct hints regarding a new season, it’s possible to speculate about the renewal based on a few key factors. Popularity, disc sales, and the current status of the Log Horizon light novels play crucial roles in determining whether a new season will happen. Let’s explore these elements in detail.
Light Novel Status of the Anime
The Log Horizon anime is based on the light novel series written by Mamare Touno and illustrated by Kazuhiro Hara and Mochichi Hashimoto. Published by Kadokawa, the series first debuted in 2011. However, the light novel series concluded with its final volume on March 20, 2018. Despite the end of the light novel, the source material for the anime is not entirely exhausted. Since its inception, Log Horizon has also been published as a web novel series, which has continued beyond the light novel’s conclusion.
Volumes 15 and 16 of the 14-volume web novel series are slated to be released, with previews showcased at the “Re: Fraction” event. However, these volumes have not been officially released yet, leaving some questions unanswered.
The first three seasons of Log Horizon have covered up to Volume 12 of the light novel series, which currently consists of 14 volumes. While there is some source material left to adapt, it may not be sufficient for a new season at this time. Additionally, with the slow pace of the web novel’s release and the uncertainty regarding the next publication date, it remains unclear when the anime could receive a fourth season. If the new volumes are published soon, it may take significant time to adapt the material into anime form.
The Disc Sales and Popularity
Disc sales for Log Horizon occurred in the second week of June 2021, with the anime selling only 1,090 units. While disc sales have been declining overall in recent years, this figure still falls short of expectations in terms of financial success. Disc sales were much higher in 2015 when the second season of Log Horizon sold an average of 2,438 units. Despite these lower sales in 2021, the third season was still renewed.
Although the disc sales figures aren’t ideal, Log Horizon remains the 136th most popular anime of all time according to MyAnimeList, a strong indicator of its dedicated fanbase. In terms of Google search volume, the anime has an average search presence. On X platform, the anime page is currently followed by 15k people, which is below the average for major anime series.
Looking at its global popularity, the prospects for a new season seem a bit uncertain. However, the fact that the series has been renewed for two previous seasons suggests that there is still hope for a fourth season. Multi-season anime often have a better chance of receiving new season approvals, making it more likely that Log Horizon will see another continuation in the future.
When is the fourth season of Log Horizon?
In summary, there has been no confirmation for a new season of the anime. We do not expect a new season for a long time due to the lack of source material. However, there are signs that the series can get a new season as explained above. As the new volumes of the web novel are released, the source material for the new season will be created. However, this is a long period that is difficult to predict. It isn’t easy to see a new season of Log Horizon before 2026. Stay tuned for updates.
| Seasons | Release Date |
| Season 1 | October 5, 2013 |
| Season 2 | October 4, 2014 |
| Season 3 | January 13, 2021 |
| Season 4 | 2026 |
What can be the plotline of Log Horizon Season 4?
The last time we watched Log Horizon, Shiroe’s party, Akiba Guild Hall Raid, won Monk Lelia and Druid Litka. Princess Raynesia was preparing to embark on a mission on the Chinese server to save Krusty by killing Genius Bucaphi. Meanwhile, Westelande and Plant Hwyaden were in the middle of a civil war. Iselus, the younger brother of Risselthea and Raynesia, was on his way to Westelande.
Kanami’s story will rebound in Volume 15: Coppelia, with Layered Island. The two stories are expected to begin to merge as Raynesia will have to face Susabo, the Genius of Travels. Known as the Ocean Barrier, Susabo blocks ocean travel between servers. Therefore, Raynesia’s group (or Kanami’s) will need to defeat Susabo so they can eventually reunite with Krusty.
Speaking of reunions, Volume 16: Thelsdesia’s Friday will feature the return of Shiroe’s female alternate character, Roe2. A teaser for the Fraction exhibit revealed that Roe2 met his ‘brother’ in his office and hoped to ‘compare the answers’, possibly referring to Catastrophe and/or a method for connecting this world to Earth.